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Darwish M, El Hajj R, Khayat L, Alaaeddine N. Stem Cell Secretions as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Narrative Review. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1252-1272. [PMID: 38630359 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10724-4] [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] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by impaired social interaction and restricted repetitive behaviors or interests. The rising prevalence of ASD diagnosis has triggered a surge in research into investigating the underlying neuropathological processes and finding new therapeutic approaches. ASD is characterized by neuroinflammation and dysregulation of neuro-immune cross-talk, which suggests that stem cell treatment might be a potential therapeutic approach. The beneficial and restorative effects of stem cells are mainly due to their paracrine activity, in which stem cells generate and release extracellular vesicles such as exosomes and distinct secreted non-vesicle soluble proteins, including, growth factors, chemokines, cytokines, and immunomodulatory molecules referred to as the Secretome. In this paper, we reviewed the existing research exploring the therapeutic potential of stem cell secretome focusing on their role in addressing ASD pathology. Furthermore, we proposed a comprehensive mechanism of action for stem cell secretions, encompassing the broader secretome as well as the specific contribution of exosomes, in alleviating ASD neuropathology. Across the reviewed studies, exosomes and secreted soluble factors of the transplanted stem cell demonstrate a potential efficacy in ameliorating autistic-like behaviors. The proposed mechanism of action involves the modulation of signaling pathways implicated in neuroinflammation, angiogenesis, cellular apoptosis, and immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Darwish
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Research Center, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | | | - Nada Alaaeddine
- Dean of Health Sciences, Modern University for Business & Science, Beirut, Lebanon.
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2
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Falcão M, Monteiro P, Jacinto L. Tactile sensory processing deficits in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38837765 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16135] [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: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit-level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Falcão
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Jacinto
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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3
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McElroy DL, Sabir H, Glass AE, Greba Q, Howland JG. The anterior retrosplenial cortex is required for short-term object in place recognition memory retrieval: Role of ionotropic glutamate receptors in male and female Long-Evans rats. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 59:2260-2275. [PMID: 38411499 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The anterior retrosplenial cortex (aRSC) integrates multimodal sensory information into cohesive associative recognition memories. Little is known about how information is integrated during different learning phases (i.e., encoding and retrieval). Additionally, sex differences are observed in performance of some visuospatial memory tasks; however, inconsistent findings warrant more research. We conducted three experiments using the 1-h delay object-in-place (1-h OiP) test to assess recognition memory retrieval in male and female Long-Evans rats. (i) We found both sexes performed equally in three repeated 1-h OiP test sessions. (ii) We showed infusions of a mixture of muscimol/baclofen (GABAA/B receptor agonists) into the aRSC ~15-min prior to the test phase disrupted 1-h OiP in both sexes. (iii) We assessed the role of aRSC ionotropic glutamate receptors in 1-h OiP retrieval using another squad of cannulated rats and confirmed that infusions of either the competitive AMPA/Kainate receptor antagonist CNQX (3 mM) or competitive NMDA receptor antagonist AP-5 (30 mM) (volumes = 0.50 uL/side) significantly impaired 1-h OiP retrieval in both sexes compared to controls. Taken together, findings challenge reported sex differences and clearly establish a role for aRSC ionotropic glutamate receptors in short-term visuospatial recognition memory retrieval. Thus, modulating neural activity in the aRSC may alleviate some memory processing impairments in related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan L McElroy
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Hassaan Sabir
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Aiden E Glass
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Quentin Greba
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - John G Howland
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
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4
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Wang L, Zeng W, Zhao L, Shi Y. Exploring brain effective connectivity of early MCI with GRU_GC model on resting-state fMRI. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38513360 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2024.2330100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigating the functional interactions between different brain regions and revealing the transmission of information by computing brain connectivity have great potential and significance in the diagnosis of early Mild Cognitive Impairment (EMCI). METHODS The Granger causality with Gate Recurrent Unit (GRU_GC) model is a suitable method that allows the detection of a nonlinear causal relationship and solves the limitation of fixed time lag, which cannot be detected by the classical Granger method. The model can transmit time series signals with any transmission delay length, and the time series can be screened and learned through the gate model. RESULTS The classification experiment of 89 EMCI and 73 neurologically healthy controls (HC) shows that the accuracy reached 87.88%. Compared with multivariate variables GC (MVGC) and Long Short-Term Memory-based GC (LSTM_GC), the GRU_GC significantly improved the estimation of brain connectivity communication. Constructing a difference network to explore the brain effective connectivity between EMCI and HC. CONCLUSIONS The GRU_GC can discover the abnormal brain regions, including the parahippocampal gyrus, the posterior cingulate gyrus. The method can be used in clinical applications as an effective brain connectivity analysis tool and provides auxiliary means for the medical diagnosis of EMCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Lab of Digital Image and Intelligent Computation, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiming Zeng
- Lab of Digital Image and Intelligent Computation, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Zhao
- Lab of Digital Image and Intelligent Computation, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhu Shi
- Lab of Digital Image and Intelligent Computation, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, China
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Yoo S, Jang Y, Hong SJ, Park H, Valk SL, Bernhardt BC, Park BY. Whole-brain structural connectome asymmetry in autism. Neuroimage 2024; 288:120534. [PMID: 38340881 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120534] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a common neurodevelopmental condition that manifests as a disruption in sensory and social skills. Although it has been shown that the brain morphology of individuals with autism is asymmetric, how this differentially affects the structural connectome organization of each hemisphere remains under-investigated. We studied whole-brain structural connectivity-based brain asymmetry in individuals with autism using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging obtained from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange initiative. By leveraging dimensionality reduction techniques, we constructed low-dimensional representations of structural connectivity and calculated their asymmetry index. Comparing the asymmetry index between individuals with autism and neurotypical controls, we found atypical structural connectome asymmetry in the sensory and default-mode regions, particularly showing weaker asymmetry towards the right hemisphere in autism. Network communication provided topological underpinnings by demonstrating that the inferior temporal cortex and limbic and frontoparietal regions showed reduced global network communication efficiency and decreased send-receive network navigation in the inferior temporal and lateral visual cortices in individuals with autism. Finally, supervised machine learning revealed that structural connectome asymmetry could be used as a measure for predicting communication-related autistic symptoms and nonverbal intelligence. Our findings provide insights into macroscale structural connectome alterations in autism and their topological underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seulki Yoo
- Convergence Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yurim Jang
- Artificial Intelligence Convergence Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Jun Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sofie L Valk
- Forschungszentrum Julich, Germany; Max Planck Institute for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany; Systems Neuroscience, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Boris C Bernhardt
- McConnell Brain Imaging Centre, Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bo-Yong Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea; Department of Data Science, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea; Department of Statistics and Data Science, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Al-Radadi NS, Al-Bishri WM, Salem NA, ElShebiney SA. Plant-mediated green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of Passiflora ligularis, optimization, characterizations, and their neuroprotective effect on propionic acid-induced autism in Wistar rats. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101921. [PMID: 38283153 PMCID: PMC10820356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.101921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study was conducted to examine an innovative method for synthesizing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from an aqueous sweet granadilla (Passiflora ligularis Juss) P. ligularis. Furthermore, the synthesized AuNPs were used to explore their potential neuroprotective impact against propionic acid (PPA)-induced autism. A sweet granadilla extract was used to achieve the synthesis of AuNPs. The structural and dimensional dispersion of AuNPs were confirmed by different techniques, including UV-Vis spectrophotometer (UV-Vis), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Pattern, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Zeta potential, and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) analysis. The AuNPs mediated by P. ligularis adopt a spherical shape morphology and the particle size was distributed in the range of 8.43-13 nm without aggregation. Moreover, in vivo, the anti-autistic effects of AuNPs administration were higher than those of P. ligularis extract per second. In addition, the reduced anxiety and neurobehavioral deficits of AuNPs were observed in autistic rats which halted the brain oxidative stress, reduced inflammatory cytokines, ameliorated neurotransmitters, and neurochemical release, and suppressed apoptotic genes (p < 0.05). The alleviated antiapoptotic gene expression and histopathological analysis confirmed that the treatment of AuNPs showed significant neural pathways that aid in reducing tissue damage and necrosis. The results emphasize that the biomedical activity was increased by using the green source synthesis P. ligularis -AuNPs. Additionally, the formulation of AuNPs demonstrates strong neuroprotective effects against PPA-induced autism that were arbitrated by a range of different mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuromodulator, and antiapoptotic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najlaa S. Al-Radadi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Taibah University, P.O. Box 30002, Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah 14177, Saudi Arabia
| | - Widad M. Al-Bishri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Neveen A. Salem
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa A. ElShebiney
- Department of Narcotics, Ergogenic Aids and Poisons, Medical Research and Clinical Studies Institute, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt
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Jang Y, Choi H, Yoo S, Park H, Park BY. Structural connectome alterations between individuals with autism and neurotypical controls using feature representation learning. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2024; 20:2. [PMID: 38267953 PMCID: PMC10807082 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-024-00228-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions associated with sensory and social communication impairments. Previous neuroimaging studies reported that atypical nodal- or network-level functional brain organization in individuals with autism was associated with autistic behaviors. Although dimensionality reduction techniques have the potential to uncover new biomarkers, the analysis of whole-brain structural connectome abnormalities in a low-dimensional latent space is underinvestigated. In this study, we utilized autoencoder-based feature representation learning for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging-based structural connectivity in 80 individuals with autism and 61 neurotypical controls that passed strict quality controls. We generated low-dimensional latent features using the autoencoder model for each group and adopted an integrated gradient approach to assess the contribution of the input data for predicting latent features during the encoding process. Subsequently, we compared the integrated gradient values between individuals with autism and neurotypical controls and observed differences within the transmodal regions and between the sensory and limbic systems. Finally, we identified significant associations between integrated gradient values and communication abilities in individuals with autism. Our findings provide insights into the whole-brain structural connectome in autism and may help identify potential biomarkers for autistic connectopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yurim Jang
- Artificial Intelligence Convergence Research Center, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungshin Choi
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulki Yoo
- Convergence Research Institute, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Yong Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Data Science, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea.
