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Tian Y, Qiao H, Zhu LQ, Man HY. Sexually dimorphic phenotypes and the role of androgen receptors in UBE3A-dependent autism spectrum disorder. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.02.592248. [PMID: 38746146 PMCID: PMC11092617 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.02.592248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by social, communication, and behavioral challenges. UBE3A is one of the most common ASD genes. ASDs display a remarkable sex difference with a 4:1 male to female prevalence ratio; however, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Using the UBE3A-overexpressing mouse model for ASD, we studied sex differences at behavioral, genetic, and molecular levels. We found that male mice with extra copies of Ube3A exhibited greater impairments in social interaction, repetitive self-grooming behavior, memory, and pain sensitivity, whereas female mice with UBE3A overexpression displayed greater olfactory defects. Social communication was impaired in both sexes, with males making more calls and females preferring complex syllables. At the molecular level, androgen receptor (AR) levels were reduced in both sexes due to enhanced degradation mediated by UBE3A. However, AR reduction significantly dysregulated AR target genes only in male, not female, UBE3A-overexpressing mice. Importantly, restoring AR levels in the brain effectively normalized the expression of AR target genes, and rescued the deficits in social preference, grooming behavior, and memory in male UBE3A-overexpressing mice, without affecting females. These findings suggest that AR and its signaling cascade play an essential role in mediating the sexually dimorphic changes in UBE3A-dependent ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hui Qiao
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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2
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Tian Y, Yu F, Yun E, Lin JW, Man HY. mRNA nuclear retention reduces AMPAR expression and promotes autistic behavior in UBE3A-overexpressing mice. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:1282-1309. [PMID: 38316900 PMCID: PMC10933332 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-024-00073-1] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
UBE3A is a common genetic factor in ASD etiology, and transgenic mice overexpressing UBE3A exhibit typical autistic-like behaviors. Because AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate most of the excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain, and synaptic dysregulation is considered one of the primary cellular mechanisms in ASD pathology, we investigate here the involvement of AMPARs in UBE3A-dependent ASD. We show that expression of the AMPAR GluA1 subunit is decreased in UBE3A-overexpressing mice, and that AMPAR-mediated neuronal activity is reduced. GluA1 mRNA is trapped in the nucleus of UBE3A-overexpressing neurons, suppressing GluA1 protein synthesis. Also, SARNP, an mRNA nuclear export protein, is downregulated in UBE3A-overexpressing neurons, causing GluA1 mRNA nuclear retention. Restoring SARNP levels not only rescues GluA1 mRNA localization and protein expression, but also normalizes neuronal activity and autistic behaviors in mice overexpressing UBE3A. These findings indicate that SARNP plays a crucial role in the cellular and behavioral phenotypes of UBE3A-induced ASD by regulating nuclear mRNA trafficking and protein translation of a key AMPAR subunit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Feiyuan Yu
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Eunice Yun
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Jen-Wei Lin
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord Street, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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3
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Giua G, Iezzi D, Caceres-Rodriguez A, Strauss B, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Sex-specific modulation of early life vocalization and cognition by Fmr1 gene dosage in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:18. [PMID: 38383408 PMCID: PMC10880250 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00594-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pup-dam ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are essential to cognitive and socio-emotional development. In autism and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), disruptions in pup-dam USV communication hint at a possible connection between abnormal early developmental USV communication and the later emergence of communication and social deficits. METHODS Here, we gathered USVs from PND 10 FXS pups during a short period of separation from their mothers, encompassing animals of all possible genotypes and both sexes (i.e., Fmr1-/y vs. Fmr1+/y males and Fmr1+/+, +/-, and -/- females). This allowed comparing the influence of sex and gene dosage on pups' communication capabilities. Leveraging DeepSqueak and analyzing vocal patterns, intricate vocal behaviors such as call structure, duration, frequency modulation, and temporal patterns were examined. Furthermore, homing behavior was assessed as a sensitive indicator of early cognitive development and social discrimination. This behavior relies on the use of olfactory and thermal cues to navigate and search for the maternal or nest odor in the surrounding space. RESULTS The results show that FMRP-deficient pups of both sexes display an increased inclination to vocalize when separated from their mothers, and this behavior is accompanied by significant sex-specific changes in the main features of their USVs as well as in body weight. Analysis of the vocal repertoire and syntactic usage revealed that Fmr1 gene silencing primarily alters the USVs' qualitative composition in males. Moreover, sex-specific effects of Fmr1 silencing on locomotor activity and homing behavior were observed. FMRP deficiency in females increased activity, reduced nest-reaching time, and extended nest time. In males, it prolonged nest-reaching time and reduced nest time without affecting locomotion. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the interplay between Fmr1 gene dosage and sex in influencing communicative and cognitive skills during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giua
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Benjamin Strauss
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France.
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
- INSERM U901, Parc Scientifique de Luminy, Marseille cedex 09, BP13 - 13273, France.
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Möhrle D, Yuen M, Zheng A, Haddad FL, Allman BL, Schmid S. Characterizing maternal isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations in a gene-environment interaction rat model for autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023:e12841. [PMID: 36751016 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in social communication and language development belong to the earliest diagnostic criteria of autism spectrum disorders. Of the many risk factors for autism spectrum disorder, the contactin-associated protein-like 2 gene, CNTNAP2, is thought to be important for language development. The present study used a rat model to investigate the potential compounding effects of autism spectrum disorder risk gene mutation and environmental challenges, including breeding conditions or maternal immune activation during pregnancy, on early vocal communication in the offspring. Maternal isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations from Cntnap2 wildtype and knockout rats at selected postnatal days were analyzed for their acoustic, temporal and syntax characteristics. Cntnap2 knockout pups from heterozygous breeding showed normal numbers and largely similar temporal structures of ultrasonic vocalizations to wildtype controls, whereas both parameters were affected in homozygously bred knockouts. Homozygous breeding further exacerbated altered pitch and transitioning between call types found in Cntnap2 knockout pups from heterozygous breeding. In contrast, the effect of maternal immune activation on the offspring's vocal communication was confined to call type syntax, but left ultrasonic vocalization acoustic and temporal organization intact. Our results support the "double-hit hypothesis" of autism spectrum disorder risk gene-environment interactions and emphasize that complex features of vocal communication are a useful tool for identifying early autistic-like features in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorit Möhrle
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Megan Yuen
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alice Zheng
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Faraj L Haddad
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian L Allman
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susanne Schmid
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Mai L, Inada H, Kimura R, Kanno K, Matsuda T, Tachibana RO, Tucci V, Komaki F, Hiroi N, Osumi N. Advanced paternal age diversifies individual trajectories of vocalization patterns in neonatal mice. iScience 2022; 25:104834. [PMID: 36039363 PMCID: PMC9418688 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Infant crying is a communicative behavior impaired in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Because advanced paternal age is a risk factor for NDDs, we performed computational approaches to evaluate how paternal age affected vocal communication and body weight development in C57BL/6 mouse offspring from young and aged fathers. Analyses of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) consisting of syllables showed that advanced paternal age reduced the number and duration of syllables, altered the syllable composition, and caused lower body weight gain in pups. Pups born to young fathers had convergent vocal characteristics with a rich repertoire, whereas those born to aged fathers exhibited more divergent vocal patterns with limited repertoire. Additional analyses revealed that some pups from aged fathers displayed atypical USV trajectories. Thus, our study indicates that advanced paternal age has a significant effect on offspring's vocal development. Our computational analyses are effective in characterizing altered individual diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Mai
