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Giua G, Strauss B, Lassalle O, Chavis P, Manzoni OJ. Adaptive group behavior of Fragile X mice in unfamiliar environments. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111111. [PMID: 39074527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) stands out as a prominent cause of inherited intellectual disability and a prevalent disorder closely linked to autism. FXS is characterized by substantial alterations in social behavior, encompassing social withdrawal, avoidance of eye contact, heightened social anxiety, increased arousal levels, language deficits, and challenges in regulating emotions. Conventional behavioral assessments primarily focus on short-term interactions within controlled settings. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of the adaptive group behavior of Fmr1 KO male mice over a three-day period, without introducing experimental interventions or task-based evaluations. The data unveiled intricate behavioral anomalies, with the most significant changes manifesting during the initial adaptation to unfamiliar environments. Notably, certain behaviors exhibited a gradual return to typical patterns over time. This dynamic Fmr1 KO phenotype exhibited heightened activity, featuring increased exploration, amplified social interest, and an unconventional approach to social interactions characterized by a higher frequency of shorter engagements. These findings contribute to the growing understanding of social behavior in individuals with FXS and underscore the significance of comprehending their adaptive responses in various environmental contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giua
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Benjamin Strauss
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier Lassalle
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Pascale Chavis
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France
| | - Olivier J Manzoni
- INMED, INSERM U1249, Marseille, France; Aix-Marseille University, France.
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2
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Bove M, Sikora V, Santoro M, Agosti LP, Palmieri MA, Dimonte S, Tucci P, Schiavone S, Morgese MG, Trabace L. Sex differences in the BTBR idiopathic mouse model of autism spectrum disorders: Behavioural and redox-related hippocampal alterations. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110134. [PMID: 39208979 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110134] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental diseases. Epidemiological data report that males have been diagnosed with autism more frequently than females. However, recent studies hypothesize that females' low incidence might be underestimated due to standard clinical measures of ASD behavioural symptoms, mostly derived from males. Indeed, up to now, ASD mouse models focused mainly on males, considering the prevalence of the diagnosis in that sex. Regarding ASD aetiopathogenesis, it has been recently reported that oxidative stress might be implicated in its onset and development, suggesting an association with ASD typical repetitive behaviours that still need to be disentangled. Here, we investigated possible behavioural and molecular sex-related differences by using the BTBR mouse model of idiopathic ASD. To this aim, animals were exposed to behavioural tests related to different ASD core symptoms and comorbidities, i.e. stereotyped repertoire, social dysfunctions, hyperlocomotion and risk-taking behaviours. Moreover, we analyzed hippocampal levels of pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant enzymes, together with biomarkers of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. Our results showed that BTBR females did not display the same patterns for repetitive behaviours as the male counterpart. From a biomolecular point of view, we found an increase in oxidative stress and pro-oxidant enzymes, accompanied by deficient enzymatic anti-oxidant response, only in BTBR males compared to C57BL/6 male mice, while no differences were retrieved in females. Overall, our study suggests that in females there is an urgent need to depict the distinct ASD symptomatology, accompanied by the identification of sex-specific pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bove
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy; Department of Pathology, Sumy State University, 40007, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Martina Santoro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lisa Pia Agosti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Adelaide Palmieri
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Dimonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Via Napoli 20, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
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3
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McCarthy DM, Vied C, Trupiano MX, Canekeratne AJ, Wang Y, Schatschneider C, Bhide PG. Behavioral, neurotransmitter and transcriptomic analyses in male and female Fmr1 KO mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1458502. [PMID: 39308631 PMCID: PMC11412825 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1458502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fragile X syndrome is an inherited X-linked disorder associated with intellectual disabilities that begin in childhood and last a lifetime. The symptoms overlap with autism spectrum disorder, and the syndrome predominantly affects males. Consequently, FXS research tends to favor analysis of social behaviors in males, leaving a gap in our understanding of other behavioral traits, especially in females. Methods We used a mouse model of FXS to analyze developmental, behavioral, neurochemical, and transcriptomic profiles in males and females. Results Our behavioral assays demonstrated locomotor hyperactivity, motor impulsivity, increased "approach" behavior in an approach-avoidance assay, and deficits in nest building behavior. Analysis of brain neurotransmitter content revealed deficits in striatal GABA, glutamate, and serotonin content. RNA sequencing of the ventral striatum unveiled expression changes associated with neurotransmission as well as motivation and substance use pathways. Sex differences were identified in nest building behavior, striatal neurotransmitter content, and ventral striatal gene expression. Discussion In summary, our study identified sex differences in specific behavioral, neurotransmitter, and gene expression phenotypes and gene set enrichment analysis identified significant enrichment of pathways associated with motivation and drug reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre M. McCarthy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Cynthia Vied
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Translational Science Laboratory, Florida State University College of Medicine Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Mia X. Trupiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Angeli J. Canekeratne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Christopher Schatschneider
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Pradeep G. Bhide
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Blandin KJ, Narvaiz DA, Sullens DG, Womble PD, Hodges SL, Binder MS, Faust A, Nguyen PH, Pranske ZJ, Lugo JN. A Two-Hit Approach Inducing Flurothyl Seizures in Fmr1 Knockout Mice Impacts Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviors. Brain Sci 2024; 14:892. [PMID: 39335388 PMCID: PMC11429635 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14090892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenetic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is associated with seizures. We examined the impact of repeated seizures on the behavioral and molecular changes in male Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. METHODS Seizures were induced by administering three flurothyl seizures per day across postnatal days (PD) 7-11, for a total of 15 seizures. In adulthood, mice were tested in a battery of behavioral tasks to assess long-term behavioral deficits. RESULTS The two-hit impact of a Fmr1 knockout and seizures resulted in decreased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test and a longer latency to their first nose poke (repetitive behavior). Seizures resulted in decreased activity, decreased repetitive behavior (grooming and rearings), and decreased social behavior, while they also increased habituation to auditory stimuli and increased freezing in delayed fear conditioning in both KO and control mice. KO mice displayed increased repetitive behavior in the open field task (clockwise revolutions) and repeated nose pokes, and decreased anxiety in the open field test. No differences in mTOR signaling were found. CONCLUSIONS These findings further illuminate the long-term effects of synergistic impact of two hits on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Blandin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - David A Narvaiz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | | | - Paige D Womble
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew S Binder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, East Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Amanda Faust
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Phuoc H Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 20742, USA
| | | | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
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5
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Volianskis R, Lundbye CJ, Petroff GN, Jane DE, Georgiou J, Collingridge GL. Cage effects on synaptic plasticity and its modulation in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230484. [PMID: 38853552 PMCID: PMC11343313 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0484] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by impairments in executive function including different types of learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP), thought to underlie the formation of memories, has been studied in the Fmr1 mouse model of FXS. However, there have been many discrepancies in the literature with inconsistent use of littermate and non-littermate Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) control mice. Here, the influence of the breeding strategy (cage effect) on short-term potentiation (STP), LTP, contextual fear conditioning (CFC), expression of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits and the modulation of NMDARs, were examined. The largest deficits in STP, LTP and CFC were found in KO mice compared with non-littermate WT. However, the expression of NMDAR subunits was unchanged in this comparison. Rather, NMDAR subunit (GluN1, 2A, 2B) expression was sensitive to the cage effect, with decreased expression in both WT and KO littermates compared with non-littermates. Interestingly, an NMDAR-positive allosteric modulator, UBP714, was only effective in potentiating the induction of LTP in non-littermate KO mice and not the littermate KO mice. These results suggest that commonly studied phenotypes in Fmr1 KOs are sensitive to the cage effect and therefore the breeding strategy may contribute to discrepancies in the literature.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Volianskis
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Camilla J. Lundbye
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Gillian N. Petroff
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David. E. Jane
- Hello Bio Limited, Cabot Park, Avonmouth, BristolBS11 0QL, UK
| | - John Georgiou
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Graham L. Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
- TANZ Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
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6
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D'Antoni S, Spatuzza M, Bonaccorso CM, Catania MV. Role of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 in the pathophysiology of brain disorders: a glia perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 162:105731. [PMID: 38763180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105731] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) is a widely expressed RNA binding protein involved in several steps of mRNA metabolism. Mutations in the FMR1 gene encoding FMRP are responsible for fragile X syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, and fragile X-associated tremor-ataxia syndrome (FXTAS), a neurodegenerative disorder in aging men. Although FMRP is mainly expressed in neurons, it is also present in glial cells and its deficiency or altered expression can affect functions of glial cells with implications for the pathophysiology of brain disorders. The present review focuses on recent advances on the role of glial subtypes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia, in the pathophysiology of FXS and FXTAS, and describes how the absence or reduced expression of FMRP in these cells can impact on glial and neuronal functions. We will also briefly address the role of FMRP in radial glial cells and its effects on neural development, and gliomas and will speculate on the role of glial FMRP in other brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - M Spatuzza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy
| | - C M Bonaccorso
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, via Conte Ruggero 73, Troina 94018, Italy
| | - M V Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council (CNR), Via Paolo Gaifami 18, Catania 95126, Italy.