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Gillespie B, Panthi S, Sundram S, Hill RA. The impact of maternal immune activation on GABAergic interneuron development: A systematic review of rodent studies and their translational implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 156:105488. [PMID: 38042358 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105488] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Mothers exposed to infections during pregnancy disproportionally birth children who develop autism and schizophrenia, disorders associated with altered GABAergic function. The maternal immune activation (MIA) model recapitulates this risk factor, with many studies also reporting disruptions to GABAergic interneuron expression, protein, cellular density and function. However, it is unclear if there are species, sex, age, region, or GABAergic subtype specific vulnerabilities to MIA. Furthermore, to fully comprehend the impact of MIA on the GABAergic system a synthesised account of molecular, cellular, electrophysiological and behavioural findings was required. To this end we conducted a systematic review of GABAergic interneuron changes in the MIA model, focusing on the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. We reviewed 102 articles that revealed robust changes in a number of GABAergic markers that present as gestationally-specific, region-specific and sometimes sex-specific. Disruptions to GABAergic markers coincided with distinct behavioural phenotypes, including memory, sensorimotor gating, anxiety, and sociability. Findings suggest the MIA model is a valid tool for testing novel therapeutics designed to recover GABAergic function and associated behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Sandesh Panthi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia.
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Enticott PG, Barhoun P, Bower IS, Ford TC. A systematic review of cannabidiol trials in neurodevelopmental disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 230:173607. [PMID: 37543051 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis-derived compounds, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), are increasingly prescribed for a range of clinical indications. These phyto-cannabinoids have multiple biological targets, including the body's endocannabinoid system. There is growing scientific interest in the use of CBD, a non-intoxicating compound, to ameliorate symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, its suitability as a pharmaceutical intervention has not been reliably established in these clinical populations. This systematic review examines the nine published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that have probed the safety and efficacy of CBD in individuals diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, Tourette Syndrome, and complex motor disorders. Studies were identified systematically through searching four databases: Medline, CINAHL complete, PsycINFO, and EMBASE. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials involving CBD and participants with neurodevelopmental disorders. No publication year or language restrictions were applied. Relevant data were extracted from the identified list of eligible articles. After extraction, data were cross-checked between the authors to ensure consistency. Several trials indicate potential efficacy, although this possibility is currently too inconsistent across RCTs to confidently guide clinical usage. Study characteristics, treatment properties, and outcomes varied greatly across the included trials. The material lack of comparable RCTs leaves CBD's suitability as a pharmacological treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders largely undetermined. A stronger evidence base is urgently required to establish safety and efficacy profiles and guide the ever-expanding clinical uptake of cannabis-derived compounds in neurodevelopmental disorders. Prospero registration number: CRD42021267839.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina-Francecsa Parrella
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia.
| | - Aron Thomas Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3145, Australia
| | - Peter Gregory Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3145, Australia
| | - Pamela Barhoun
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Isabella Simone Bower
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia; Behaviour, Brain, and Body Research Centre: Justice and Society, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Talitha Caitlyn Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria 3125, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria 3122, Australia
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11
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Plueckebaum H, Meyer L, Beck AK, Menn KH. The developmental trajectory of functional excitation-inhibition balance relates to language abilities in autistic and allistic children. Autism Res 2023; 16:1681-1692. [PMID: 37493078 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that has been related to an overall imbalance between the brain's excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) systems. Such an EI imbalance can lead to structural and functional cortical deviances and thus alter information processing in the brain, ultimately giving rise to autism traits. However, the developmental trajectory of EI imbalances across childhood and adolescence has not been investigated yet. Therefore, its relationship to autism traits is not well understood. In the present study, we determined a functional measure of the EI balance (f-EIB) from resting-state electrophysiological recordings for a final sample of 92 autistic children from 6 to 17 years of age and 100 allistic (i.e., non-autistic) children matched by age, sex, and nonverbal-IQ. We related the developmental trajectory of f-EIB to behavioral assessments of autism traits as well as language ability. Our results revealed differential EI trajectories for autistic compared to allistic children. Importantly, the developmental trajectory of f-EIB values related to individual language ability. In particular, elevated excitability in late childhood and early adolescence was linked to decreased listening comprehension. Our findings provide evidence against a general EI imbalance in autistic children when correcting for non-verbal IQ. Instead, we show that the developmental trajectory of EI balance shares variance with autism trait development at a specific age range. This is consistent with the proposal that the late development of inhibitory brain activity is a key substrate of autism traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Plueckebaum
- Research Group Language Cycles, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Lars Meyer
- Research Group Language Cycles, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic for Phoniatrics and Pedaudiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Beck
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Katharina H Menn
- Research Group Language Cycles, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Neuropsychology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School on Neuroscience of Communication: Function, Structure, and Plasticity, Leipzig, Germany
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12
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Nardi L, Chhabra S, Leukel P, Krueger-Burg D, Sommer CJ, Schmeisser MJ. Neuroanatomical changes of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor densities in male mice modeling idiopathic and syndromic autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1199097. [PMID: 37547211 PMCID: PMC10401048 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1199097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopment conditions primarily characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior, accompanied by a variable degree of neuropsychiatric characteristics. Synaptic dysfunction is undertaken as one of the key underlying mechanisms in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD. The excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) hypothesis is one of the most widely held theories for its pathogenesis. Shifts in E/I balance have been proven in several ASD models. In this study, we investigated three mouse lines recapitulating both idiopathic (the BTBR strain) and genetic (Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants) forms of ASD at late infancy and early adulthood. Using receptor autoradiography for ionotropic excitatory (AMPA and NMDA) and inhibitory (GABAA) receptors, we mapped the receptor binding densities in brain regions known to be associated with ASD such as prefrontal cortex, dorsal and ventral striatum, dorsal hippocampus, and cerebellum. The individual mouse lines investigated show specific alterations in excitatory ionotropic receptor density, which might be accounted as specific hallmark of each individual line. Across all the models investigated, we found an increased binding density to GABAA receptors at adulthood in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, reduction in the GABAA receptor binding density was observed in the cerebellum. Altogether, our findings suggest that E/I disbalance individually affects several brain regions in ASD mouse models and that alterations in GABAergic transmission might be accounted as unifying factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Nardi
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Stuti Chhabra
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Leukel
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dilja Krueger-Burg
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clemens J. Sommer
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute of Anatomy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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13
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Vaz R, Edwards S, Dueñas-Rey A, Hofmeister W, Lindstrand A. Loss of ctnnd2b affects neuronal differentiation and behavior in zebrafish. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1205653. [PMID: 37465584 PMCID: PMC10351287 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1205653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Delta-catenin (CTNND2) is an adhesive junction associated protein belonging to the family of p120 catenins. The human gene is located on the short arm of chromosome 5, the region deleted in Cri-du-chat syndrome (OMIM #123450). Heterozygous loss of CTNND2 has been linked to a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and intellectual disability. Here we studied how heterozygous loss of ctnnd2b affects zebrafish embryonic development, and larvae and adult behavior. First, we observed a disorganization of neuronal subtypes in the developing forebrain, namely the presence of ectopic isl1-expressing cells and a local reduction of GABA-positive neurons in the optic recess region. Next, using time-lapse analysis, we found that the disorganized distribution of is1l-expressing forebrain neurons resulted from an increased specification of Isl1:GFP neurons. Finally, we studied the swimming patterns of both larval and adult heterozygous zebrafish and observed an increased activity compared to wildtype animals. Overall, this data suggests a role for ctnnd2b in the differentiation cascade of neuronal subtypes in specific regions of the vertebrate brain, with repercussions in the animal's behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Vaz
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Steven Edwards
- Department of Applied Physics and Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alfredo Dueñas-Rey
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wolfgang Hofmeister
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Lindstrand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Centre of Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Yamada T, Watanabe T, Sasaki Y. Are sleep disturbances a cause or consequence of autism spectrum disorder? Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 77:377-385. [PMID: 36949621 PMCID: PMC10871071 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms such as atypical social communication, stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. One of the comorbid symptoms of individuals with ASD is sleep disturbance. There are two major hypotheses regarding the neural mechanism underlying ASD, i.e., the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and the altered neuroplasticity hypotheses. However, the pathology of ASD remains unclear due to inconsistent research results. This paper argues that sleep is a confounding factor, thus, must be considered when examining the pathology of ASD because sleep plays an important role in modulating the E/I balance and neuroplasticity in the human brain. Investigation of the E/I balance and neuroplasticity during sleep might enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of ASD. It may also lead to the development of neurobiologically informed interventions to supplement existing psychosocial therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yamada
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Takeo Watanabe
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Yuka Sasaki
- Department of Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Sciences, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
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15
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Coskunpinar EM, Tur S, Cevher Binici N, Yazan Songür C. Association of GABRG3, GABRB3, HTR2A Gene Variants with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Gene 2023; 870:147399. [PMID: 37019319 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impaired social communication, repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, activity, or interest, and altered emotional processing. Reported prevalence is 4 times higher in men and it has increased in recent years. Immunological, environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. Many neurochemical pathways and neuroanatomical events are effective in determining the disease. It is still unclear how the main symptoms of autism occur because of this complex and heterogeneous situation. In this study, we focused on gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and serotonin, which are thought to contribute to the etiology of autism; it is aimed to elucidate the mechanism of the disease by investigating variant changes in the GABA receptor subunit genes GABRB3, GABRG3 and the HTR2A gene, which encodes one of the serotonin receptors. 200 patients with ASD between the ages of 3-9 and 100 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Genomic DNA isolation was performed from peripheral blood samples taken from volunteers. Genotyping was performed using the RFLP method with PCR specific for specific variants. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25.0 program. According to the data obtained in our study; In terms of HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) genotypes, the homozygous C genotype carrying frequency in the patient group and the homozygous T genotype carrying frequency in the GABRG3 (rs140679 C/T) genotypes were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (*p: 0.0001, p: 0.0001). It was determined that the frequency of individuals with homozygous genotype was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group and having homozygous genotypes increased the disease risk approximately 1.8 times. In terms of GABRB3 (rs2081648 T/C) genotypes, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of carrying homozygous C genotype in the patient group compared to the control group (p: 0.36). According to the results of our study, we think that the HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) polymorphism is effective in modulating the empathic and autistic characteristics of individuals, and that the HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) polymorphism is more distributed in the post-synaptic membranes in individuals with a higher number of C alleles. We believe that this situation can be attributed to the spontaneous stimulatory distribution of the HTR2A gene in the postsynaptic membranes because of T102C transformation. In genetically based autism cases, carrying the point mutation in the rs6313 variant of the HTR2A gene and the C allele and the point mutation in the rs140679 variant of the GABRG3 gene and accordingly carrying the T allele provide a predisposition to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ender M Coskunpinar
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Turkey.
