1
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Mori D, Inami C, Ikeda R, Sawahata M, Urata S, Yamaguchi ST, Kobayashi Y, Fujita K, Arioka Y, Okumura H, Kushima I, Kodama A, Suzuki T, Hirao T, Yoshimi A, Sobue A, Ito T, Noda Y, Mizoguchi H, Nagai T, Kaibuchi K, Okabe S, Nishiguchi K, Kume K, Yamada K, Ozaki N. Mice with deficiency in Pcdh15, a gene associated with bipolar disorders, exhibit significantly elevated diurnal amplitudes of locomotion and body temperature. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:216. [PMID: 38806495 PMCID: PMC11133426 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02952-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors significantly affect the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. However, the specific pathogenic mechanisms underlying these effects are not fully understood. Recent extensive genomic studies have implicated the protocadherin-related 15 (PCDH15) gene in the onset of psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder (BD). To further investigate the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders, we developed a mouse model lacking Pcdh15. Notably, although PCDH15 is primarily identified as the causative gene of Usher syndrome, which presents with visual and auditory impairments, our mice with Pcdh15 homozygous deletion (Pcdh15-null) did not exhibit observable structural abnormalities in either the retina or the inner ear. The Pcdh15-null mice showed very high levels of spontaneous motor activity which was too disturbed to perform standard behavioral testing. However, the Pcdh15 heterozygous deletion mice (Pcdh15-het) exhibited enhanced spontaneous locomotor activity, reduced prepulse inhibition, and diminished cliff avoidance behavior. These observations agreed with the symptoms observed in patients with various psychiatric disorders and several mouse models of psychiatric diseases. Specifically, the hyperactivity may mirror the manic episodes in BD. To obtain a more physiological, long-term quantification of the hyperactive phenotype, we implanted nano tag® sensor chips in the animals, to enable the continuous monitoring of both activity and body temperature. During the light-off period, Pcdh15-null exhibited elevated activity and body temperature compared with wild-type (WT) mice. However, we observed a decreased body temperature during the light-on period. Comprehensive brain activity was visualized using c-Fos mapping, which was assessed during the activity and temperature peak and trough. There was a stark contrast between the distribution of c-Fos expression in Pcdh15-null and WT brains during both the light-on and light-off periods. These results provide valuable insights into the neural basis of the behavioral and thermal characteristics of Pcdh15-deletion mice. Therefore, Pcdh15-deletion mice can be a novel model for BD with mania and other psychiatric disorders, with a strong genetic component that satisfies both construct and surface validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
- Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Chihiro Inami
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Masahito Sawahata
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinji Urata
- Department of Otolaryngology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
| | - Sho T Yamaguchi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | | | - Kosuke Fujita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroki Okumura
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akiko Kodama
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Hirao
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Yoshimi
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Sobue
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ito
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yukikiro Noda
- Division of Clinical Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Meijo University Faculty of Pharmacy, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Mizoguchi
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Taku Nagai
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Division of Behavioral Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science (ICBS), Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo Pref., Japan
| | - Koji Nishiguchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Kume
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- Department of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
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2
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Casey C, Fullard JF, Sleator RD. Unravelling the genetic basis of Schizophrenia. Gene 2024; 902:148198. [PMID: 38266791 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Neuronal development is a highly regulated mechanism that is central to organismal function in animals. In humans, disruptions to this process can lead to a range of neurodevelopmental phenotypes, including Schizophrenia (SCZ). SCZ has a significant genetic component, whereby an individual with an SCZ affected family member is eight times more likely to develop the disease than someone with no family history of SCZ. By examining a combination of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic datasets, large-scale 'omics' studies aim to delineate the relationship between genetic variation and abnormal cellular activity in the SCZ brain. Herein, we provide a brief overview of some of the key omics methods currently being used in SCZ research, including RNA-seq, the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture (3C) approaches (e.g., Hi-C), as well as single-cell/nuclei iterations of these methods. We also discuss how these techniques are being employed to further our understanding of the genetic basis of SCZ, and to identify associated molecular pathways, biomarkers, and candidate drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Casey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland; Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - John F Fullard
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Roy D Sleator
- Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Bishopstown, Cork, Ireland.
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3
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Forrest MP, Penzes P. Mechanisms of copy number variants in neuropsychiatric disorders: From genes to therapeutics. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 82:102750. [PMID: 37515924 PMCID: PMC10529795 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) are genomic imbalances strongly linked to the aetiology of neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. By virtue of their large size, CNVs often contain many genes, providing a multi-genic view of disease processes that can be dissected in model systems. Thus, CNV research provides an important stepping stone towards understanding polygenic disease mechanisms, positioned between monogenic and polygenic risk models. In this review, we will outline hypothetical models for gene interactions occurring within CNVs and discuss different approaches used to study rodent and stem cell disease models. We highlight recent work showing that genetic and pharmacological strategies can be used to rescue important aspects of CNV-mediated pathophysiology, which often converges onto synaptic pathways. We propose that using a rescue approach in complete CNV models provides a new path forward for precise mechanistic understanding of complex disorders and a tangible route towards therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc P Forrest
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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4
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Büki G, Hadzsiev K, Bene J. Copy Number Variations in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13671. [PMID: 37761973 PMCID: PMC10530736 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are complex conditions that represent a significant global health burden with complex and multifactorial etiologies. Technological advances in recent years have improved our understanding of the genetic architecture of the major neuropsychiatric disorders and the genetic loci involved. Previous studies mainly investigated genome-wide significant SNPs to elucidate the cross-disorder and disorder-specific genetic basis of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although copy number variations represent a major source of genetic variations, they are known risk factors in developing a variety of human disorders, including certain neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we demonstrate the current understanding of CNVs contributing to liability for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judit Bene
- Department of Medical Genetics, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (G.B.); (K.H.)