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7
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Martinez JD, Wilson LG, Brancaleone WP, Peterson KG, Popke DS, Garzon VC, Perez Tremble RE, Donnelly MJ, Mendez Ortega SL, Torres D, Shaver JJ, Jiang S, Yang Z, Aton SJ. Hypnotic treatment improves sleep architecture and EEG disruptions and rescues memory deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114266. [PMID: 38787724 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114266] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with disrupted cognition and sleep abnormalities. Sleep loss negatively impacts cognitive function, and one untested possibility is that disrupted cognition in FXS is exacerbated by abnormal sleep. We tested whether ML297, a hypnotic acting on G-protein-activated inward-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels, could reverse sleep phenotypes and disrupted memory in Fmr1-/y mice. Fmr1-/y mice exhibit reduced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and fragmented NREM architecture, altered sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations, and reduced EEG coherence between cortical areas; these are partially reversed following ML297 administration. Treatment following contextual fear or spatial learning restores disrupted memory consolidation in Fmr1-/y mice. During memory recall, Fmr1-/y mice show an altered balance of activity among hippocampal principal neurons vs. parvalbumin-expressing interneurons; this is partially reversed by ML297. Because sleep disruption could impact neurophysiological phenotypes in FXS, augmenting sleep may improve disrupted cognition in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessy D Martinez
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lydia G Wilson
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - William P Brancaleone
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kathryn G Peterson
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Donald S Popke
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Valentina Caicedo Garzon
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roxanne E Perez Tremble
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marcus J Donnelly
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Daniel Torres
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Shaver
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sha Jiang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zhongying Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sara J Aton
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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8
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Sandoval SO, Méndez-Albelo NM, Xu Z, Zhao X. From wings to whiskers to stem cells: why every model matters in fragile X syndrome research. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:30. [PMID: 38872088 PMCID: PMC11177515 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09545-w] [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: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by epigenetic silencing of the X-linked fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene located on chromosome Xq27.3, which leads to the loss of its protein product, fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). It is the most prevalent inherited form of intellectual disability and the highest single genetic cause of autism. Since the discovery of the genetic basis of FXS, extensive studies using animal models and human pluripotent stem cells have unveiled the functions of FMRP and mechanisms underlying FXS. However, clinical trials have not yielded successful treatment. Here we review what we have learned from commonly used models for FXS, potential limitations of these models, and recommendations for future steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya O Sandoval
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Natasha M Méndez-Albelo
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Molecular Cellular Pharmacology Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Zhiyan Xu
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
- Graduate Program in Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Pereira MI, Laranjo M, Gomes M, Edfawy M, Peça J. Maternal behaviours disrupted by Gprasp2 deletion modulate neurodevelopmental trajectory in progeny. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12484. [PMID: 38816497 PMCID: PMC11139669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62088-x] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are known to present sex-specific differences. At the same time, understanding how maternal behaviours are affected by pathogenic mutations is crucial to translate research efforts since rearing may recursively modulate neurodevelopment phenotype of the progeny. In this work, we focused on the effects of Gprasp2 deletion in females and its impact in progeny care and development. Female mice, wild-type (WT), Gprasp2+/- (HET) or Gprasp2-/- (KO) mutants and their progeny were used and behavioural paradigms targeting anxiety, memory, maternal care, and other social behaviours were performed. Analysis of communication was carried out through daily recordings of ultrasonic vocalizations in isolated pups and cross-fostering experiments were performed to understand the effect of maternal genotype in pup development. We found that Gprasp2-/- females presented striking impairments in social and working memory. Females also showed disruptions in maternal care, as well as physiological and molecular alterations in the reproductive system and hypothalamus, such as the structure of the mammary gland and the expression levels of oxytocin receptor (OxtR) in nulliparous versus primiparous females. We observed alterations in pup communication, particularly a reduced number of calls in Gprasp2 KO pups, which resulted from an interaction effect of the dam and pup genotype. Cross-fostering mutant pups with wild-type dams rescued some of the early defects shown in vocalizations, however, this effect was not bidirectional, as rearing WT pups with Gprasp2-/- dams was not sufficient to induce significant phenotypical alterations. Our results suggest Gprasp2 mutations perturb social and working memory in a sex-independent manner, but impact female-specific behaviours towards progeny care, female physiology, and gene expression. These changes in mutant dams contribute to a disruption in early stages of progeny development. More generally, our results highlight the need to better understand GxE interactions in the context of ASDs, when female behaviour may present a contributing factor in postnatal neurodevelopmental trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta I Pereira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhDOC PhD Program, CIBB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Laranjo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcos Gomes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Edfawy
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- HEMEX AG, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - João Peça
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
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10
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Kumar V, Lee KY, Acharya A, Babik MS, Christian-Hinman CA, Rhodes JS, Tsai NP. mGluR7 allosteric modulator AMN082 corrects protein synthesis and pathological phenotypes in FXS. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:506-522. [PMID: 38374465 PMCID: PMC10940663 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00038-w] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited autism and intellectual disabilities. Aberrant protein synthesis due to the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) is the major defect in FXS, leading to a plethora of cellular and behavioral abnormalities. However, no treatments are available to date. In this study, we found that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) using a positive allosteric modulator named AMN082 represses protein synthesis through ERK1/2 and eIF4E signaling in an FMRP-independent manner. We further demonstrated that treatment of AMN082 leads to a reduction in neuronal excitability, which in turn ameliorates audiogenic seizure susceptibility in Fmr1 KO mice, the FXS mouse model. When evaluating the animals' behavior, we showed that treatment of AMN082 reduces repetitive behavior and improves learning and memory in Fmr1 KO mice. This study uncovers novel functions of mGluR7 and AMN082 and suggests the activation of mGluR7 as a potential therapeutic approach for treating FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kwan Young Lee
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Anirudh Acharya
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew S Babik
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Catherine A Christian-Hinman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Justin S Rhodes
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Nien-Pei Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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11
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Utami KH, Yusof NABM, Garcia-Miralles M, Skotte NH, Nama S, Sampath P, Langley SR, Pouladi MA. Dysregulated COMT Expression in Fragile X Syndrome. Neuromolecular Med 2023; 25:644-649. [PMID: 37684514 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-023-08754-1] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Transcriptional and proteomics analyses in human fragile X syndrome (FXS) neurons identified markedly reduced expression of COMT, a key enzyme involved in the metabolism of catecholamines, including dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. FXS is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. COMT encodes for catechol-o-methyltransferase and its association with neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive function has been extensively studied. We observed a significantly reduced level of COMT in in FXS human neural progenitors and neurons, as well as hippocampal neurons from Fmr1 null mice. We show that deficits in COMT were associated with an altered response in an assay of dopaminergic activity in Fmr1 null mice. These findings demonstrate that loss of FMRP downregulates COMT expression and affects dopamine signaling in FXS, and supports the notion that targeting catecholamine metabolism may be useful in regulating certain neuropsychiatric aspects of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kagistia Hana Utami
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nur Amirah Binte Muhammed Yusof
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Marta Garcia-Miralles
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Medical Faculty, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Niels Henning Skotte
- Proteomics Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Srikanth Nama
- Institute of Medical Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore
| | - Prabha Sampath
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Genome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis Street, Genome, Singapore, 138672, Singapore
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Sarah R Langley
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Mahmoud A Pouladi
- Translational Laboratory in Genetic Medicine, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, Immunos, Level 5, Singapore, 138648, Singapore.
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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12
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Wang Z, Qiao D, Chen H, Zhang S, Zhang B, Zhang J, Hu X, Wang C, Cui H, Wang X, Li S. Effects of Fmr1 Gene Mutations on Sex Differences in Autism-Like Behavior and Dendritic Spine Development in Mice and Transcriptomic Studies. Neuroscience 2023; 534:16-28. [PMID: 37852411 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.10.001] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene disorder contributing to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although significant sex differences are observed in FXS, few studies have focused on the phenotypic characteristics as well as the differences in brain pathological changes and gene expression in FXS by sex. Therefore, we analyzed sex differences in autism-like behavior and dendritic spine development in two-month-old male and female Fmr1 KO and C57 mice and evaluated the mechanisms at transcriptome level. Results suggest that Fmr1 KO mice display sex differences in autism-like behavior and dendritic spine density. Compared to females, male had more severe effects on anxiety, repetitive stereotype-like behaviors, and socializing, with higher dendritic spine density. Furthermore, two male-biased and five female-biased expressed genes were screened based on KEGG pathway enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses. In conclusion, our findings show mutations in the Fmr1 gene lead to aberrant expression of related genes and affect the sex-differentiated behavioral phenotypes of Fmr1 KO mice by affecting brain development and functional architecture, and suggest future studies should focus on including female subjects to comprehensively reflect the differentiation of FXS in both sexes and develop more precise and effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shihua Zhang
- Grade 2018, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Bohan Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangting Hu
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Child Health (Psychological Behavior) Department, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Anatomy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Shijiazhuang, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.
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13
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Ziemka-Nalecz M, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Zalewska T. Sex Differences in Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14571. [PMID: 37834018 PMCID: PMC10572175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914571] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5, A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Z.-N.); (P.P.); (K.Z.)
