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Khan T, Hussain AI, Casilli TP, Frayser L, Cho M, Williams G, McFall D, Forcelli PA. Prophylactic senolytic treatment in aged mice reduces seizure severity and improves survival from Status Epilepticus. Aging Cell 2024:e14239. [PMID: 39031751 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14239] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased vulnerability to seizures in aging has been well documented both clinically and in various models of aging in epilepsy. Seizures can exacerbate cognitive decline that is already prominent in aging. Senescent cells are thought to contribute to cognitive impairment in aging and clearing senescent cells with senolytic drugs improves cognitive function in animal models. It remains unclear whether senescent cells render the aged brain vulnerable to seizures. Here, we demonstrate that prophylactic senolytic treatment with Dasatinib and Quercetin (D&Q) reduced both seizure severity and mortality in aged C57BL/6J mice. We subjected the D&Q and VEH-treated aged mice to spatial memory testing before and after an acute seizure insult, Status Epilepticus [SE], which leads to epilepsy development. We found that senolytic therapy improved spatial memory before injury, however, spatial memory was not rescued after SE. Senescence-related proteins p16 and senescence-associated β-galactosidase were reduced in D&Q-treated aged mice. Our findings indicate that senescent cells increase seizure susceptibility in aging. Thus, prophylactically targeting senescent cells may prevent age-related seizure vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahiyana Khan
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Abbas I Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Timothy P Casilli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Logan Frayser
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michelle Cho
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gabrielle Williams
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - David McFall
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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2
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Gardner Z, Holbrook O, Tian Y, Odamah K, Man HY. The role of glia in the dysregulation of neuronal spinogenesis in Ube3a-dependent ASD. Exp Neurol 2024; 376:114756. [PMID: 38508482 PMCID: PMC11058030 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114756] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Overexpression of the Ube3a gene and the resulting increase in Ube3a protein are linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the cellular and molecular processes underlying Ube3a-dependent ASD remain unclear. Using both male and female mice, we find that neurons in the somatosensory cortex of the Ube3a 2× Tg ASD mouse model display reduced dendritic spine density and increased immature filopodia density. Importantly, the increased gene dosage of Ube3a in astrocytes alone is sufficient to confer alterations in neurons as immature dendritic protrusions, as observed in primary hippocampal neuron cultures. We show that Ube3a overexpression in astrocytes leads to a loss of astrocyte-derived spinogenic protein, thrombospondin-2 (TSP2), due to a suppression of TSP2 gene transcription. By neonatal intraventricular injection of astrocyte-specific virus, we demonstrate that Ube3a overexpression in astrocytes in vivo results in a reduction in dendritic spine maturation in prelimbic cortical neurons, accompanied with autistic-like behaviors in mice. These findings reveal an astrocytic dominance in initiating ASD pathobiology at the neuronal and behavior levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Increased gene dosage of Ube3a is tied to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), yet cellular and molecular alterations underlying autistic phenotypes remain unclear. We show that Ube3a overexpression leads to impaired dendritic spine maturation, resulting in reduced spine density and increased filopodia density. We find that dysregulation of spine development is not neuron autonomous, rather, it is mediated by an astrocytic mechanism. Increased gene dosage of Ube3a in astrocytes leads to reduced production of the spinogenic glycoprotein thrombospondin-2 (TSP2), leading to abnormalities in spines. Astrocyte-specific Ube3a overexpression in the brain in vivo confers dysregulated spine maturation concomitant with autistic-like behaviors in mice. These findings indicate the importance of astrocytes in aberrant neurodevelopment and brain function in Ube3a-depdendent ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Gardner
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Otto Holbrook
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - KathrynAnn Odamah
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., L-603, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, United States of America.
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3
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O'Connor M, Qiao H, Odamah K, Cerdeira PC, Man HY. Heterozygous Nexmif female mice demonstrate mosaic NEXMIF expression, autism-like behaviors, and abnormalities in dendritic arborization and synaptogenesis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24703. [PMID: 38322873 PMCID: PMC10844029 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24703] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic basis. ASDs are commonly characterized by impairments in language, restrictive and repetitive behaviors, and deficits in social interactions. Although ASD is a highly heterogeneous disease with many different genes implicated in its etiology, many ASD-associated genes converge on common cellular defects, such as aberrant neuronal morphology and synapse dysregulation. Our previous work revealed that, in mice, complete loss of the ASD-associated X-linked gene NEXMIF results in a reduction in dendritic complexity, a decrease in spine and synapse density, altered synaptic transmission, and ASD-like behaviors. Interestingly, human females of NEXMIF haploinsufficiency have recently been reported to demonstrate autistic features; however, the cellular and molecular basis for this haploinsufficiency-caused ASD remains unclear. Here we report that in the brains of Nexmif± female mice, NEXMIF shows a mosaic pattern in its expression in neurons. Heterozygous female mice demonstrate behavioral impairments similar to those of knockout male mice. In the mosaic mixture of neurons from Nexmif± mice, cells that lack NEXMIF have impairments in dendritic arborization and spine development. Remarkably, the NEXMIF-expressing neurons from Nexmif± mice also demonstrate similar defects in dendritic growth and spine formation. These findings establish a novel mouse model of NEXMIF haploinsufficiency and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of NEXMIF-dependent ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret O'Connor
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Hui Qiao
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - KathrynAnn Odamah
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | | | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Mall, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Biophysics, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, 610 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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4
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Tseng YT, Zhao B, Ding H, Liang L, Schaefke B, Wang L. Systematic evaluation of a predator stress model of depression in mice using a hierarchical 3D-motion learning framework. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:178. [PMID: 37231005 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02481-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigation of the neurobiology of depression in humans depends on animal models that attempt to mimic specific features of the human disorder. However, frequently-used paradigms based on social stress cannot be easily applied to female mice which has led to a large sex bias in preclinical studies of depression. Furthermore, most studies focus on one or only a few behavioral assessments, with time and practical considerations prohibiting a comprehensive evaluation. In this study, we demonstrate that predator stress effectively induced depression-like behaviors in both male and female mice. By comparing predator stress and social defeat models, we observed that the former elicited a higher level of behavioral despair and the latter elicited more robust social avoidance. Furthermore, the use of machine learning (ML)-based spontaneous behavioral classification can distinguish mice subjected to one type of stress from another, and from non-stressed mice. We show that related patterns of spontaneous behaviors correspond to depression status as measured by canonical depression-like behaviors, which illustrates that depression-like symptoms can be predicted by ML-classified behavior patterns. Overall, our study confirms that the predator stress induced phenotype in mice is a good reflection of several important aspects of depression in humans and illustrates that ML-supported analysis can simultaneously evaluate multiple behavioral alterations in different animal models of depression, providing a more unbiased and holistic approach for the study of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Binghao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hui Ding
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Lisha Liang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Bernhard Schaefke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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5
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Tomar M, Beros J, Meloni B, Rodger J. Interactions between Guidance Cues and Neuronal Activity: Therapeutic Insights from Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086966. [PMID: 37108129 PMCID: PMC10138948 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Topographic mapping of neural circuits is fundamental in shaping the structural and functional organization of brain regions. This developmentally important process is crucial not only for the representation of different sensory inputs but also for their integration. Disruption of topographic organization has been associated with several neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the mechanisms involved in creating and refining such well-defined maps in the brain with a focus on the Eph and ephrin families of axon guidance cues. We first describe the transgenic models where ephrin-A expression has been manipulated to understand the role of these guidance cues in defining topography in various sensory systems. We further describe the behavioral consequences of lacking ephrin-A guidance cues in these animal models. These studies have given us unexpected insight into how neuronal activity is equally important in refining neural circuits in different brain regions. We conclude the review by discussing studies that have used treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to manipulate activity in the brain to compensate for the lack of guidance cues in ephrin-knockout animal models. We describe how rTMS could have therapeutic relevance in neurodevelopmental disorders with disrupted brain organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitri Tomar
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jamie Beros
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Bruno Meloni
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
- Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, QEII Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jennifer Rodger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
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6
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Yan Y, Tian M, Li M, Zhou G, Chen Q, Xu M, Hu Y, Luo W, Guo X, Zhang C, Xie H, Wu QF, Xiong W, Liu S, Guan JS. ASH1L haploinsufficiency results in autistic-like phenotypes in mice and links Eph receptor gene to autism spectrum disorder. Neuron 2022; 110:1156-1172.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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7
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MCP-1 Signaling Disrupts Social Behavior by Modulating Brain Volumetric Changes and Microglia Morphology. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 59:932-949. [PMID: 34797523 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02649-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disease characterized by reduced social interaction and stereotypic behaviors and related to macroscopic volumetric changes in cerebellar and somatosensory cortices (SPP). Epidemiological and preclinical models have confirmed that a proinflammatory profile during fetal development increases ASD susceptibility after birth. Here, we aimed to globally identify the effect of maternal exposure to high-energy dense diets, which we refer to as cafeteria diet (CAF) on peripheral and central proinflammatory profiles, microglia reactivity, and volumetric brain changes related to assisting defective social interaction in the mice offspring. We found a sex-dependent effect of maternal exposure to CAF diet or inoculation of the dsARN mimetic Poly (I:C) on peripheral proinflammatory and social interaction in the offspring. Notably, maternal exposure to CAF diet impairs social interaction and favors an increase in anxiety in male but not female offspring. Also, CAF diet exposure or Poly (I:C) inoculation during fetal programming promote peripheral proinflammatory profile in the ASD-diagnosed male but not in females. Selectively, we found a robust accumulation of the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in plasma of ASD-diagnosed males exposed to CAF during fetal development. Biological assessment of MCP-1 signaling in brain confirms that systemic injection of MCP-1-neutralizing antibody reestablished social interaction and blocked anxiety, accompanied by a reduction in cerebellar lobule X (CbX) volume and an increase volume of the primary somatosensory (SSP) cortex in male offspring. These data highlight the contribution of diet-dependent MCP-1 signaling on volumetric brain changes and microglia morphology promoting ASD-like behavior in male mice.