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5
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Yasvoina MV, Srivastava DP. Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Dissecting Causal Mechanisms for Specific Conditions Associated With Shared Genetic Risk. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:103-105. [PMID: 37380253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marina V Yasvoina
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak P Srivastava
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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6
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors involved in its aetiology. Genetic liability contributing to the development of schizophrenia is a subject of extensive research activity, as reliable data regarding its aetiology would enable the improvement of its therapy and the development of new methods of treatment. A multitude of studies in this field focus on genetic variants, such as copy number variations (CNVs) or single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). Certain genetic disorders caused by CNVs including 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, Burnside-Butler syndrome (15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion) or 1q21.1 microduplication/microdeletion syndrome are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. In this article, we provide a unifying framework linking these CNVs and their associated genetic disorders with schizophrenia and its various neural and behavioural abnormalities.
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7
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Mollon J, Almasy L, Jacquemont S, Glahn DC. The contribution of copy number variants to psychiatric symptoms and cognitive ability. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1480-1493. [PMID: 36737482 PMCID: PMC10213133 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01978-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) are deletions and duplications of DNA sequence. The most frequently studied CNVs, which are described in this review, are recurrent CNVs that occur in the same locations on the genome. These CNVs have been strongly implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and developmental delay (DD), but also in schizophrenia. More recent work has also shown that CNVs increase risk for other psychiatric disorders, namely, depression, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Many of the same CNVs are implicated across all of these disorders, and these neuropsychiatric CNVs are also associated with cognitive ability in the general population, as well as with structural and functional brain alterations. Neuropsychiatric CNVs also show incomplete penetrance, such that carriers do not always develop any psychiatric disorder, and may show only mild symptoms, if any. Variable expressivity, whereby the same CNVs are associated with many different phenotypes of varied severity, also points to highly complex mechanisms underlying disease risk in CNV carriers. Comprehensive and longitudinal phenotyping studies of individual CNVs have provided initial insights into these mechanisms. However, more work is needed to estimate and predict the effect of non-recurrent, ultra-rare CNVs, which also contribute to psychiatric and cognitive outcomes. Moreover, delineating the broader phenotypic landscape of neuropsychiatric CNVs in both clinical and general population cohorts may also offer important mechanistic insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Mollon
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Laura Almasy
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, Penn-CHOP Lifespan Brain Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sebastien Jacquemont
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Center Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David C Glahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Olin Neuropsychiatry Research Center, Institute of Living, Hartford, CT, USA
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8
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Using Nonhuman Primate Models to Reverse-Engineer Prefrontal Circuit Failure Underlying Cognitive Deficits in Schizophrenia. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023; 63:315-362. [PMID: 36607528 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, I review studies in nonhuman primates that emulate the circuit failure in prefrontal cortex responsible for working memory and cognitive control deficits in schizophrenia. These studies have characterized how synaptic malfunction, typically induced by blockade of NMDAR, disrupts neural function and computation in prefrontal networks to explain errors in cognitive tasks that are seen in schizophrenia. This work is finding causal relationships between pathogenic events of relevance to schizophrenia at vastly different levels of scale, from synapses, to neurons, local, circuits, distributed networks, computation, and behavior. Pharmacological manipulation, the dominant approach in primate models, has limited construct validity for schizophrenia pathogenesis, as the disease results from a complex interplay between environmental, developmental, and genetic factors. Genetic manipulation replicating schizophrenia risk is more advanced in rodent models. Nonetheless, gene manipulation in nonhuman primates is rapidly advancing, and primate developmental models have been established. Integration of large scale neural recording, genetic manipulation, and computational modeling in nonhuman primates holds considerable potential to provide a crucial schizophrenia model moving forward. Data generated by this approach is likely to fill several crucial gaps in our understanding of the causal sequence leading to schizophrenia in humans. This causal chain presents a vexing problem largely because it requires understanding how events at very different levels of scale relate to one another, from genes to circuits to cognition to social interactions. Nonhuman primate models excel here. They optimally enable discovery of causal relationships across levels of scale in the brain that are relevant to cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. The mechanistic understanding of prefrontal circuit failure they promise to provide may point the way to more effective therapeutic interventions to restore function to prefrontal networks in the disease.