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14
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Cinquina V, Keimpema E, Pollak DD, Harkany T. Adverse effects of gestational ω-3 and ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid imbalance on the programming of fetal brain development. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13320. [PMID: 37497857 PMCID: PMC10909496 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13320] [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: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a key medical challenge of our time. The increasing number of children born to overweight or obese women is alarming. During pregnancy, the circulation of the mother and her fetus interact to maintain the uninterrupted availability of essential nutrients for fetal organ development. In doing so, the mother's dietary preference determines the amount and composition of nutrients reaching the fetus. In particular, the availability of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), chiefly their ω-3 and ω-6 subclasses, can change when pregnant women choose a specific diet. Here, we provide a succinct overview of PUFA biochemistry, including exchange routes between ω-3 and ω-6 PUFAs, the phenotypes, and probable neurodevelopmental disease associations of offspring born to mothers consuming specific PUFAs, and their mechanistic study in experimental models to typify signaling pathways, transcriptional, and epigenetic mechanisms by which PUFAs can imprint long-lasting modifications to brain structure and function. We emphasize that the ratio, rather than the amount of individual ω-3 or ω-6 PUFAs, might underpin physiologically correct cellular differentiation programs, be these for neurons or glia, during pregnancy. Thereupon, the PUFA-driven programming of the brain is contextualized for childhood obesity, metabolic, and endocrine illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cinquina
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Erik Keimpema
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Daniela D. Pollak
- Department of Neurophysiology and NeuropharmacologyCenter for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Tibor Harkany
- Department of Molecular NeurosciencesCenter for Brain Research, Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Deaprtment of NeuroscienceBiomedicum 7D, Karolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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15
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Ferraguto C, Bouleau Y, Peineau T, Dulon D, Pietropaolo S. Hyperacusis in the Adult Fmr1-KO Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome: The Therapeutic Relevance of Cochlear Alterations and BKCa Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11863. [PMID: 37511622 PMCID: PMC10380266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperacusis, i.e., an increased sensitivity to sounds, is described in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). The mechanisms underlying hyperacusis in FXS are still largely unknown and effective therapies are lacking. Big conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels were proposed as a therapeutic target to treat several behavioral disturbances in FXS preclinical models, but their role in mediating their auditory alterations was not specifically addressed. Furthermore, studies on the acoustic phenotypes of FXS animal models mostly focused on central rather than peripheral auditory pathways. Here, we provided an extensive characterization of the peripheral auditory phenotype of the Fmr1-knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS at adulthood. We also assessed whether the acute administration of Chlorzoxazone, a BKCa agonist, could rescue the auditory abnormalities of adult mutant mice. Fmr1-KO mice both at 3 and 6 months showed a hyperacusis-like startle phenotype with paradoxically reduced auditory brainstem responses associated with a loss of ribbon synapses in the inner hair cells (IHCs) compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. BKCa expression was markedly reduced in the IHCs of KOs compared to WT mice, but only at 6 months, when Chlorzoxazone rescued mutant auditory dysfunction. Our findings highlight the age-dependent and progressive contribution of peripheral mechanisms and BKCa channels to adult hyperacusis in FXS, suggesting a novel therapeutic target to treat auditory dysfunction in NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celeste Ferraguto
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Yohan Bouleau
- Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM UA06, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Institut de l'Audition, Centre Institut Pasteur, Inserm UA06, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Thibault Peineau
- Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM UA06, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Institut de l'Audition, Centre Institut Pasteur, Inserm UA06, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Didier Dulon
- Neurophysiologie de la Synapse Auditive, Université de Bordeaux, INSERM UA06, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Institut de l'Audition, Centre Institut Pasteur, Inserm UA06, F-75012 Paris, France
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16
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Martinez JD, Wilson LG, Brancaleone WP, Peterson KG, Popke DS, Garzon VC, Perez Tremble RE, Donnelly MJ, Mendez Ortega SL, Torres D, Shaver JJ, Clawson BC, Jiang S, Yang Z, Aton SJ. Hypnotic treatment reverses NREM sleep disruption and EEG desynchronization in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome to rescue memory consolidation deficits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.14.549070. [PMID: 37502832 PMCID: PMC10370139 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.14.549070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a highly-prevalent genetic cause of intellectual disability, associated with disrupted cognition and sleep abnormalities. Sleep loss itself negatively impacts cognitive function, yet the contribution of sleep loss to impaired cognition in FXS is vastly understudied. One untested possibility is that disrupted cognition in FXS is exacerbated by abnormal sleep. We hypothesized that restoration of sleep-dependent mechanisms could improve functions such as memory consolidation in FXS. We examined whether administration of ML297, a hypnotic drug acting on G-protein-activated inward-rectifying potassium channels, could restore sleep phenotypes and improve disrupted memory consolidation in Fmr1 -/y mice. Using 24-h polysomnographic recordings, we found that Fmr1 -/y mice exhibit reduced non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and fragmented NREM sleep architecture, alterations in NREM EEG spectral power (including reductions in sleep spindles), and reduced EEG coherence between cortical areas. These alterations were reversed in the hours following ML297 administration. Hypnotic treatment following contextual fear or spatial learning also ameliorated disrupted memory consolidation in Fmr1 -/y mice. Hippocampal activation patterns during memory recall was altered in Fmr1 -/y mice, reflecting an altered balance of activity among principal neurons vs. parvalbumin-expressing (PV+) interneurons. This phenotype was partially reversed by post-learning ML297 administration. These studies suggest that sleep disruption could have a major impact on neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes in FXS, and that hypnotic therapy may significantly improve disrupted cognition in this disorder.
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17
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Subashi E, Lemaire V, Petroni V, Pietropaolo S. The Impact of Mild Chronic Stress and Maternal Experience in the Fmr1 Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11398. [PMID: 37511156 PMCID: PMC10380347 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a pervasive developmental disorder and the most common monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Female heterozygous (HET) carriers play a major role in the transmission of the pathology and present several FXS- and ASD-like behavioral alterations. Despite their clear genetic origins, FXS symptoms are known to be modulated by environmental factors, e.g., exposure to chronic stress, especially during critical life periods, such as pregnancy. Pregnancy, together with pups' care, constitutes maternal experience, i.e., another powerful environmental factor affecting several neurobehavioral functions in females. Here we investigated the impact of maternal experience on the long-term effects of stress in Fmr1-HET female mice. Our findings demonstrated that the behavioral abnormalities of HET females, i.e., hyperactivity and memory deficits, were unaffected by stress or maternal experience. In contrast, stress, independently of maternal experience, induced the appearance of cognitive deficits in WT mice. Maternal experience increased anxiety levels in all mice and enhanced their corticosterone levels, concomitantly promoting the effects of stress on social communication and adrenal glands. In translational terms, these results advance our understanding of the environmental modulation of the behavioral alterations observed in FXS female carriers and highlight the long-term impact of maternal experience and its interactions with chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enejda Subashi
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valeria Petroni
- University Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
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18
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Huang YS, Mendez R, Fernandez M, Richter JD. CPEB and translational control by cytoplasmic polyadenylation: impact on synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2728-2736. [PMID: 37131078 PMCID: PMC10620108 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The late 1990s were banner years in molecular neuroscience; seminal studies demonstrated that local protein synthesis, at or near synapses, was necessary for synaptic plasticity, the underlying cellular basis of learning and memory [1, 2]. The newly made proteins were proposed to "tag" the stimulated synapse, distinguishing it from naive synapses, thereby forming a cellular memory [3]. Subsequent studies demonstrated that the transport of mRNAs from soma to dendrite was linked with translational unmasking at synapses upon synaptic stimulation. It soon became apparent that one prevalent mechanism governing these events is cytoplasmic polyadenylation, and that among the proteins that control this process, CPEB, plays a central role in synaptic plasticity, and learning and memory. In vertebrates, CPEB is a family of four proteins, all of which regulate translation in the brain, that have partially overlapping functions, but also have unique characteristics and RNA binding properties that make them control different aspects of higher cognitive function. Biochemical analysis of the vertebrate CPEBs demonstrate them to respond to different signaling pathways whose output leads to specific cellular responses. In addition, the different CPEBs, when their functions go awry, result in pathophysiological phenotypes resembling specific human neurological disorders. In this essay, we review key aspects of the vertebrate CPEB proteins and cytoplasmic polyadenylation within the context of brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shuian Huang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Raul Mendez
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), 08010, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | - Joel D Richter
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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19
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Life B, Bettio LE, Gantois I, Christie BR, Leavitt BR. Progranulin is an FMRP target that influences macroorchidism but not behaviour in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100094. [PMID: 37416094 PMCID: PMC10319828 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100094] [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: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has implicated progranulin in neurodevelopment and indicated that aberrant progranulin expression may be involved in neurodevelopmental disease. Specifically, increased progranulin expression in the prefrontal cortex has been suggested to be pathologically relevant in male Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1 KO) mice, a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Further investigation into the role of progranulin in FXS is warranted to determine if therapies that reduce progranulin expression represent a viable strategy for treating patients with FXS. Several key knowledge gaps remain. The mechanism of increased progranulin expression in Fmr1 KO mice is poorly understood and the extent of progranulin's involvement in FXS-like phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice has been incompletely explored. To this end, we have performed a thorough characterization of progranulin expression in Fmr1 KO mice. We find that the phenomenon of increased progranulin expression is post-translational and tissue-specific. We also demonstrate for the first time an association between progranulin mRNA and FMRP, suggesting that progranulin mRNA is an FMRP target. Subsequently, we show that progranulin over-expression in Fmr1 wild-type mice causes reduced repetitive behaviour engagement in females and mild hyperactivity in males but is largely insufficient to recapitulate FXS-associated behavioural, morphological, and electrophysiological abnormalities. Lastly, we determine that genetic reduction of progranulin expression on an Fmr1 KO background reduces macroorchidism but does not alter other FXS-associated behaviours or biochemical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Life
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 0B3, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Luis E.B. Bettio
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2T5, Quebec, Canada
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 2T5, Quebec, Canada
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC, V8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Blair R. Leavitt
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6H 0B3, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia Hospital, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
- Center for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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20
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Sex-Related Changes in the Clinical, Genetic, Electrophysiological, Connectivity, and Molecular Presentations of ASD: A Comparison between Human and Animal Models of ASD with Reference to Our Data. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043287. [PMID: 36834699 PMCID: PMC9965966 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is genetic, environmental, and epigenetic. In addition to sex differences in the prevalence of ASD, which is 3-4 times more common in males, there are also distinct clinical, molecular, electrophysiological, and pathophysiological differences between sexes. In human, males with ASD have more externalizing problems (i.e., attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), more severe communication and social problems, as well as repetitive movements. Females with ASD generally exhibit fewer severe communication problems, less repetitive and stereotyped behavior, but more internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety. Females need a higher load of genetic changes related to ASD compared to males. There are also sex differences in brain structure, connectivity, and electrophysiology. Genetic or non-genetic experimental animal models of ASD-like behavior, when studied for sex differences, showed some neurobehavioral and electrophysiological differences between male and female animals depending on the specific model. We previously carried out studies on behavioral and molecular differences between male and female mice treated with valproic acid, either prenatally or early postnatally, that exhibited ASD-like behavior and found distinct differences between the sexes, the female mice performing better on tests measuring social interaction and undergoing changes in the expression of more genes in the brain compared to males. Interestingly, co-administration of S-adenosylmethionine alleviated the ASD-like behavioral symptoms and the gene-expression changes to the same extent in both sexes. The mechanisms underlying the sex differences are not yet fully understood.