| | - Seymanur Tur
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Turkey.
| | - Nagihan Cevher Binici
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Cisel Yazan Songür
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
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16
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Zhang P, Omanska A, Ander B, Gandal M, Stamova B, Schumann C. Neuron-specific transcriptomic signatures indicate neuroinflammation and altered neuronal activity in ASD temporal cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2206758120. [PMID: 36862688 PMCID: PMC10013873 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2206758120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous disorder, yet transcriptomic profiling of bulk brain tissue has identified substantial convergence among dysregulated genes and pathways in ASD. However, this approach lacks cell-specific resolution. We performed comprehensive transcriptomic analyses on bulk tissue and laser-capture microdissected (LCM) neurons from 59 postmortem human brains (27 ASD and 32 controls) in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) of individuals ranging from 2 to 73 years of age. In bulk tissue, synaptic signaling, heat shock protein-related pathways, and RNA splicing were significantly altered in ASD. There was age-dependent dysregulation of genes involved in gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) (GAD1 and GAD2) and glutamate (SLC38A1) signaling pathways. In LCM neurons, AP-1-mediated neuroinflammation and insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathways were upregulated in ASD, while mitochondrial function, ribosome, and spliceosome components were downregulated. GABA synthesizing enzymes GAD1 and GAD2 were both downregulated in ASD neurons. Mechanistic modeling suggested a direct link between inflammation and ASD in neurons, and prioritized inflammation-associated genes for future study. Alterations in small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) associated with splicing events suggested interplay between snoRNA dysregulation and splicing disruption in neurons of individuals with ASD. Our findings supported the fundamental hypothesis of altered neuronal communication in ASD, demonstrated that inflammation was elevated at least in part in ASD neurons, and may reveal windows of opportunity for biotherapeutics to target the trajectory of gene expression and clinical manifestation of ASD throughout the human lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
| | - Alicja Omanska
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA95817
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Bradley P. Ander
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Michael J. Gandal
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA90095
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA19104
- Lifespan Brain Institute, Penn Med and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Boryana Stamova
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA95817
| | - Cynthia M. Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA95817
- University of California, Davis, MIND Institute, Sacramento, CA95817
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17
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Park J, Kawai Y, Asada M. Spike timing-dependent plasticity under imbalanced excitation and inhibition reduces the complexity of neural activity. Front Comput Neurosci 2023; 17:1169288. [PMID: 37122995 PMCID: PMC10130424 DOI: 10.3389/fncom.2023.1169288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitatory and inhibitory neurons are fundamental components of the brain, and healthy neural circuits are well balanced between excitation and inhibition (E/I balance). However, it is not clear how an E/I imbalance affects the self-organization of the network structure and function in general. In this study, we examined how locally altered E/I balance affects neural dynamics such as the connectivity by activity-dependent formation, the complexity (multiscale entropy) of neural activity, and information transmission. In our simulation, a spiking neural network model was used with the spike-timing dependent plasticity rule to explore the above neural dynamics. We controlled the number of inhibitory neurons and the inhibitory synaptic weights in a single neuron group out of multiple neuron groups. The results showed that a locally increased E/I ratio strengthens excitatory connections, reduces the complexity of neural activity, and decreases information transmission between neuron groups in response to an external input. Finally, we argued the relationship between our results and excessive connections and low complexity of brain activity in the neuropsychiatric brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Park
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Japan
- Symbiotic Intelligent Systems Research Center, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- *Correspondence: Jihoon Park
| | - Yuji Kawai
- Symbiotic Intelligent Systems Research Center, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Minoru Asada
- Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Suita, Japan
- Symbiotic Intelligent Systems Research Center, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Chubu University Academy of Emerging Sciences/Center for Mathematical Science and Artificial Intelligence, Chubu University, Kasugai, Japan
- International Professional University of Technology in Osaka, Osaka, Japan
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18
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Beck AK, Czernochowski D, Lachmann T, Barahona-Correa B, Carmo JC. Is the dolphin a fish? ERP evidence for the impact of typicality during early visual processing in ultra-rapid semantic categorization in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:46. [PMID: 35999495 PMCID: PMC9400242 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09457-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotypical individuals categorize items even during ultra-rapid presentations (20 ms; see Thorpe et al. Nature 381: 520, 1996). In cognitively able autistic adults, these semantic categorization processes may be impaired and/or may require additional time, specifically for the categorization of atypical compared to typical items. Here, we investigated how typicality structures influence ultra-rapid categorization in cognitively able autistic and neurotypical male adults. METHODS Images representing typical or atypical exemplars of two different categories (food/animals) were presented for 23.5 vs. 82.3 ms (short/long). We analyzed detection rates, reaction times, and the event-related potential components dN150, N1, P2, N2, and P3 for each group. RESULTS Behavioral results suggest slower and less correct responses to atypical compared to typical images. This typicality effect was larger for the category with less distinct boundaries (food) and observed in both groups. However, electrophysiological data indicate a different time course of typicality effects, suggesting that neurotypical adults categorize atypical images based on simple features (P2), whereas cognitively able autistic adults categorize later, based on arbitrary features of atypical images (P3). CONCLUSIONS We found evidence that all three factors under investigation - category, typicality, and presentation time - modulated specific aspects of semantic categorization. Additionally, we observed a qualitatively different pattern in the autistic adults, which suggests that they relied on different cognitive processes to complete the task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Beck
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Lachmann
- Center for Cognitive Science, University of Kaiserslautern, Kaiserslautern, Germany. .,Centro de Investigación Nebrija en Cognición, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain. .,University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bernardo Barahona-Correa
- Champalimaud Research & Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisboa, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,CADIn - Neurodesenvolvimento e Inclusão, Cascais, Portugal
| | - Joana C Carmo
- Faculdade de Psicologia, Centro de Investigação Em Ciências Psicológicas, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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19
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Chu MC, Wu HF, Lee CW, Chung YJ, Chi H, Chen PS, Lin HC. Generational synaptic functions of GABA A receptor β3 subunit deteriorations in an animal model of social deficit. J Biomed Sci 2022; 29:51. [PMID: 35821032 PMCID: PMC9277936 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-022-00835-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruption of normal brain development is implicated in numerous psychiatric disorders with neurodevelopmental origins, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Widespread abnormalities in brain structure and functions caused by dysregulations of neurodevelopmental processes has been recently shown to exert adverse effects across generations. An imbalance between excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) transmission is the putative hypothesis of ASD pathogenesis, supporting by the specific implications of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system in autistic individuals and animal models of ASD. However, the contribution of GABAergic system in the neuropathophysiology across generations of ASD is still unknown. Here, we uncover profound alterations in the expression and function of GABAA receptors (GABAARs) in the amygdala across generations of the VPA-induced animal model of ASD. METHODS The F2 generation was produced by mating an F1 VPA-induced male offspring with naïve females after a single injection of VPA on embryonic day (E12.5) in F0. Autism-like behaviors were assessed by animal behavior tests. Expression and functional properties of GABAARs and related proteins were examined by using western blotting and electrophysiological techniques. RESULTS Social deficit, repetitive behavior, and emotional comorbidities were demonstrated across two generations of the VPA-induced offspring. Decreased synaptic GABAAR and gephyrin levels, and inhibitory transmission were found in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with greater reductions in the F2 generation. Weaker association of gephyrin with GABAAR was shown in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Moreover, dysregulated NMDA-induced enhancements of gephyrin and GABAAR at the synapse in the VPA-induced offspring was worsened in the F2 generation than the F1 generation. Elevated glutamatergic modifications were additionally shown across generations of the VPA-induced offspring without generation difference. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings revealed the E/I synaptic abnormalities in the amygdala from two generations of the VPA-induced offspring with GABAergic deteriorations in the F2 generation, suggesting a potential therapeutic role of the GABAergic system to generational pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Chia Chu
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Han-Fang Wu
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Lee
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Jung Chung
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Hsiang Chi
- grid.260539.b0000 0001 2059 7017Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Tainan, 112 Taiwan
| | - Po See Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan. .,Institute of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, 704, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Ching Lin
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan. .,Ph.D. Program for Neural Regenerative Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, 110, Taiwan. .,Brain Research Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
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20
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Ali ZA, Yasseen AA, McAllister KA, Al-Dujailli A, Al-Karaqully AJ, Jumaah AS. SNP-PCR genotyping links alterations in the GABAA receptor (GABRG3: rs208129) and RELN (rs73670) genes to autism spectrum disorder among peadiatric Iraqi Arabs. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:6019-6028. [PMID: 35403940 PMCID: PMC9270290 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07388-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an increasing concern among the Iraqi Arab population. The genetic alterations that cause ASD are likely to converge at the synapse. This study investigated polymorphisms in the GABAA receptor subunit (GABRG3) and the RELN gene as putative biomarkers of ASD in a pediatric population in Iraq. METHODS The case control study included 60 patients with a clinical diagnosis of ASD (mild, moderate, or severe) according to DSM-IV criteria and matched healthy controls (n = 60). Blood samples were collected for DNA genotyping of SNPs rs736707 and rs208129 for RELN and GABRG3 using allele specific PCR. Assessment of genotype and allele distributions in patient groups used odd ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals and the Chi-square test. All statistical analysis was performed used SPSS software. RESULT The patient cohort was highly consanguineous, with increased ratio (p > 0.05) of males to females (3:1) in both ASD (mean age, 6.66 ± 3.05) and controls (mean age, 5.76 ± 2.3). Both GABRG3 rs208129 genotypes TT (OR 4.33, p = 0.0015) and TA (OR 0.259, P = 0.008), and the T and A alleles were significantly associated with ASD. The RELN rs736707 TC genotype (OR 2.626, P = 0.034) was the only significant association with ASD. CONCLUSION GABRG3 SNP rs208129 is a leading biomarker to predict genetic vulnerability to ASD in Iraqi Arabs. Expanded SNP panels and increased sample sizes are required for future GABRG3 studies, and to reach a consensus on RELN utility. Future ASD screening programs in Iraq should include genetic metrics in addition to clinical phenotype assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab A. Ali