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Inada
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.,Laboratory of Health and Sports Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering for Health and Welfare, Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Kimura
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.,Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kouta Kanno
- Faculty of Law, Economics and Humanities, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
| | - Takeru Matsuda
- Statistical Mathematics Unit, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ryosuke O Tachibana
- Department of Life Science, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 153-8902, Japan
| | - Valter Tucci
- Genetics and Epigenetics of Behavior (GEB) Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova 16163, Italy
| | - Fumiyasu Komaki
- Department of Mathematical Informatics, Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.,Mathematical Informatics Collaboration Unit, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako 351-0198, Japan
| | - Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio 78229, USA.,Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio 78229, USA.,Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio 78229, USA
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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6
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Perez-Fernandez C, Matamala Montoya M, Morales-Navas M, Guardia-Escote L, Cabré M, Colomina MT, Giménez E, Sánchez-Santed F. Influence of Gestational Chlorpyrifos Exposure on ASD-like Behaviors in an fmr1-KO Rat Model. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:5835-5855. [PMID: 35802248 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02933-0] [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: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Based on previous reports, exposure to pesticides could be linked to the prevalence increase of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Gestational exposure to chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been associated with ASD diagnosis in humans and ASD-like behaviors in rodents. However, ASD severity degree results from the complex relationship between genetic background and environmental factors. Thus, animals with a genetic vulnerability and prenatally exposed to CPF could have a more severe ASD-like phenotype. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common monogenic causes of ASD, characterized by a mutation in the X chromosome which alters the expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Based on this, some fmr1 knockout (KO) rodent models have been developed to study the physiological and genetic basis of ASD. Both fmr1-KO and wild-type male rats (F2 generation) were used in the present study. F1 pregnant females were randomly exposed to 1 mg/kg/mL/day of CPF (s.c.) from GD12.5-15.5 or vehicle. Different behavioral, developmental, and molecular variables were analyzed in F2 males. KO rats were heavier, emitted altered USVs, were socially inefficient, reacted more to a novel stimulus, were hyperactive when exploring a new context, but hypoactive when exploring anxiety-inducing environments, and had an upregulated hippocampal expression of the grin2c gene. When exposed to low doses of CPF during gestation, these KO rats showed decreased climbing capacity, dysfunctional social interaction, and increased hippocampal expression for kcc1 and 5ht2c genes. Gestational CPF exposure increased the ASD-like phenotype in those animals with a genetic vulnerability, although its effect was less generalized than expected. It is the first time that this additive effect of CPF exposure and the fmr1-KO genetic vulnerability model is explored concerning social traits or any other behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Perez-Fernandez
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center (CEINSA), Laboratory of Psychobiology, University of Almería CeiA3, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - María Matamala Montoya
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Group, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Miguel Morales-Navas
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center (CEINSA), Laboratory of Psychobiology, University of Almería CeiA3, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Laia Guardia-Escote
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Campus Sescelades, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - María Cabré
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - María Teresa Colomina
- Research in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira I Virgili, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Campus Sescelades, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Estela Giménez
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Ctra. Sacramento, s/n, 04120, Almería, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology and Health Research Center (CEINSA), Laboratory of Psychobiology, University of Almería CeiA3, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120, Almería, Spain.
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7
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Singla R, Mishra A, Lin H, Lorsung E, Le N, Tin S, Jin VX, Cao R. Haploinsufficiency of a Circadian Clock Gene Bmal1 ( Arntl or Mop3) Causes Brain-Wide mTOR Hyperactivation and Autism-like Behavioral Phenotypes in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:6317. [PMID: 35682995 PMCID: PMC9181331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 50-80% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) exhibit sleep problems, but the contribution of circadian clock dysfunction to the development of ASDs remains largely unknown. The essential clock gene Bmal1 (Arntl or Mop3) has been associated with human sociability, and its missense mutation is found in ASD. Our recent study found that Bmal1-null mice exhibit a variety of autism-like phenotypes. Here, we further investigated whether an incomplete loss of Bmal1 function could cause significant autism-like behavioral changes in mice. Our results demonstrated that heterozygous Bmal1 deletion (Bmal1+/-) reduced the Bmal1 protein levels by ~50-75%. Reduced Bmal1 expression led to decreased levels of clock proteins, including Per1, Per2, Cry 1, and Clock but increased mTOR activities in the brain. Accordingly, Bmal1+/- mice exhibited aberrant ultrasonic vocalizations during maternal separation, deficits in sociability and social novelty, excessive repetitive behaviors, impairments in motor coordination, as well as increased anxiety-like behavior. The novel object recognition memory remained intact. Together, these results demonstrate that haploinsufficiency of Bmal1 can cause autism-like behavioral changes in mice, akin to those identified in Bmal1-null mice. This study provides further experimental evidence supporting a potential role for disrupted clock gene expression in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubal Singla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Ethan Lorsung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Nam Le
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Su Tin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
| | - Victor X. Jin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA; (R.S.); (A.M.); (H.L.); (E.L.); (N.L.); (S.T.)
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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8
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Sheardown E, Mech AM, Petrazzini MEM, Leggieri A, Gidziela A, Hosseinian S, Sealy IM, Torres-Perez JV, Busch-Nentwich EM, Malanchini M, Brennan CH. Translational relevance of forward genetic screens in animal models for the study of psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104559. [PMID: 35124155 PMCID: PMC9016269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a significant burden in our societies. Despite the convincing evidence pointing at gene and gene-environment interaction contributions, the role of genetics in the etiology of psychiatric disease is still poorly understood. Forward genetic screens in animal models have helped elucidate causal links. Here we discuss the application of mutagenesis-based forward genetic approaches in common animal model species: two invertebrates, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila sp.); and two vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus), in relation to psychiatric disease. We also discuss the use of large scale genomic studies in human populations. Despite the advances using data from human populations, animal models coupled with next-generation sequencing strategies are still needed. Although with its own limitations, zebrafish possess characteristics that make them especially well-suited to forward genetic studies exploring the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sheardown
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Aleksandra M Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | | | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Agnieszka Gidziela
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Ian M Sealy
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK.