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21
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Buzzelli V, Carbone E, Manduca A, Schiavi S, Feo A, Perederiy JV, Ambert KH, Hausman M, Trezza V. Psilocybin mitigates the cognitive deficits observed in a rat model of Fragile X syndrome. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:137-147. [PMID: 36469097 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and the leading monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Serotonergic neurotransmission has a key role in the modulation of neuronal activity during development, and therefore, it has been hypothesized to be involved in ASD and co-occurring conditions including FXS. As serotonin is involved in synaptic remodeling and maturation, serotonergic insufficiency during childhood may have a compounding effect on brain patterning in neurodevelopmental disorders, manifesting as behavioral and emotional symptoms. Thus, compounds that stimulate serotonergic signaling such as psilocybin may offer promise as effective early interventions for developmental disorders such as ASD and FXS. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to test whether different protocols of psilocybin administration mitigate cognitive deficits displayed by the recently validated Fmr1-Δexon 8 rat model of ASD, which is also a model of FXS. RESULTS Our results revealed that systemic and oral administration of psilocybin microdoses normalizes the aberrant cognitive performance displayed by adolescent Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats in the short-term version of the novel object recognition test-a measure of exploratory behavior, perception, and recognition. CONCLUSIONS These data support the hypothesis that serotonin-modulating drugs such as psilocybin may be useful to ameliorate ASD-related cognitive deficits. Overall, this study provides evidence of the beneficial effects of different schedules of psilocybin treatment in mitigating the short-term cognitive deficit observed in a rat model of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Buzzelli
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.,Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feo
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Kyle H Ambert
- Nova Mentis Life Science Corp., Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146, Rome, Italy.
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22
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D’Elia A, Schiavi S, Manduca A, Rava A, Buzzelli V, Ascone F, Orsini T, Putti S, Soluri A, Galli F, Soluri A, Mattei M, Cicconi R, Massari R, Trezza V. FMR1 deletion in rats induces hyperactivity with no changes in striatal dopamine transporter availability. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22535. [PMID: 36581671 PMCID: PMC9800572 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26986-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder emerging in early life characterized by impairments in social interaction, poor verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive patterns of behaviors. Among the best-known genetic risk factors for ASD, there are mutations causing the loss of the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP) leading to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common form of inherited intellectual disability and the leading monogenic cause of ASD. Being a pivotal regulator of motor activity, motivation, attention, and reward processing, dopaminergic neurotransmission has a key role in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD. Fmr1 Δexon 8 rats have been validated as a genetic model of ASD based on FMR1 deletion, and they are also a rat model of FXS. Here, we performed behavioral, biochemical and in vivo SPECT neuroimaging experiments to investigate whether Fmr1 Δexon 8 rats display ASD-like repetitive behaviors associated with changes in striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) availability assessed through in vivo SPECT neuroimaging. At the behavioral level, Fmr1 Δexon 8 rats displayed hyperactivity in the open field test in the absence of repetitive behaviors in the hole board test. However, these behavioral alterations were not associated with changes in striatal DAT availability as assessed by non-invasive in vivo SPECT and Western blot analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annunziata D’Elia
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy ,grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rava
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ascone
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy
| | - Sabrina Putti
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy
| | - Andrea Soluri
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy ,grid.9657.d0000 0004 1757 5329Unit of Molecular Neurosciences, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Galli
- grid.7841.aNuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Soluri
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy
| | - Maurizio Mattei
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biology and Centro di Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, “Tor Vergata” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosella Cicconi
- grid.6530.00000 0001 2300 0941Department of Biology and Centro di Servizi Interdipartimentale-Stazione per la Tecnologia Animale, “Tor Vergata” University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Massari
- grid.5326.20000 0001 1940 4177Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), c/o International Campus “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via E. Ramarini, 32, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome), Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Viale G. Marconi 446, 00146 Rome, Italy
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23
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Svalina MN, Rio CACD, Kushner JK, Levy A, Baca SM, Guthman EM, Opendak M, Sullivan RM, Restrepo D, Huntsman MM. Basolateral Amygdala Hyperexcitability Is Associated with Precocious Developmental Emergence of Fear-Learning in Fragile X Syndrome. J Neurosci 2022; 42:7294-7308. [PMID: 35970562 PMCID: PMC9512574 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1776-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common monogenic cause of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety disorders. Loss of fragile x mental retardation protein results in disruptions of synaptic development during a critical period of circuit formation in the BLA. However, it is unknown how these alterations impact microcircuit development and function. Using a combination of electrophysiologic and behavioral approaches in both male (Fmr1-/y) and female (Fmr1-/-) mice, we demonstrate that principal neurons in the Fmr1KO BLA exhibit hyperexcitability during a sensitive period in amygdala development. This hyperexcitability contributes to increased excitatory gain in fear-learning circuits. Further, synaptic plasticity is enhanced in the BLA of Fmr1KO mice. Behavioral correlation demonstrates that fear-learning emerges precociously in the Fmr1KO mouse. Early life 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo [5,4-c]pyridin-3ol intervention ameliorates fear-learning in Fmr1KO mice. These results suggest that critical period plasticity in the amygdala of the Fmr1KO mouse may be shifted to earlier developmental time points.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In these studies, we identify early developmental alterations in principal neurons in the Fragile X syndrome BLA. We show that, as early as P14, excitability and feedforward excitation, and synaptic plasticity are enhanced in Fmr1KO lateral amygdala. This correlates with precocious emergence of fear-learning in the Fmr1KO mouse. Early life 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo [5,4-c]pyridin-3ol intervention restores critical period plasticity in WT mice and ameliorates fear-learning in the Fmr1KO mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew N Svalina
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Christian A Cea-Del Rio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- CIBAP, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Ciencias Medicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Santiago, Chile 9170201
| | - J Keenan Kushner
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Abigail Levy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Serapio M Baca
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - E Mae Guthman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Maya Opendak
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York 10962
- Child Study Center, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016
| | - Regina M Sullivan
- Emotional Brain Institute, Nathan Kline Institute, Orangeburg, New York 10962
- Child Study Center, Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, 10016
| | - Diego Restrepo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Molly M Huntsman
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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24
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Hegab IM, Yao B, Qian Z, Tan Y, Pu Q, Wang Z, Wang H, Su J. Examining sex disparities in risk/reward trade-offs in Smith's zokors, Eospalax smithii. Behav Processes 2022; 201:104716. [PMID: 35901938 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2022.104716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Risk taking is imperative for the survival and fitness of animals since they are constantly facing innumerable threats from various sources. Indeed, the ability of the individual to balance the costs and benefits of various options and adopt a wise decision is critical for the animal well-being. We modified several traditionally used anxiety tests [The modified light-dark box (mLDB), the modified open field test (mOFT) and the modified defensive withdrawal apparatus (mDWA)] by adding a palatable food reward within the anxiogenic zone which granted us to assess the sex differences in risk-taking behavior in Smith's zokors (Eospalax smithii), a typical subterranean rodent species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Concomitant with our working hypothesis, female zokors showed strong aversion and avoidance behavioral responses when tested in the mOFT and mDWA while there were no apparent sexually dimorphic behavioral changes when they were tested in the mLDB (Except for the percentage of food consumed and the latency till start feeding). Furthermore, comparison between the three behavioral paradigms revealed that both sexes showed different behavioral responses toward the different behavioral tests. Sex differences in repeatable behaviors were more profound in females than males. This might reflect different degrees of risk perception and emotionality that may differ considerably between the different models of anxiety. Our results highlighted the functional significance of a trade-off between risk and incentives in natural environment that both male and female zokors differ in the processing of risk assessment in the presence of a food reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M Hegab
- Department of Hygiene, Zoonoses and Animal Behaviour and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia 41522, Egypt
| | - Baohui Yao
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhang Qian
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuchen Tan
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Qiangsheng Pu
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Zhicheng Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Haifang Wang
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Junhu Su
- College of Grassland Science, Key Laboratory of Grassland Ecosystem (Ministry of Education), Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China; Gansu Agricultural University-Massey University Research Centre for Grassland Biodiversity, Gansu Agricultural University, Lanzhou 730070, China.
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25
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Morrill NK, Joly-Amado A, Li Q, Prabhudeva S, Weeber EJ, Nash KR. Reelin central fragment supplementation improves cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. Exp Neurol 2022; 357:114170. [PMID: 35863501 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is characterized by autistic behaviors, childhood seizures, and deficits in learning and memory. FXS has a loss of function of the FMR1 gene that leads to a lack of Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) expression. FMRP is critical for synaptic plasticity, spatial learning, and memory. Reelin is a large extracellular glycoprotein essential for synaptic plasticity and numerous neurodevelopmental processes. Reduction in Reelin signaling is implicated as a contributing factor in disease etiology in several neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, and autism. However, the role of Reelin in FXS is poorly understood. We demonstrate a reduction in Reelin in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, suggesting that a loss of Reelin activity may contribute to FXS. We demonstrate here that Reelin signaling enhancement via a single intracerebroventricular injection of the Reelin central fragment into Fmr1 KO mice can profoundly rescue cognitive deficits in hidden platform water maze and fear conditioning, as well as hyperactivity during the open field. Improvements in behavior were associated with rescued levels of post synaptic marker in Fmr1 KO mice when compared to controls. These data suggest that increasing Reelin signaling in FXS could offer a novel therapeutic for improving cognition in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole K Morrill
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA
| | - Aurelie Joly-Amado
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA
| | - Qingyou Li
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA
| | - Sahana Prabhudeva
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA
| | - Edwin J Weeber
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA
| | - Kevin R Nash
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa FL-33612, USA.
