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Sukumar SK, Antonydhason V, Molander L, Sandakly J, Kleit M, Umapathy G, Mendoza-Garcia P, Masudi T, Schlosser A, Nässel DR, Wegener C, Shirinian M, Palmer RH. The Alk receptor tyrosine kinase regulates Sparkly, a novel activity regulating neuropeptide precursor in the Drosophila central nervous system. eLife 2024; 12:RP88985. [PMID: 38904987 PMCID: PMC11196111 DOI: 10.7554/elife.88985] [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] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous roles for the Alk receptor tyrosine kinase have been described in Drosophila, including functions in the central nervous system (CNS), however the molecular details are poorly understood. To gain mechanistic insight, we employed Targeted DamID (TaDa) transcriptional profiling to identify targets of Alk signaling in the larval CNS. TaDa was employed in larval CNS tissues, while genetically manipulating Alk signaling output. The resulting TaDa data were analyzed together with larval CNS scRNA-seq datasets performed under similar conditions, identifying a role for Alk in the transcriptional regulation of neuroendocrine gene expression. Further integration with bulk and scRNA-seq datasets from larval brains in which Alk signaling was manipulated identified a previously uncharacterized Drosophila neuropeptide precursor encoded by CG4577 as an Alk signaling transcriptional target. CG4577, which we named Sparkly (Spar), is expressed in a subset of Alk-positive neuroendocrine cells in the developing larval CNS, including circadian clock neurons. In agreement with our TaDa analysis, overexpression of the Drosophila Alk ligand Jeb resulted in increased levels of Spar protein in the larval CNS. We show that Spar protein is expressed in circadian (clock) neurons, and flies lacking Spar exhibit defects in sleep and circadian activity control. In summary, we report a novel activity regulating neuropeptide precursor gene that is regulated by Alk signaling in the Drosophila CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar Sukumar
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Vimala Antonydhason
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Linnea Molander
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Jawdat Sandakly
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Malak Kleit
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Ganesh Umapathy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Patricia Mendoza-Garcia
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Tafheem Masudi
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Rudolf-Virchow-Center, Center for Integrative and Translational BioimagingWürzburgGermany
| | - Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Christian Wegener
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Biocenter, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Neurobiology and GeneticsWürzburgGermany
| | - Margret Shirinian
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of BeirutBeirutLebanon
| | - Ruth H Palmer
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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2
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Atsoniou K, Giannopoulou E, Georganta EM, Skoulakis EMC. Drosophila Contributions towards Understanding Neurofibromatosis 1. Cells 2024; 13:721. [PMID: 38667335 PMCID: PMC11048932 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080721] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisymptomatic disorder with highly variable presentations, which include short stature, susceptibility to formation of the characteristic benign tumors known as neurofibromas, intense freckling and skin discoloration, and cognitive deficits, which characterize most children with the condition. Attention deficits and Autism Spectrum manifestations augment the compromised learning presented by most patients, leading to behavioral problems and school failure, while fragmented sleep contributes to chronic fatigue and poor quality of life. Neurofibromin (Nf1) is present ubiquitously during human development and postnatally in most neuronal, oligodendrocyte, and Schwann cells. Evidence largely from animal models including Drosophila suggests that the symptomatic variability may reflect distinct cell-type-specific functions of the protein, which emerge upon its loss, or mutations affecting the different functional domains of the protein. This review summarizes the contributions of Drosophila in modeling multiple NF1 manifestations, addressing hypotheses regarding the cell-type-specific functions of the protein and exploring the molecular pathways affected upon loss of the highly conserved fly homolog dNf1. Collectively, work in this model not only has efficiently and expediently modelled multiple aspects of the condition and increased understanding of its behavioral manifestations, but also has led to pharmaceutical strategies towards their amelioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Atsoniou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Efthimios M. C. Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
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3