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9
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Janz P, Bainier M, Marashli S, Schoenenberger P, Valencia M, Redondo RL. Neurexin1α knockout rats display oscillatory abnormalities and sensory processing deficits back-translating key endophenotypes of psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:455. [PMID: 36307390 PMCID: PMC9616904 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02224-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurexins are presynaptic transmembrane proteins crucial for synapse development and organization. Deletion and missense mutations in all three Neurexin genes have been identified in psychiatric disorders, with mutations in the NRXN1 gene most strongly linked to schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While the consequences of NRXN1 deletion have been extensively studied on the synaptic and behavioral levels, circuit endophenotypes that translate to the human condition have not been characterized yet. Therefore, we investigated the electrophysiology of cortico-striatal-thalamic circuits in Nrxn1α-/- rats and wildtype littermates focusing on a set of translational readouts, including spontaneous oscillatory activity, auditory-evoked oscillations and potentials, as well as mismatch negativity-like (MMN) responses and responses to social stimuli. On the behavioral level Nrxn1α-/- rats showed locomotor hyperactivity. In vivo freely moving electrophysiology revealed pronounced increases of spontaneous oscillatory power within the gamma band in all studied brain areas and elevation of gamma coherence in cortico-striatal and thalamocortical circuits of Nrxn1α-/- rats. In contrast, auditory-evoked oscillations driven by chirp-modulated tones showed reduced power in cortical areas confined to slower oscillations. Finally, Nrxn1α-/- rats exhibited altered auditory evoked-potentials and profound deficits in MMN-like responses, explained by reduced prediction error. Despite deficits for auditory stimuli, responses to social stimuli appeared intact. A central hypothesis for psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders is that a disbalance of excitation-to-inhibition is underlying oscillatory and sensory deficits. In a first attempt to explore the impact of inhibitory circuit modulation, we assessed the effects of enhancing tonic inhibition via δ-containing GABAA receptors (using Gaboxadol) on endophenotypes possibly associated with network hyperexcitability. Pharmacological experiments applying Gaboxadol showed genotype-specific differences, but failed to normalize oscillatory or sensory processing abnormalities. In conclusion, our study revealed endophenotypes in Nrxn1α-/- rats that could be used as translational biomarkers for drug development in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Marie Bainier
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Marashli
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schoenenberger
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miguel Valencia
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Program of Neuroscience, 31080 Pamplona, Spain ,grid.508840.10000 0004 7662 6114IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080 Pamplona, Spain ,grid.5924.a0000000419370271Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Roger L. Redondo
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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10
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Silva AI, Ehrhart F, Ulfarsson MO, Stefansson H, Stefansson K, Wilkinson LS, Hall J, Linden DEJ. Neuroimaging Findings in Neurodevelopmental Copy Number Variants: Identifying Molecular Pathways to Convergent Phenotypes. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:341-361. [PMID: 35659384 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genomic copy number variants (CNVs) are associated with a high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. A growing body of genetic studies suggests that these high-risk genetic variants converge in common molecular pathways and that common pathways also exist across clinically distinct disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. A key question is how common molecular mechanisms converge into similar clinical outcomes. We review emerging evidence for convergent cognitive and brain phenotypes across distinct CNVs. Multiple CNVs were shown to have similar effects on core sensory, cognitive, and motor traits. Emerging data from multisite neuroimaging studies have provided valuable information on how these CNVs affect brain structure and function. However, most of these studies examined one CNV at a time, making it difficult to fully understand the proportion of shared brain effects. Recent studies have started to combine neuroimaging data from multiple CNV carriers and identified similar brain effects across CNVs. Some early findings also support convergence in CNV animal models. Systems biology, through integration of multilevel data, provides new insights into convergent molecular mechanisms across genetic risk variants (e.g., altered synaptic activity). However, the link between such key molecular mechanisms and convergent psychiatric phenotypes is still unknown. To better understand this link, we need new approaches that integrate human molecular data with neuroimaging, cognitive, and animal model data, while taking into account critical developmental time points. Identifying risk mechanisms across genetic loci can elucidate the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders and identify new therapeutic targets for cross-disorder applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Silva
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - Friederike Ehrhart
- Department of Bioinformatics, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Magnus O Ulfarsson
- deCODE genetics, Amgen, Reykjavik, Iceland; Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | - Lawrence S Wilkinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - David E J Linden
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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11
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Onitsuka T, Hirano Y, Nakazawa T, Ichihashi K, Miura K, Inada K, Mitoma R, Yasui-Furukori N, Hashimoto R. Toward recovery in schizophrenia: Current concepts, findings, and future research directions. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2022; 76:282-291. [PMID: 35235256 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia was initially defined as "dementia praecox" by E. Kraepelin, which implies progressive deterioration. However, recent studies have revealed that early effective intervention may lead to social and functional recovery in schizophrenia. In this review, we provide an overview of current concepts in schizophrenia and pathophysiological hypotheses. In addition, we present recent findings from clinical and basic research on schizophrenia. Recent neuroimaging and neurophysiological studies have consistently revealed specific biological differences in the structure and function of the brain in those with schizophrenia. From a basic research perspective, to determine the essential pathophysiology underlying schizophrenia, it is crucial that findings from all lines of inquiry-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural cells from patients, murine models expressing genetic mutations identified in patients, and patient clinical data-be integrated to contextualize the analysis results. However, the findings remain insufficient to serve as a diagnostic tool or a biomarker for predicting schizophrenia-related outcomes. Collaborations to conduct clinical research based on the patients' and their families' values are just beginning, and further development is expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshiaki Onitsuka
- Department of Neuroimaging Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoji Hirano
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takanobu Nakazawa
- Department of Bioscience, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kayo Ichihashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Miura
- Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Inada
- Department of Psychiatry, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ryo Mitoma
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Norio Yasui-Furukori
- Department of Psychiatry, Dokkyo Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Ryota Hashimoto