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kerbala, Kerbala Governorate, Iraq
| | - Akeel A. Yasseen
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, P.O. Box 21, Kufa, Iraq
| | | | - Arafat Al-Dujailli
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, P.O. Box 21, Kufa, Iraq
| | | | - Alaa S. Jumaah
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kufa, P.O. Box 21, Kufa, Iraq
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21
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James D, Lam VT, Jo B, Fung LK. Region-specific associations between gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor binding and cortical thickness in high-functioning autistic adults. Autism Res 2022; 15:1068-1082. [PMID: 35261207 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The neurobiology of autism has been shown to involve alterations in cortical morphology and gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA ) receptor density. We hypothesized that GABAA receptor binding potential (GABAA R BPND ) would correlate with cortical thickness, but their correlations would differ between autistic adults and typically developing (TD) controls. We studied 50 adults (23 autism, 27 TD, mean age of 27 years) using magnetic resonance imaging to measure cortical thickness, and [18 F]flumazenil positron emission tomography imaging to measure GABAA R BPND . We determined the correlations between cortical thickness and GABAA R BPND by cortical lobe, region-of-interest, and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We also explored potential sex differences in the relationship between cortical thickness and autism characteristics, as measured by autism spectrum quotient (AQ) scores. Comparing autism and TD groups, no significant differences were found in cortical thickness or GABAA R BPND . In both autism and TD groups, a negative relationship between cortical thickness and GABAA R BPND was observed in the frontal and occipital cortices, but no relationship was found in the temporal or limbic cortices. A positive correlation was seen in the parietal cortex that was only significant for the autism group. Interestingly, in an exploratory analysis, we found sex differences in the relationships between cortical thickness and GABAA R BPND , and cortical thickness and AQ scores in the left postcentral gyrus. LAY SUMMARY: The thickness of the brain cortex and the density of the receptors associated with inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA have been hypothesized to underlie the neurobiology of autism. In this study, we found that these biomarkers correlate positively in the parietal cortex, but negatively in the frontal and occipital cortical regions of the brain. Furthermore, we collected preliminary evidence that the correlations between cortical thickness and GABA receptor density are sexdependent in a brain region where sensory inputs are registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David James
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Vicky T Lam
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Lawrence K Fung
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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22
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Jiang S, Xiao L, Sun Y, He M, Gao C, Zhu C, Chang H, Ding J, Li W, Wang Y, Sun T, Wang F. The GABAB receptor agonist STX209 reverses the autism‑like behaviour in an animal model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid. Mol Med Rep 2022; 25:154. [PMID: 35244195 PMCID: PMC8941376 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impaired social interaction, compromised communication, and restrictive or stereotyped behaviours and interests. Due to the complex pathophysiology of ASD, there are currently no available medical therapies for improving the associated social deficits. Consequently, the present study investigated the effects of STX209, a selective γ‑aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABABR2) agonist, on an environmental rodent model of autism. The mouse model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) was used to assess the therapeutic potential of STX209 on autism‑like behaviour in the present study. This study investigated the effects of STX209 on VPA model mice via behavioral testing and revealed a significant reversal of core/associated autism‑like behavior, including sociability and preference for social novelty, novelty recognition, locomotion and exploration activity and marble‑burying deficit. This may be associated with STX209 correcting dendritic arborization, spine density and GABABR2 expression in hippocampus of VPA model mice. However, expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 in the hippocampus were not altered by STX209. The present results demonstrated that STX209 administration ameliorated autism‑like symptoms in mice exposed to VPA prenatally, suggesting that autism‑like symptoms in children with a history of prenatal VPA exposure may also benefit from treatment with the GABABR2 agonist STX209.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shucai Jiang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Lifei Xiao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yu Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Maotao He
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Caibin Gao
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Changliang Zhu
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Haigang Chang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Jiangwei Ding
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Wenchao Li
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Wang
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Tao Sun
- Ningxia Key Laboratory of Craniocerebral Disease, Incubation Base of National Key Laboratory, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004, P.R. China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310006, P.R. China
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Adil KJ, Remonde CG, Gonzales EL, Boo KJ, Kwon KJ, Kim DH, Kim HJ, Cheong JH, Shin CY, Jeon SJ. Behavioral Deficits in Adolescent Mice after Sub-Chronic Administration of NMDA during Early Stage of Postnatal Development. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:320-327. [PMID: 35135902 PMCID: PMC9252881 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex conditions that pose difficulty in the modulation of proper motor, sensory and cognitive function due to dysregulated neuronal development. Previous studies have reported that an imbalance in the excitation/ inhibition (E/I) in the brain regulated by glutamatergic and/or GABAergic neurotransmission can cause neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric behavioral deficits such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). NMDA acts as an agonist at the NMDA receptor and imitates the action of the glutamate on that receptor. NMDA however, unlike glutamate, only binds to and regulates the NMDA receptor subtypes and not the other glutamate receptors. This study seeks to determine whether NMDA administration in mice i.e., over-activation of the NMDA system would result in long-lasting behavioral deficits in the adolescent mice. Both gender mice were treated with NMDA or saline at early postnatal developmental period with significant synaptogenesis and synaptic maturation. On postnatal day 28, various behavioral experiments were conducted to assess and identify behavioral characteristics. NMDAtreated mice show social deficits, and repetitive behavior in both gender mice at adolescent periods. However, only the male mice but not female mice showed increased locomotor activity. This study implies that neonatal exposure to NMDA may illicit behavioral features similar to ASD. This study also confirms the validity of the E/I imbalance theory of ASD and that NMDA injection can be used as a pharmacologic model for ASD. Future studies may explore the mechanism behind the gender difference in locomotor activity as well as the human relevance and therapeutic significance of the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keremkleroo Jym Adil
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Chilly Gay Remonde
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Jun Boo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Ja Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jin Kim
- Uimyung Research Institute for Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacy, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hoon Cheong
- School of Pharmacy, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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Aljumaiah MM, Alonazi MA, Al-Dbass AM, Almnaizel AT, Alahmed M, Soliman DA, El-Ansary A. Association of Maternal Diabetes and Autism Spectrum Disorders in Offspring: a Study in a Rodent Model of Autism. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:349-358. [PMID: 34562183 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01912-9] [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: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated that maternal type 1 diabetes may contribute to autism pathogenesis in offspring, and that insulin therapy during pregnancy may prevent the onset of autism. As evidenced, selected brain biomarkers representing the accepted etiological mechanism of autism in newborn rats from diabetic mothers and diabetic mothers receiving insulin therapy compared to the propionic acid (PPA) rodent model of autism were screened. Female Wistar rats with a controlled fertility cycle were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a group treated with a single dose of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce type 1 diabetes (T1D), and a group treated with a single dose of STZ to induce T1D along with insulin therapy. Neonatal rats from these groups were divided into four experimental groups of six animals each: the control group, oral buffered PPA-treated group administered a neurotoxic dose of 250 mg/kg PPA for 3 days to induce autism, neonatal rats from mothers with T1D, and neonatal rats from mothers with T1D receiving insulin therapy. Biochemical parameters of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and glutamate excitotoxicity were examined in brain homogenates from all neonatal rats. The development of pathogenic bacteria was monitored in stool samples from all rat groups. Descriptive analyses of changes in fecal microbiota and overgrowth of Clostridium species were performed in diabetic mothers, diabetic mothers treated with insulin therapy, and their offspring. Clostridium species may induce autism-relevant behaviors in offspring from mothers with T1D. Maternal T1D without insulin therapy increased lipid peroxidation levels, reduced GST activity, and lower offspring' vitamin C and GSH levels. Increased IL-6 levels and reduced GABA levels were detected in brain homogenates from neonatal rats whose mothers had T1D. Interestingly, insulin therapy reduced MDA and IL-6 levels and increased GST, GSH, and vitamin C levels in brain homogenates of neonatal rats from mothers with T1D receiving insulin therapy compared to the PPA-treated group. Based on our results, the PPA-treated group and neonatal rats from mothers with T1D exhibited similar results. These findings suggest that neonatal rats from mothers with T1D may develop autism-relevant biochemical autistic features and that insulin therapy may ameliorate oxidative stress, poor detoxification, inflammation, and excitotoxicity as ascertained mechanisms involved in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malak M Aljumaiah
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A Alonazi
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer M Al-Dbass
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad T Almnaizel
- Prince Naif for Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Alahmed
- Prince Naif for Health Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dina A Soliman
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Science College, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Campus, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Disrupted functional connectivity between the nucleus accumbens and posterior cingulate cortex in autism spectrum disorder. Neuroreport 2021; 33:43-47. [PMID: 34873110 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dysfunctions in the basal ganglia have been repeatedly found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The nucleus accumbens (NAcc) is known for its central role in social functions and also in its abnormality in ASD. In this study, whole-brain functional connectivity of the NAcc was examined to isolate brain regions that are differently connected to the NAcc in autism, using resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) data. METHODS In the initial dataset, 68 individuals with ASD (13.13 ± 2.41 years old) and 77 typically developing individuals (14.79 ± 3.57 years old) were compared. RESULTS The precuneus cortex, lingual gyrus, thalamus, dorsal striatum, anterior cingulate cortex and posterior cingulate cortex showed weaker connectivity to the NAcc in the group with ASD. Among these regions, dysconnectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) was replicated in the replication dataset, with 78 individuals with ASD and 105 without ASD. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the dysconnectivity between the NAcc and PCC may account for social dysfunctions in ASD.