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Hernandez DP, Cruz DM, Martinez CS, Garcia LM, Figueroa A, Villarreal M, Manoj LM, Lopez S, López-Lorenzo KD, López-Juárez A. Gender-Specific Fine Motor Skill Learning Is Impaired by Myelin-Targeted Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Gene Mutation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:477. [PMID: 38339230 PMCID: PMC10854893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030477] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. The clinical presentation of NF1 includes diverse neurological issues in pediatric and adult patients, ranging from learning disabilities, motor skill issues, and attention deficit disorder, to increased risk of depression and dementia. Preclinical research suggests that abnormal neuronal signaling mediates spatial learning and attention issues in NF1; however, drugs that improve phenotypes in models show inconclusive results in clinical trials, highlighting the need for a better understanding of NF1 pathophysiology and broader therapeutic options. Most NF1 patients show abnormalities in their brain white matter (WM) and myelin, and links with NF1 neuropathophysiology have been suggested; however, no current data can clearly support or refute this idea. We reported that myelin-targeted Nf1 mutation impacts oligodendrocyte signaling, myelin ultrastructure, WM connectivity, and sensory-motor behaviors in mice; however, any impact on learning and memory remains unknown. Here, we adapted a voluntary running test-the complex wheel (CW; a wheel with unevenly spaced rungs)-to delineate fine motor skill learning curves following induction of an Nf1 mutation in pre-existing myelinating cells (pNf1 mice). We found that pNf1 mutant females experience delayed or impaired learning in the CW, while proper learning in pNf1 males is predominantly disrupted; these phenotypes add complexity to the gender-dependent learning differences in the mouse strain used. No broad differences in memory of acquired CW skills were detected in any gender, but gene-dose effects were observed at the studied time points. Finally, nitric oxide signaling regulation differentially impacted learning in wild type (WT)/pNf1, male/female mice. Our results provide evidence for fine motor skill learning issues upon induction of an Nf1 mutation in mature myelinating cells. Together with previous connectivity, cellular, and molecular analyses, these results diversify the potential treatments for neurological issues in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniella P. Hernandez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Daniela M. Cruz
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Celeste S. Martinez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Larisa M. Garcia
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Ashley Figueroa
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Marisol Villarreal
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Liya M. Manoj
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Saul Lopez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | | | - Alejandro López-Juárez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
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4
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de Blank P, Nishiyama A, López-Juárez A. A new era for myelin research in Neurofibromatosis type 1. Glia 2023; 71:2701-2719. [PMID: 37382486 PMCID: PMC10592420 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24432] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for myelin regulating higher-order brain function and disease is rapidly accumulating; however, defining cellular/molecular mechanisms remains challenging partially due to the dynamic brain physiology involving deep changes during development, aging, and in response to learning and disease. Furthermore, as the etiology of most neurological conditions remains obscure, most research models focus on mimicking symptoms, which limits understanding of their molecular onset and progression. Studying diseases caused by single gene mutations represents an opportunity to understand brain dys/function, including those regulated by myelin. Here, we discuss known and potential repercussions of abnormal central myelin on the neuropathophysiology of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Most patients with this monogenic disease present with neurological symptoms diverse in kind, severity, and onset/decline, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, motor coordination issues, and increased risk for depression and dementia. Coincidentally, most NF1 patients show diverse white matter/myelin abnormalities. Although myelin-behavior links were proposed decades ago, no solid data can prove or refute this idea yet. A recent upsurge in myelin biology understanding and research/therapeutic tools provides opportunities to address this debate. As precision medicine moves forward, an integrative understanding of all cell types disrupted in neurological conditions becomes a priority. Hence, this review aims to serve as a bridge between fundamental cellular/molecular myelin biology and clinical research in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter de Blank
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cure Starts Now Brain Tumor Center, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Akiko Nishiyama
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alejandro López-Juárez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
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5