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9
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Shekel I, Giladi S, Raykin E, Weiner M, Chalifa-Caspi V, Lederman D, Kofman O, Golan HM. Isolation-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalization in Environmental and Genetic Mice Models of Autism. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:769670. [PMID: 34880723 PMCID: PMC8645772 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.769670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in rodent models suggest that calls emitted by isolated pups serve as an early behavioral manifestation of communication deficits and autistic like behavior. Previous studies in our labs showed that gestational exposure to the pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and the Mthfr-knock-out mice are associated with impaired social preference and restricted or repetitive behavior. To extend these studies, we examine how pup communication via ultrasonic vocalizations is altered in these ASD models. We implemented an unsupervised hierarchical clustering method based on the spectral properties of the syllables in order to exploit syllable classification to homogeneous categories while avoiding over-categorization. Comparative exploration of the spectral and temporal aspects of syllables emitted by pups in two ASD models point to the following: (1) Most clusters showed a significant effect of the ASD factor on the start and end frequencies and bandwidth and (2) The highest percent change due to the ASD factor was on the bandwidth and duration. In addition, we found sex differences in the spectral and temporal properties of the calls in both control groups as well as an interaction between sex and the gene/environment factor. Considering the basal differences in the characteristics of syllables emitted by pups of the C57Bl/6 and Balb/c strains used as a background in the two models, we suggest that the above spectral-temporal parameters start frequency, bandwidth, and duration are the most sensitive USV features that may represent developmental changes in ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Shekel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Shaked Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Eynav Raykin
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - May Weiner
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Vered Chalifa-Caspi
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Dror Lederman
- Faculty of Engineering, Holon Institute of Technology, Holon, Israel
| | - Ora Kofman
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Hava M Golan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.,National Center for Autism Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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10
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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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11
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Park ES, Freeborn J, Venna VR, Roos S, Rhoads JM, Liu Y. Lactobacillus reuteri effects on maternal separation stress in newborn mice. Pediatr Res 2021; 90:980-988. [PMID: 33531679 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (LR 17938) is beneficial to infants with colic. To understand its mechanism of action, we assessed ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) and brain pain/stress genes in newborn mice exposed to maternal separation stress. METHODS Pups were exposed to unpredictable maternal separation (MSU or SEP) or MSU combined with unpredictable maternal stress (MSU + MSUS or S + S), from postnatal days 5 to 14. USV calls and pain/stress/neuroinflammation-related genes in the brain were analyzed. RESULTS We defined 10 different neonatal call patterns, none of which increased after MSU. Stress reduced overall USV calls. Orally feeding LR 17938 also did not change USV calls after MSU. However, LR 17938 markedly increased vocalizations in mice allowed to stay with their dams. Even though LR 17938 did not change MSU-related calls, LR 17938 modulated brain genes related to stress and pain. Up-regulated genes following LR 17938 treatment were opioid peptides, kappa-opioid receptor 1 genes, and CD200, important in anti-inflammatory signaling. LR 17938 down-regulated CCR2 transcripts, a chemokine receptor, in the stressed neonatal brain. CONCLUSIONS USV calls in newborn mice are interpreted as "physiological calls" instead of "cries." Feeding LR 17938 after MSU did not change USV calls but modulated cerebral genes favoring pain and stress reduction and anti-inflammatory signaling. IMPACT We defined mouse ultrasonic vocalization (USV) call patterns in this study, which will be important in guiding future studies in other mouse strains. Newborn mice with maternal separation stress have reduced USVs, compared to newborn mice without stress, indicating USV calls may represent "physiological calling" instead of "crying." Oral feeding of probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 raised the number of calls when newborn mice continued to suckle on their dams, but not when mice were under stress. The probiotic bacteria had a dampening effect on monocyte activation and on epinephrine and glutamate-related stress gene expression in the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyn S Park
- Departments of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jasmin Freeborn
- Departments of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Venugopal Reddy Venna
- Departments of Neurology at McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Stefan Roos
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Uppsala BioCenter, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- BioGaia AB, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J Marc Rhoads
- Departments of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yuying Liu
- Departments of Pediatrics at McGovern Medical School, the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
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12
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Klenova AV, Volodin IA, Volodina EV, Ranneva SV, Amstislavskaya TG, Lipina TV. Vocal and physical phenotypes of calsyntenin2 knockout mouse pups model early-life symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113430. [PMID: 34182007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study discovered a novel acoustic phenotype in Calsyntenin2 deficient knockout (Clstn2-KO) pups in the neurodevelopment period of 5-9 postnatal days (PND 5-9). The narrowband ultrasonic calls (nUSVs) were less complex (mostly one-note, shorter in duration and higher in peak frequency) in Clsnt2-KO than in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 J pups. The wideband ultrasonic calls (wUSVs) were produced substantially more often by Clstn2-KO than WT pups. The clicks were longer in duration and higher in peak frequency and power quartiles in Clstn2-KO pups. The elevated discomfort due to additional two-minute maternal separation coupled with experimenter's touch, resulted in significantly higher call rates of both nUSVs and clicks in pups of both genotypes and sexes compared to the previous two-minute maternal separation, whereas the call rate of wUSVs was not affected. In Clstn2-KO pups, the prevalence of emission of wUSVs retained at both sex and both degrees of discomfort, thus providing a reliable quantitative acoustic indicator for this genetic line. Besides the acoustic differences, we also detected the increased head-to-body ratio in Clstn2-KO pups. Altogether, this study demonstrated that lack of such synaptic adhesion protein as calsyntenin2 affects neurodevelopment of vocalization in a mouse as a model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Klenova
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Ilya A Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia; Department of Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology of Mammals, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
| | - Elena V Volodina
- Department of Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology of Mammals, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
| | - Svetlana V Ranneva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Department of Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine» (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Lipina
- Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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13
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Premoli M, Memo M, Bonini SA. Ultrasonic vocalizations in mice: relevance for ethologic and neurodevelopmental disorders studies. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1158-1167. [PMID: 33269765 PMCID: PMC8224126 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state. USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts, such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship. USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters. Indeed, different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined. The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing, and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs. They have long been studied in the ethological context, but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication, in particular neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders. This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice, contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression. A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs. Indeed, several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress, with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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14
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Okoh JT, Binder MS, Lugo JN. Prenatal High-Fat Diet Rescues Communication Deficits in Fmr1 Mutant Mice in a Sex-Specific Manner. Dev Neurosci 2021; 42:94-104. [PMID: 33395685 PMCID: PMC7864857 DOI: 10.1159/000509797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Using high-throughput analysis methods, the present study sought to determine the impact of prenatal high-fat dietary manipulations on isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalization production in both male and female Fmr1mutants on postnatal day 9. Prior to breeding, male FVB/129 Fmr1 wildtype and female Fmr1 heterozygous breeding pairs were assigned to 1 of 3 diet conditions: standard lab chow, omega-3 fatty acid-enriched chow, and a diet controlling for the fat increase. Prenatal exposure to omega-3 fatty acids improved reductions in the number of calls produced by Fmr1heterozygotes females. Moreover, diminished spectral purity in the female Fmr1homozygous mouse was rescued by exposure to both high-fat diets, although these effects were not seen in the male Fmr1knockout. Prenatal dietary fat manipulation also influenced several other aspects of vocalization production, such as the number of calls produced and their fundamental frequency, aside from effects due to loss of Fmr1.Specifically, in males, regardless of genotype, prenatal exposure to high omega-3s increased the average fundamental frequency of calls. These data support the need for future preclinical and clinical work elucidating the full potential of prenatal high-fat diets as a novel therapeutic alternative forFragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - James T Okoh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Matthew S Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA,
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15