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8
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Bicker F, Nardi L, Maier J, Vasic V, Schmeisser MJ. Criss-crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:452-478. [PMID: 34478569 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post-natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bicker
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jannik Maier
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Stinson JPC, Brett CA, Carroll JB, Gabriele ML. Registry of Compartmental Ephrin-B3 Guidance Patterns With Respect to Emerging Multimodal Midbrain Maps. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:649478. [PMID: 33815071 PMCID: PMC8010652 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.649478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Guidance errors and unrefined neural map configurations appear linked to certain neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorders. Deficits in specific multisensory tasks that require midbrain processing are highly predictive of cognitive and behavioral phenotypes associated with such syndromes. The lateral cortex of the inferior colliculus (LCIC) is a shell region of the mesencephalon that integrates converging information from multiple levels and modalities. Mature LCIC sensory maps are discretely-organized, mimicking its compartmental micro-organization. Intermittent modular domains receive patchy somatosensory connections, while inputs of auditory origin terminate in the encompassing extramodular matrix.Eph-ephrin signaling mechanisms instruct comparable topographic arrangements in a variety of other systems. Whether Eph-ephrin interactions also govern the assembly of LCIC multimodal maps remains unaddressed. Previously, we identified EphA4 and ephrin-B2 as key mediators, with overlapping expression patterns that align with emerging LCIC modules. Here, we implicate another member of this guidance family, ephrin-B3, and quantify its transient expression with respect to neurochemically-defined LCIC compartments. Multiple-labeling studies in GAD67-GFP knock-in mice reveal extramodular ephrin-B3 expression, complementary to that of EphA4 and ephrin-B2. This distinctive pattern sharpens over the early postnatal period (birth to P8), prior to ephrin-B3 downregulation once multimodal LCIC inputs are largely segregated (P12). Channel-specific sampling of LCIC ROIs show ephrin-B3 signal periodicities that are out-of-phase with glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD;modular marker) signal fluctuations, and match calretinin (CR) waveforms (matrix marker). Taken together, the guidance mosaic registry with emerging LCIC compartments and its interfacing afferent streams suggest a prominent role for Eph-ephrins in ordering behaviorally significant multisensory midbrain networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah P C Stinson
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Cooper A Brett
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Julianne B Carroll
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
| | - Mark L Gabriele
- Department of Biology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, United States
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10
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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11
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García-Domínguez I, Suárez-Pereira I, Santiago M, Pérez-Villegas EM, Bravo L, López-Martín C, Roca-Ceballos MA, García-Revilla J, Espinosa-Oliva AM, Rodríguez-Gómez JA, Joseph B, Berrocoso E, Armengol JÁ, Venero JL, Ruiz R, de Pablos RM. Selective deletion of Caspase-3 gene in the dopaminergic system exhibits autistic-like behaviour. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110030. [PMID: 32634539 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Apoptotic caspases are thought to play critical roles in elimination of excessive and non-functional synapses and removal of extra cells during early developmental stages. Hence, an impairment of this process may thus constitute a basis for numerous neurological and psychiatric diseases. This view is especially relevant for dopamine due to its pleiotropic roles in motor control, motivation and reward processing. Here, we have analysed the effect of caspase-3 depletion on the development of catecholaminergic neurons and performed a wide array of neurochemical, ultrastructural and behavioural assays. To achieve this, we performed selective deletion of the Casp3 gene in tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing cells using Cre-loxP-mediated recombination. Histological evaluation of most relevant catecholaminergic nuclei revealed the ventral mesencephalon as the most affected region. Stereological analysis demonstrated an increase in the number of TH-positive neurons in both the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area along with enlarged volume of the ventral midbrain. Analysis of main innervating tissues revealed a rather contrasting profile. In striatum, basal extracellular levels and potassium-evoked DA release were significantly reduced in mice lacking Casp3, a clear indication of dopaminergic hypofunction in dopaminergic innervating tissues. This view was sustained by analysis of TH-labelled dopaminergic terminals by confocal and electron microscopy. Remarkably, at a behavioural level, Casp3-deficient mice exhibited impaired social interaction, restrictive interests and repetitive stereotypies, which are considered the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our study revitalizes the potential involvement of dopaminergic transmission in ASD and provides an excellent model to get further insights in ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene García-Domínguez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Irene Suárez-Pereira
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Avda. Ana de Viya 21, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Marti Santiago
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Eva M Pérez-Villegas
- Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Lidia Bravo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Avda. Ana de Viya 21, 11009 Cádiz, Spain
| | - Carolina López-Martín
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Avda. Ana de Viya 21, 11009 Cádiz, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - María Angustias Roca-Ceballos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan García-Revilla
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ana M Espinosa-Oliva
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José A Rodríguez-Gómez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Departament of Medical Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Bertrand Joseph
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Toxicology Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Esther Berrocoso
- Neuropsychopharmacology & Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, University of Cádiz, 11003 Cádiz, Spain; Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de Cádiz, INiBICA, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Avda. Ana de Viya 21, 11009 Cádiz, Spain; Neuropsychopharmacology and Psychobiology Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Cádiz, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain
| | - José Ángel Armengol
- Departamento de Fisiología, Anatomía y Biología Celular, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Sevilla, Spain
| | - José L Venero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.