- Department of Pathology of Mental Diseases, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Chen CH, Cheng MC, Hu TM, Ping LY, Kushima I, Aleksic B. Identification of rare mutations of the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 gene in schizophrenia. Psychiatr Genet 2022; 32:125-130. [PMID: 35353798 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Studies showed that rare copy number variations (CNVs) encompassing the vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor 2 gene (VIPR2) were associated with schizophrenia, indicating VIPR2 is a risk gene for schizophrenia. We hypothesized that besides CNV, rare pathogenic single-nucleotide variant (SNV) or small insertion/deletion (Indel) of VIPR2 might be present in some patients and contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. METHODS We performed genome-wide CNV analysis to screen CNV at the VIPR2 locus and targeted sequencing of all the exons of VIPR2 to search for SNV and indel in a sample of patients with chronic schizophrenia from Taiwan. RESULTS We detected a 230-kb microduplication encompassing the VIPR2 in 1 out of 200 patients. Furthermore, we identified six ultrarare SNVs, including one splicing SNV and five missense SNVs, in 516 patients. In-silico analyses showed these SNVs had a damaging effect on the function of VIPR2. CONCLUSION Our findings support the idea that besides CNV, rare pathogenic SNVs of VIPR2 might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - Min-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ming Hu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Lieh-Yung Ping
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya
- Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Aichi, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Branko Aleksic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya
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13
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Białoń M, Wąsik A. Advantages and Limitations of Animal Schizophrenia Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23115968. [PMID: 35682647 PMCID: PMC9181262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23115968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental illness modeling is still a major challenge for scientists. Animal models of schizophrenia are essential to gain a better understanding of the disease etiopathology and mechanism of action of currently used antipsychotic drugs and help in the search for new and more effective therapies. We can distinguish among pharmacological, genetic, and neurodevelopmental models offering various neuroanatomical disorders and a different spectrum of symptoms of schizophrenia. Modeling schizophrenia is based on inducing damage or changes in the activity of relevant regions in the rodent brain (mainly the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus). Such artificially induced dysfunctions approximately correspond to the lesions found in patients with schizophrenia. However, notably, animal models of mental illness have numerous limitations and never fully reflect the disease state observed in humans.
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14
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Benedetti A, Molent C, Barcik W, Papaleo F. Social behavior in 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 copy number variations: Insights from mice and humans. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12787. [PMID: 34889032 PMCID: PMC9744525 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Genetic 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletions and duplications in humans may alter behavioral developmental trajectories increasing the risk of autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. In this review, we will concentrate on 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletions' effects on social functioning, beyond diagnostic categorization. We highlight diagnostic and social sub-constructs discrepancies. Notably, we contrast evidence from human studies with social profiling performed in several mouse models mimicking 16p11.2 and 22q11.2 deletion syndromes. Given the complexity of social behavior, there is a need to assess distinct social processes. This will be important to better understand the biology underlying such genetic-dependent dysfunctions, as well as to give perspective on how therapeutic strategies can be improved. Bridges and divergent points between human and mouse studies are highlighted. Overall, we give challenges and future perspectives to sort the genetics of social heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Benedetti
- Genetics of Cognition laboratory, Neuroscience areaIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenoaItaly,CNRS, GREDEGUniversité Côte d'AzurNiceFrance
| | - Cinzia Molent
- Genetics of Cognition laboratory, Neuroscience areaIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenoaItaly,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale(Di. Mes) Università degli Studi di GenovaGenoaItaly
| | - Weronika Barcik
- Genetics of Cognition laboratory, Neuroscience areaIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenoaItaly
| | - Francesco Papaleo
- Genetics of Cognition laboratory, Neuroscience areaIstituto Italiano di TecnologiaGenoaItaly,Department of Neurosciences and Mental HealthFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
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15
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Jiang Y, Patton MH, Zakharenko SS. A Case for Thalamic Mechanisms of Schizophrenia: Perspective From Modeling 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:769969. [PMID: 34955759 PMCID: PMC8693383 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.769969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic psychiatric disorder that devastates the lives of millions of people worldwide. The disease is characterized by a constellation of symptoms, ranging from cognitive deficits, to social withdrawal, to hallucinations. Despite decades of research, our understanding of the neurobiology of the disease, specifically the neural circuits underlying schizophrenia symptoms, is still in the early stages. Consequently, the development of therapies continues to be stagnant, and overall prognosis is poor. The main obstacle to improving the treatment of schizophrenia is its multicausal, polygenic etiology, which is difficult to model. Clinical observations and the emergence of preclinical models of rare but well-defined genomic lesions that confer substantial risk of schizophrenia (e.g., 22q11.2 microdeletion) have highlighted the role of the thalamus in the disease. Here we review the literature on the molecular, cellular, and circuitry findings in schizophrenia and discuss the leading theories in the field, which point to abnormalities within the thalamus as potential pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia. We posit that synaptic dysfunction and oscillatory abnormalities in neural circuits involving projections from and within the thalamus, with a focus on the thalamocortical circuits, may underlie the psychotic (and possibly other) symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stanislav S. Zakharenko
- Division of Neural Circuits and Behavior, Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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16
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Nakamura M, Ye K, E Silva MB, Yamauchi T, Hoeppner DJ, Fayyazuddin A, Kang G, Yuda EA, Nagashima M, Enomoto S, Hiramoto T, Sharp R, Kaneko I, Tajinda K, Adachi M, Mihara T, Tokuno S, Geyer MA, Broin PÓ, Matsumoto M, Hiroi N. Computational identification of variables in neonatal vocalizations predictive for postpubertal social behaviors in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6578-6588. [PMID: 33859357 PMCID: PMC8517042 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01089-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often signaled by atypical cries during infancy. Copy number variants (CNVs) provide genetically identifiable cases of ASD, but how early atypical cries predict a later onset of ASD among CNV carriers is not understood in humans. Genetic mouse models of CNVs have provided a reliable tool to experimentally isolate the impact of CNVs and identify early predictors for later abnormalities in behaviors relevant to ASD. However, many technical issues have confounded the phenotypic characterization of such mouse models, including systematically biased genetic backgrounds and weak or absent behavioral phenotypes. To address these issues, we developed a coisogenic mouse model of human proximal 16p11.2 hemizygous deletion and applied computational approaches to identify hidden variables within neonatal vocalizations that have predictive power for postpubertal dimensions relevant to ASD. After variables of neonatal vocalizations were selected by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), random forest, and Markov model, regression models were constructed to predict postpubertal dimensions relevant to ASD. While the average scores of many standard behavioral assays designed to model dimensions did not differentiate a model of 16p11.2 hemizygous deletion and wild-type littermates, specific call types and call sequences of neonatal vocalizations predicted individual variability of postpubertal reciprocal social interaction and olfactory responses to a social cue in a genotype-specific manner. Deep-phenotyping and computational analyses identified hidden variables within neonatal social communication that are predictive of postpubertal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuteru Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenny Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Science, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mariel Barbachan E Silva