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Weiss JB, Raber J. Inhibition of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (Alk) as Therapeutic Target to Improve Brain Function in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (Nf1). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4579. [PMID: 37760547 PMCID: PMC10526845 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184579] [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: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and tumor syndrome caused by loss of function mutations in the neurofibromin gene (Nf1) and is estimated to affect 100,000 people in the US. Behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits have been found in 50-70% of children with Nf1 and include specific problems with attention, visual perception, language, learning, attention, and executive function. These behavioral alterations and cognitive deficits are observed in the absence of tumors or macroscopic structural abnormalities in the central nervous system. No effective treatments for the behavioral and cognitive disabilities of Nf1 exist. Inhibition of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (Alk), a kinase which is negatively regulated by neurofibromin, allows for testing the hypothesis that this inhibition may be therapeutically beneficial in Nf1. In this review, we discuss this area of research and directions for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies to inhibit Alk. Even if the incidence of adverse reactions of currently available Alk inhibitors was reduced to half the dose, we anticipate that a long-term treatment would pose challenges for efficacy, safety, and tolerability. Therefore, future efforts are warranted to investigate alternative, potentially less toxic and more specific strategies to inhibit Alk function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph B. Weiss
- Cardiovascular Institute and Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI 02840, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Departments of Behavioral Neuroscience, Neurology, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
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6
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Kundu P, Holden S, Paraiso IL, Sudhakar R, McQuesten C, Choi J, Miranda CL, Maier CS, Bobe G, Stevens JF, Raber J. ApoE isoform-dependent effects of xanthohumol on high fat diet-induced cognitive impairments and hippocampal metabolic pathways. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:954980. [PMID: 36278228 PMCID: PMC9583926 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.954980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Consumption of a high fat diet (HFD) is linked to metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairments. This is exacerbated in age-related cognitive decline (ACD) and in individuals with a genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is involved in cholesterol metabolism. In humans, there are three major isoforms, E2, E3, and E4. Compared to E3, E4 increases ACD and AD risk and vulnerability to the deleterious cognitive effects of a HFD. The plant compound Xanthohumol (XN) had beneficial effects on cognition and metabolism in C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) male mice put on a HFD at 9 weeks of age for 13 weeks. As the effects of XN in the context of a HFD in older WT, E3, and E4 female and male mice are not known, in the current study male and female WT, E3, and E4 mice were fed a HFD alone or a HFD containing 0.07% XN for 10 or 19 weeks, starting at 6 months of age, prior to the beginning of behavioral and cognitive testing. XN showed sex- and ApoE isoform-dependent effects on cognitive performance. XN-treated E4 and WT, but not E3, mice had higher glucose transporter protein levels in the hippocampus and cortex than HFD-treated mice. E3 and E4 mice had higher glucose transporter protein levels in the hippocampus and lower glucose transporter protein levels in the cortex than WT mice. In the standard experiment, regardless of XN treatment, E4 mice had nearly double as high ceramide and sphingomyelin levels than E3 mice and male mice had higher level of glycosylated ceramide than female mice. When the differential effects of HFD in E3 and E4 males were assessed, the arginine and proline metabolism pathway was affected. In the extended exposure experiment, in E3 males XN treatment affected the arginine and proline metabolism and the glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Myristic acid levels were decreased in XN-treated E3 males but not E3 females. These data support the therapeutic potential for XN to ameliorate HFD-induced cognitive impairments and highlight the importance of considering sex and ApoE isoform in determining who might most benefit from this dietary supplement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payel Kundu
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sarah Holden
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Ines L. Paraiso
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Reetesh Sudhakar
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Chloe McQuesten
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Jaewoo Choi
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Cristobal L. Miranda
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Claudia S. Maier
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Gerd Bobe
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jan F. Stevens
- Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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7