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White SJ, Gerber D, Sanchez Hernandez RD, Efiannayi A, Chowdhury I, Partington H, Moss JF. Autistic traits and mental health in women with the fragile-X premutation: maternal status versus genetic risk. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 218:28-34. [PMID: 33541474 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2020.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on women with the fragile-X premutation (FX-p) has been underrepresented within the field of behavioural phenotypes. AIMS To understand whether the FX-p confers risk for autistic traits, depression and anxiety, independent of maternal status. METHOD In study 1, mothers of children with fragile-X syndrome (M-FXp; n = 51, mean age 43 years (s.d. = 5.80)) were compared with mothers of autistic children (M-ASD; n = 59, mean age 42 (s.d. = 5.80)), mothers of children with Smith-Magenis syndrome (M-SMS; n = 27, mean age 39 (s.d. = 7.20)) and mothers of typically developing children (M-TD; n = 44, mean age 40 (s.d. = 4.90)). In study 2, the M-FXp group were compared with non-mothers with the FX-p (NM-FXp; n = 17, mean age 32 (s.d. = 9.20)), typically developed non-mothers (NM-TD; n = 28, mean age 31 (s.d. = 6.80)) and the M-TD group. All participants completed an online survey, including measures of IQ, autistic traits, anxiety, depression and positive affect. RESULTS In study 1: the M-FXp group reported more autistic traits than the M-TD group (P < 0.05, η2 = 0.046). Anxiety and parental stress were elevated in the M-FXp, M-SMS and M-ASD groups relative to the M-TD group (all P ≤ 0.003, η2 = 0.079-0.322). In study 2: a main effect of premutation status indicated that women with the FX-p report elevated autistic traits and anxiety (P ≤ 0.007, η2 = 0.055-0.060); this did not interact with maternal status. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that women with the FX-p show an increased risk for autistic traits and anxiety. This risk is specific to the presence of the FX-p and is not fully accounted for by maternal status or the stress of caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J White
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Ishita Chowdhury
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, UK
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16
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El Hayek L, Tuncay IO, Nijem N, Russell J, Ludwig S, Kaur K, Li X, Anderton P, Tang M, Gerard A, Heinze A, Zacher P, Alsaif HS, Rad A, Hassanpour K, Abbaszadegan MR, Washington C, DuPont BR, Louie RJ, Couse M, Faden M, Rogers RC, Abou Jamra R, Elias ER, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Lehman A, Beutler B, Chahrour MH. KDM5A mutations identified in autism spectrum disorder using forward genetics. eLife 2020; 9:56883. [PMID: 33350388 PMCID: PMC7755391 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a constellation of neurodevelopmental disorders with high phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, complicating the discovery of causative genes. Through a forward genetics approach selecting for defective vocalization in mice, we identified Kdm5a as a candidate ASD gene. To validate our discovery, we generated a Kdm5a knockout mouse model (Kdm5a-/-) and confirmed that inactivating Kdm5a disrupts vocalization. In addition, Kdm5a-/- mice displayed repetitive behaviors, sociability deficits, cognitive dysfunction, and abnormal dendritic morphogenesis. Loss of KDM5A also resulted in dysregulation of the hippocampal transcriptome. To determine if KDM5A mutations cause ASD in humans, we screened whole exome sequencing and microarray data from a clinical cohort. We identified pathogenic KDM5A variants in nine patients with ASD and lack of speech. Our findings illustrate the power and efficacy of forward genetics in identifying ASD genes and highlight the importance of KDM5A in normal brain development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta El Hayek
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Islam Oguz Tuncay
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Nadine Nijem
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jamie Russell
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Sara Ludwig
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Kiran Kaur
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Priscilla Anderton
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Miao Tang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Amanda Gerard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Anja Heinze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pia Zacher
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.,The Saxon Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Radeberg, Germany
| | - Hessa S Alsaif
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aboulfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Kazem Hassanpour
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Pardis Clinical and Genetics Laboratory, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.,Division of Human Genetics, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran
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- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Madeline Couse
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Maha Faden
- Department of Genetics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ellen R Elias
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Maria H Chahrour
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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17
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Huebschman JL, Hodges SL, Reynolds CD, Nolan SO, Lugo JN. A single episode of early-life status epilepticus impacts neonatal ultrasonic vocalization behavior in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 111:107279. [PMID: 32693376 PMCID: PMC7541794 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic disorder caused by a trinucleotide (CGG) expansion mutation in the Fmr1 gene located on the X chromosome. It is characterized by hyperactivity, increased anxiety, repetitive-stereotyped behaviors, and impaired language development. Many children diagnosed with FXS also experience seizures during their lifetime. However, the underlying etiology of the relationship between FXS and epilepsy is not fully understood. Ultrasonic vocalizations (UVs) are one tool that may be used to measure early behavioral changes in mouse pups. In the present study, neonatal UVs were analyzed as a measure of communicative behavior in a mouse model of FXS, both with and without early-life seizures (ELSs). On postnatal day (PD) 10, status epilepticus (SE) was induced via intraperitoneal injections of 0.5% kainic acid (2.0 mg/kg) in male Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. On PD 12, all pups were temporarily isolated from their dam and UVs were recorded. Significant alterations were found in both spectral and temporal measures across genotype and seizure groups. Early-life seizure experience resulted in a significant increase in the quantity of UVs only in WT animals (p < 0.05). We also found that while there was no difference between genotypes in the total number of vocalizations made, calls produced by Fmr1 KO mice were significantly shorter and had a higher peak frequency compared with WT mice. Overall, these findings support the use of vocalization behavior as an early phenotypic marker and highlight the importance of utilizing double-hit models to better understand comorbid disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Huebschman
- Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Conner D Reynolds
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
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18
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Asiminas A, Jackson AD, Louros SR, Till SM, Spano T, Dando O, Bear MF, Chattarji S, Hardingham GE, Osterweil EK, Wyllie DJA, Wood ER, Kind PC. Sustained correction of associative learning deficits after brief, early treatment in a rat model of Fragile X Syndrome. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/494/eaao0498. [PMID: 31142675 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aao0498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is one of the most common monogenic forms of autism and intellectual disability. Preclinical studies in animal models have highlighted the potential of pharmaceutical intervention strategies for alleviating the symptoms of FXS. However, whether treatment strategies can be tailored to developmental time windows that define the emergence of particular phenotypes is unknown. Similarly, whether a brief, early intervention can have long-lasting beneficial effects, even after treatment cessation, is also unknown. To address these questions, we first examined the developmental profile for the acquisition of associative learning in a rat model of FXS. Associative memory was tested using a range of behavioral paradigms that rely on an animal's innate tendency to explore novelty. Fmr1 knockout (KO) rats showed a developmental delay in their acquisition of object-place recognition and did not demonstrate object-place-context recognition paradigm at any age tested (up to 23 weeks of age). Treatment of Fmr1 KO rats with lovastatin between 5 and 9 weeks of age, during the normal developmental period that this associative memory capability is established, prevents the emergence of deficits but has no effect in wild-type animals. Moreover, we observe no regression of cognitive performance in the FXS rats over several months after treatment. This restoration of the normal developmental trajectory of cognitive function is associated with the sustained rescue of both synaptic plasticity and altered protein synthesis. The findings provide proof of concept that the impaired emergence of the cognitive repertoire in neurodevelopmental disorders may be prevented by brief, early pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Asiminas
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Adam D Jackson
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Susana R Louros
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Sally M Till
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Teresa Spano
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Owen Dando
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at the Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Mark F Bear
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,UK Dementia Research Institute at the Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Emily K Osterweil
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - David J A Wyllie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Emma R Wood
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK. .,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Peter C Kind
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK. .,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, InStem, Bangalore 560065, India
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19
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Yurlova DD, Volodin IA, Ilchenko OG, Volodina EV. Rapid development of mature vocal patterns of ultrasonic calls in a fast-growing rodent, the yellow steppe lemming (Eolagurus luteus). PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228892. [PMID: 32045453 PMCID: PMC7015103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) of laboratory rodents may serve as age-dependent indicators of emotional arousal and anxiety. Fast-growing Arvicolinae rodent species might be advantageous wild-type animal models for behavioural and medical research related to USV ontogeny. For the yellow steppe lemming Eolagurus luteus, only audible calls of adults were previously described. This study provides categorization and spectrographic analyses of 1176 USV calls emitted by 120 individual yellow steppe lemmings at 12 age classes, from birth to breeding adults over 90 days (d) of age, 10 individuals per age class, up to 10 USV calls per individual. The USV calls emerged since 1st day of pup life and occurred at all 12 age classes and in both sexes. The unified 2-min isolation procedure on an unfamiliar territory was equally applicable for inducing USV calls at all age classes. Rapid physical growth (1 g body weight gain per day from birth to 40 d of age) and the early (9-12 d) eyes opening correlated with the early (9-12 d) emergence of mature vocal patterns of USV calls. The mature vocal patterns included a prominent shift in percentages of chevron and upward contours of fundamental frequency (f0) and the changes in the acoustic variables of USV calls. Call duration was the longest at 1-4 d, significantly shorter at 9-12 d and did not between 9-12-d and older age classes. The maximum fundamental frequency (f0max) decreased with increase of age class, from about 50 kHz in neonates to about 40 kHz in adults. These ontogenetic pathways of USV duration and f0max (towards shorter and lower-frequency USV calls) were reminiscent of those in laboratory mice Mus musculus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria D. Yurlova