| | - Rocío M de Pablos
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain; Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
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12
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Harpak A, Garud N, Rosenberg NA, Petrov DA, Combs M, Pennings PS, Munshi-South J. Genetic Adaptation in New York City Rats. Genome Biol Evol 2020; 13:5991490. [PMID: 33211096 PMCID: PMC7851592 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evaa247] [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] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) thrive in urban environments by navigating the anthropocentric environment and taking advantage of human resources and by-products. From the human perspective, rats are a chronic problem that causes billions of dollars in damage to agriculture, health, and infrastructure. Did genetic adaptation play a role in the spread of rats in cities? To approach this question, we collected whole-genome sequences from 29 brown rats from New York City (NYC) and scanned for genetic signatures of adaptation. We tested for 1) high-frequency, extended haplotypes that could indicate selective sweeps and 2) loci of extreme genetic differentiation between the NYC sample and a sample from the presumed ancestral range of brown rats in northeast China. We found candidate selective sweeps near or inside genes associated with metabolism, diet, the nervous system, and locomotory behavior. Patterns of differentiation between NYC and Chinese rats at putative sweep loci suggest that many sweeps began after the split from the ancestral population. Together, our results suggest several hypotheses on adaptation in rats living in proximity to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arbel Harpak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
| | - Nandita Garud
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Matthew Combs
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fordham University.,Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University
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13
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Odent P, Creemers JW, Bosmans G, D'Hooge R. Spectrum of social alterations in the Neurobeachin haploinsufficiency mouse model of autism. Brain Res Bull 2020; 167:11-21. [PMID: 33197534 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by sexually divergent social deficits. Its etiology is multifactorial with an important contribution of genetic factors. Neurobeachin (Nbea), a brain-enriched multidomain scaffolding protein, is an ASD candidate gene that was found to be translocated or deleted in ASD patients. Nbea haploinsufficient (+/-) mice have been proposed as an ASD mouse model, but its broad-spectrum social phenotype, sexual divergence and age-related robustness remain unstudied. This study compared one-year-old male and female Nbea+/- mice and their control littermates in an extensive behavioral battery that focused on social behaviors and communication. Nbea haploinsufficiency was associated with selective, sex-dependent, quantitative and qualitative changes, including alterations in social interest and approach, ultrasonic vocalization (USV) between same-sex adult conspecifics, and preferred types of social interaction. Notably, Nbea+/- females (but not males) displayed a significantly higher number of calls, and the mean principal frequency of their calls was higher than those of normal female littermates. Our results demonstrate that Nbea haploinsufficiency alters various aspects of social performance that are also altered in clinical ASD. The phenotype was often different between male and female mice, even though this sexual divergence was sometimes counterintuitive to observations in people with ASD, and probably influenced by differences in social interaction between male and female mice. By and large, however, this study demonstrates the clinical validity and robustness of the ASD-like phenotype of Nbea+/- mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulien Odent
- Research Groups of Biological Psychology, Tiensestraat 102, Leuven, Belgium(1)
| | - John W Creemers
- Research Groups of Biochemical Neuroendocrinology, Herestraat 49, Leuven, Belgium(1)
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Research Groups of Clinical Psychology, Tiensestraat 102, Leuven, Belgium(1)
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Research Groups of Biological Psychology, Tiensestraat 102, Leuven, Belgium(1).
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14
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Moretti J, Poh EZ, Bolland SJ, Harvey AR, Albrecht MA, Rodger J. Concurrent LI-rTMS induces changes in c-Fos expression but not behavior during a progressive ratio task with adult ephrin-A2A5 -/- mice. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113011. [PMID: 33181182 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 10/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Changes within the dopaminergic system induced by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) may contribute to its therapeutic effects; however, dopamine-related behavioral effects of rTMS have not been widely investigated. We recently showed that ephrin-A2A5-/- mice completed significantly fewer trials in a visual task than wildtype mice, and that concurrent low-intensity (LI-) rTMS during the task could partially rescue the abnormal behavior [Poh et al. 2018, eNeuro, vol. 5]. Here, we investigated whether the behavioral differences in ephrin-A2A5-/- mice are due to abnormal motivation, primarily a dopamine-modulated behavior, and whether LI-rTMS would increase motivation. Ephrin-A2A5-/- and wildtype mice underwent 14 daily sessions of progressive ratio (PR) tasks and received either sham or LI-rTMS during the first 10 min. Ephrin-A2A5-/- mice responded more than wildtype comparisons, and LI-rTMS did not influence task performance for either strain. Therefore concurrent stimulation does not influence motivation in a PR task. However, ephrin-A2A5-/- mice did have abnormal performance in the PR tasks after a change in the PR schedule which suggests perseverative behavior. We stained for c-Fos in the prelimbic area (PrL), ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens (NAc) core and shell to examine neuronal activity from the final PR session. Sham ephrin-A2A5-/- mice had lower c-Fos expression in the PrL and NAc vs. wildtype mice. Ephrin-A2A5-/- mice that received LI-rTMS showed c-Fos expression closer to wildtype levels in the NAc. Combined with high PR performance, ephrin-A2A5-/- mice show an abnormal shift to habitual responding and LI-rTMS may attenuate this shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Moretti
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Eugenia Z Poh
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samuel J Bolland
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Jennifer Rodger
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia; Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia.
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15
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Kikuchi S, Takahashi Y, Ojiro R, Takashima K, Okano H, Tang Q, Woo GH, Yoshida T, Shibutani M. Identification of gene targets of developmental neurotoxicity focusing on DNA hypermethylation involved in irreversible disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis in rats. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 41:1021-1037. [PMID: 33150595 PMCID: PMC8247304 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
We have previously found that maternal exposure to 6‐propyl‐2‐thiouracil (PTU), valproic acid (VPA), or glycidol (GLY) has a sustained or late effect on hippocampal neurogenesis at the adult stage in rat offspring. Herein, we searched for genes with hypermethylated promoter region and downregulated transcript level to reveal irreversible markers of developmental neurotoxicity. The hippocampal dentate gyrus of male rat offspring exposed maternally to PTU, VPA, or GLY was subjected to Methyl‐Seq and RNA‐Seq analyses on postnatal day (PND) 21. Among the genes identified, 170 were selected for further validation analysis of gene expression on PND 21 and PND 77 by real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR. PTU and GLY downregulated many genes on PND 21, reflecting diverse effects on neurogenesis. Furthermore, genes showing sustained downregulation were found after PTU or VPA exposure, reflecting a sustained or late effect on neurogenesis by these compounds. In contrast, such genes were not observed with GLY, probably because of the reversible nature of the effects. Among the genes showing sustained downregulation, Creb, Arc, and Hes5 were concurrently downregulated by PTU, suggesting an association with neuronal mismigration, suppressed synaptic plasticity, and reduction in neural stem and progenitor cells. Epha7 and Pvalb were also concurrently downregulated by PTU, suggesting an association with the reduction in late‐stage progenitor cells. VPA induced sustained downregulation of Vgf and Dpysl4, which may be related to the aberrations in synaptic plasticity. The genes showing sustained downregulation may be irreversible markers of developmental neurotoxicity. Hippocampal dentate gyrus of rat offspring exposed maternally to PTU, VPA, or GLY was subjected to global methylation analysis on PND 21. Genes downregulated on PND 77 were examined. PTU concurrently downregulated Creb, Arc, and Hes5, suggesting an association with the diverse effects on neurogenesis. PTU also concurrently downregulated Epha7 and Pvalb, suggesting an association with progenitor cell reduction. VPA downregulated Vgf and Dpysl4, suggesting an association with the aberrant synaptic plasticity. In contrast, GLY did not induce sustained downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Kikuchi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Takahashi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryota Ojiro