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Miller AH, Halloran MC. Mechanistic insights from animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1 cognitive impairment. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276464. [PMID: 36037004 PMCID: PMC9459395 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene neurofibromin 1 (NF1). NF1 predisposes individuals to a variety of symptoms, including peripheral nerve tumors, brain tumors and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive deficits can negatively impact patient quality of life, especially the social and academic development of children. The neurofibromin protein influences neural circuits via diverse cellular signaling pathways, including through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Although animal models have been useful in identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate NF1-dependent behaviors, translating these discoveries into effective treatments has proven difficult. Clinical trials measuring cognitive outcomes in patients with NF1 have mainly targeted RAS signaling but, unfortunately, resulted in limited success. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of neurofibromin, and evaluate several cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive function, which have recently been delineated in animal models. A better understanding of neurofibromin roles in the development and function of the nervous system will be crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets for the various cognitive domains affected by NF1. Summary: Neurofibromin influences neural circuits through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Exploring the mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent behaviors in animal models might enable future treatment of the various cognitive deficits that are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Miller
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary C Halloran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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8
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Long-term effects of pharmacological inhibition of Anaplastic lymphoma kinase in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 423:113767. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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9
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Krenik D, Weiss JB, Raber J. Role of the parental NF1 carrier in effects of pharmacological inhibition of anaplastic lymphoma kinase in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Brain Res 2021; 1769:147594. [PMID: 34339711 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorder and tumor syndrome, is associated with cognitive impairments, including in executive function and sleep-related problems. Consistent with the human data, NF1 heterozygous (Het) mice show impaired spatial learning and memory in the water maze and extinction of contextual fear memory. It is not clear whether neurological phenotypes might depend on the parental carrier. In this study, we compared the behavioral and cognitive performance of NF1 Het and wild-type litter mates with either the father (PC) or the mother (MC) as the NF1 carrier on a F1 C57BL/66/129SvJ background. The behavioral and cognitive phenotypes and responsiveness to Alk inhibition in heterozygous NF1 offspring depended on whether the parental carrier was maternal or paternal. Alk inhibition (20 mg/kg) increased activity levels during the dark period in NF1 Het PC, but not MC, mice. In the water maze, NF1 Het PC, but not MC, mice showed reduced cognitive flexibility and impaired ability to locate the third hidden platform location, which was improved by Alk inhibition (3.6 mg/kg). Consistent with reduced cognitive flexibility, WT, but not NF1, mice showed better performance in the third than second water maze probe trial. Finally, Alk inhibition (10 mg/kg) increased baseline activity of NF1 MC, but not PC, mice during the fear conditioning test. Thus, the effective dose depends on the behavioral test and genotype but indicates that in NF1 patients cognitive flexibility might be particularly sensitive to Alk inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Destine Krenik
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Joseph B Weiss
- Cardiovascular Institute and Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University Providence, RI 02840, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Radiation Medicine, Division of Neuroscience ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, OR 97331, USA.
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10
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BioID-Screening Identifies PEAK1 and SHP2 as Components of the ALK Proximitome in Neuroblastoma Cells. J Mol Biol 2021; 433:167158. [PMID: 34273398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that is mutated in approximately 10% of pediatric neuroblastoma (NB). To shed light on ALK-driven signaling processes, we employed BioID-based in vivo proximity labeling to identify molecules that interact intracellularly with ALK. NB-derived SK-N-AS and SK-N-BE(2) cells expressing inducible ALK-BirA* fusion proteins were generated and stimulated with ALKAL ligands in the presence and absence of the ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) lorlatinib. LC/MS-MS analysis identified multiple proteins, including PEAK1 and SHP2, which were validated as ALK interactors in NB cells. Further analysis of the ALK-SHP2 interaction confirmed that the ALK-SHP2 interaction as well as SHP2-Y542 phosphorylation was dependent on ALK activation. Use of the SHP2 inhibitors, SHP099 and RMC-4550, resulted in inhibition of cell growth in ALK-driven NB cells. In addition, we noted a strong synergistic effect of combined ALK and SHP2 inhibition that was specific to ALK-driven NB cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic option for ALK-driven NB.