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Traetta ME, Codagnone MG, Uccelli NA, Ramos AJ, Zárate S, Reinés A. Hippocampal neurons isolated from rats subjected to the valproic acid model mimic in vivo synaptic pattern: evidence of neuronal priming during early development in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2021; 12:23. [PMID: 33676530 PMCID: PMC7937248 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are synaptopathies characterized by area-specific synaptic alterations and neuroinflammation. Structural and adhesive features of hippocampal synapses have been described in the valproic acid (VPA) model. However, neuronal and microglial contribution to hippocampal synaptic pattern and its time-course of appearance is still unknown. METHODS Male pups born from pregnant rats injected at embryonic day 10.5 with VPA (450 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (control) were used. Maturation, exploratory activity and social interaction were assessed as autistic-like traits. Synaptic, cell adhesion and microglial markers were evaluated in the CA3 hippocampal region at postnatal day (PND) 3 and 35. Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons from control and VPA animals were used to study synaptic features and glutamate-induced structural remodeling. Basal and stimuli-mediated reactivity was assessed on microglia primary cultures isolated from control and VPA animals. RESULTS At PND3, before VPA behavioral deficits were evident, synaptophysin immunoreactivity and the balance between the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) were preserved in the hippocampus of VPA animals along with the absence of microgliosis. At PND35, concomitantly with the establishment of behavioral deficits, the hippocampus of VPA rats showed fewer excitatory synapses and increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance without microgliosis. Hippocampal neurons from VPA animals in culture exhibited a preserved synaptic puncta number at the beginning of the synaptogenic period in vitro but showed fewer excitatory synapses as well as increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance and resistance to glutamate-induced structural synaptic remodeling after active synaptogenesis. Microglial cells isolated from VPA animals and cultured in the absence of neurons showed similar basal and stimuli-induced reactivity to the control group. Results indicate that in the absence of glia, hippocampal neurons from VPA animals mirrored the in vivo synaptic pattern and suggest that while neurons are primed during the prenatal period, hippocampal microglia are not intrinsically altered. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests microglial role is not determinant for developing neuronal alterations or counteracting neuronal outcome in the hippocampus and highlights the crucial role of hippocampal neurons and structural plasticity in the establishment of the synaptic alterations in the VPA rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Gabriel Codagnone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nonthué Alejandra Uccelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Zárate
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Yang JQ, Yang CH, Yin BQ. Combined the GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists attenuates autistic behaviors in a prenatal valproic acid-induced mouse model of autism. Behav Brain Res 2021; 403:113094. [PMID: 33359845 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized primarily by two core behavioral symptoms of social communication deficits and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Investigating the etiological process and identifying an appropriate therapeutic target remain as formidable challenges to overcome ASD due to numerous risk factors and complex symptoms associated with the disorder. Among the various mechanisms that contribute to ASD, the maintenance of excitation and inhibition balance emerged as a key factor to regulate proper functioning of neuronal circuitry. In this study, we employed prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA) to establish a validated ASD mouse model and found impaired inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurotransmission through a presynaptic mechanism in these model mice, which was accompanied with decreased GABA release and GABA-A and GABA-B receptor subunits expression. And acute administration of individual GABA-A or GABA-B receptor agonists partially reversed autistic-like behaviors in the model mice. Furthermore, acute administration of the combined GABA-A and GABA-B receptor agonists palliated sociability deficits, anxiety and repetitive behaviors in the animal model of autistic-like behaviors, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of above cocktail in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Quan Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Chao-Hua Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Bao-Qi Yin
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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28
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Suri K, Lewis M, Minar N, Willson E, Ace J. Face Memory Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-020-09840-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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29
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Thalamic and prefrontal GABA concentrations but not GABA A receptor densities are altered in high-functioning adults with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1634-1646. [PMID: 32376999 PMCID: PMC7644591 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0756-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission system has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Molecular neuroimaging studies incorporating simultaneous acquisitions of GABA concentrations and GABAA receptor densities can identify objective molecular markers in ASD. We measured both total GABAA receptor densities by using [18F]flumazenil positron emission tomography ([18F]FMZ-PET) and GABA concentrations by using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in 28 adults with ASD and 29 age-matched typically developing (TD) individuals. Focusing on the bilateral thalami and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as our regions of interest, we found no differences in GABAA receptor densities between ASD and TD groups. However, 1H-MRS measurements revealed significantly higher GABA/Water (GABA normalized by water signal) in the left DLPFC of individuals with ASD than that of TD controls. Furthermore, a significant gender effect was observed in the thalami, with higher GABA/Water in males than in females. Hypothesizing that thalamic GABA correlates with ASD symptom severity in gender-specific ways, we stratified by diagnosis and investigated the interaction between gender and thalamic GABA/Water in predicting Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and Ritvo Autism Asperger's Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) total scores. We found that gender is a significant effect modifier of thalamic GABA/Water's relationship with AQ and RAADS-R scores for individuals with ASD, but not for TD controls. When we separated the ASD participants by gender, a negative correlation between thalamic GABA/Water and AQ was observed in male ASD participants. Remarkably, in female ASD participants, a positive correlation between thalamic GABA/Water and AQ was found.
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30
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2020; 43:629-645. [PMID: 33126999 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2020.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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31
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Akk G, Germann AL, Sugasawa Y, Pierce SR, Evers AS, Steinbach JH. Enhancement of Muscimol Binding and Gating by Allosteric Modulators of the GABA A Receptor: Relating Occupancy to State Functions. Mol Pharmacol 2020; 98:303-313. [PMID: 32873746 PMCID: PMC7472144 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.120.000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscimol is a psychoactive isoxazole derived from the mushroom Amanita muscaria and a potent orthosteric agonist of the GABAA receptor. The binding of [3H]muscimol has been used to evaluate the distribution of GABAA receptors in the brain, and studies of modulation of [3H]muscimol binding by allosteric GABAergic modulators such as barbiturates and steroid anesthetics have provided insight into the modes of action of these drugs on the GABAA receptor. It has, however, not been feasible to directly apply interaction parameters derived from functional studies to describe the binding of muscimol to the receptor. Here, we employed the Monod-Wyman-Changeux concerted transition model to analyze muscimol binding isotherms. We show that the binding isotherms from recombinant α1β3 GABAA receptors can be qualitatively predicted using electrophysiological data pertaining to properties of receptor activation and desensitization in the presence of muscimol. The model predicts enhancement of [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of the steroids allopregnanolone and pregnenolone sulfate, although the steroids interact with distinct sites and either enhance (allopregnanolone) or reduce (pregnenolone sulfate) receptor function. We infer that the concerted transition model can be used to link radioligand binding and electrophysiological data. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The study employs a three-state resting-active-desensitized model to link radioligand binding and electrophysiological data. We show that the binding isotherms can be qualitatively predicted using parameters estimated in electrophysiological experiments and that the model accurately predicts the enhancement of [3H]muscimol binding in the presence of the potentiating steroid allopregnanolone and the inhibitory steroid pregnenolone sulfate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Akk
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Allison L Germann
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yusuke Sugasawa
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Spencer R Pierce
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alex S Evers
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joe Henry Steinbach
- Department of Anesthesiology (G.A., A.L.G., Y.S., S.R.P., A.S.E., J.H.S.) and the Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research (G.A., A.S.E., J.H.S.), Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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Arid1b haploinsufficiency in parvalbumin- or somatostatin-expressing interneurons leads to distinct ASD-like and ID-like behavior. Sci Rep 2020; 10:7834. [PMID: 32398858 PMCID: PMC7217886 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory interneurons are essential for proper brain development and function. Dysfunction of interneurons is implicated in several neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). We have previously shown that Arid1b haploinsufficiency interferes with interneuron development and leads to social, cognitive, and emotional impairments consistent with ASD and ID. It is unclear, however, whether interneurons play a major role for the behavioral deficits in Arid1b haploinsufficiency. Furthermore, it is critical to determine which interneuron subtypes contribute to distinct behavioral phenotypes. In the present study, we generated Arid1b haploinsufficient mice in which a copy of the Arid1b gene is deleted in either parvalbumin (PV) or somatostatin (SST) interneurons, and examined their ASD- and ID-like behaviors. We found that Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV or SST interneurons resulted in distinct features that do not overlap with one another. Arid1b haploinsufficiency in PV neurons contributed to social and emotional impairments, while the gene deletion in the SST population caused stereotypies as well as learning and memory dysfunction. These findings demonstrate a critical role of interneurons in Arid1b haploinsufficient pathology and suggest that PV and SST interneurons may have distinct roles in modulating neurological phenotypes in Arid1b haploinsufficiency-induced ASD and ID.