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State
University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A. Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State
University, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia
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20
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Möhrle D, Fernández M, Peñagarikano O, Frick A, Allman B, Schmid S. What we can learn from a genetic rodent model about autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 109:29-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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21
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Binder MS, Jones DG, Hodges SL, Lugo JN. NS-Pten adult knockout mice display both quantitative and qualitative changes in urine-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. Behav Brain Res 2020; 378:112189. [PMID: 31586563 PMCID: PMC7000110 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The NS-Pten knockout (KO) mouse exhibits hyperactivity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and is a model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD presents with marked deficits in communication which can be elucidated by investigating their counterpart in mice, ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs). While USVs have been found to be altered in NS-Pten KO pups, no study has assessed whether this communication deficit persists into adulthood. In the present study, we investigate female urine-induced USVs, scent marking behavior, and open field activity in NS-Pten KO and wildtype (WT) adult male mice. Results showed that there was no difference in the quantity of vocalizations produced between groups, however, there were extensive alterations in the spectral properties of USVs. KO mice emitted vocalizations of a lower peak frequency, shorter duration, and higher peak amplitude compared to WT mice. KO animals also emitted a significantly different distribution of call-types relative to controls, displaying increased complex and short calls, but fewer upward, chevron, frequency steps, and composite calls. No significant differences between groups were observed for scent marking behavior and there was no difference between groups in the amount of time spent near the female urine. Overall, this study demonstrated that mTOR hyperactivity contributes to communication deficits in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Dalton G Jones
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco TX 76798, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA; Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco TX 76798, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
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22
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Premoli M, Bonini SA, Mastinu A, Maccarinelli G, Aria F, Paiardi G, Memo M. Specific profile of ultrasonic communication in a mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15912. [PMID: 31685905 PMCID: PMC6828716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in different social conditions: pups maternal separation, juveniles play, adults mating and social investigation. The USVs measurement has become an important instrument for behavioural phenotyping in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Recently, we have demonstrated that the deletion of the NFκB1 gene, which encodes the p50 NF-κB subunit, causes NDDs phenotype in mice. In this study, we investigated the ultrasonic communication and the effects of an early social enrichment in mice lacking the NF-κB p50 subunit (p50 KO). In particular, USVs of wild-type (WT), p50 KO and KO exposed to early social enrichment (KO enriched) were recorded using an ultrasound sensitive microphone and analysed by Avisoft software. USVs analysis showed that p50 KO pups emit more and longer vocalizations compared to WT pups. On the contrary, in adulthood, p50 KO mice emit less USVs than WT mice. We also found significant qualitative differences in p50 KO mice USVs compared to WT mice; the changes specifically involved two USVs categories. Early social enrichment had no effect on USVs number, duration and type in p50 KO mice. Together, these data revealed social communication alterations in a mouse model of NDDs; these deficits were not recovered by early social enrichment, strengthening the fact that genetic background prevails on environmental enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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23
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Lugo JN. High-throughput analysis of vocalizations reveals sex-specific changes in Fmr1 mutant pups. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12611. [PMID: 31587487 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
There have been several reports that individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and animal models of FXS have communication deficits. The present study utilized two different call classification taxonomies to examine the sex-specificity of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production on postnatal day (PD8) in the FVB strain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. One classification protocol requires the investigator to score each call by hand, while the other protocol uses an automated algorithm. Results using the hand-scoring protocol indicated that male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited longer calls (P = .03) than wild types on PD8. Male KOs also produced fewer complex, composite, downward, short and two-syllable call-types, as well as more frequency steps and chevron call-types. Female heterozygotes exhibited no significant changes in acoustic or temporal aspects of calls, yet showed significant changes in call-type production proportions across two different classification taxonomies (P < .001). They exhibited increased production of harmonic and frequency steps calls, as well as fewer chevron, downward and short calls. According to the second high-throughput analysis, female heterozygotes produced significantly fewer single-type and more multiple-type syllables, unlike male KOs that showed no changes in these aspects of syllable production. Finally, we correlated both scoring methods and found a high level of correlation between the two methods. These results contribute further knowledge of sex differences in USV calling behavior for Fmr1 heterozygote and KO mice and provide a foundation for the use of high-throughput analysis of neonatal USVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | | | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas.,Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
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24
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Zaytseva AS, Volodin IA, Ilchenko OG, Volodina EV. Ultrasonic vocalization of pup and adult fat-tailed gerbils (Pachyuromys duprasi). PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219749. [PMID: 31356642 PMCID: PMC6663002 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) of laboratory rodents indicate animal emotional arousal and may serve as models of human disorders. We analysed spectrographically USV calls of pup and adult fat-tailed gerbils Pachyuromys duprasi during 420-s tests, including isolation, touch and handling. Based on combination of six different USV syllable contour shapes and six different note compositions, we classified 782 USV syllables of 24 pups aged 5-10 days to 18 types and 232 syllables of 7 adults to 24 types. Pups and adults shared 16 of these 26 USV types. Percentages of USV syllables with certain contour shapes differed between pups and adults. The contour shape and note composition significantly affected most acoustic variables of USV syllables in either pups or adults. The 1-note USV syllables were most common in either pups or adults. Pup USV syllables were overall longer and higher-frequency than adult ones, reminiscent of the USV ontogenetic pathway of bats and distinctive to rats and mice. We discuss that the USV syllable types of fat-tailed gerbils were generally similar in contour shapes and note compositions with USV syllable types of mice and rats, what means that software developed for automated classifying of mice ultrasound might be easily adapted or re-tuned to gerbil USV calls. However, using fat-tailed gerbils as model for biomedical research including control of USV vocalization is only possible since 6th day of pup life, because of the delayed emergence of USV calls in ontogeny of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra S. Zaytseva
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya A. Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Scientific Research Department, Moscow Zoo, Moscow, Russia
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25
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Reversal of ultrasonic vocalization deficits in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome with minocycline treatment or genetic reduction of MMP-9. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112068. [PMID: 31271818 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of autism and intellectual disabilities. The Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse is a commonly studied pre-clinical model of FXS. Adult male Fmr1 KO mice produce fewer ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during mating, suggestive of abnormal social communication. Minocycline treatment for 2 months from birth alleviates a number of FXS phenotypes in mice, including USV call rate deficits. In the current study, we investigated if treatment initiated past the early developmental period would be effective, given that in many cases, individuals with FXS are treated during later developmental periods. Wildtype (WT) and Fmr1 KO mice were treated with minocycline between postnatal day (P) 30 and P58. Mating-related USVs were then recorded from these mice between P75 and P90 and analyzed for call rate, duration, bandwidth, and peak frequency. Untreated Fmr1 KO mice call at a significantly reduced rate compared to untreated WT mice. After minocycline treatment from 1 to 2 months of age, WT and Fmr1 KO mice exhibited similar call rates, due to an increase in calling in the latter group. Minocycline is thought to be effective in reducing FXS symptoms by lowering matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels. To determine whether abnormal MMP-9 levels underlie USV deficits, we characterized USVs in Fmr1 KO mice which were heterozygous for MMP-9 (MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO). The MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO mice were between P75 and P90 at the time of recording. MMP-9+/-/Fmr1 KO mice exhibited significantly increased USV call rates, at times even exceeding WT rates. Taken together, these results suggest that minocycline may reverse USV call rate deficits in Fmr1 KO mice through attenuation of MMP-9 levels. These data suggest targeting MMP-9, even in late development, may reduce FXS symptoms.