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26
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Kalinowska M, van der Lei MB, Kitiashvili M, Mamcarz M, Oliveira MM, Longo F, Klann E. Deletion of Fmr1 in parvalbumin-expressing neurons results in dysregulated translation and selective behavioral deficits associated with fragile X syndrome. Mol Autism 2022; 13:29. [PMID: 35768828 PMCID: PMC9245312 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00509-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, is caused by the lack of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. FMRP is an mRNA binding protein with functions in mRNA transport, localization, and translational control. In Fmr1 knockout mice, dysregulated translation has been linked to pathophysiology, including abnormal synaptic function and dendritic morphology, and autistic-like behavioral phenotypes. The role of FMRP in morphology and function of excitatory neurons has been well studied in mice lacking Fmr1, but the impact of Fmr1 deletion on inhibitory neurons remains less characterized. Moreover, the contribution of FMRP in different cell types to FXS pathophysiology is not well defined. We sought to characterize whether FMRP loss in parvalbumin or somatostatin-expressing neurons results in FXS-like deficits in mice. METHODS We used Cre-lox recombinase technology to generate two lines of conditional knockout mice lacking FMRP in either parvalbumin or somatostatin-expressing cells and carried out a battery of behavioral tests to assess motor function, anxiety, repetitive, stereotypic, social behaviors, and learning and memory. In addition, we used fluorescent non-canonical amino acid tagging along with immunostaining to determine whether de novo protein synthesis is dysregulated in parvalbumin or somatostatin-expressing neurons. RESULTS De novo protein synthesis was elevated in hippocampal parvalbumin and somatostatin-expressing inhibitory neurons in Fmr1 knockout mice. Cell type-specific deletion of Fmr1 in parvalbumin-expressing neurons resulted in anxiety-like behavior, impaired social behavior, and dysregulated de novo protein synthesis. In contrast, deletion of Fmr1 in somatostatin-expressing neurons did not result in behavioral abnormalities and did not significantly impact de novo protein synthesis. This is the first report of how loss of FMRP in two specific subtypes of inhibitory neurons is associated with distinct FXS-like abnormalities. LIMITATIONS The mouse models we generated are limited by whole body knockout of FMRP in parvalbumin or somatostatin-expressing cells and further studies are needed to establish a causal relationship between cellular deficits and FXS-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a cell type-specific role for FMRP in parvalbumin-expressing neurons in regulating distinct behavioral features associated with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kalinowska
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Mathijs B. van der Lei
- grid.5284.b0000 0001 0790 3681Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Michael Kitiashvili
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Maggie Mamcarz
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Mauricio M. Oliveira
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Francesco Longo
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden ,grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA. .,NYU Neuroscience Institute, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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27
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Yang L, Xia Z, Feng J, Zhang M, Miao P, Nie Y, Zhang X, Hao Z, Hu R. Retinoic Acid Supplementation Rescues the Social Deficits in Fmr1 Knockout Mice. Front Genet 2022; 13:928393. [PMID: 35783275 PMCID: PMC9247356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with the underlying etiology yet incompletely understood and no cure treatment. Patients of fragile X syndrome (FXS) also manifest symptoms, e.g. deficits in social behaviors, that are core traits with ASD. Several studies demonstrated that a mutual defect in retinoic acid (RA) signaling was observed in FXS and ASD. However, it is still unknown whether RA replenishment could pose a positive effect on autistic-like behaviors in FXS. Herein, we found that RA signaling was indeed down-regulated when the expression of FMR1 was impaired in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, RA supplementation rescued the atypical social novelty behavior, but failed to alleviate the defects in sociability behavior or hyperactivity, in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model. The repetitive behavior and motor coordination appeared to be normal. The RNA sequencing results of the prefrontal cortex in Fmr1 KO mice indicated that deregulated expression of Foxp2, Tnfsf10, Lepr and other neuronal genes was restored to normal after RA treatment. Gene ontology terms of metabolic processes, extracellular matrix organization and behavioral pathways were enriched. Our findings provided a potential therapeutic intervention for social novelty defects in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhixiong Xia
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Nie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Zijian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Ronggui Hu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
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28
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Kat R, Arroyo-Araujo M, de Vries RBM, Koopmans MA, de Boer SF, Kas MJH. Translational validity and methodological underreporting in animal research: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 KO) rodent model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104722. [PMID: 35690123 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Predictive models are essential for advancing knowledge of brain disorders. High variation in study outcomes hampers progress. To address the validity of predictive models, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on behavioural phenotypes of the knock-out rodent model for Fragile X syndrome according to the PRISMA reporting guidelines. In addition, factors accountable for the heterogeneity between findings were analyzed. The knock-out model showed good translational validity and replicability for hyperactivity, cognitive and seizure phenotypes. Despite low replicability, translational validity was also found for social behaviour and sensory sensitivity, but not for attention, aggression and cognitive flexibility. Anxiety, acoustic startle and prepulse inhibition phenotypes, despite low replicability, were opposite to patient symptomatology. Subgroup analyses for experimental factors moderately explain the low replicability, these analyses were hindered by under-reporting of methodologies and environmental conditions. Together, the model has translational validity for most clinical phenotypes, but caution must be taken due to low effect sizes and high inter-study variability. These findings should be considered in view of other rodent models in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate Kat
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - María Arroyo-Araujo
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Rob B M de Vries
- SYRCLE, Department for Health Evidence, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Centre, Geert Groteplein Zuid 21, 6525 EZ Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marthe A Koopmans
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, the Netherlands.
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29
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Targeted therapy of cognitive deficits in fragile X syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2766-2776. [PMID: 35354925 PMCID: PMC7612812 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01527-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Breaking an impasse in finding mechanism-based therapies of neuropsychiatric disorders requires a strategic shift towards alleviating individual symptoms. Here we present a symptom and circuit-specific approach to rescue deficits of reward learning in Fmr1 knockout mice, a model of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenetic cause of inherited mental disability and autism. We use high-throughput, ecologically-relevant automated tests of cognition and social behavior to assess effectiveness of the circuit-targeted injections of designer nanoparticles, loaded with TIMP metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 protein (TIMP-1). Further, to investigate the impact of our therapeutic strategy on neuronal plasticity we perform long-term potentiation recordings and high-resolution electron microscopy. We show that central amygdala-targeted delivery of TIMP-1 designer nanoparticles reverses impaired cognition in Fmr1 knockouts, while having no impact on deficits of social behavior, hence corroborating symptom-specificity of the proposed approach. Moreover, we elucidate the neural correlates of the highly specific behavioral rescue by showing that the applied therapeutic intervention restores functional synaptic plasticity and ultrastructure of neurons in the central amygdala. Thus, we present a targeted, symptom-specific and mechanism-based strategy to remedy cognitive deficits in Fragile X syndrome.