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GABA ARα2 is Decreased in the Axon Initial Segment of Pyramidal Cells in Specific Areas of the Prefrontal Cortex in Autism. Neuroscience 2020; 437:76-86. [PMID: 32335215 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Some forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, a neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by impaired communication and social skills as well as repetitive behaviors, are purportedly associated with dysregulation of the excitation/inhibition balance in the cerebral cortex. Through human postmortem tissue analysis, we previously found a significant decrease in the number of a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneuron subtype, the chandelier (Ch) cell, in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with autism. Ch cells exclusively target the axon initial segment (AIS) of excitatory pyramidal (Pyr) neurons, and a single Ch cell forms synapses on hundreds of Pyr cells, indicating a possible role in maintaining electrical balance. Thus, we herein investigated this crucial link between Ch and Pyr cells in the anatomy of autism neuropathology by examining GABA receptor protein expression in the Pyr cell AIS in subjects with autism. We collected tissue from the prefrontal cortex (Brodmann Areas (BA) 9, 46, and 47) of 20 subjects with autism and 20 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against the GABAA receptor subunit α2 (GABAARα2) - the subunit most prevalent in the Pyr cell AIS - revealed a significantly decreased GABAARα2 protein in the Pyr cell AIS in supragranular layers of prefrontal cortical areas BA9 and BA47 in autism. Downregulated GABAARα2 protein in the Pyr cell AIS may result from decreased GABA synthesis in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with autism, and thereby contribute to an excitation/inhibition imbalance. Our findings support the potential for GABA receptor agonists asa therapeutic tool for autism.
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Kolodny T, Schallmo MP, Gerdts J, Edden RAE, Bernier RA, Murray SO. Concentrations of Cortical GABA and Glutamate in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:1111-1129. [PMID: 32297709 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The balance of excitation and inhibition in neural circuits is hypothesized to be increased in autism spectrum disorder, possibly mediated by altered signaling of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), yet empirical evidence in humans is inconsistent. We used edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to quantify signals associated with both GABA and the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in multiple regions of the sensory and sensorimotor cortex, including primary visual, auditory, and motor areas in adult individuals with autism and in neurotypical controls. Despite the strong a priori hypothesis of reduced GABA in autism spectrum disorder, we found no group differences in neurometabolite concentrations in any of the examined regions and no correlations of MRS measure with psychophysical visual sensitivity or autism symptomatology. We demonstrate high data quality that is comparable across groups, with a relatively large sample of well-characterized participants, and use Bayesian statistics to corroborate the lack of any group differences. We conclude that levels of GABA and Glx (glutamate, glutamine, and glutathione) in the sensory and sensorimotor cortex, as measured with MRS at 3T, are comparable in adults with autism and neurotypical individuals. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1111-1129. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate are the main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the human brain, respectively, and their balanced interaction is necessary for neural function. Previous research suggests that the GABA and glutamate systems might be altered in autism. In this study, we used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to measure concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the sensory areas in the brains of young adults with autism. In contradiction to the common hypothesis of reduced GABA in autism, we demonstrate that concentrations of both GABA and glutamate, in all the brain regions examined, are comparable in individuals with autism and in neurotypical adults. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Kolodny
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael-Paul Schallmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Scott O Murray
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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35
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Altered Expression of GABAergic Markers in the Forebrain of Young and Adult Engrailed-2 Knockout Mice. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040384. [PMID: 32244845 PMCID: PMC7231099 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired function of GABAergic interneurons, and the subsequent alteration of excitation/inhibition balance, is thought to contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Altered numbers of GABAergic interneurons and reduced expression of GABA receptors has been detected in the brain of ASD subjects and mouse models of ASD. We previously showed a reduced expression of GABAergic interneuron markers parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) in the forebrain of adult mice lacking the Engrailed2 gene (En2-/- mice). Here, we extended this analysis to postnatal day (P) 30 by using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR to study the expression of GABAergic interneuron markers in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of En2-/- and wild type (WT) mice. In addition, GABA receptor subunit mRNA expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR in the same brain regions of P30 and adult En2-/- and WT mice. As observed in adult animals, PV and SST expression was decreased in En2-/- forebrain of P30 mice. The expression of GABA receptor subunits (including the ASD-relevant Gabrb3) was also altered in young and adult En2-/- forebrain. Our results suggest that GABAergic neurotransmission deficits are already evident at P30, confirming that neurodevelopmental defects of GABAergic interneurons occur in the En2 mouse model of ASD.
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36
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Pandina G, Ring RH, Bangerter A, Ness S. Current Approaches to the Pharmacologic Treatment of Core Symptoms Across the Lifespan of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2020; 29:301-317. [PMID: 32169264 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There are no approved medications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) core symptoms. However, given the significant clinical need, children and adults with ASD are prescribed medication off label for core or associated conditions, sometimes based on limited evidence for effectiveness. Recent developments in the understanding of biologic basis of ASD have led to novel targets with potential to impact core symptoms, and several clinical trials are underway. Heterogeneity in course of development, co-occurring conditions, and age-related treatment response variability hampers study outcomes. Novel measures and approaches to ASD clinical trial design will help in development of effective pharmacologic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gahan Pandina
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA.
| | | | - Abigail Bangerter
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
| | - Seth Ness
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, 1125 Trenton Harbouron Road, Titusville, NJ 08560, USA
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37
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Shen W, Kilander MBC, Bridi MS, Frei JA, Niescier RF, Huang S, Lin YC. Tomosyn regulates the small RhoA GTPase to control the dendritic stability of neurons and the surface expression of AMPA receptors. J Neurosci Res 2020; 98:1213-1231. [PMID: 32133675 PMCID: PMC7216846 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Tomosyn, a protein encoded by syntaxin‐1‐binding protein 5 (STXBP5) gene, has a well‐established presynaptic role in the inhibition of neurotransmitter release and the reduction of synaptic transmission by its canonical interaction with the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide‐sensitive factor attachment protein receptor machinery. However, the postsynaptic role of tomosyn in dendritic arborization, spine stability, and trafficking of ionotropic glutamate receptors remains to be elucidated. We used short hairpin RNA to knock down tomosyn in mouse primary neurons to evaluate the postsynaptic cellular function and molecular signaling regulated by tomosyn. Knockdown of tomosyn led to an increase of RhoA GTPase activity accompanied by compromised dendritic arborization, loss of dendritic spines, decreased surface expression of AMPA receptors, and reduced miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency. Inhibiting RhoA signaling was sufficient to rescue the abnormal dendritic morphology and the surface expression of AMPA receptors. The function of tomosyn regulating RhoA is mediated through the N‐terminal WD40 motif, where two variants each carrying a single nucleotide mutation in this region were found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We demonstrated that these variants displayed loss‐of‐function phenotypes. Unlike the wild‐type tomosyn, these two variants failed to restore the reduced dendritic complexity, spine density, as well as decreased surface expression of AMPA receptors in tomosyn knockdown neurons. This study uncovers a novel role of tomosyn in maintaining neuronal function by inhibiting RhoA activity. Further analysis of tomosyn variants also provides a potential mechanism for explaining cellular pathology in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Shen
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Morgan S Bridi
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jeannine A Frei
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert F Niescier
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Shiyong Huang
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu-Chih Lin
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, USA
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38
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Cisneros-Franco JM, Voss P, Thomas ME, de Villers-Sidani E. Critical periods of brain development. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 173:75-88. [PMID: 32958196 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64150-2.00009-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Brain plasticity is maximal at specific time windows during early development known as critical periods (CPs), during which sensory experience is necessary to establish optimal cortical representations of the surrounding environment. After CP closure, a range of functional and structural elements prevent passive experience from eliciting significant plastic changes in the brain. The transition from a plastic to a more fixed state is advantageous as it allows for the sequential consolidation and retention of new and more complex perceptual, motor, and cognitive functions. However, the formation of stable neural representations may pose limitations on future revisions to the circuitry. If sensory experience is abnormal or absent during this time, it can have profound effects on sensory representations in adulthood, resulting in quasi-permanent adaptations that can make it nearly impossible to learn certain skills or process certain stimulus properties later on in life. This chapter begins with a brief introduction to experience-dependent plasticity throughout the lifespan (Section Introduction). Next, we define what constitutes a CP (Section What Are Critical Periods?) and review some of the key CPs in the visual and auditory systems (Section Key Critical Periods of Sensory Systems). We then discuss the mechanisms whereby cortical plasticity is regulated both locally and through neuromodulatory systems (Section How Are Critical Periods Regulated?). Finally, we highlight studies showing that CPs can be extended beyond their normal epochs, closed prematurely, or reopened during adult life by merely altering sensory inputs (Section Timing of Critical Periods: Can CP Plasticity Be Extended, Limited, or Reactivated?).