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazumi Takashima
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromu Okano
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qian Tang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Gye-Hyeong Woo
- Laboratory of Histopathology, Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, Semyung University, Jecheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Toshinori Yoshida
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Shibutani
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Division of Animal Life Science, Institute of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Cooperative Division of Veterinary Sciences, Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute of Global Innovation Research, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Talebian A, Henkemeyer M. EphB2 receptor cell-autonomous forward signaling mediates auditory memory recall and learning-driven spinogenesis. Commun Biol 2019; 2:372. [PMID: 31633063 PMCID: PMC6789002 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0625-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
While ephrin-B ligands and EphB receptors are expressed to high levels in the learning centers of the brain, it remains largely unknown how their trans-synaptic interactions contribute to memory. We find that EphB2 forward signaling is needed for contextual and sound-evoked memory recall and that constitutive over-activation of the receptor's intracellular tyrosine kinase domain results in enhanced memory. Loss of EphB2 expression does not affect the number of neurons activated following encoding, although a reduction of neurons activated after the sound-cued retrieval test was detected in the auditory cortex and hippocampal CA1. Further, spine density and maturation was reduced in the auditory cortex of mutants especially in the neurons that were dual-activated during both encoding and retrieval. Our data demonstrates that trans-synaptic ephrin-B-EphB2 interactions and forward signaling facilitate neural activation and structural plasticity in learning-associated neurons involved in the generation of memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Talebian
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Mark Henkemeyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
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17
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Thompson SL, Welch AC, Ho EV, Bessa JM, Portugal-Nunes C, Morais M, Young JW, Knowles JA, Dulawa SC. Btbd3 expression regulates compulsive-like and exploratory behaviors in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:222. [PMID: 31501410 PMCID: PMC6733800 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0558-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BTB/POZ domain-containing 3 (BTBD3) was identified as a potential risk gene in the first genome-wide association study of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). BTBD3 is a putative transcription factor implicated in dendritic pruning in developing primary sensory cortices. We assessed whether BTBD3 also regulates neural circuit formation within limbic cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuits and behaviors related to OCD in mice. Behavioral phenotypes associated with OCD that are measurable in animals include compulsive-like behaviors and reduced exploration. We tested Btbd3 wild-type, heterozygous, and knockout mice for compulsive-like behaviors including cage-mate barbering, excessive wheel-running, repetitive locomotor patterns, and reduced goal-directed behavior in the probabilistic learning task (PLT), and for exploratory behavior in the open field, digging, and marble-burying tests. Btbd3 heterozygous and knockout mice showed excessive barbering, wheel-running, impaired goal-directed behavior in the PLT, and reduced exploration. Further, chronic treatment with fluoxetine, but not desipramine, reduced barbering in Btbd3 wild-type and heterozygous, but not knockout mice. In contrast, Btbd3 expression did not alter anxiety-like, depression-like, or sensorimotor behaviors. We also quantified dendritic morphology within anterior cingulate cortex, mediodorsal thalamus, and hippocampus, regions of high Btbd3 expression. Surprisingly, Btbd3 knockout mice only showed modest increases in spine density in the anterior cingulate, while dendritic morphology was unaltered elsewhere. Finally, we virally knocked down Btbd3 expression in whole, or just dorsal, hippocampus during neonatal development and assessed behavior during adulthood. Whole, but not dorsal, hippocampal Btbd3 knockdown recapitulated Btbd3 knockout phenotypes. Our findings reveal that hippocampal Btbd3 expression selectively modulates compulsive-like and exploratory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Summer L Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Amanda C Welch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Emily V Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - João M Bessa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Carlos Portugal-Nunes
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Mónica Morais
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - James A Knowles
- Department of Cell Biology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Stephanie C Dulawa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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18
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Dorninger F, Gundacker A, Zeitler G, Pollak DD, Berger J. Ether Lipid Deficiency in Mice Produces a Complex Behavioral Phenotype Mimicking Aspects of Human Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3929. [PMID: 31412538 PMCID: PMC6720005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20163929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ether lipids form a specialized subgroup of phospholipids that requires peroxisomes to be synthesized. We have previously detected that deficiency in these lipids leads to a severe disturbance of neurotransmitter homeostasis and release as well as behavioral abnormalities, such as hyperactivity, in a mouse model. Here, we focused on a more detailed examination of the behavioral phenotype of ether lipid-deficient mice (Gnpat KO) and describe a set of features related to human psychiatric disorders. Gnpat KO mice show strongly impaired social interaction as well as nestlet shredding and marble burying, indicating disturbed execution of inborn behavioral patterns. Also, compromised contextual and cued fear conditioning in these animals suggests a considerable memory deficit, thus potentially forming a connection to the previously determined ether lipid deficit in human patients with Alzheimer's disease. Nesting behavior and the preference for social novelty proved normal in ether lipid-deficient mice. In addition, we detected task-specific alterations in paradigms assessing depression- and anxiety-related behavior. The reported behavioral changes may be used as easy readout for the success of novel treatment strategies against ether lipid deficiency in ameliorating nervous system-associated symptoms. Furthermore, our findings underline that ether lipids are paramount for brain function and demonstrate their relevance for cognitive, social, and emotional behavior. We hereby substantially extend previous observations suggesting a link between deficiency in ether lipids and human mental illnesses, particularly autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Dorninger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Anna Gundacker
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Zeitler
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Daniela D Pollak
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Schwarzspanierstraße 17, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Johannes Berger
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
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19
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Lauterborn JC, Schultz MN, Le AA, Amani M, Friedman AE, Leach PT, Gall CM, Lynch GS, Crawley JN. Spaced training improves learning in Ts65Dn and Ube3a mouse models of intellectual disabilities. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:166. [PMID: 31182707 PMCID: PMC6557858 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Benefits of distributed learning strategies have been extensively described in the human literature, but minimally investigated in intellectual disability syndromes. We tested the hypothesis that training trials spaced apart in time could improve learning in two distinct genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual impairments. As compared to training with massed trials, spaced training significantly improved learning in both the Ts65Dn trisomy mouse model of Down syndrome and the maternally inherited Ube3a mutant mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Spacing the training trials at 1 h intervals accelerated acquisition of three cognitive tasks by Ts65Dn mice: (1) object location memory, (2) novel object recognition, (3) water maze spatial learning. Further, (4) spaced training improved water maze spatial learning by Ube3a mice. In contrast, (5) cerebellar-mediated rotarod motor learning was not improved by spaced training. Corroborations in three assays, conducted in two model systems, replicated within and across two laboratories, confirm the strength of the findings. Our results indicate strong translational relevance of a behavioral intervention strategy for improving the standard of care in treating the learning difficulties that are characteristic and clinically intractable features of many neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M N Schultz
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - A A Le
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - M Amani
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - A E Friedman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - P T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