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30
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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31
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Armstrong JL, Saraf TS, Bhatavdekar O, Canal CE. Spontaneous seizures in adult Fmr1 knockout mice: FVB.129P2-Pde6b+ Tyr Fmr1/J. Epilepsy Res 2022; 182:106891. [PMID: 35290907 PMCID: PMC9050957 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2022.106891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of seizures in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) is ~25%; however, there are no reports of spontaneous seizures in the Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS. Herein, we report that 48% of adult (median age P96), Fmr1 knockout mice from our colony were found expired in their home cages. We observed and recorded adult Fmr1 knockout mice having spontaneous convulsions in their home cages. In addition, we captured by electroencephalography an adult Fmr1 knockout mouse having a spontaneous seizure-during preictal, ictal, and postictal phases-which confirmed the presence of a generalized seizure. We did not observe this phenotype in control conspecifics or in juvenile (age <P35) Fmr1 knockout mice. We hypothesized that chronic, random, noise perturbations during development caused the phenotype. We recorded decibels (dB) in our vivarium. The average was 61 dB, but operating the automatic door to the vivarium caused spikes to 95 dB. We modified the door to eliminate noise spikes, which reduced unexpected deaths to 33% in Fmr1 knockout mice raised from birth in this environment (P = 0.07). As the modifications did not eliminate unexpected deaths, we further hypothesized that building vibrations may also be a contributing factor. After installing anti-vibration pads underneath housing carts, unexpected deaths of Fmr1 knockout mice born and raised in this environment decreased to 29% (P < 0.01 compared to the original environment). We also observed significant sex effects, for example, after interventions to reduce sound and vibration, significantly fewer male, but not female, Fmr1 knockout mice died unexpectedly (P < 0.001). The spontaneous seizure phenotype in our Fmr1 knockout mice could serve as a model of seizures observed in individuals with FXS, potentially offering a new translationally-valid phenotype for FXS research. Finally, these observations, although anomalous, serve as a reminder to consider gene-environment interactions when interpreting data derived from Fmr1 knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Armstrong
- Mercer University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Tanishka S Saraf
- Mercer University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Omkar Bhatavdekar
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, 3400 North Charles Street, Croft Hall B27, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Mercer University, College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3001 Mercer University Drive, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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Afshar S, Lule S, Yuan G, Qu X, Pan C, Whalen M, Brownell AL, Mody M. Longitudinal PET studies of mGluR5 in FXS using an FMR1 knockout mouse model. Transl Neurosci 2022; 13:80-92. [PMID: 35582646 PMCID: PMC9055256 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2022-0217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and behavioral challenges. It is caused by aberrant methylation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. Given the failure of clinical trials in FXS and growing evidence of a role of metabotropic glutamate subtype 5 receptors (mGluR5) in the pathophysiology of the disorder, we investigated mGluR5 function in FMR1 Knockout (FMR1-KO) mice and age- and sex-matched control mice using longitudinal positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to better understand the disorder. The studies were repeated at four time points to examine age- and disease-induced changes in mGluR5 availability using 3-fluoro-[18F]5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB). We found that the binding potential (BP) of [18F]FPEB was significantly lower in the KO mice in mGluR5-implicated brain areas including striatum, cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, and olfactory bulb. The BP also changed with age, regardless of disorder status, increasing in early adulthood in male but not in female mice before decreasing later in both sexes. The difference in mGluR5 availability between the FMR1-KO and control mice and the change in BP in the KO mice as a function of age and sex illustrate the nature of the disorder and its progression, providing mechanistic insights for treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Afshar
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Sevda Lule
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Gengyang Yuan
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Xiying Qu
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Chuzhi Pan
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Michael Whalen
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Anna-Liisa Brownell
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , United States of America
| | - Maria Mody
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Charlestown , 02129 MA , USA
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33
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Schiavi S, Carbone E, Melancia F, di Masi A, Jarjat M, Brau F, Cardarelli S, Giorgi M, Bardoni B, Trezza V. Phosphodiesterase 2A inhibition corrects the aberrant behavioral traits observed in genetic and environmental preclinical models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:119. [PMID: 35338117 PMCID: PMC8956682 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01885-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological inhibition of phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), has recently been proposed as a novel therapeutic tool for Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the leading monogenic cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here, we investigated the role of PDE2A in ASD pathogenesis using two rat models that reflect one of either the genetic or environmental factors involved in the human disease: the genetic Fmr1-Δexon 8 rat model and the environmental rat model based on prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA, 500 mg/kg). Prior to behavioral testing, the offspring was treated with the PDE2A inhibitor BAY607550 (0.05 mg/kg at infancy, 0.1 mg/kg at adolescence and adulthood). Socio-communicative symptoms were assessed in both models through the ultrasonic vocalization test at infancy and three-chamber test at adolescence and adulthood, while cognitive impairments were assessed by the novel object recognition test in Fmr1-Δexon 8 rats (adolescence and adulthood) and by the inhibitory avoidance test in VPA-exposed rats (adulthood). PDE2A enzymatic activity in VPA-exposed infant rats was also assessed. In line with the increased PDE2A enzymatic activity previously observed in the brain of Fmr1-KO animals, we found an altered upstream regulation of PDE2A activity in the brain of VPA-exposed rats at an early developmental age (p < 0.05). Pharmacological inhibition of PDE2A normalized the communicative (p < 0.01, p < 0.05), social (p < 0.001, p < 0.05), and cognitive impairment (p < 0.001) displayed by both Fmr1-Δexon 8 and VPA-exposed rats. Altogether, these data highlight a key role of PDE2A in brain development and point to PDE2A inhibition as a promising pharmacological approach for the deficits common to both FXS and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Deptartment of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Deptartment of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Fréderic Brau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, IPMC, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Silvia Cardarelli
- Deptartment of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Giorgi
- Deptartment of Biology and Biotechnology "Charles Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bardoni
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, IPMC, 06560, Valbonne, France.
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Deptartment of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy.
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34
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Ding Q, Wu X, Li X, Wang H. Vorinostat Corrects Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Symptoms in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:147-159. [PMID: 34791268 PMCID: PMC8832232 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyab081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene. It is a form of heritable intellectual disability and autism. Despite recent advance in elucidating disease mechanisms, there is no efficacious medication. Because de novo drug development is a lengthy process, repurposing the existing FDA-approved drugs offers an opportunity to advance clinical intervention for FXS. Our previous study with transcriptome analysis predicts potential therapeutic effects of vorinostat on FXS. METHODS We analyzed the vorinostat-induced transcriptome changes and confirmed its similarity to that induced by trifluoperazine, which was previously shown to correct pathological outcomes associated with FXS. To validate the therapeutic efficacy, we examined vorinostat's effect on correcting the key behavioral and cellular symptoms in a mouse model of FXS. RESULTS We found that vorinostat restores object location memory and passive avoidance memory in the Fmr1 knockout mice. For the non-cognitive behavioral symptoms, vorinostat corrected the autism-associated alterations, including repetitive behavior and social interaction deficits. In the open field test, vorinostat dampened hyperactivity in the center area of the arena. Surprisingly, vorinostat did not correct the abnormally elevated protein synthesis in cultured Fmr1 knockout hippocampal neurons, suggesting that different aspects of pathological outcomes may respond differently to a specific therapeutic intervention. CONCLUSIONS We used the drug-induced transcriptome signature to predict new application of existing drugs. Our data reveal the therapeutic effects of the FDA-approved drug vorinostat in a mouse model of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ding
- Department of Physiology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Xueting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Physiology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Neuroscience Program Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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35
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Nolan SO, Hodges SL, Binder MS, Smith GD, Okoh JT, Jefferson TS, Escobar B, Lugo JN. Dietary rescue of adult behavioral deficits in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262916. [PMID: 35089938 PMCID: PMC8797197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to further address important questions regarding the therapeutic efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for various behavioral and neuroimmune aspects of the Fmr1 phenotype. To address these questions, our experimental design utilized two different omega-3 fatty acid administration timepoints, compared to both standard laboratory chow controls ("Standard") and a diet controlling for the increase in fat content ("Control Fat"). In the first paradigm, post-weaning supplementation (after postnatal day 21) with the omega-3 fatty acid diet ("Omega-3") reversed deficits in startle threshold, but not deficits in prepulse inhibition, and the effect on startle threshold was not specific to the Omega-3 diet. However, post-weaning supplementation with both experimental diets also impaired acquisition of a fear response, recall of the fear memory and contextual fear conditioning compared to the Standard diet. The post-weaning Omega-3 diet reduced hippocampal expression of IL-6 and this reduction of IL-6 was significantly associated with diminished performance in the fear conditioning task. In the perinatal experimental paradigm, the Omega-3 diet attenuated hyperactivity and acquisition of a fear response. Additionally, perinatal exposure to the Control Fat diet (similar to a "Western" diet) further diminished nonsocial anxiety in the Fmr1 knockout. This study provides significant evidence that dietary fatty acids throughout the lifespan can significantly impact the behavioral and neuroimmune phenotype of the Fmr1 knockout model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne O. Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Samantha L. Hodges
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Matthew S. Binder
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Gregory D. Smith
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - James T. Okoh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Taylor S. Jefferson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Brianna Escobar
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
| | - Joaquin N. Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, United States of America
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36
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Kenny A, Wright D, Stanfield AC. EEG as a translational biomarker and outcome measure in fragile X syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:34. [PMID: 35075104 PMCID: PMC8786970 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01796-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted treatments for fragile X syndrome (FXS) have frequently failed to show efficacy in clinical testing, despite success at the preclinical stages. This has highlighted the need for more effective translational outcome measures. EEG differences observed in FXS, including exaggerated N1 ERP amplitudes, increased resting gamma power and reduced gamma phase-locking in the sensory cortices, have been suggested as potential biomarkers of the syndrome. These abnormalities are thought to reflect cortical hyper excitability resulting from an excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABAergic) imbalance in FXS, which has been the target of several pharmaceutical remediation studies. EEG differences observed in humans also show similarities to those seen in laboratory models of FXS, which may allow for greater translational equivalence and better predict clinical success of putative therapeutics. There is some evidence from clinical trials showing that treatment related changes in EEG may be associated with clinical improvements, but these require replication and extension to other medications. Although the use of EEG characteristics as biomarkers is still in the early phases, and further research is needed to establish its utility in clinical trials, the current research is promising and signals the emergence of an effective translational biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Kenny
- Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Damien Wright
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew C. Stanfield