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11
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Georganta EM, Moressis A, Skoulakis EMC. Associative Learning Requires Neurofibromin to Modulate GABAergic Inputs to Drosophila Mushroom Bodies. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5274-5286. [PMID: 33972401 PMCID: PMC8211548 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1605-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is among the hallmark symptoms of Neurofibromatosis 1, and accordingly, loss of the Drosophila melanogaster ortholog of Neurofibromin 1 (dNf1) precipitates associative learning deficits. However, the affected circuitry in the adult CNS remained unclear and the compromised mechanisms debatable. Although the main evolutionarily conserved function attributed to Nf1 is to inactivate Ras, decreased cAMP signaling on its loss has been thought to underlie impaired learning. Using mixed sex populations, we determine that dNf1 loss results in excess GABAergic signaling to the central for associative learning mushroom body (MB) neurons, apparently suppressing learning. dNf1 is necessary and sufficient for learning within these non-MB neurons, as a dAlk and Ras1-dependent, but PKA-independent modulator of GABAergic neurotransmission. Surprisingly, we also uncovered and discuss a postsynaptic Ras1-dependent, but dNf1-independnet signaling within the MBs that apparently responds to presynaptic GABA levels and contributes to the learning deficit of the mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Anastasios Moressis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
| | - Efthimios M C Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center "Alexander Fleming" Vari, 16672, Greece
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12
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Assessment of nociception and related quality-of-life measures in a porcine model of neurofibromatosis type 1. Pain 2020; 160:2473-2486. [PMID: 31246731 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder resulting from germline mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes neurofibromin. Patients experience a variety of symptoms, but pain in the context of NF1 remains largely underrecognized. Here, we characterize nociceptive signaling and pain behaviors in a miniswine harboring a disruptive NF1 mutation (exon 42 deletion). We present the first characterization of pain-related behaviors in a pig model of NF1, identifying unchanged agitation scores, lower tactile thresholds (allodynia), and decreased response latencies to thermal laser stimulation (hyperalgesia) in NF1 (females only) pigs. Male NF1 pigs with tumors showed reduced sleep quality and increased resting, 2 health-related quality-of-life symptoms found to be comorbid in people with NF1 pain. We explore these phenotypes in relationship to suppression of the increased activity of the N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channel by pharmacological antagonism of phosphorylation of a regulatory protein-the collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), a known interactor of neurofibromin, and by targeting the interface between the α subunit of CaV2.2 and the accessory β-subunits with small molecules. Our data support the use of NF1 pigs as a large animal model for studying NF1-associated pain and for understanding the pathophysiology of NF1. Our findings demonstrate the translational potential of 2 small molecules in reversing ion channel remodeling seen in NF1. Interfering with CaV2.2, a clinically validated target for pain management, might also be a promising therapeutic strategy for NF1-related pain management.
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13
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Torres ERS, Weber Boutros S, Meshul CK, Raber J. ApoE isoform-specific differences in behavior and cognition associated with subchronic MPTP exposure. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 27:372-379. [PMID: 32817303 PMCID: PMC7433653 DOI: 10.1101/lm.052126.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized clinically by progressive motor dysfunction; overt parkinsonism is often preceded by prodromal symptoms including disturbances in the sleep–wake cycle. Up to 80% of patients with PD also develop dementia. In humans, there are three major apolipoprotein E isoforms: E2, E3, and E4. Increased rate of dementia in PD may be associated with E4 isoform. To better understand prodromal changes associated with E4, we exposed young (3–5 mo) male and female mice expressing E3 or E4 via targeted replacement to a subchronic dosage of the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). We hypothesized that E4 mice would be more susceptible to MPTP-related behavioral and cognitive changes. MPTP-treated E4 mice explored novel objects longer than genotype-matched saline-treated mice. In contrast, saline-treated E3 mice preferentially explored the novel object whereas MPTP-treated E3 mice did not and showed impaired object recognition. MPTP treatment altered swim speed of E4, but not E3, mice in the water maze compared to controls. Thus, E4 carriage may influence the preclinical symptoms associated with PD. Increased efforts are warranted to study early time points in this disease model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97239 Oregon, USA
| | - Sydney Weber Boutros
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97239 Oregon, USA
| | - Charles K Meshul
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97239 Oregon, USA.,Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, 97239 Oregon, USA
| | - Jacob Raber
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, 97239 Oregon, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Radiation Medicine and Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, USA
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14