- Biogen Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - C M Gall
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - G S Lynch
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - J N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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20
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Dalla Vecchia E, Mortimer N, Palladino VS, Kittel-Schneider S, Lesch KP, Reif A, Schenck A, Norton WH. Cross-species models of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder: lessons from CNTNAP2, ADGRL3, and PARK2. Psychiatr Genet 2019; 29:1-17. [PMID: 30376466 PMCID: PMC7654943 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal and cellular models are essential tools for all areas of biological research including neuroscience. Model systems can also be used to investigate the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we provide a summary of animal and cellular models for three genes linked to ADHD and ASD in human patients - CNTNAP2, ADGRL3, and PARK2. We also highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model system. By bringing together behavioral and neurobiological data, we demonstrate how a cross-species approach can provide integrated insights into gene function and the pathogenesis of ADHD and ASD. The knowledge gained from transgenic models will be essential to discover and validate new treatment targets for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Dalla Vecchia
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Niall Mortimer
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Centre of Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Viola S. Palladino
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Sarah Kittel-Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Centre of Mental Health, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - William H.J. Norton
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Park SM, Plachez C, Huang S. Sex-Dependent Motor Deficit and Increased Anxiety-Like States in Mice Lacking Autism-Associated Gene Slit3. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:261. [PMID: 30483073 PMCID: PMC6243047 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered neuronal connectivity has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). SLIT/ROBO signaling plays an important role in developmental processes of neuronal connectivity, including axon guidance, neuronal migration, and axonal and dendritic branching. Genetic evidence supports that SLIT3, one of the genes encoding SLITs, is associated with ASD. Yet the causal link between SLIT3 mutation and autism symptoms has not been examined. Here we assessed ASD-associated behaviors in Slit3 knockout (KO) mice. Our data showed that Slit3-KO mice exhibited reduced marble burying behaviors but normal social behaviors. In addition, Slit3-KO mice displayed hypolocomotion in the open field test and impaired motor coordination in the rotarod test. Anxiety-like behaviors were mainly observed in female KO mice assessed by three types of behavioral tests, namely, the open field test, elevated plus maze test, and light/dark box test. No differences were observed between KO and wildtype mice in recognition memory in the novel object recognition test or depression-like behavior in the tail suspension test. Taken together, loss of Slit3 may result in disrupted neural circuits related to motor function and increased anxiety-like states, which are co-occurring symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Mi Park
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits & Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Céline Plachez
- Autism & Brain Development Laboratory, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shiyong Huang
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits & Behavior, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States
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MMP-1 overexpression selectively alters inhibition in D1 spiny projection neurons in the mouse nucleus accumbens core. Sci Rep 2018; 8:16230. [PMID: 30385861 PMCID: PMC6212422 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34551-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Protease activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and its ligand, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), are altered in several neurodegenerative diseases. PAR-1/MMP-1 signaling impacts neuronal activity in various brain regions, but their role in regulating synaptic physiology in the ventral striatum, which is implicated in motor function, is unknown. The ventral striatum contains two populations of GABAergic spiny projection neurons, D1 and D2 SPNs, which differ with respect to both synaptic inputs and projection targets. To evaluate the role of MMP-1/PAR-1 signaling in the regulation of ventral striatal synaptic function, we performed whole-cell recordings (WCR) from D1 and D2 SPNs in control mice, mice that overexpress MMP-1 (MMP-1OE), and MMP-1OE mice lacking PAR-1 (MMP-1OE/PAR-1KO). WCRs from MMP1-OE mice revealed an increase in spontaneous inhibitory post-synaptic current (sIPSC), miniature IPSC, and miniature excitatory PSC frequency in D1 SPNs but not D2 SPNs. This alteration may be partially PAR-1 dependent, as it was not present in MMP-1OE/PAR-1KO mice. Morphological reconstruction of D1 SPNs revealed increased dendritic complexity in the MMP-1OE, but not MMP-1OE/PAR-1KO mice. Moreover, MMP-1OE mice exhibited blunted locomotor responses to amphetamine, a phenotype also observed in MMP-1OE/PAR-1KO mice. Our data suggest PAR-1 dependent and independent MMP-1 signaling may lead to alterations in striatal neuronal function.
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Talebian A, Britton R, Henkemeyer M. Abnormalities in cortical interneuron subtypes in ephrin-B mutant mice. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 48:1803-1817. [PMID: 29904965 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
To explore roles for ephrin-B/EphB signaling in cortical interneurons, we previously generated ephrin-B (Efnb1/b2/b3) conditional triple mutant (TMlz ) mice using a Dlx1/2.Cre inhibitory neuron driver and green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporters for the two main inhibitory interneuron groups distinguished by expression of either glutamic acid decarboxylase 1 (GAD1; GAD67-GFP) or 2 (GAD2; GAD65-GFP). This work showed a general involvement of ephrin-B in migration and population of interneurons into the embryonic neocortex. We now determined whether specific interneurons are selectively affected in the adult brains of TMlz .Cre mice by immunostaining with antibodies that identify the different subtypes. The results indicate that GAD67-GFP-expressing interneurons that also express parvalbumin (PV), calretinin (CR) and, to a lesser extent, somatostatin (SST) and Reelin (Rln) were significantly reduced in the cortex and hippocampal CA1 region in TMlz .Cre mutant mice. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) interneurons that also express GAD67-GFP were reduced in the hippocampal CA1 region, but much less so in the cortex, although these cells exhibited abnormal cortical layering. In GAD65-GFP-expressing interneurons, CR subtypes were reduced in both cortex and hippocampal CA1 region, whereas Rln interneurons were reduced exclusively in hippocampus, and the numbers of NPY and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) subtypes appeared normal. PV and CR subtype interneurons in TMlz .Cre mice also exhibited reductions in their perisomatic area, suggesting abnormalities in dendritic/axonal complexity. Altogether, our data indicate that ephrin-B expression within forebrain interneurons is required in specific subtypes for their normal population, cortical layering and elaboration of cell processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Talebian
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Rachel Britton
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Mark Henkemeyer
- Department of Neuroscience and Kent Waldrep Center for Basic Research on Nerve Growth and Regeneration, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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MicroRNA Expression Profiling in the Prefrontal Cortex: Putative Mechanisms for the Cognitive Effects of Adolescent High Fat Feeding. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8344. [PMID: 29844565 PMCID: PMC5974184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26631-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), master regulator of higher-order cognitive functions, is the only brain region that matures until late adolescence. During this period, the mPFC is sensitive to stressful events or suboptimal nutrition. For instance, high-fat diet (HFD) feeding during adolescence markedly impairs prefrontal-dependent cognition. It also provokes multiple changes at the cellular and synaptic scales within the mPFC, suggesting that major transcriptional events are elicited by HFD during this maturational period. The nature of this transcriptional reprogramming remains unknown, but may include epigenetic processes, in particular microRNAs, known to directly regulate synaptic functions. We used high–throughput screening in the adolescent mouse mPFC and identified 38 microRNAs differentially regulated by HFD, in particular mir-30e-5p. We used a luciferase assay to confirm the functional effect of mir-30e-5p on a chosen target: Ephrin-A3. Using global pathway analyses of predicted microRNA targets, we identified biological pathways putatively affected by HFD. Axon guidance was the top-1 pathway, validated by identifying gene expression changes of axon guidance molecules following HFD. Our findings delineate major microRNA transcriptional reprogramming within the mPFC induced by adolescent HFD. These results will help understanding the contribution of microRNAs in the emergence of cognitive deficits following early-life environmental events.