- School of Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Takahira Yamauchi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daniel J Hoeppner
- La Jolla Laboratory, Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Amir Fayyazuddin
- La Jolla Laboratory, Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Gina Kang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Emi A Yuda
- Graduate School of Engineering, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masako Nagashima
- Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Shingo Enomoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Takeshi Hiramoto
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Richard Sharp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Itaru Kaneko
- Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsunori Tajinda
- La Jolla Laboratory, Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Megumi Adachi
- La Jolla Laboratory, Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Takuma Mihara
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shinichi Tokuno
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Health Innovation, Kanagawa University of Human Services, Kawasaki-shi, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Mark A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Pilib Ó Broin
- School of Mathematics, Statistics & Applied Mathematics, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Mitsuyuki Matsumoto
- La Jolla Laboratory, Astellas Research Institute of America LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma Inc., Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Noboru Hiroi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Cell Systems Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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17
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Wang P, Li M, Zhao A, Ma J. Application of animal experimental models in the research of schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2021; 186:209-227. [PMID: 34155806 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32863] [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: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a relatively common but serious mental illness that results in a heavy burden to patients, their families, and society. The disease can be triggered by multiple factors, while the specific pathogenesis remains unclear. The development of effective therapeutic drugs for schizophrenia relies on a comprehensive understanding of the basic biology and pathophysiology of the disease. Therefore, effective animal experimental models play a vital role in the study of schizophrenia. Based on different molecular mechanisms and modeling methods, the currently used experimental animal experimental models of schizophrenia can be divided into four categories that can better simulate the clinical symptoms and the interplay between susceptible genes and the environment: neurodevelopmental, drug-induced, genetic-engineering, and genetic-environmental interaction of animal experimental models. Each of these categories contains multiple subtypes, which has its own advantages and disadvantages and therefore requires careful selection in a research application. The emergence and utilization of these models are promising in the prediction of the risk of schizophrenia at the molecular level, which will shed light on effective and targeted treatment at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Wang
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Electron Microscope, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Manling Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gui Yang, Guizhou, China
| | - Aizhen Zhao
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Electron Microscope, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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18
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Rees E, Kirov G. Copy number variation and neuropsychiatric illness. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 68:57-63. [PMID: 33752146 PMCID: PMC8219524 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) at specific loci have been identified as important risk factors for several neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability (ID) and depression. These CNVs are individually rare (<0.5% frequency), have high effect sizes, and show pleiotropic effects for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, which implies a shared aetiology. Neuropsychiatric CNVs are also associated with cognitive impairment and other medical morbidities, such as heart defects and obesity. As most neuropsychiatric CNVs are multigenic, it has been challenging to map their effects onto specific biological processes, although gene-set analyses have implicated genes related to the synapse and chromatin regulation. However, future whole-genome sequencing studies have potential for identifying novel single-gene CNV associations, which could provide insights into the pathophysiology underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Rees
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
| | - George Kirov
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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19
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Yoon J, Mao Y. Dissecting Molecular Genetic Mechanisms of 1q21.1 CNV in Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5811. [PMID: 34071723 PMCID: PMC8197994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) contribute to the etiology of neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs). Increased CNV burden has been found to be critically involved in NDs compared with controls in clinical studies. The 1q21.1 CNVs, rare and large chromosomal microduplications and microdeletions, are detected in many patients with NDs. Phenotypes of duplication and deletion appear at the two ends of the spectrum. Microdeletions are predominant in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) and microcephaly, whereas microduplications are predominant in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and macrocephaly. However, its complexity hinders the discovery of molecular pathways and phenotypic networks. In this review, we summarize the recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) that have identified candidate genes positively correlated with 1q21.1 CNVs, which are likely to contribute to abnormal phenotypes in carriers. We discuss the clinical data implicated in the 1q21.1 genetic structure that is strongly associated with neurodevelopmental dysfunctions like cognitive impairment and reduced synaptic plasticity. We further present variations reported in the phenotypic severity, genomic penetrance and inheritance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yingwei Mao
- Department of Biology, Eberly College of Science, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
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20
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Hyman SE. Use of mouse models to investigate the contributions of CNVs associated with schizophrenia and autism to disease mechanisms. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 68:99-105. [PMID: 33957550 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Human genetics is providing much needed clues to mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. Highly penetrant copy number variants (CNVs) were among the first genetic variants confidently associated with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Despite their structural complexity, the high penetrance of CNVs associated with neuropsychiatric disorders suggested utility for construction of cellular and animal models. Human cellular models that carry disease associated alleles have the advantage of human genetic backgrounds against which to study the effects of CNVs. However, investigation of the effects of disease-associated alleles on the structure and function of living brains requires genome engineering of model organisms or introduction of genetic material into their brains by viral vectors. Here I focus on the translational utility of transgenic mice that carry models of human neuropsychiatric CNVs, while recognizing their limitations as veridical models of complex human brain disorders. In order to improve translational utility and avoid the intellectual cul-de-sacs that often bedevil interpretation of neuropsychiatric disease models, I conclude with a 'draft' proposal to replace current concepts of construct and face validity with more nuanced and contextually relevant judgments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven E Hyman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States.