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26
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Melancia F, Trezza V. Modelling fragile X syndrome in the laboratory setting: A behavioral perspective. Behav Brain Res 2018; 350:149-163. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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27
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Abstract
Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in neonatal mice provide a means of modeling communication deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders. Mature mice deficient in SAP90/PSD95-associated protein 3 (SAPAP3) display compulsive grooming and anxiety-like behavior, conditions that are often associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, however, aspects of neurodevelopment have not been investigated in SAPAP3-deficient mice. Here, we examined whether neonatal SAPAP3-deficient mice display altered USVs. We recorded USVs from 5-day-old sapap3 and sapap3 mice, and also monitored developmental reflexes in these mice during the early postnatal period. Sapap3 mice display an increase in the number and duration of USV calls relative to sapap3 littermates, despite otherwise similar developmental profiles. Thus, SAPAP3, previously well-characterized for its role in compulsive grooming, also plays a heretofore unidentified role in neonatal communication. Aberrant social communication and compulsive behavior are core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders, and these results show that SAPAP3-deficient mice may serve to model some aspects of these conditions.
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28
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Broin PÓ, Beckert MV, Takahashi T, Izumi T, Ye K, Kang G, Pouso P, Topolski M, Pena JL, Hiroi N. Computational Analysis of Neonatal Mouse Ultrasonic Vocalization. CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOUSE BIOLOGY 2018; 8:e46. [PMID: 29927553 PMCID: PMC6055925 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neonatal vocalization is structurally altered in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our published data showed that pup vocalization, under conditions of maternal separation, contains sequences whose alterations in a genetic mouse model of ASD impair social communication between pups and mothers. We describe details of a method which reveals the statistical structure of call sequences that are functionally critical for optimal maternal care. Entropy analysis determines the degree of non-random call sequencing. A Markov model determines the actual call sequences used by pups. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (sPLS-DA) identifies call sequences that differentiate groups and reveals the degrees of individual variability in call sequences between groups. These three sets of analyses can be used to identify the otherwise hidden call structure that is altered in mouse models of developmental neuropsychiatric disorders, including not only autism but also schizophrenia. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilib Ó Broin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics,
National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michael V. Beckert
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Tomohisa Takahashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Takeshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Kenny Ye
- Department of Epidemiology & Population Health, Albert
Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Gina Kang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Patricia Pouso
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mackenzie Topolski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jose L. Pena
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine,
Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx,
NY, USA
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29
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Harris EP, Allardice HA, Schenk AK, Rissman EF. Effects of maternal or paternal bisphenol A exposure on offspring behavior. Horm Behav 2018; 101:68-76. [PMID: 28964733 PMCID: PMC5882611 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and resins. Exposure to BPA during gestation has been proposed as a risk factor for the development of neurobehavioral disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder. To address the behavioral impact of developmental exposure to BPA, we tested offspring of mice exposed to a daily low dose of BPA during pregnancy. We also asked if preconception exposure of the sire affected behaviors in offspring. Sires that consumed BPA for 50days prior to mating weighed less than controls, but no effects on any reproductive measures were noted. Juvenile offspring exposed to BPA maternally, but not paternally, spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus maze than controls, indicating increased anxiety-like behavior. However, neither parental exposure group differed significantly from controls in the social recognition task. We also assessed the behaviors of maternally exposed offspring in two novel tasks: ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in pups and operant reversal learning in adults. Maternal BPA exposure increased the duration and median frequency of USVs emitted by pups during maternal separation. In the reversal learning task, females responded more accurately and earned more rewards than males. Additionally, control females received more rewards than BPA females during the acquisition phase of the task. These are among the first studies conducted to ask if BPA exposure via the sire affects offspring behavior and the first study to report effects of gestational BPA exposure on pup USVs and adult operant responding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin P Harris
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Heather A Allardice
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - A Katrin Schenk
- Department of Physics, Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA 24503, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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30
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Hiroi N. Critical reappraisal of mechanistic links of copy number variants to dimensional constructs of neuropsychiatric disorders in mouse models. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 72:301-321. [PMID: 29369447 PMCID: PMC5935536 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants are deletions and duplications of a few thousand to million base pairs and are associated with extraordinarily high levels of autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The unprecedented levels of robust and reproducible penetrance of copy number variants make them one of the most promising and reliable entry points to delve into the mechanistic bases of many mental disorders. However, the precise mechanistic bases of these associations still remain elusive in humans due to the many genes encoded in each copy number variant and the diverse associated phenotypic features. Genetically engineered mice have provided a technical means to ascertain precise genetic mechanisms of association between copy number variants and dimensional aspects of mental illnesses. Molecular, cellular, and neuronal phenotypes can be detected as potential mechanistic substrates for various behavioral constructs of mental illnesses. However, mouse models come with many technical pitfalls. Genetic background is not well controlled in many mouse models, leading to rather obvious interpretative issues. Dose alterations of many copy number variants and single genes within copy number variants result in some molecular, cellular, and neuronal phenotypes without a behavioral phenotype or with a behavioral phenotype opposite to what is seen in humans. In this review, I discuss technical and interpretative pitfalls of mouse models of copy number variants and highlight well-controlled studies to suggest potential neuronal mechanisms of dimensional aspects of mental illnesses. Mouse models of copy number variants represent toeholds to achieve a better understanding of the mechanistic bases of dimensions of neuropsychiatric disorders and thus for development of mechanism-based therapeutic options in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA.,Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA
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31
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Sex-specific and genotype-specific differences in vocalization development in FMR1 knockout mice. Neuroreport 2018; 27:1331-1335. [PMID: 27824730 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a trinucleotide (CGG) hyperexpansion in the FMR1 gene, functionally silencing transcription of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). This disorder is characterized by impaired cognition, communication, and social behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) behavior in a Fmr1-deficient mouse model. On postnatal days (PD) 9-14, separate cohorts of FVB/NJ pups were removed from their homecage and isolation-induced USVs were recorded. There were significant genotype-dependent and sex-dependent differences in USV behavior across the different testing days. Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice showed a significant reduction in vocalizations across all days. There was also a significant difference in vocalizations between male and female mice. We found a significant decrease in the total number of calls for KO males on PD9 and PD13 as well as an increase in the total number of calls for KO males on PD12. The KO males also showed a significant increase in the total call duration on PD12 and a reduction on PD13. The KO female showed a significant decrease in the total number of calls on PD9 and PD10. They also showed a significant decrease in the total call duration on PD9 and a marginal decrease in the total call duration on PD10. These results provide additional evidence for communication deficits in Fmr1 deficient mice and provide new insight suggesting sexually dimorphic vocalizations during the neonatal period.