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Patrick Wild Centre, Division of Psychiatry, Kennedy Tower, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, EH10 5HF Edinburgh, UK
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37
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Clipperton-Allen AE, Swick H, Botero V, Aceti M, Ellegood J, Lerch JP, Page DT. Pten haploinsufficiency causes desynchronized growth of brain areas involved in sensory processing. iScience 2022; 25:103796. [PMID: 35198865 PMCID: PMC8844819 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.103796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
How changes in brain scaling relate to altered behavior is an important question in neurodevelopmental disorder research. Mice with germline Pten haploinsufficiency (Pten +/-) closely mirror the abnormal brain scaling and behavioral deficits seen in humans with macrocephaly/autism syndrome, which is caused by PTEN mutations. We explored whether deviation from normal patterns of growth can predict behavioral abnormalities. Brain regions associated with sensory processing (e.g., pons and inferior colliculus) had the biggest deviations from expected volume. While Pten +/- mice showed little or no abnormal behavior on most assays, both sexes showed sensory deficits, including impaired sensorimotor gating and hyporeactivity to high-intensity stimuli. Developmental analysis of this phenotype showed sexual dimorphism for hyporeactivity. Mapping behavioral phenotypes of Pten +/- mice onto relevant brain regions suggested abnormal behavior is likely when associated with relatively enlarged brain regions, while unchanged or relatively decreased brain regions have little predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannah Swick
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Massimiliano Aceti
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Jason P. Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7, Canada,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Damon T. Page
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,Doctoral Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA,Corresponding author
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38
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Harris E, Myers H, Saxena K, Mitchell-Heggs R, Kind P, Chattarji S, Morris R. Experiential modulation of social dominance in a SYNGAP1 rat model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:7733-7748. [PMID: 34672048 PMCID: PMC7614819 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Advances in the understanding of developmental brain disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are being achieved through human neurogenetics such as, for example, identifying de novo mutations in SYNGAP1 as one relatively common cause of ASD. A recently developed rat line lacking the calcium/lipid binding (C2) and GTPase activation protein (GAP) domain may further help uncover the neurobiological basis of deficits in children with ASD. This study focused on social dominance in the tube test using Syngap+/Δ-GAP (rats heterozygous for the C2/GAP domain deletion) as alterations in social behaviour are a key facet of the human phenotype. Male animals of this line living together formed a stable intra-cage hierarchy, but they were submissive when living with wild-type (WT) cage-mates, thereby modelling the social withdrawal seen in ASD. The study includes a detailed analysis of specific behaviours expressed in social interactions by WT and mutant animals, including the observation that when the Syngap+/Δ-GAP mutants that had been living together had separate dominance encounters with WT animals from other cages, the two higher ranking Syngap+/Δ-GAP rats remained dominant whereas the two lower ranking mutants were still submissive. Although only observed in a small subset of animals, these findings support earlier observations with a rat model of Fragile X, indicating that their experience of winning or losing dominance encounters has a lasting influence on subsequent encounters with others. Our results highlight and model that even with single-gene mutations, dominance phenotypes reflect an interaction between genotypic and environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Harris
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - H. Myers
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - K. Saxena
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
| | - R. Mitchell-Heggs
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
| | - P. Kind
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
| | - S Chattarji
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, National Centre for Biological Sciences and Institute for Stem Cell Science & Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore 560065, India
| | - R.G.M. Morris
- Edinburgh Neuroscience, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9JZ, U.K
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, U.K
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39
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Huebschman JL, Davis MC, Tovar Pensa C, Guo Y, Smith LN. The fragile X mental retardation protein promotes adjustments in cocaine self-administration that preserve reinforcement level. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:4920-4933. [PMID: 34133054 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein, regulates cocaine-induced neuronal plasticity and is critical for the normal development of drug-induced locomotor sensitization, as well as reward-related learning in the conditioned place preference assay. However, it is unknown whether FMRP impacts behaviors that are used to more closely model substance use disorders. Utilizing a cocaine intravenous self-administration (IVSA) assay in Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) littermate mice, we find that, despite normal acquisition and extinction learning, Fmr1 KO mice fail to make a normal upward shift in responding during dose-response testing. Later, when given access to the original acquisition dose under increasing fixed ratio (FR) schedules of reinforcement (FR1, FR3, and FR5), Fmr1 KO mice earn significantly fewer cocaine infusions than WT mice. Importantly, similar deficits are not present in operant conditioning using a palatable food reinforcer, indicating that our results do not represent broad learning or reward-related deficits in Fmr1 KO mice. Additionally, we find an FMRP target, the activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc), to be significantly reduced in synaptic cellular fractions prepared from the nucleus accumbens of Fmr1 KO, compared with WT, mice following operant tasks reinforced with cocaine but not food. Overall, our findings suggest that FMRP facilitates adjustments in drug self-administration behavior that generally serve to preserve reinforcement level, and combined with our similar IVSA findings in Arc KO mice may implicate Arc, along with FMRP, in behavioral shifts that occur in drug taking when drug availability is altered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Huebschman
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Megan C Davis
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Catherina Tovar Pensa
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Yuhong Guo
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA
| | - Laura N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas, USA.,Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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40
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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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41
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Carbamazepine Restores Neuronal Signaling, Protein Synthesis, and Cognitive Function in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239327. [PMID: 33297570 PMCID: PMC7731004 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic disorder of intellectual disability caused by the loss of the functional fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). To date, there is no efficacious mechanism-based medication for FXS. With regard to potential disease mechanisms in FXS, it is widely accepted that the lack of FMRP causes elevated protein synthesis and deregulation of neuronal signaling. Abnormal enhancement of the ERK½ (extracellular signal-regulated kinase ½) and PI3K-Akt (Phosphoinositide 3 kinase-protein kinase B) signaling pathways has been identified in both FXS patients and FXS mouse models. In this study, we show that carbamazepine, which is an FDA-approved drug and has been mainly used to treat seizure and neuropathic pain, corrects cognitive deficits including passive avoidance and object location memory in FXS mice. Carbamazepine also rescues hyper locomotion and social deficits. At the cellular level, carbamazepine dampens the elevated level of ERK½ and Akt signaling as well as protein synthesis in FXS mouse neurons. Together, these results advocate repurposing carbamazepine for FXS treatment.
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42
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Arsenault J, Hooper AWM, Gholizadeh S, Kong T, Pacey LK, Koxhioni E, Niibori Y, Eubanks JH, Wang LY, Hampson DR. Interregulation between fragile X mental retardation protein and methyl CpG binding protein 2 in the mouse posterior cerebral cortex. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3744-3756. [PMID: 33084871 PMCID: PMC7861017 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Several X-linked neurodevelopmental disorders including Rett syndrome, induced by mutations in the MECP2 gene, and fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by mutations in the FMR1 gene, share autism-related features. The mRNA coding for methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) has previously been identified as a substrate for the mRNA-binding protein, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which is silenced in FXS. Here, we report a homeostatic relationship between these two key regulators of gene expression in mouse models of FXS (Fmr1 Knockout (KO)) and Rett syndrome (MeCP2 KO). We found that the level of MeCP2 protein in the cerebral cortex was elevated in Fmr1 KO mice, whereas MeCP2 KO mice displayed reduced levels of FMRP, implicating interplay between the activities of MeCP2 and FMRP. Indeed, knockdown of MeCP2 with short hairpin RNAs led to a reduction of FMRP in mouse Neuro2A and in human HEK-293 cells, suggesting a reciprocal coupling in the expression level of these two regulatory proteins. Intra-cerebroventricular injection of an adeno-associated viral vector coding for FMRP led to a concomitant reduction in MeCP2 expression in vivo and partially corrected locomotor hyperactivity. Additionally, the level of MeCP2 in the posterior cortex correlated with the severity of the hyperactive phenotype in Fmr1 KO mice. These results demonstrate that MeCP2 and FMRP operate within a previously undefined homeostatic relationship. Our findings also suggest that MeCP2 overexpression in Fmr1 KO mouse posterior cerebral cortex may contribute to the fragile X locomotor hyperactivity phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Arsenault
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alexander W M Hooper
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Shervin Gholizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Tian Kong
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Laura K Pacey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Enea Koxhioni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Yosuke Niibori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - James H Eubanks
- Division of Genetics and Development, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada.,Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada
| | - Lu-Yang Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - David R Hampson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3M2, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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43
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Joo Y, Xue Y, Wang Y, McDevitt RA, Sah N, Bossi S, Su S, Lee SK, Peng W, Xie A, Zhang Y, Ding Y, Ku WL, Ghosh S, Fishbein K, Shen W, Spencer R, Becker K, Zhao K, Mattson MP, van Praag H, Sharov A, Wang W. Topoisomerase 3β knockout mice show transcriptional and behavioural impairments associated with neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:3143. [PMID: 32561719 PMCID: PMC7305123 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16884-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [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: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Topoisomerase 3β (Top3β) is the only dual-activity topoisomerase in animals that can change topology for both DNA and RNA, and facilitate transcription on DNA and translation on mRNAs. Top3β mutations have been linked to schizophrenia, autism, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. Here we show that Top3β knockout mice exhibit behavioural phenotypes related to psychiatric disorders and cognitive impairment. The mice also display impairments in hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity. Notably, the brains of the mutant mice exhibit impaired global neuronal activity-dependent transcription in response to fear conditioning stress, and the affected genes include many with known neuronal functions. Our data suggest that Top3β is essential for normal brain function, and that defective neuronal activity-dependent transcription may be a mechanism by which Top3β deletion causes cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyoung Joo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yutong Xue
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Ross A McDevitt
- The Comparative Medicine Section, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Nirnath Sah
- Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Simone Bossi
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Shuaikun Su
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Seung Kyu Lee
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Wei Peng
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Aoji Xie
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yongqing Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Wai Lim Ku
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Soumita Ghosh
- Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Kenneth Fishbein
- Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Weiping Shen
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Richard Spencer
- Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Kevin Becker
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Keji Zhao
- Laboratory of Epigenome Biology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Henriette van Praag
- Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
- Brain Institute and Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Jupiter, FL, 33458, USA
| | - Alexei Sharov
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
| | - Weidong Wang
- Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA.