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Bai L, Lee Y, Hsu CT, Williams JA, Cavanaugh D, Zheng X, Stein C, Haynes P, Wang H, Gutmann DH, Sehgal A. A Conserved Circadian Function for the Neurofibromatosis 1 Gene. Cell Rep 2019; 22:3416-3426. [PMID: 29590612 PMCID: PMC5898822 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the Neurofibromatosis 1 (Nf1) protein, neurofibromin, in Drosophila disrupts circadian rhythms of locomotor activity without impairing central clock function, suggesting effects downstream of the clock. However, the relevant cellular mechanisms are not known. Leveraging the discovery of output circuits for locomotor rhythms, we dissected cellular actions of neurofibromin in recently identified substrates. Herein, we show that neurofibromin affects the levels and cycling of calcium in multiple circadian peptidergic neurons. A prominent site of action is the pars intercerebralis (PI), the fly equivalent of the hypothalamus, with cell-autonomous effects of Nf1 in PI cells that secrete DH44. Nf1 interacts genetically with peptide signaling to affect circadian behavior. We extended these studies to mammals to demonstrate that mouse astrocytes exhibit a 24-hr rhythm of calcium levels, which is also attenuated by lack of neurofibromin. These findings establish a conserved role for neurofibromin in intracellular signaling rhythms within the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bai
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yool Lee
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Cynthia T Hsu
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie A Williams
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Cavanaugh
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Biology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiangzhong Zheng
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Bloomington Stock Center, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Carly Stein
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula Haynes
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Han Wang
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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15
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Anastasaki C, Rensing N, Johnson KJ, Wong M, Gutmann DH. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1)-mutant mice exhibit increased sleep fragmentation. J Sleep Res 2019; 28:e12816. [PMID: 30609083 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which affected children and adults are at a higher risk of sleep disorders. In an effort to identify potential sleep disturbances in a small animal model, we used a previously reported Nf1 conditional knockout (Nf1CKO ) mouse strain. In contrast to Nf1 mutant flies, the distribution of vigilance states was intact in Nf1CKO mice. However, Nf1CKO mice exhibited increased non-REM sleep (NREM)-to-wake and wake-to-NREM transitions. This sleep disruption was accompanied by decreased bout durations during awake and NREM sleep states under both light and dark conditions. Moreover, Nf1CKO mice have higher percentage delta power during awake and NREM sleep states under all light conditions. Taken together, Nf1CKO mice phenocopy some of the sleep disturbances observed in NF1 patients and provide a tractable platform to explore the molecular mechanisms governing sleep abnormalities in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rensing
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin J Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Maloney SE, Chandler KC, Anastasaki C, Rieger MA, Gutmann DH, Dougherty JD. Characterization of early communicative behavior in mouse models of neurofibromatosis type 1. Autism Res 2017; 11:44-58. [PMID: 28842941 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a monogenic neurodevelopmental disease caused by germline loss-of-function mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene. Cognitive impairments are observed in approximately 80% of children with this disease, with 45-60% exhibiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology. In light of the high comorbidity rate between ASD and NF1, we assessed early communicative behavior by maternal-separation induced pup ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) and developmental milestones in two distinct Nf1 genetically engineered models, one modeling clinical germline heterozygous loss of Nf1 function (Nf1+/- mice), and a second with somatic biallelic Nf1 inactivation in neuroglial progenitor cells (Nf1GFAP CKO mice). We observed altered USV production in both models: Nf1+/- mice exhibited both increased USVs across development and alterations in aspects of pitch, while Nf1GFAP CKO mice demonstrated a decrease in USVs. Developmental milestones, such as weight, pinnae detachment, and eye opening, were not disrupted in either model, indicating the USV deficits were not due to gross developmental delay, and likely reflected more specific alterations in USV circuitry. In this respect, increased whole-brain serotonin was observed in Nf1+/- mice, but whole-brain levels of dopamine and its metabolites were unchanged at the age of peak USV disruption, and USV alterations did not correlate with overall level of neurofibromin loss. The early communicative phenotypes reported herein should motivate further studies into the risks mediated by haploinsufficiency and biallelic deletion of Nf1 across a full battery of ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes, and a targeted analysis of underlying circuitry disruptions. Autism Res 2018, 11: 44-58. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common neurogenetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene, in which 80% of affected children exhibit cognitive and behavioral issues. Based on emerging evidence that NF1 may be an autism predisposition gene, we examined autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-relevant early communicative behavior in Nf1 mouse models and observed alterations in both models. The changes in early communicative behavior in Nf1 mutant mice should motivate further studies into the causative factors and potential treatments for ASD arising in the context of NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Maloney
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Krystal C Chandler
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri.,Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri
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17
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Pharmacological inhibition of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase rescues spatial memory impairments in Neurofibromatosis 1 mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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