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Bey AL, Wang X, Yan H, Kim N, Passman RL, Yang Y, Cao X, Towers AJ, Hulbert SW, Duffney LJ, Gaidis E, Rodriguiz RM, Wetsel WC, Yin HH, Jiang YH. Brain region-specific disruption of Shank3 in mice reveals a dissociation for cortical and striatal circuits in autism-related behaviors. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:94. [PMID: 29700290 PMCID: PMC5919902 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported a new line of Shank3 mutant mice which led to a complete loss of Shank3 by deleting exons 4-22 (Δe4-22) globally. Δe4-22 mice display robust ASD-like behaviors including impaired social interaction and communication, increased stereotypical behavior and excessive grooming, and a profound deficit in instrumental learning. However, the anatomical and neural circuitry underlying these behaviors are unknown. We generated mice with Shank3 selectively deleted in forebrain, striatum, and striatal D1 and D2 cells. These mice were used to interrogate the circuit/brain-region and cell-type specific role of Shank3 in the expression of autism-related behaviors. Whole-cell patch recording and biochemical analyses were used to study the synaptic function and molecular changes in specific brain regions. We found perseverative exploratory behaviors in mice with deletion of Shank3 in striatal inhibitory neurons. Conversely, self-grooming induced lesions were observed in mice with deletion of Shank3 in excitatory neurons of forebrain. However, social, communicative, and instrumental learning behaviors were largely unaffected in these mice, unlike what is seen in global Δe4-22 mice. We discovered unique patterns of change for the biochemical and electrophysiological findings in respective brain regions that reflect the complex nature of transcriptional regulation of Shank3. Reductions in Homer1b/c and membrane hyper-excitability were observed in striatal loss of Shank3. By comparison, Shank3 deletion in hippocampal neurons resulted in increased NMDAR-currents and GluN2B-containing NMDARs. These results together suggest that Shank3 may differentially regulate neural circuits that control behavior. Our study supports a dissociation of Shank3 functions in cortical and striatal neurons in ASD-related behaviors, and it illustrates the complexity of neural circuit mechanisms underlying these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Bey
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDepartments of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Haidun Yan
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Namsoo Kim
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPsychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Rebecca L. Passman
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dBiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Yilin Yang
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Xinyu Cao
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Aaron J. Towers
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dGenomics and Genetics Graduate Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Samuel W. Hulbert
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDepartments of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Lara J. Duffney
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Erin Gaidis
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPsychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Ramona M. Rodriguiz
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - William C. Wetsel
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDepartments of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dCell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDuke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Henry H. Yin
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDepartments of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPsychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDuke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
| | - Yong-hui Jiang
- 0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDepartments of Neurobiology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dPediatrics, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dGenomics and Genetics Graduate Program, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA ,0000 0004 1936 7961grid.26009.3dDuke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710 USA
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Prenatal and early-life diesel exhaust exposure causes autism-like behavioral changes in mice. Part Fibre Toxicol 2018; 15:18. [PMID: 29678176 PMCID: PMC5910592 DOI: 10.1186/s12989-018-0254-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Escalating prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in recent decades has triggered increasing efforts in understanding roles played by environmental risk factors as a way to address this widespread public health concern. Several epidemiological studies show associations between developmental exposure to traffic-related air pollution and increased ASD risk. In rodent models, a limited number of studies have shown that developmental exposure to ambient ultrafine particulates or diesel exhaust (DE) can result in behavioral phenotypes consistent with mild ASD. We performed a series of experiments to determine whether developmental DE exposure induces ASD-related behaviors in mice. Results C57Bl/6J mice were exposed from embryonic day 0 to postnatal day 21 to 250–300 μg/m3 DE or filtered air (FA) as control. Mice exposed developmentally to DE exhibited deficits in all three of the hallmark categories of ASD behavior: reduced social interaction in the reciprocal interaction and social preference tests, increased repetitive behavior in the T-maze and marble-burying test, and reduced or altered communication as assessed by measuring isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations and responses to social odors. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that exposure to traffic-related air pollution, in particular that associated with diesel-fuel combustion, can cause ASD-related behavioral changes in mice, and raise concern about air pollution as a contributor to the onset of ASD in humans. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12989-018-0254-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Pelkey KA, Chittajallu R, Craig MT, Tricoire L, Wester JC, McBain CJ. Hippocampal GABAergic Inhibitory Interneurons. Physiol Rev 2017; 97:1619-1747. [PMID: 28954853 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00007.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 495] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the hippocampus GABAergic local circuit inhibitory interneurons represent only ~10-15% of the total neuronal population; however, their remarkable anatomical and physiological diversity allows them to regulate virtually all aspects of cellular and circuit function. Here we provide an overview of the current state of the field of interneuron research, focusing largely on the hippocampus. We discuss recent advances related to the various cell types, including their development and maturation, expression of subtype-specific voltage- and ligand-gated channels, and their roles in network oscillations. We also discuss recent technological advances and approaches that have permitted high-resolution, subtype-specific examination of their roles in numerous neural circuit disorders and the emerging therapeutic strategies to ameliorate such pathophysiological conditions. The ultimate goal of this review is not only to provide a touchstone for the current state of the field, but to help pave the way for future research by highlighting where gaps in our knowledge exist and how a complete appreciation of their roles will aid in future therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A Pelkey
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Ramesh Chittajallu
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Michael T Craig
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Tricoire
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Jason C Wester
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
| | - Chris J McBain
- Porter Neuroscience Center, Eunice Kennedy-Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom; and Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University of Paris, INSERM, CNRS, Neurosciences Paris Seine-Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Paris, France
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Ephrin-A2 regulates excitatory neuron differentiation and interneuron migration in the developing neocortex. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11813. [PMID: 28924206 PMCID: PMC5603509 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12185-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the neocortex requires co-ordination between proliferation and differentiation, as well as the precise orchestration of neuronal migration. Eph/ephrin signaling is crucial in guiding neurons and their projections during embryonic development. In adult ephrin-A2 knockout mice we consistently observed focal patches of disorganized neocortical laminar architecture, ranging in severity from reduced neuronal density to a complete lack of neurons. Loss of ephrin-A2 in the pre-optic area of the diencephalon reduced the migration of neocortex-bound interneurons from this region. Furthermore, ephrin-A2 participates in the creation of excitatory neurons by inhibiting apical progenitor proliferation in the ventricular zone, with the disruption of ephrin-A2 signaling in these cells recapitulating the abnormal neocortex observed in the knockout. The disturbance to the architecture of the neocortex observed following deletion of ephrin-A2 signaling shares many similarities with defects found in the neocortex of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
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29
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Barrett CE, Hennessey TM, Gordon KM, Ryan SJ, McNair ML, Ressler KJ, Rainnie DG. Developmental disruption of amygdala transcriptome and socioemotional behavior in rats exposed to valproic acid prenatally. Mol Autism 2017; 8:42. [PMID: 28775827 PMCID: PMC5539636 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0160-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The amygdala controls socioemotional behavior and has consistently been implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Precocious amygdala development is commonly reported in ASD youth with the degree of overgrowth positively correlated to the severity of ASD symptoms. Prenatal exposure to VPA leads to an ASD phenotype in both humans and rats and has become a commonly used tool to model the complexity of ASD symptoms in the laboratory. Here, we examined abnormalities in gene expression in the amygdala and socioemotional behavior across development in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of ASD. Methods Rat dams received oral gavage of VPA (500 mg/kg) or saline daily between E11 and 13. Socioemotional behavior was tracked across development in both sexes. RNA sequencing and proteomics were performed on amygdala samples from male rats across development. Results Effects of VPA on time spent in social proximity and anxiety-like behavior were sex dependent, with social abnormalities presenting in males and heightened anxiety in females. Across time VPA stunted developmental and immune, but enhanced cellular death and disorder, pathways in the amygdala relative to saline controls. At postnatal day 10, gene pathways involved in nervous system and cellular development displayed predicted activations in prenatally exposed VPA amygdala samples. By juvenile age, however, transcriptomic and proteomic pathways displayed reductions in cellular growth and neural development. Alterations in immune pathways, calcium signaling, Rho GTPases, and protein kinase A signaling were also observed. Conclusions As behavioral, developmental, and genomic alterations are similar to those reported in ASD, these results lend support to prenatal exposure to VPA as a useful tool for understanding how developmental insults to molecular pathways in the amygdala give rise to ASD-related syndromes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0160-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Barrett
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Thomas M Hennessey
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Katelyn M Gordon
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Steve J Ryan
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Morgan L McNair
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Belmont, MA 02478 USA
| | - Donald G Rainnie
- Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Division of Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 30329 Atlanta, GA USA
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30
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Neural Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-Anchored Proteins in Synaptic Specification. Trends Cell Biol 2017; 27:931-945. [PMID: 28743494 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins are a specialized class of lipid-associated neuronal membrane proteins that perform diverse functions in the dynamic control of axon guidance, synaptic adhesion, cytoskeletal remodeling, and localized signal transduction, particularly at lipid raft domains. Recent studies have demonstrated that a subset of GPI-anchored proteins act as critical regulators of synapse development by modulating specific synaptic adhesion pathways via direct interactions with key synapse-organizing proteins. Additional studies have revealed that alteration of these regulatory mechanisms may underlie various brain disorders. In this review, we highlight the emerging role of GPI-anchored proteins as key synapse organizers that aid in shaping the properties of various types of synapses and circuits in mammals.