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44
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Pirbhoy PS, Rais M, Lovelace JW, Woodard W, Razak KA, Binder DK, Ethell IM. Acute pharmacological inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity during development restores perineuronal net formation and normalizes auditory processing in Fmr1 KO mice. J Neurochem 2020; 155:538-558. [PMID: 32374912 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit cognitive impairments, social deficits, increased anxiety, and sensory hyperexcitability. Previously, we showed that elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may contribute to abnormal development of parvalbumin (PV) interneurons and perineuronal nets (PNNs) in the developing auditory cortex (AC) of Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, which likely underlie auditory hypersensitivity. Thus, MMP-9 may serve as a potential target for treatment of auditory hypersensitivity in FXS. Here, we used the MMP-2/9 inhibitor, SB-3CT, to pharmacologically inhibit MMP-9 activity during a specific developmental period and to test whether inhibition of MMP-9 activity reverses neural oscillation deficits and behavioral impairments by enhancing PNN formation around PV cells in Fmr1 KO mice. Electroencephalography (EEG) was used to measure resting state and sound-evoked electrocortical activity in auditory and frontal cortices of postnatal day (P)22-23 male mice before and one-day after treatment with SB-3CT (25 mg/kg) or vehicle. At P27-28, animal behaviors were tested to measure the effects of the treatment on anxiety and hyperactivity. Results show that acute inhibition of MMP-9 activity improved evoked synchronization to auditory stimuli and ameliorated mouse behavioral deficits. MMP-9 inhibition enhanced PNN formation, increased PV levels and TrkB phosphorylation yet reduced Akt phosphorylation in the AC of Fmr1 KO mice. Our results show that MMP-9 inhibition during early postnatal development is beneficial in reducing some auditory processing deficits in the FXS mouse model and may serve as a candidate therapeutic for reversing sensory hypersensitivity in FXS and possibly other ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia S Pirbhoy
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maham Rais
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan W Lovelace
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Walker Woodard
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Department of Psychology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Iryna M Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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45
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Meseguer Henarejos AB, Popović N, Bokonjić D, Morales-Delgado N, Alonso A, Caballero Bleda M, Popović M. Sex and Time-of-Day Impact on Anxiety and Passive Avoidance Memory Strategies in Mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:68. [PMID: 32523516 PMCID: PMC7261894 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, anxiety and cognitive processes are age, gender, and time of day dependent. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether the time of day and sex have an influence on anxiety and emotional memory in adult mice. Light-dark and passive avoidance (PA) tests were performed at the beginning and at the end of the light cycle, defined as Zeitgeber time (ZT) ZT0–2.5 and ZT9.5–12, respectively. A baseline difference in anxiety was not found, but on the 24 h retention trial of the PA test, females presented longer latencies to enter into the dark compartment at the ZT0–2.5 time point of the day. The data from the second test day (PA reversal trial) indicated that some animals associated the dark compartment with an aversive stimulus (shock), while others associated the aversive stimulus with crossing from one compartment to another. At the ZT9.5–12, female mice mainly related the aversive stimulus to transferring from one compartment to another, while male mice associated darkness with the aversive stimulus. There was a negative correlation between the frequency of light-dark transitions in the light-dark test and the PA latency on the 24 h retention trial in males tested at ZT0–2.5. The PA latency on the reversal and 24 h retention trials negatively correlated with a risk assessment behavior in male mice tested on ZT0–2.5 and ZT9.5–12, respectively. In conclusion, our data reveal that the impact of motor activity and risk assessment behavior on PA memory formation and applied behavioral strategies are time of day and sex dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalija Popović
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Dubravko Bokonjić
- Medical Faculty of the Military Medical Academy, University of Defense in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nicanor Morales-Delgado
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Histology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan Alacant, Spain
| | - Antonia Alonso
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - María Caballero Bleda
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Miroljub Popović
- Department of Human Anatomy and Psychobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Murcia (IMIB), Virgen de la Arrixaca University Hospital, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
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46
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Ding Q, Sethna F, Wu XT, Miao Z, Chen P, Zhang Y, Xiao H, Feng W, Feng Y, Li X, Wang H. Transcriptome signature analysis repurposes trifluoperazine for the treatment of fragile X syndrome in mouse model. Commun Biol 2020; 3:127. [PMID: 32179850 PMCID: PMC7075969 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-0833-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a prevailing genetic disorder of intellectual disability and autism. There is no efficacious medication for FXS. Through in silico screening with a public database, computational analysis of transcriptome profile in FXS mouse neurons predicts therapeutic value of an FDA-approved drug trifluoperazine. Systemic administration of low-dose trifluoperazine at 0.05 mg/kg attenuates multiple FXS- and autism-related behavioral symptoms. Moreover, computational analysis of transcriptome alteration caused by trifluoperazine suggests a new mechanism of action against PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase) activity. Consistently, trifluoperazine suppresses PI3K activity and its down-stream targets Akt (protein kinase B) and S6K1 (S6 kinase 1) in neurons. Further, trifluoperazine normalizes the aberrantly elevated activity of Akt and S6K1 and enhanced protein synthesis in FXS mouse. Together, our data demonstrate a promising value of transcriptome-based computation in identification of therapeutic strategy and repurposing drugs for neurological disorders, and suggest trifluoperazine as a potential treatment for FXS. Qi Ding, Ferzin Sethna et al. perform a computational analysis of the transcriptome profile of Fmr1−/− neurons and identify trifluoperazine as potential therapeutic agent against Fragile X Syndrome. Next, they show that low doses of trifluoperazine ameliorate some of the behavioral and molecular phenotypes present in Fmr1−/− mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Ding
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Ferzin Sethna
- Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Xue-Ting Wu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuang Miao
- Genetics Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Ping Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Hua Xiao
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA
| | - Wei Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, Georgia
| | - Yue Feng
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, Georgia
| | - Xuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongbing Wang
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA. .,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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47
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McCullagh EA, Rotschafer SE, Auerbach BD, Klug A, Kaczmarek LK, Cramer KS, Kulesza RJ, Razak KA, Lovelace JW, Lu Y, Koch U, Wang Y. Mechanisms underlying auditory processing deficits in Fragile X syndrome. FASEB J 2020; 34:3501-3518. [PMID: 32039504 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902435r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are strongly associated with auditory hypersensitivity or hyperacusis (difficulty tolerating sounds). Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenetic cause of ASD, has emerged as a powerful gateway for exploring underlying mechanisms of hyperacusis and auditory dysfunction in ASD. This review discusses examples of disruption of the auditory pathways in FXS at molecular, synaptic, and circuit levels in animal models as well as in FXS individuals. These examples highlight the involvement of multiple mechanisms, from aberrant synaptic development and ion channel deregulation of auditory brainstem circuits, to impaired neuronal plasticity and network hyperexcitability in the auditory cortex. Though a relatively new area of research, recent discoveries have increased interest in auditory dysfunction and mechanisms underlying hyperacusis in this disorder. This rapidly growing body of data has yielded novel research directions addressing critical questions regarding the timing and possible outcomes of human therapies for auditory dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A McCullagh
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA.,Department of Integrative Biology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Sarah E Rotschafer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin D Auerbach
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, Department of Communicative Disorders & Sciences, SUNY at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Achim Klug
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Colorado Anschutz, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Departments of Pharmacology and Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Karina S Cramer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Randy J Kulesza
- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Yong Lu
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Ursula Koch
- Institute of Biology, Neurophysiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Characterization of Auditory and Binaural Spatial Hearing in a Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0300-19.2019. [PMID: 31953317 PMCID: PMC7031856 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0300-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The auditory brainstem compares sound-evoked excitation and inhibition from both ears to compute sound source location and determine spatial acuity. Although alterations to the anatomy and physiology of the auditory brainstem have been demonstrated in fragile X syndrome (FXS), it is not known whether these changes cause spatial acuity deficits in FXS. To test the hypothesis that FXS-related alterations to brainstem circuits impair spatial hearing abilities, a reflexive prepulse inhibition (PPI) task, with variations in sound (gap, location, masking) as the prepulse stimulus, was used on Fmr1 knock-out mice and B6 controls. Specifically, Fmr1 mice show decreased PPI compared with wild-type mice during gap detection, changes in sound source location, and spatial release from masking with no alteration to their overall startle thresholds compared with wild-type mice. Last, Fmr1 mice have increased latency to respond in these tasks, suggesting additional impairments in the pathway responsible for reacting to a startling sound. This study further supports data in humans with FXS that show similar deficits in PPI.
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Cataloguing and Selection of mRNAs Localized to Dendrites in Neurons and Regulated by RNA-Binding Proteins in RNA Granules. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020167. [PMID: 31978946 PMCID: PMC7072219 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatiotemporal translational regulation plays a key role in determining cell fate and function. Specifically, in neurons, local translation in dendrites is essential for synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. To achieve local translation, RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules regulate target mRNA stability, localization, and translation. To date, mRNAs localized to dendrites have been identified by comprehensive analyses. In addition, mRNAs associated with and regulated by RNA-binding proteins have been identified using various methods in many studies. However, the results obtained from these numerous studies have not been compiled together. In this review, we have catalogued mRNAs that are localized to dendrites and are associated with and regulated by the RNA-binding proteins fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), RNA granule protein 105 (RNG105, also known as Caprin1), Ras-GAP SH3 domain binding protein (G3BP), cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein 1 (CPEB1), and staufen double-stranded RNA binding proteins 1 and 2 (Stau1 and Stau2) in RNA granules. This review provides comprehensive information on dendritic mRNAs, the neuronal functions of mRNA-encoded proteins, the association of dendritic mRNAs with RNA-binding proteins in RNA granules, and the effects of RNA-binding proteins on mRNA regulation. These findings provide insights into the mechanistic basis of protein-synthesis-dependent synaptic plasticity and memory formation and contribute to future efforts to understand the physiological implications of local regulation of dendritic mRNAs in neurons.
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Roy R, Shiina N, Wang DO. More dynamic, more quantitative, unexpectedly intricate: Advanced understanding on synaptic RNA localization in learning and memory. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 168:107149. [PMID: 31881355 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic signaling exhibits great diversity, complexity, and plasticity which necessitates maintenance and rapid modification of a local proteome. One solution neurons actively exploit to meet such demands is the strategic deposition of mRNAs encoding proteins for both basal and experience-driven activities into ribonucleoprotein complexes at the synapse. Transcripts localized in this manner can be rapidly accessed for translation in response to a diverse range of stimuli in a temporal- and spatially-restricted manner. Here we review recent findings on localized RNAs and RNA binding proteins in the context of learning and memory, as revealed by cutting-edge in-vitro and in-vivo technologies capable of yielding quantitative and dynamic information. The new technologies include proteomic and transcriptomic analyses, high-resolution multiplexed RNA imaging, single-molecule RNA tracking in living neurons, animal models and human neuron cell models. Among many recent advances in the field, RNA chemical modification has emerged as one of the new regulatory layers of gene expression at synapse that is complex and yet largely unexplored. These exciting new discoveries have enhanced our understanding of the modulation mechanisms of synaptic gene expression and their roles in cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohini Roy
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shiina
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan; Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan; Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, Okazaki, Japan.
| | - Dan Ohtan Wang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning, China; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan; The Keihanshin Consortium for Fostering the Next Generation of Global Leaders in Research (K-CONNEX), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
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