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21
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Gordon A, Forsingdal A, Klewe IV, Nielsen J, Didriksen M, Werge T, Geschwind DH. Transcriptomic networks implicate neuronal energetic abnormalities in three mouse models harboring autism and schizophrenia-associated mutations. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1520-1534. [PMID: 31705054 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0576-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Genetic risk for psychiatric illness is complex, so identification of shared molecular pathways where distinct forms of genetic risk might coincide is of substantial interest. A growing body of genetic and genomic studies suggest that such shared molecular pathways exist across disorders with different clinical presentations, such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But how this relates to specific genetic risk factors is unknown. Further, whether some of the molecular changes identified in brain relate to potentially confounding antemortem or postmortem factors are difficult to prove. We analyzed the transcriptome from the cortex and hippocampus of three mouse lines modeling human copy number variants (CNVs) associated with schizophrenia and ASD: Df(h15q13)/+, Df(h22q11)/+, and Df(h1q21)/+ which carry the 15q13.3 deletion, 22q11.2 deletion, and 1q21.1 deletion, respectively. Although we found very little overlap of differential expression at the level of individual genes, gene network analysis identified two cortical and two hippocampal modules of co-expressed genes that were dysregulated across all three mouse models. One cortical module was associated with neuronal energetics and firing rate, and overlapped with changes identified in postmortem human brain from SCZ and ASD patients. These data highlight aspects of convergent gene expression in mouse models harboring major risk alleles, and strengthen the connection between changes in neuronal energetics and neuropsychiatric disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Gordon
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annika Forsingdal
- Division of Synaptic Transmission, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark.,Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Jacob Nielsen
- Division of Synaptic Transmission, H. Lundbeck A/S, Valby, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas Werge
- Institute of Biological Psychiatry, Mental Health Services Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, 1350, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Neurology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Program in Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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22
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Sotiropoulos MG, Poulogiannopoulou E, Delis F, Dalla C, Antoniou K, Kokras N. Innovative screening models for the discovery of new schizophrenia drug therapies: an integrated approach. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2021; 16:791-806. [PMID: 33467920 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2021.1877657] [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] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder affecting millions worldwide. However, available treatment options do not fully address the disease. Whereas current antipsychotics may control psychotic symptoms, they seem notoriously ineffective in improving negative and cognitive symptoms or in preventing functional decline. As the etiology of schizophrenia eludes us, the development of valid animal models for screening new drug targets appears to be a strenuous task.Areas covered: In this review, the authors present the key concepts that validate animal models of schizophrenia, as well as the different screening approaches for novel schizophrenia treatments. The models covered are either based on major neurotransmitter systems or neurodevelopmental, immune, and genetic approaches.Expert opinion: Sadly, due to inertia, research focuses on developing 'anti-psychotics', instead of 'anti-schizophrenia' drugs that would tackle the entire syndrome of schizophrenia. Whereas no perfect model may ever exist, combining different experimental designs may enhance validity, as the over-reliance on a single model is inappropriate. Multi-model approaches incorporating vulnerability, the 'two-hit' hypothesis, and endophenotypes offer a promise for developing new strategies for schizophrenia treatment. Forward and reverse translation between preclinical and clinical research will increase the probability of success and limit failures in drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marinos G Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Poulogiannopoulou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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23
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Ang MJ, Lee S, Kim JC, Kim SH, Moon C. Behavioral Tasks Evaluating Schizophrenia-like Symptoms in Animal Models: A Recent Update. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 19:641-664. [PMID: 32798374 PMCID: PMC8573744 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200814175114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness that affects more than 21 million people worldwide. Both genetics and the environment play a role in its etiology and pathogenesis. Symptoms of schizophrenia are mainly categorized into positive, negative, and cognitive. One major approach to identify and understand these diverse symptoms in humans has been to study behavioral phenotypes in a range of animal models of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE We aimed to provide a comprehensive review of the behavioral tasks commonly used for measuring schizophrenia-like behaviors in rodents together with an update of the recent study findings. METHODS Articles describing phenotypes of schizophrenia-like behaviors in various animal models were collected through a literature search in Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with a focus on advances over the last 10 years. RESULTS Numerous studies have used a range of animal models and behavioral paradigms of schizophrenia to develop antipsychotic drugs for improved therapeutics. In establishing animal models of schizophrenia, the candidate models were evaluated for schizophrenia-like behaviors using several behavioral tasks for positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms designed to verify human symptoms of schizophrenia. Such validated animal models were provided as rapid preclinical avenues for drug testing and mechanistic studies. CONCLUSION Based on the most recent advances in the field, it is apparent that a myriad of behavior tests are needed to confirm and evaluate the congruency of animal models with the numerous behaviors and clinical signs exhibited by patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Changjong Moon
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Animal Behavior, College of Veterinary Medicine and BK21 Plus Project Team, Chonnam National University, 77 Yongbong-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju 61186, South Korea, Tel: +82-62-530-2838; E-mail:
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24
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Implications of germline copy-number variations in psychiatric disorders: review of large-scale genetic studies. J Hum Genet 2020; 66:25-37. [PMID: 32958875 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-020-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs), defined as genome sequences of ≥50 bp that differ in copy number from that in a reference genome, are a common form of structural variation. Germline CNVs account for some of the missing heritability that single nucleotide polymorphisms could not account for. Recent technological advances have had a huge impact on CNV research. Microarray technology enables relatively low-cost, high-throughput, genome-wide measurements, and short-read sequencing technology enables the detection of short CNVs that cannot be detected by microarrays. As a result, large-scale genetic studies have been able to identify a variety of common and rare germline CNVs and their associations with diseases. Rare germline CNVs have been reported to be associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we focused on germline CNVs and briefly described their functional characteristics, formation mechanisms, detection methods, related databases, and the latest findings. Finally, we introduced recent large-scale genetic studies to assess associations of CNVs with diseases, especially psychiatric disorders, and discussed the use of CNV-based animal models to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these disorders. The development and implementation of improved detection methods, such as long-read single-molecule sequencing, are expected to provide additional insight into the molecular basis of psychiatric disorders and other complex diseases, thus facilitating basic and clinical research on CNVs.
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Rees E, Owen MJ. Translating insights from neuropsychiatric genetics and genomics for precision psychiatry. Genome Med 2020; 12:43. [PMID: 32349784 PMCID: PMC7189552 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00734-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary aim of precision medicine is to tailor healthcare more closely to the needs of individual patients. This requires progress in two areas: the development of more precise treatments and the ability to identify patients or groups of patients in the clinic for whom such treatments are likely to be the most effective. There is widespread optimism that advances in genomics will facilitate both of these endeavors. It can be argued that of all medical specialties psychiatry has most to gain in these respects, given its current reliance on syndromic diagnoses, the minimal foundation of existing mechanistic knowledge, and the substantial heritability of psychiatric phenotypes. Here, we review recent advances in psychiatric genomics and assess the likely impact of these findings on attempts to develop precision psychiatry. Emerging findings indicate a high degree of polygenicity and that genetic risk maps poorly onto the diagnostic categories used in the clinic. The highly polygenic and pleiotropic nature of psychiatric genetics will impact attempts to use genomic data for prediction and risk stratification, and also poses substantial challenges for conventional approaches to gaining biological insights from genetic findings. While there are many challenges to overcome, genomics is building an empirical platform upon which psychiatry can now progress towards better understanding of disease mechanisms, better treatments, and better ways of targeting treatments to the patients most likely to benefit, thus paving the way for precision psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott Rees
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Michael J. Owen
- grid.5600.30000 0001 0807 5670MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
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Campbell PD, Granato M. Zebrafish as a tool to study schizophrenia-associated copy number variants. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm043877. [PMID: 32433025 PMCID: PMC7197721 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.043877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia remains one of the most debilitating human neurodevelopmental disorders, with few effective treatments and striking consequences felt by individuals, communities and society as a whole. As such, there remains a critical need for further investigation into the mechanistic underpinnings of schizophrenia so that novel therapeutic targets can be identified. Because schizophrenia is a highly heritable disorder, genetic risk factors remain an attractive avenue for this research. Given their clear molecular genetic consequences, recurrent microdeletions and duplications, or copy number variants (CNVs), represent one of the most tractable genetic entry points to elucidating these mechanisms. To date, eight CNVs have been shown to significantly increase the risk of schizophrenia. Although rodent models of these CNVs that exhibit behavioral phenotypes have been generated, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely elusive. Over the past decades, the zebrafish has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model that has led to fundamental discoveries in developmental neurobiology and behavioral genetics. Here, we review the attributes that make zebrafish exceptionally well suited to investigating individual and combinatorial gene contributions to CNV-mediated brain dysfunction in schizophrenia. With highly conserved genetics and neural substrates, an ever-expanding molecular genetic and imaging toolkit, and ability to perform high-throughput and high-content genetic and pharmacologic screens, zebrafish is poised to generate deep insights into the molecular genetic mechanisms of schizophrenia-associated neurodevelopmental and behavioral deficits, and to facilitate the identification of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip D Campbell
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Granato
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Gogos JA, Crabtree G, Diamantopoulou A. The abiding relevance of mouse models of rare mutations to psychiatric neuroscience and therapeutics. Schizophr Res 2020; 217:37-51. [PMID: 30987923 PMCID: PMC6790166 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies using powerful family-based designs aided by large scale case-control studies, have been instrumental in cracking the genetic complexity of the disease, identifying rare and highly penetrant risk mutations and providing a handle on experimentally tractable model systems. Mouse models of rare mutations, paired with analysis of homologous cognitive and sensory processing deficits and state-of-the-art neuroscience methods to manipulate and record neuronal activity have started providing unprecedented insights into pathogenic mechanisms and building the foundation of a new biological framework for understanding mental illness. A number of important principles are emerging, namely that degradation of the computational mechanisms underlying the ordered activity and plasticity of both local and long-range neuronal assemblies, the building blocks necessary for stable cognition and perception, might be the inevitable consequence and the common point of convergence of the vastly heterogeneous genetic liability, manifesting as defective internally- or stimulus-driven neuronal activation patterns and triggering the constellation of schizophrenia symptoms. Animal models of rare mutations have the unique potential to help us move from "which" (gene) to "how", "where" and "when" computational regimes of neural ensembles are affected. Linking these variables should improve our understanding of how symptoms emerge and how diagnostic boundaries are established at a circuit level. Eventually, a better understanding of pathophysiological trajectories at the level of neural circuitry in mice, aided by basic human experimental biology, should guide the development of new therapeutics targeting either altered circuitry itself or the underlying biological pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A. Gogos