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Sinclair D, Oranje B, Razak KA, Siegel SJ, Schmid S. Sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome-From the clinic to animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:235-253. [PMID: 27235081 PMCID: PMC5465967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brains are constantly flooded with sensory information that needs to be filtered at the pre-attentional level and integrated into endogenous activity in order to allow for detection of salient information and an appropriate behavioral response. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are often over- or under-reactive to stimulation, leading to a wide range of behavioral symptoms. This altered sensitivity may be caused by disrupted sensory processing, signal integration and/or gating, and is often being neglected. Here, we review translational experimental approaches that are used to investigate sensory processing in humans with ASD and FXS, and in relevant rodent models. This includes electroencephalographic measurement of event related potentials, neural oscillations and mismatch negativity, as well as habituation and pre-pulse inhibition of startle. We outline robust evidence of disrupted sensory processing in individuals with ASD and FXS, and in respective animal models, focusing on the auditory sensory domain. Animal models provide an excellent opportunity to examine common mechanisms of sensory pathophysiology in order to develop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinclair
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - B Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP A 01.126 Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Ndr. Ringvej 29-67, Glostrup, 2600, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Sensory Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K A Razak
- Psychology Department, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - S J Siegel
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Schmid
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, MSB 470, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Chen J, Kaitsuka T, Fujino R, Araki K, Tomizawa K, Yamamoto T. Mutation of the key residue for extraribosomal function of ribosomal protein S19 cause increased grooming behaviors in mice. Neurosci Lett 2016; 629:221-226. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Netrin-G1 regulates fear-like and anxiety-like behaviors in dissociable neural circuits. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28750. [PMID: 27345935 PMCID: PMC4921862 DOI: 10.1038/srep28750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vertebrate mammals, distributed neural circuits in the brain are involved in emotion-related behavior. Netrin-G1 is a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored synaptic adhesion molecule whose deficiency results in impaired fear-like and anxiety-like behaviors under specific circumstances. To understand the cell type and circuit specificity of these responses, we generated netrin-G1 conditional knockout mice with loss of expression in cortical excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons, or thalamic neurons. Genetic deletion of netrin-G1 in cortical excitatory neurons resulted in altered anxiety-like behavior, but intact fear-like behavior, whereas loss of netrin-G1 in inhibitory neurons resulted in attenuated fear-like behavior, but intact anxiety-like behavior. These data indicate a remarkable double dissociation of fear-like and anxiety-like behaviors involving netrin-G1 in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, respectively. Our findings support a crucial role for netrin-G1 in dissociable neural circuits for the modulation of emotion-related behaviors, and provide genetic models for investigating the mechanisms underlying the dissociation. The results also suggest the involvement of glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol-anchored synaptic adhesion molecules in the development and pathogenesis of emotion-related behavior.
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Perinatal reduction of functional serotonin transporters results in developmental delay. Neuropharmacology 2016; 109:96-111. [PMID: 27208789 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
While there is strong evidence from rodent and human studies that a reduction in serotonin transporter (5-HTT) function in early-life can increase the risk for several neuropsychiatric disorders in adulthood, the effects of reduced 5-HTT function on behavior across developmental stages are underinvestigated. To elucidate how perinatal pharmacological and lifelong genetic inactivation of the 5-HTT affects behavior across development, we conducted a battery of behavioral tests in rats perinatally exposed to fluoxetine or vehicle and in 5-HTT(-/-) versus 5-HTT(+/+) rats. We measured motor-related behavior, olfactory function, grooming behavior, sensorimotor gating, object directed behavior and novel object recognition in the first three postnatal weeks and if possible the tests were repeated in adolescence and adulthood. We also measured developmental milestones such as eye opening, reflex development and body weight. We observed that both pharmacological and genetic inactivation of 5-HTT resulted in a developmental delay. Except for hypo-locomotion, most of the observed early-life effects were normalized later in life. In adolescence and adulthood we observed object directed behavior and decreased novel object recognition in the 5-HTT(-/-) rats, which might be related to the lifelong inactivation of 5-HTT. Together, these data provide an important contribution to the understanding of the effects of perinatal and lifelong 5-HTT inactivation on behavior across developmental stages.
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Abstract
Ephrins and Eph receptors enable contact-mediated interactions between cells at every stage of nervous system development. In spite of their broad binding affinities, Eph proteins facilitate specificity in neuronal migration and axon targeting. This review focuses on recent studies that demonstrate how these proteins interact with each other, and with other signaling pathways, to guide specificity in a diverse set of developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina S Cramer
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ilona J Miko
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Partridge JG, Forcelli PA, Luo R, Cashdan JM, Schulkin J, Valentino RJ, Vicini S. Stress increases GABAergic neurotransmission in CRF neurons of the central amygdala and bed nucleus stria terminalis. Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:239-250. [PMID: 27016019 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Corticotrophin Releasing Factor (CRF) is a critical stress-related neuropeptide in major output pathways of the amygdala, including the central nucleus (CeA), and in a key projection target of the CeA, the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BnST). While progress has been made in understanding the contributions and characteristics of CRF as a neuropeptide in rodent behavior, little attention has been committed to determine the properties and synaptic physiology of specific populations of CRF-expressing (CRF(+)) and non-expressing (CRF(-)) neurons in the CeA and BnST. Here, we fill this gap by electrophysiologically characterizing distinct neuronal subtypes in CeA and BnST. Crossing tdTomato or channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2-YFP) reporter mice to those expressing Cre-recombinase under the CRF promoter allowed us to identify and manipulate CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons in CeA and BnST, the two largest areas with fluorescently labeled neurons in these mice. We optogenetically activated CRF(+) neurons to elicit action potentials or synaptic responses in CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons. We found that GABA is the predominant co-transmitter in CRF(+) neurons within the CeA and BnST. CRF(+) neurons are highly interconnected with CRF(-) neurons and to a lesser extent with CRF(+) neurons. CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons differentially express tonic GABA currents. Chronic, unpredictable stress increase the amplitude of evoked IPSCs and connectivity between CRF(+) neurons, but not between CRF(+) and CRF(-) neurons in both regions. We propose that reciprocal inhibition of interconnected neurons controls CRF(+) output in these nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- John G Partridge
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
| | - Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Ruixi Luo
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jonah M Cashdan
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
| | - Jay Schulkin
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Rita J Valentino
- Abramson Pediatric Research Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Stefano Vicini
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA; Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007, USA
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Kim H, Lim CS, Kaang BK. Neuronal mechanisms and circuits underlying repetitive behaviors in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Funct 2016; 12:3. [PMID: 26790724 PMCID: PMC4719705 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-016-0087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by three central behavioral symptoms: impaired social interaction, impaired social communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. However, the symptoms are heterogeneous among patients and a number of ASD mouse models have been generated containing mutations that mimic the mutations found in human patients with ASD. Each mouse model was found to display a unique set of repetitive behaviors. In this review, we summarize the repetitive behaviors of the ASD mouse models and variations found in their neural mechanisms including molecular and electrophysiological features. We also propose potential neuronal mechanisms underlying these repetitive behaviors, focusing on the role of the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamic circuits and brain regions associated with both social and repetitive behaviors. Further understanding of molecular and circuitry mechanisms of the repetitive behaviors associated with ASD is necessary to aid the development of effective treatments for these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyopil Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, South Korea.