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Affiliation(s)
- J Miguel Cisneros-Franco
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Patrice Voss
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Maryse E Thomas
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Etienne de Villers-Sidani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Centre for Research on Brain, Language and Music, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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39
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Brandenburg C, Blatt GJ. Differential serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and 5-HT 2 receptor density in limbic and neocortical areas of adults and children with autism spectrum disorders: implications for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor efficacy. J Neurochem 2019; 151:642-655. [PMID: 31325179 PMCID: PMC6900089 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
As selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are among the most commonly prescribed medications in autism, we aimed to determine whether targets for SSRIs are differentially affected in three cortical areas in children and adults with autism compared to neurotypical individuals. Utilizing a large cohort of postmortem brain tissue (n = 14–19 per group), saturation ligand binding assays were conducted on sections from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), posterior cingulate cortex, and fusiform gyrus (FG). Specific binding to the 5‐HT transporter (5‐HTT) as well as to 5‐HT2 and 1A receptors (5‐HT₂, 5‐HT1A) was quantified in superficial and deep layers of each region using the ligands [3H]‐citalopram (5‐HTT), [3H]‐ketanserin (5‐HT2), and [3H]‐8‐OH‐DPAT (5‐HT1A). A Welch’s t‐test was utilized to compare receptor densities (Bmax), revealing a statistically significant decrease in 5‐HTT within the ACC of the entire autism cohort. There was also a decrease in 5‐HT2 receptor density in the ACC in the adult cohort, but not in child postmortem autism cases as compared to controls. Comparing linear regression lines of Bmax values plotted against age, shows a significantly lower intercept for 5‐HTT in autism (p = 0.025). 5‐HT₂ density increases with age in control cases, whereas in autism there is a decrease with age and significantly different slopes between regression lines (p = 0.032). This suggests a deficit in 5‐HTT within the ACC in individuals with autism, while decreases in 5‐HT₂ density are age‐dependent. There were no differences in receptor densities in the posterior cingulate cortex or FG in autism and no differences in ligand affinity (KD) across all regions and ligands examined. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Brandenburg
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program on Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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40
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Ohta KI, Suzuki S, Warita K, Sumitani K, Tenkumo C, Ozawa T, Ujihara H, Kusaka T, Miki T. The effects of early life stress on the excitatory/inhibitory balance of the medial prefrontal cortex. Behav Brain Res 2019; 379:112306. [PMID: 31629835 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aversive environmental conditions during early life are known to cause long-lasting social deficits, similar to those observed in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanism of how early life stress can cause social deficits is not well understood. To clarify how being in an aversive environment during development affects sociability, we conducted various analyses focusing on the excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) balance in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and how it is related to social deficits, with young adult male rats that had been exposed to maternal separation (MS). In our MS procedure, part of the pups were separated from each dam for 3 h, twice a day, during postnatal days 2-20, and then were used for each analysis at 9 weeks old. We identified that MS mainly reduced pre- and post-synaptic protein expression of inhibitory neurons in the mPFC, and that decreased the number of GAD67-positive interneurons and inhibitory synapses in the mPFC. Furthermore, MS impaired social behavior related to social recognition, which is closely linked to the mPFC, in the three-chamber sociability and social novelty test (3-CST). With relation to this social deficit, immunohistological analysis revealed that c-fos-positive cells in the mPFC of rats exposed to MS decreased during the 3-CST. Considering that inhibitory neurons in the mPFC play a role in synchronizing neural activation for information processing, our findings demonstrate that MS-induced E/I imbalance associated with cell activity in the mPFC leads to deficits in social recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichi Ohta
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan.
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Warita
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Kazunori Sumitani
- Department of Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Chiaki Tenkumo
- Department of Perinatology and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Toru Ozawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Ujihara
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Kusaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takanori Miki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
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41
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Hong D, Rohani Rankouhi S, Thielen JW, van Asten JJA, Norris DG. A comparison of sLASER and MEGA-sLASER using simultaneous interleaved acquisition for measuring GABA in the human brain at 7T. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0223702. [PMID: 31603925 PMCID: PMC6788718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0223702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the major inhibitory neurotransmitter, is challenging to measure using proton spectroscopy due to its relatively low concentration, J-coupling and overlapping signals from other metabolites. Currently, the prevalent methods for detecting GABA at ultrahigh field strengths (≥ 7 T) are GABA-editing and model fitting of non-editing single voxel spectra. These two acquisition approaches have their own advantages: the GABA editing approach directly measures the GABA resonance at 3 ppm, whereas the fitting approach on the non-editing spectrum allows the detection of multiple metabolites, and has an SNR advantage over longer echo time (TE) acquisitions. This study aims to compare these approaches for estimating GABA at 7 T. We use an interleaved sequence of semi-LASER (sLASER: TE = 38 ms) and MEGA-sLASER (TE = 80 ms). This simultaneous interleaved acquisition minimizes the differential effect of extraneous factors, and enables an accurate comparison of the two acquisition methods. Spectra were acquired with an 8 ml isotropic voxel at six different brain regions: anterior-cingulate cortex, dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, occipital cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus. Spectral fitting with LCModel quantified the GABA to total Cr (tCr: Creatine + Phosphocreatine) concentration ratio. After correcting the T2 relaxation time variation, GABA/tCr ratios were similar between the two acquisition approaches. GABA editing showed smaller spectral fitting error according to Cramér-Rao lower bound than the sLASER approach for all regions examined. We conclude that both acquisition methods show similar accuracy but the precision of the MEGA-editing approach is higher for GABA measurement. In addition, the 2.28 ppm GABA resonance was found to be important for estimating GABA concentration without macromolecule contamination in the GABA-edited acquisition, when utilizing spectral fitting with LCModel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghyun Hong
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Jan-Willem Thielen
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jack J. A. van Asten
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - David G. Norris
- Erwin L. Hahn Institute for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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42
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Horder J, Andersson M, Mendez MA, Singh N, Tangen Ä, Lundberg J, Gee A, Halldin C, Veronese M, Bölte S, Farde L, Sementa T, Cash D, Higgins K, Spain D, Turkheimer F, Mick I, Selvaraj S, Nutt DJ, Lingford-Hughes A, Howes OD, Murphy DG, Borg J. GABA A receptor availability is not altered in adults with autism spectrum disorder or in mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2019; 10:10/461/eaam8434. [PMID: 30282698 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aam8434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Preliminary studies have suggested that γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors, and potentially the GABAA α5 subtype, are deficient in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, prior studies have been confounded by the effects of medications, and these studies did not compare findings across different species. We measured both total GABAA and GABAA α5 receptor availability in two positron emission tomography imaging studies. We used the tracer [11C]flumazenil in 15 adults with ASD and in 15 control individuals without ASD and the tracer [11C]Ro15-4513 in 12 adults with ASD and in 16 control individuals without ASD. All participants were free of medications. We also performed autoradiography, using the same tracers, in three mouse models of ASD: the Cntnap2 knockout mouse, the Shank3 knockout mouse, and mice carrying a 16p11.2 deletion. We found no differences in GABAA receptor or GABAA α5 subunit availability in any brain region of adults with ASD compared to those without ASD. There were no differences in GABAA receptor or GABAA α5 subunit availability in any of the three mouse models. However, adults with ASD did display altered performance on a GABA-sensitive perceptual task. Our data suggest that GABAA receptor availability may be normal in adults with ASD, although GABA signaling may be functionally impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Horder
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Max Andersson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria A Mendez
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Nisha Singh
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.,Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ämma Tangen
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antony Gee
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christer Halldin
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Farde
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.,Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, PET Science Centre, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Teresa Sementa
- Division of Imaging Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Cash
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Karen Higgins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Debbie Spain
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Inge Mick
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Sudhakar Selvaraj
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Neuropsychopharmacology Unit, Centre for Psychiatry, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences and Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jacqueline Borg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm County Council, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.,Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Pediatric Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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43
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Yang G, Shcheglovitov A. Probing disrupted neurodevelopment in autism using human stem cell-derived neurons and organoids: An outlook into future diagnostics and drug development. Dev Dyn 2019; 249:6-33. [PMID: 31398277 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive or restrictive behaviors, and problems with speech. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in 68 children in the US is diagnosed with ASDs. Although ASD-related diagnostics and the knowledge of ASD-associated genetic abnormalities have improved in recent years, our understanding of the cellular and molecular pathways disrupted in ASD remains very limited. As a result, no specific therapies or medications are available for individuals with ASDs. In this review, we describe the neurodevelopmental processes that are likely affected in the brains of individuals with ASDs and discuss how patient-specific stem cell-derived neurons and organoids can be used for investigating these processes at the cellular and molecular levels. Finally, we propose a discovery pipeline to be used in the future for identifying the cellular and molecular deficits and developing novel personalized therapies for individuals with idiopathic ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang Yang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Alex Shcheglovitov
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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44
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Pretzsch CM, Voinescu B, Mendez MA, Wichers R, Ajram L, Ivin G, Heasman M, Williams S, Murphy DGM, Daly E, McAlonan GM. The effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on low-frequency activity and functional connectivity in the brain of adults with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD). J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1141-1148. [PMID: 31237191 PMCID: PMC6732821 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119858306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential benefits of cannabis and its major non-intoxicating component cannabidiol (CBD) are attracting attention, including as a potential treatment in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the neural action of CBD, and its relevance to ASD, remains unclear. We and others have previously shown that response to drug challenge can be measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), but that pharmacological responsivity is atypical in ASD. AIMS We hypothesized that there would be a (different) fMRI response to CBD in ASD. METHODS To test this, task-free fMRI was acquired in 34 healthy men (half with ASD) following oral administration of 600 mg CBD or matched placebo (random order; double-blind administration). The 'fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations' (fALFF) was measured across the whole brain, and, where CBD significantly altered fALFF, we tested if functional connectivity (FC) of those regions was also affected by CBD. RESULTS CBD significantly increased fALFF in the cerebellar vermis and the right fusiform gyrus. However, post-hoc within-group analyses revealed that this effect was primarily driven by the ASD group, with no significant change in controls. Within the ASD group only, CBD also significantly altered vermal FC with several of its subcortical (striatal) and cortical targets, but did not affect fusiform FC with other regions in either group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that, especially in ASD, CBD alters regional fALFF and FC in/between regions consistently implicated in ASD. Future studies should examine if this affects the complex behaviours these regions modulate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte M Pretzsch