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA,Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032 USA,Correspondence should be addressed to: Joseph A. Gogos ()
| | - Gregg Crabtree
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Anastasia Diamantopoulou
- Mortimer B. Zuckerman Mind Brain and Behavior Institute Columbia University, New York, NY 10027 USA,Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Saito R, Koebis M, Nagai T, Shimizu K, Liao J, Wulaer B, Sugaya Y, Nagahama K, Uesaka N, Kushima I, Mori D, Maruyama K, Nakao K, Kurihara H, Yamada K, Kano M, Fukada Y, Ozaki N, Aiba A. Comprehensive analysis of a novel mouse model of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: a model with the most common 3.0-Mb deletion at the human 22q11.2 locus. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:35. [PMID: 32066675 PMCID: PMC7026107 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with an increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Although most of the 22q11.2DS patients have a 3.0-Mb deletion, existing mouse models only mimic a minor mutation of 22q11.2DS, a 1.5-Mb deletion. The role of the genes existing outside the 1.5-Mb deletion in psychiatric symptoms of 22q11.2DS is unclear. In this study, we generated a mouse model that reproduced the 3.0-Mb deletion of the 22q11.2DS (Del(3.0 Mb)/ +) using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Ethological and physiological phenotypes of adult male mutants were comprehensively evaluated by visual-evoked potentials, circadian behavioral rhythm, and a series of behavioral tests, such as measurement of locomotor activity, prepulse inhibition, fear-conditioning memory, and visual discrimination learning. As a result, Del(3.0 Mb)/ + mice showed reduction of auditory prepulse inhibition and attenuated cue-dependent fear memory, which is consistent with the phenotypes of existing 22q11.2DS models. In addition, Del(3.0 Mb)/ + mice displayed an impaired early visual processing that is commonly seen in patients with schizophrenia. Meanwhile, unlike the existing models, Del(3.0 Mb)/ + mice exhibited hypoactivity over several behavioral tests, possibly reflecting the fatigability of 22q11.2DS patients. Lastly, Del(3.0 Mb)/ + mice displayed a faster adaptation to experimental jet lag as compared with wild-type mice. Our results support the validity of Del(3.0 Mb)/ + mice as a schizophrenia animal model and suggest that our mouse model is a useful resource to understand pathogenic mechanisms of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders associated with 22q11.2DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Saito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michinori Koebis
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Nagai
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Kimiko Shimizu
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jingzhu Liao
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Bolati Wulaer
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Yuki Sugaya
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Nagahama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naofumi Uesaka
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan ,grid.437848.40000 0004 0569 8970Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Kazuaki Maruyama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakao
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kurihara
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamada
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Neuropsychopharmacology and Hospital Pharmacy, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Masanobu Kano
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XInternational Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo Institutes for Advanced study (UTIAS), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Fukada
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XDepartment of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- grid.27476.300000 0001 0943 978XDepartment of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi Japan
| | - Atsu Aiba
- Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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Hu Z, Xiao X, Zhang Z, Li M. Genetic insights and neurobiological implications from NRXN1 in neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1400-1414. [PMID: 31138894 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0438-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders commonly share genetic risk factors. To date, the mechanisms driving the pathogenesis of these disorders, particularly how genetic variations affect the function of risk genes and contribute to disease symptoms, remain largely unknown. Neurexins are a family of synaptic adhesion molecules, which play important roles in the formation and establishment of synaptic structure, as well as maintenance of synaptic function. Accumulating genomic findings reveal that genetic variations within genes encoding neurexins are associated with a variety of psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and some developmental abnormalities. In this review, we focus on NRXN1, one of the most compelling psychiatric risk genes of the neurexin family. We performed a comprehensive survey and analysis of current genetic and molecular data including both common and rare alleles within NRXN1 associated with psychiatric illnesses, thus providing insights into the genetic risk conferred by NRXN1. We also summarized the neurobiological evidences, supporting the function of NRXN1 and its protein products in synaptic formation, organization, transmission and plasticity, as well as disease-relevant behaviors, and assessed the mechanistic link between the mutations of NRXN1 and synaptic and behavioral pathology in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Hu
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Department of Psychiatry, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Zhuohua Zhang
- Institute of Molecular Precision Medicine and Hunan Key Laboratory of Molecular Precision Medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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