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Yang M, Silverman JL, Solomon M, Crawley JN. Translational Mouse Models of Autism: Advancing Toward Pharmacological Therapeutics. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 28:1-52. [PMID: 27305922 PMCID: PMC5116923 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_5003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal models provide preclinical tools to investigate the causal role of genetic mutations and environmental factors in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knockout and humanized knock-in mice, and more recently knockout rats, have been generated for many of the de novo single gene mutations and copy number variants (CNVs) detected in ASD and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Mouse models incorporating genetic and environmental manipulations have been employed for preclinical testing of hypothesis-driven pharmacological targets, to begin to develop treatments for the diagnostic and associated symptoms of autism. In this review, we summarize rodent behavioral assays relevant to the core features of autism, preclinical and clinical evaluations of pharmacological interventions, and strategies to improve the translational value of rodent models of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Prescott T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Kalueff AV, Stewart AM, Song C, Berridge KC, Graybiel AM, Fentress JC. Neurobiology of rodent self-grooming and its value for translational neuroscience. Nat Rev Neurosci 2015; 17:45-59. [PMID: 26675822 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 476] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Self-grooming is a complex innate behaviour with an evolutionarily conserved sequencing pattern and is one of the most frequently performed behavioural activities in rodents. In this Review, we discuss the neurobiology of rodent self-grooming, and we highlight studies of rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders--including models of autism spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder--that have assessed self-grooming phenotypes. We suggest that rodent self-grooming may be a useful measure of repetitive behaviour in such models, and therefore of value to translational psychiatry. Assessment of rodent self-grooming may also be useful for understanding the neural circuits that are involved in complex sequential patterns of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan V Kalueff
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St Petersburg State University, St Petersburg 199034, Russia.,Institutes of Chemical Technologies and Natural Sciences, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Adam Michael Stewart
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, Louisiana 70458, USA
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, Key Laboratory of Aquatic Product Processing and Safety, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada.,Graduate Institute of Neural Cognitive Science, China Medical University, Taichung 000001, Taiwan
| | - Kent C Berridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, 525E University Str, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - John C Fentress
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 1355 Oxford St, Life Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada
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Forcelli PA, Turner JR, Lee BG, Olson TT, Xie T, Xiao Y, Blendy JA, Kellar KJ. Anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of the methadone metabolite 2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline (EMDP). Neuropharmacology 2015; 101:46-56. [PMID: 26365569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The enhancement of GABAergic and monoaminergic neurotransmission has been the mainstay of pharmacotherapy and the focus of drug-discovery for anxiety and depressive disorders for several decades. However, the significant limitations of drugs used for these disorders underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) may represent one such target. For example, mecamylamine, a non-competitive antagonist of nAChRs, displays positive effects in preclinical tests for anxiolytic and antidepressant activity in rodents. In addition, nicotine elicits similar effects in rodent models, possibly by receptor desensitization. Previous studies (Xiao et al., 2001) have identified two metabolites of methadone, EMDP (2-ethyl-5-methyl-3,3-diphenyl-1-pyrroline) and EDDP (2-ethylidene-1,5-dimethyl-3,3-diphenylpyrrolidine), which are considered to be inactive at opiate receptors, as relatively potent noncompetitive channel blockers of rat α3β4 nAChRs. Here, we show that these compounds are likewise highly effective blockers of human α3β4 and α4β2 nAChRs. Moreover, we show that they display relatively low affinity for opiate binding sites labeled by [(3)H]-naloxone. We then evaluated these compounds in rats and mice in preclinical behavioral models predictive of potential anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy. We found that EMDP, but not EDDP, displayed robust effects predictive of anxiolytic and antidepressant efficacy without significant effects on locomotor activity. Moreover, EMDP at behaviorally active doses, unlike mecamylamine, did not produce eyelid ptosis, suggesting it may produce fewer autonomic side effects than mecamylamine. Thus, the methadone metabolite EMDP may represent a novel therapeutic avenue for the treatment of some affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick A Forcelli
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Bridgin G Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Thao T Olson
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Teresa Xie
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Yingxian Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Julie A Blendy
- Department of Pharmacology, Perelman School of Medicine University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kenneth J Kellar
- Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
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41
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Bhatia S, Hirsch K, Baig NA, Rodriguez O, Timofeeva O, Kavanagh K, Lee YC, Wang XJ, Albanese C, Karam SD. Effects of altered ephrin-A5 and EphA4/EphA7 expression on tumor growth in a medulloblastoma mouse model. J Hematol Oncol 2015; 8:105. [PMID: 26345456 PMCID: PMC4561476 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-015-0202-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Members of the Eph/ephrin gene families act as key regulators of cerebellar development during embryogenesis. Aberrant signaling of Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands has also been implicated in human cancers. Medulloblastoma is an aggressive primitive neuroectodermal tumor that originates from granule neuron precursors in the cerebellum. Previous studies have suggested a role for the ephrin-A5 ligand and its receptors, EphA4 and EphA7, in granule cell-precursor formation and in guiding cell migration. In the present study, we investigated the effects of genetic loss of ephrin-A5, EphA4, and EphA7 on the spatiotemporal development of medulloblastoma tumors in the context of the smoothened transgenic mouse model system. Findings Radiographic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to monitor tumor growth in a genetically engineered mouse model of medulloblastoma. Tumor tissue was harvested to determine changes in the expression of phosphorylated Akt by Western blotting. This helped to establish a correlation between genotype and/or tumor size and survival. Our in vivo data establish that in ND2-SmoA1 transgenic mice, the homozygous deletion of ephrin-A5 resulted in a consistent pattern of tumor growth inhibition compared to their ephrin-A5 wild-type littermate controls, while the loss of EphA4/EphA7 failed to produce consistent effects versus EphA4/EphA7 wild-type mice. A positive correlation was evident between tumor size, p-Akt, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression in our transgenic mouse model system, regardless of genotype. Conclusions Taken together, our findings underscore the importance of targeting specific members of the Eph/ephrin families in conjunction with the Akt pathway in order to inhibit medulloblastoma tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Bhatia
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Kellen Hirsch
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Nimrah A Baig
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Olga Rodriguez
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Olga Timofeeva
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Kevin Kavanagh
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Yi Chien Lee
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - Christopher Albanese
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
| | - Sana D Karam
- Present address: Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado Denver, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20057, USA.
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Pasciuto E, Borrie SC, Kanellopoulos AK, Santos AR, Cappuyns E, D'Andrea L, Pacini L, Bagni C. Autism Spectrum Disorders: Translating human deficits into mouse behavior. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015. [PMID: 26220900 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, with rising incidence but little effective therapeutic intervention available. Currently two main clinical features are described to diagnose ASDs: impaired social interaction and communication, and repetitive behaviors. Much work has focused on understanding underlying causes of ASD by generating animal models of the disease, in the hope of discovering signaling pathways and cellular targets for drug intervention. Here we review how ASD behavioral phenotypes can be modeled in the mouse, the most common animal model currently in use in this field, and discuss examples of genetic mouse models of ASD with behavioral features that recapitulate various symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Pasciuto
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S C Borrie
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A K Kanellopoulos
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - A R Santos
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - E Cappuyns
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium
| | - L D'Andrea
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - L Pacini
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Rome, Italy
| | - C Bagni
- KU Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Research Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), Leuven, Belgium; VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium; University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
In order to understand the consequences of the mutation on behavioral and biological phenotypes relevant to autism, mutations in many of the risk genes for autism spectrum disorder have been experimentally generated in mice. Here, we summarize behavioral outcomes and neuroanatomical abnormalities, with a focus on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging of postmortem mouse brains. Results are described from multiple mouse models of autism spectrum disorder and comorbid syndromes, including the 15q11-13, 16p11.2, 22q11.2, Cntnap2, Engrailed2, Fragile X, Integrinβ3, MET, Neurexin1a, Neuroligin3, Reelin, Rett, Shank3, Slc6a4, tuberous sclerosis, and Williams syndrome models, and inbred strains with strong autism-relevant behavioral phenotypes, including BTBR and BALB. Concomitant behavioral and neuroanatomical abnormalities can strengthen the interpretation of results from a mouse model, and may elevate the usefulness of the model system for therapeutic discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Ellegood
- />Mouse Imaging Centre (MICe), Hospital for Sick Children, 25 Orde Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3H7 Canada
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- />MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817 USA
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