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Bogdan Voinescu
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Maria A Mendez
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Wichers
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Ajram
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Glynis Ivin
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation
Trust Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Martin Heasman
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation
Trust Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Steven Williams
- Department of Neuroimaging Sciences,
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London,
London, UK
| | - Declan GM Murphy
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eileen Daly
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Gráinne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and
Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience,
King’s College London, London, UK
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45
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Hui KK, Takashima N, Watanabe A, Chater TE, Matsukawa H, Nekooki-Machida Y, Nilsson P, Endo R, Goda Y, Saido TC, Yoshikawa T, Tanaka M. GABARAPs dysfunction by autophagy deficiency in adolescent brain impairs GABA A receptor trafficking and social behavior. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaau8237. [PMID: 30989111 PMCID: PMC6457945 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aau8237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional mTOR signaling is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is unclear what molecular mechanisms and pathogenic mediators are involved and whether mTOR-regulated autophagy continues to be crucial beyond neurodevelopment. Here, we selectively deleted Atg7 in forebrain GABAergic interneurons in adolescent mice and unexpectedly found that these mice showed a set of behavioral deficits similar to Atg7 deletion in forebrain excitatory neurons. By unbiased quantitative proteomic analysis, we identified γ-aminobutyric acid receptor-associated protein-like 2 (GABARAPL2) to differentially form high-molecular weight species in autophagy-deficient brains. Further functional analyses revealed a novel pathogenic mechanism involving the p62-dependent sequestration of GABARAP family proteins, leading to the reduction of surface GABAA receptor levels. Our work demonstrates a novel physiological role for autophagy in regulating GABA signaling beyond postnatal neurodevelopment, providing a potential mechanism for the reduced inhibitory inputs observed in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders with mTOR hyperactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin K. Hui
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Noriko Takashima
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Akiko Watanabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Thomas E. Chater
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Matsukawa
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoko Nekooki-Machida
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Per Nilsson
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 141 57, Sweden
| | - Ryo Endo
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yukiko Goda
- Laboratory for Synaptic Plasticity and Connectivity, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takaomi C. Saido
- Laboratory for Proteolytic Neuroscience, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Motomasa Tanaka
- Laboratory for Protein Conformation Diseases, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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46
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La Barbera L, Vedele F, Nobili A, D'Amelio M, Krashia P. Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Functional Role of Ambra1 in Autism and Schizophrenia. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6716-6724. [PMID: 30915711 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1557-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The activating molecule in Beclin-1-regulated autophagy (Ambra1) is a highly intrinsically disordered protein best known for its role as a mediator in autophagy, by favoring the formation of autophagosomes. Additional studies have revealed that Ambra1 is able to coordinate cell responses to stress conditions such as starvation, and it actively participates in cell proliferation, cytoskeletal modification, apoptosis, mitochondria removal, and cell cycle downregulation. All these functions highlight the importance of Ambra1 in crucial physiological events, including metabolism, cell death, and cell division. Importantly, Ambra1 is also crucial for proper embryonic development, and its complete absence in knock-out animal models leads to severe brain morphology defects. In line with this, it has recently been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders affecting humans, particularly autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Here, we discuss the recent links between Ambra1 and neurodevelopment, particularly focusing on its role during the maturation of hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons and its importance for maintaining a proper excitation/inhibition balance in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia La Barbera
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Francescangelo Vedele
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy
| | - Annalisa Nobili
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello D'Amelio
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy. .,Unit of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Medicine, University Campus-Biomedico, Rome, Italy.
| | - Paraskevi Krashia
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurosciences, Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome 'Tor Vergata', Rome, Italy.
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47
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Ajram LA, Pereira AC, Durieux AMS, Velthius HE, Petrinovic MM, McAlonan GM. The contribution of [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the study of excitation-inhibition in autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:236-244. [PMID: 30248378 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects over 1:100 of the population and costs the UK more than £32bn and the USA more than $175bn (£104bn) annually. Its core symptoms are social and communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours and sensory hyper- or hypo-sensitivities. A highly diverse phenotypic presentation likely reflects its etiological heterogeneity and makes finding treatment targets for ASD challenging. In addition, there are no means to identify biologically responsive individuals who may benefit from specific interventions. There is hope however, and in this review we consolidate how findings from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) add to the evidence that differences in the brain's excitatory glutamate and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) balance may be both a key biomarker and a tractable treatment target in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Ajram
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Andreia C Pereira
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine, ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alice M S Durieux
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Hester E Velthius
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Marija M Petrinovic
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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48
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Wang X, Tao J, Qiao Y, Luo S, Zhao Z, Gao Y, Guo J, Kong J, Chen C, Ge L, Zhang B, Guo P, Liu L, Song Y. Gastrodin Rescues Autistic-Like Phenotypes in Valproic Acid-Induced Animal Model. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1052. [PMID: 30581411 PMCID: PMC6293267 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an immensely challenging developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, restricted/repetitive behavior, and anxiety. GABAergic dysfunction has been postulated to underlie these autistic symptoms. Gastrodin is widely used clinically in the treatment of neurological disorders and showed to modulate GABAergic signaling in the animal brain. The present study aimed to determine whether treatment with gastrodin can rescue valproic acid (VPA) induced autistic-like phenotypes, and to determine its possible mechanism of action. Our results showed that administration of gastrodin effectively alleviated the autistic-associated behavioral abnormalities as reflected by an increase in social interaction and decrement in repetitive/stereotyped behavior and anxiety in mice as compared to those in untreated animals. Remarkably, the amelioration in autistic-like phenotypes was accompanied by the restoration of inhibitory synaptic transmission, α5 GABAA receptor, and type 1 GABA transporter (GAT1) expression in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) of VPA-treated mice. These findings indicate that gastrodin may alleviate the autistic symptoms caused by VPA through regulating GABAergic synaptic transmission, suggesting that gastrodin may be a potential therapeutic target in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Tao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yidan Qiao
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqin Zhao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinbo Gao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jisheng Guo
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinghui Kong
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chongfen Chen
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lili Ge
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengbo Guo
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinsen Song
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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49
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Wang L, Li J, Shuang M, Lu T, Wang Z, Zhang T, Yue W, Jia M, Ruan Y, Liu J, Wu Z, Zhang D, Wang L. Association study and mutation sequencing of genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 identified GABRG3 as a susceptibility gene for autism in Chinese Han population. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:152. [PMID: 30108208 PMCID: PMC6092396 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytogenetic studies suggested that chromosome 15q11-q13 might be a candidate region that increases the risk of autism. Previous association studies in Caucasian populations identified the risk variants of genes in this region. However, the association of these genes with autism in Chinese Han population remains unclear. Herein, 512 autism trios were utilized for a family-based association study of 41 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in this region to explore the association between protein-coding genes on chromosome 15q11-q13 and autism in Chinese Han population. Furthermore, we sequenced these autism-related genes to detect rare variants in 512 autism trios and 575 healthy controls. Our results showed that the C allele of rs7180500 in GABRG3 was a risk variant for autism (p = 0.00057). The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed that the C allele of rs7180500 might be associated with the expression of GABRG3 in the cerebellum (Braineac: p = 0.0048; GTEx: p = 0.0010). Moreover, the sequencing identified two rare variants rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) and rs201427468 (p.Pro365Ser) in GABRG3 and six rare variants in GABRB3 in autistic patients. Among these variants, rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) in GABRG3 were observed in 9 of 512 autistic children and 2 of 575 healthy controls (Pearson χ2-test, χ2 = 5.375, p = 0.020). The functional prediction indicated that rs201602655 (p.Val233Met) might be deleterious. Thus, these findings demonstrated that GABRG3 might contribute to the pathogenesis of autism in Chinese Han population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Wang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jun Li
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Mei Shuang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Tianlan Lu
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Tian Zhang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Weihua Yue
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Meixiang Jia
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Yanyan Ruan
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China
| | - Jing Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Zhiliu Wu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China. .,The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, 510370, China.
| | - Dai Zhang
- 0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1769 3691grid.453135.5Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0004 1798 0615grid.459847.3National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China ,0000 0001 2256 9319grid.11135.37PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871 China
| | - Lifang Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), Beijing, 100191, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
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50
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Wang X, Guo J, Song Y, Wang Q, Hu S, Gou L, Gao Y. Decreased Number and Expression of nNOS-Positive Interneurons in Basolateral Amygdala in Two Mouse Models of Autism. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:251. [PMID: 30150925 PMCID: PMC6099087 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The basolateral amygdala (BLA) controls socio-emotional behaviors and is involved in the etiology of autism. We have recently shown that virtually every neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) positive cell is a GABAergic inhibitory interneuron in the mouse BLA. Here, stereology was used to quantify the number of nNOS-expressing interneurons in valproic acid (VPA)-exposed C57BL/6J (B6) and BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice models of autism. Additionally, the protein and mRNA levels of nNOS in the BLA were quantitatively assessed by western blot and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. Our results showed the decreased number of nNOS interneurons in the BLA of animal models relative to autism. Consistently, nNOS was significantly reduced in the VPA-exposed and BTBR mice at both protein and mRNA levels. Together, these preliminary findings suggest that down-regulation of nNOS may be an attractive target for the pharmacological intervention in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jisheng Guo
- Center for Translational Medicine, The Sixth People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinsen Song
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Shunan Hu
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingshan Gou
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yinbo Gao
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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