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32
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Rendall AR, Ford AL, Perrino PA, Holly Fitch R. Auditory processing enhancements in the TS2-neo mouse model of Timothy Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder associated with autism spectrum disorders. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2017; 1:176-189. [PMID: 29159279 PMCID: PMC5693350 DOI: 10.1007/s41252-017-0029-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda R. Rendall
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Aiden L. Ford
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - Peter A. Perrino
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269
| | - R. Holly Fitch
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience and Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269
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33
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Maloney SE, Chandler KC, Anastasaki C, Rieger MA, Gutmann DH, Dougherty JD. Characterization of early communicative behavior in mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1. Autism Res 2017; 11:44-58. [PMID: 28842941 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disease caused by germline loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Cognitive impairments are observed in approximately 80% of children with this disease, with 45-60% exhibiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology. In light of the high comorbidity rate between ASD and NF1, we assessed early communicative behavior by maternal-separation induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) and developmental milestones in two distinct Nf1 genetically engineered models, one modeling clinical germline heterozygous loss of Nf1 function (Nf1+/- mice), and a second with somatic biallelic Nf1 inactivation in neuroglial progenitor cells (Nf1GFAP CKO mice). We observed altered USV production in both models: Nf1+/- mice exhibited both increased USVs across development and alterations in aspects of pitch, while Nf1GFAP CKO mice demonstrated a decrease in USVs. Developmental milestones, such as weight, pinnae detachment, and eye opening, were not disrupted in either model, indicating the USV deficits were not due to gross developmental delay, and likely reflected more specific alterations in USV circuitry. In this respect, increased whole-brain serotonin was observed in Nf1+/- mice, but whole-brain levels of dopamine and its metabolites were unchanged at the age of peak USV disruption, and USV alterations did not correlate with overall level of neurofibromin loss. The early communicative phenotypes reported herein should motivate further studies into the risks mediated by haploinsufficiency and biallelic deletion of Nf1 across a full battery of ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes, and a targeted analysis of underlying circuitry disruptions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 44-58. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene, in which 80% of affected children exhibit cognitive and behavioral issues. Based on emerging evidence that NF1 may be an autism predisposition gene, we examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-relevant early communicative behavior in Nf1 mouse models and observed alterations in both models. The changes in early communicative behavior in Nf1 mutant mice should motivate further studies into the causative factors and potential treatments for ASD arising in the context of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Maloney
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Krystal C Chandler
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
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Hodges SL, Nolan SO, Reynolds CD, Lugo JN. Spectral and temporal properties of calls reveal deficits in ultrasonic vocalizations of adult Fmr1 knockout mice. Behav Brain Res 2017; 332:50-58. [PMID: 28552599 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse has commonly been used to investigate communication impairments, one of the key diagnostic symptoms observed in Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many studies have found alterations in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in neonatal Fmr1 KO mice, however, there is limited research investigating whether these deficits continue into adulthood. In the present study, we examine differences in female urine-induced ultrasonic vocalizations, scent marking behavior, odor discrimination, and open field activity in adult male Fmr1 KO and wildtype (WT) mice. Overall, we found extensive alterations between genotypes in both spectral and temporal properties of ultrasonic vocalizations. There was no difference in the average number of calls emitted by both genotypes, however, Fmr1 KO mice emitted calls of a higher frequency, decreased amplitude, and shorter duration than WT mice. Spectrographic analyses revealed statistically significant differences between genotypes in the types of calls emitted. Contrastingly, we found no differences in scent marking behavior, a form of social communication, or in odor discrimination and activity levels of the mice. The results corroborate previous studies emphasizing the importance of qualitative differences observed in vocalization behavior of Fmr1 KO mice, rather than quantitative measurements such as number of calls emitted. Overall, the study confirms the presence of abnormalities in vocalization behavior in adult Fmr1 KO mice that we believe are consistent with communication deficits seen in the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Conner D Reynolds
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA.
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35
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Esposito G, Hiroi N, Scattoni ML. Cry, baby, cry: Expression of Distress as a Biomarker and Modulator in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 20:2997212. [PMID: 28204487 PMCID: PMC5458334 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyx014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is critical, because early intensive treatment greatly improves its prognosis. Methods: We review studies that examined vocalizations of infants with autism spectrum disorder and mouse models of autism spectrum disorder as a potential means to identify autism spectrum disorder before the symptomatic elements of autism spectrum disorder emerge. We further discuss clinical implications and future research priorities in the field. Results: Atypical early vocal calls (i.e., cry) may represent an early biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (or at least for a subgroup of children with autism spectrum disorder), and thus can assist with early detection. Moreover, cry is likely more than an early biomarker of autism spectrum disorder; it is also an early causative factor in the development of the disorder. Specifically, atypical crying, as recently suggested, might induce a “self-generated environmental factor” that in turn, influences the prognosis of the disorder. Because atypical crying in autism spectrum disorder is difficult to understand, it may have a negative impact on the quality of care by the caregiver (see graphical abstract). Conclusions: Evidence supports the hypothesis that atypical vocalization is an early, functionally integral component of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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36
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Takahashi T, Okabe S, Ó Broin P, Nishi A, Ye K, Beckert MV, Izumi T, Machida A, Kang G, Abe S, Pena JL, Golden A, Kikusui T, Hiroi N. Structure and function of neonatal social communication in a genetic mouse model of autism. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1208-14. [PMID: 26666205 PMCID: PMC4909589 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A critical step toward understanding autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is to identify both genetic and environmental risk factors. A number of rare copy number variants (CNVs) have emerged as robust genetic risk factors for ASD, but not all CNV carriers exhibit ASD and the severity of ASD symptoms varies among CNV carriers. Although evidence exists that various environmental factors modulate symptomatic severity, the precise mechanisms by which these factors determine the ultimate severity of ASD are still poorly understood. Here, using a mouse heterozygous for Tbx1 (a gene encoded in 22q11.2 CNV), we demonstrate that a genetically triggered neonatal phenotype in vocalization generates a negative environmental loop in pup-mother social communication. Wild-type pups used individually diverse sequences of simple and complicated call types, but heterozygous pups used individually invariable call sequences with less complicated call types. When played back, representative wild-type call sequences elicited maternal approach, but heterozygous call sequences were ineffective. When the representative wild-type call sequences were randomized, they were ineffective in eliciting vigorous maternal approach behavior. These data demonstrate that an ASD risk gene alters the neonatal call sequence of its carriers and this pup phenotype in turn diminishes maternal care through atypical social communication. Thus, an ASD risk gene induces, through atypical neonatal call sequences, less than optimal maternal care as a negative neonatal environmental factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Takahashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Shota Okabe
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Akira Nishi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Course of Integrated Brain Sciences and Medical Informatics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kenny Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Michael V. Beckert
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Takeshi Izumi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Hokkaido University College of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Machida
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Gina Kang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Seiji Abe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Jose L. Pena
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
| | - Aaron Golden
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Yeshiva University, New York, NY, 10033 USA
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461 USA
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37
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Yin X, Chen L, Xia Y, Cheng Q, Yuan J, Yang Y, Wang Z, Wang H, Dong J, Ding Y, Zhao X. Maternal Deprivation Influences Pup Ultrasonic Vocalizations of C57BL/6J Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160409. [PMID: 27552099 PMCID: PMC4994965 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal deprivation (MD) is frequently used as an early life stress model in rodents to investigate behavioral and neurological responses under stressful conditions. However, the effect of MD on the early postnatal development of rodents, which is when multiple neural systems become established, is rarely investigated due to methodological limitations. Ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) are one of the few responses produced by neonatal rodents that can be quantitatively analyzed, and the quantification of USVs is regarded as a novel approach to investigate possible alterations in the neurobehavioral and emotional development of infant rodents under stress. To investigate the effect of MD on pup mice, we subjected C57BL/6J mice to MD and recorded the USVs of pups on postnatal days 1, 3, 7, 8, and 14. To determine whether the effect of MD on USVs was acute or cumulative, pre- and post-separation USV groups were included; sex differences in pup USV emission were also investigated. Our results suggest that (i) USV activity was high on postnatal days 3-8; (ii) the MD effect on USVs was acute, and a cumulative effect was not found; (iii) the MD mice vocalized more and longer than the controls at a lower frequency, and the effect was closely related to age; and (iv) female pups were more susceptible than males to the effect of MD on USV number and duration between postnatal days 3-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Yin
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seventh Hospital of HangZhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ling Chen
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seventh Hospital of HangZhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qunkang Cheng
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Jiabei Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Seventh Hospital of HangZhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhaoxin Wang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haojie Wang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianshu Dong
- Shanghai Health Education Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YQD); (XDZ)
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Arrhythmias, Ministry of Education, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (YQD); (XDZ)
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38
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Characterization of ultrasonic vocalizations of Fragile X mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 310:76-83. [PMID: 27142239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading form of inherited intellectual disability. It is caused by the transcriptional silencing of FMR1, the gene which codes for the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). Patients who have FXS exhibit numerous behavioral and cognitive impairments, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and autistic-like behaviors. In addition to these behavioral abnormalities, FXS patients have also been shown to exhibit various deficits in communication such as abnormal sentence structures, increased utterances, repetition of sounds and words, and reduced articulation. These deficits can dramatically hinder communication for FXS patients, exacerbating learning and cognition impairments while decreasing their quality of life. To examine the biological underpinnings of these communication abnormalities, studies have used a mouse model of the Fragile X Syndrome; however, these vocalization studies have resulted in inconsistent findings that often do not correlate with abnormalities observed in FXS patients. Interestingly, a detailed examination of frequency modulated vocalizations that are believed to be a better assessment of rodent communication has never been conducted. The following study used courtship separation to conduct a detailed examination of frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) in FXS mice. Our analyses of frequency modulated USVs demonstrated that adult FXS mice exhibited longer phrases and more motifs. Phrases are vocalizations consisting of multiple frequency modulated ultrasonic vocalizations, while motifs are repeated frequency modulated USV patterns. Fragile X mice had a higher proportion of "u" syllables in all USVs and phrases while their wildtype counterparts preferred isolated "h" syllables. Although the specific importance of these syllables towards communication deficits still needs to be evaluated, these findings in production of USVs are consistent with the repetitive and perseverative speech patterns observed in FXS patients. This study demonstrates that FXS mice can be used to study the underlying biological mechanism(s) mediating FXS vocalization abnormalities.
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39
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Yang L, Faraone SV, Zhang-James Y. Autism spectrum disorder traits in Slc9a9 knock-out mice. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:363-76. [PMID: 26755066 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders which begin in childhood and persist into adulthood. They cause lifelong impairments and are associated with substantial burdens to patients, families, and society. Genetic studies have implicated the sodium/proton exchanger (NHE) nine gene, Slc9a9, to ASDs and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). Slc9a9 encodes, NHE9, a membrane protein of the late recycling endosomes. The recycling endosome plays an important role in synapse development and plasticity by regulating the trafficking of membrane neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. Here we tested the hypothesis that Slc9a9 knock-out (KO) mice would show ADHD-like and ASD-like traits. Ultrasonic vocalization (USV) recording showed that Slc9a9 KO mice emitted fewer calls and had shorter call durations, which suggest communication impairment. Slc9a9 KO mice lacked a preference for social novelty, but did not show deficits in social approach; Slc9a9 KO mice spent more time self-grooming, an indicator for restricted and repetitive behavior. We did not observe hyperactivity or other behavior impairments which are commonly comorbid with ASDs in human, such as anxiety-like behavior. Our study is the first animal behavior study that links Slc9a9 to ASDs. By eliminatingNHE9 activity, it provides strong evidence that lack of Slc9a9leads to ASD-like behaviors in mice and provides the field with a new mouse model of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Yang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Departments of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
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40
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Regional brain volumes changes in adult male FMR1-KO mouse on the FVB strain. Neuroscience 2016; 318:12-21. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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41
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Berg JM, Lee C, Chen L, Galvan L, Cepeda C, Chen JY, Peñagarikano O, Stein JL, Li A, Oguro-Ando A, Miller JA, Vashisht AA, Starks ME, Kite EP, Tam E, Gdalyahu A, Al-Sharif NB, Burkett ZD, White SA, Fears SC, Levine MS, Wohlschlegel JA, Geschwind DH. JAKMIP1, a Novel Regulator of Neuronal Translation, Modulates Synaptic Function and Autistic-like Behaviors in Mouse. Neuron 2015; 88:1173-1191. [PMID: 26627310 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2015.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable, common neurodevelopmental disorder with diverse genetic causes. Several studies have implicated protein synthesis as one among several of its potential convergent mechanisms. We originally identified Janus kinase and microtubule-interacting protein 1 (JAKMIP1) as differentially expressed in patients with distinct syndromic forms of ASD, fragile X syndrome, and 15q duplication syndrome. Here, we provide multiple lines of evidence that JAKMIP1 is a component of polyribosomes and an RNP translational regulatory complex that includes fragile X mental retardation protein, DEAD box helicase 5, and the poly(A) binding protein cytoplasmic 1. JAKMIP1 loss dysregulates neuronal translation during synaptic development, affecting glutamatergic NMDAR signaling, and results in social deficits, stereotyped activity, abnormal postnatal vocalizations, and other autistic-like behaviors in the mouse. These findings define an important and novel role for JAKMIP1 in neural development and further highlight pathways regulating mRNA translation during synaptogenesis in the genesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamee M Berg
- Interdepartmental Program for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Changhoon Lee
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Leslie Chen
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jane Y Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jason L Stein
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alvin Li
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jeremy A Miller
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ajay A Vashisht
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Mary E Starks
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elyse P Kite
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eric Tam
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amos Gdalyahu
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Noor B Al-Sharif
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zachary D Burkett
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephanie A White
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Interdepartmental Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Scott C Fears
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - James A Wohlschlegel
- Department of Biological Chemistry, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment and Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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42
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43
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Weisz ED, Monyak RE, Jongens TA. Deciphering discord: How Drosophila research has enhanced our understanding of the importance of FMRP in different spatial and temporal contexts. Exp Neurol 2015; 274:14-24. [PMID: 26026973 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of intellectual impairment as well as the leading monogenetic cause of autism. In addition to its canonical definition as a neurodevelopmental disease, recent findings in the clinic suggest that FXS is a systemic disorder that is characterized by a variety of heterogeneous phenotypes. Efforts to study FXS pathogenesis have been aided by the development and characterization of animal models of the disease. Research efforts in Drosophila melanogaster have revealed key insights into the mechanistic underpinnings of FXS. While much remains unknown, it is increasingly apparent that FXS involves a myriad of spatially and temporally specific alterations in cellular function. Consequently, the literature is filled with numerous discordant findings. Researchers and clinicians alike must be cognizant of this dissonance, as it will likely be important for the design of preclinical studies to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies to improve the lives of FXS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliana D Weisz
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Rachel E Monyak
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States.
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44
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Santos AR, Kanellopoulos AK, Bagni C. Learning and behavioral deficits associated with the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein: what a fly and mouse model can teach us. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:543-55. [PMID: 25227249 PMCID: PMC4175497 DOI: 10.1101/lm.035956.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited mental disability and is considered a monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder. FXS is caused by a triplet expansion that inhibits the expression of the FMR1 gene. The gene product, the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), regulates mRNA metabolism in brain and nonneuronal cells. During brain development, FMRP controls the expression of key molecules involved in receptor signaling, cytoskeleton remodeling, protein synthesis and, ultimately, spine morphology. Symptoms associated with FXS include neurodevelopmental delay, cognitive impairment, anxiety, hyperactivity, and autistic-like behavior. Twenty years ago the first Fmr1 KO mouse to study FXS was generated, and several years later other key models including the mutant Drosophila melanogaster, dFmr1, have further helped the understanding of the cellular and molecular causes behind this complex syndrome. Here, we review to which extent these biological models are affected by the absence of FMRP, pointing out the similarities with the observed human dysfunction. Additionally, we discuss several potential treatments under study in animal models that are able to partially revert some of the FXS abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Santos
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alexandros K Kanellopoulos
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Bagni
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Leuven Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (LIND), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" 00133, Rome, Italy
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