1
|
Cruz-Gamero JM, Ballardin D, Lecis B, Zhang CL, Cobret L, Gast A, Morisset-Lopez S, Piskorowski R, Langui D, Jose J, Chevreux G, Rebholz H. Missense mutation in the activation segment of the kinase CK2 models Okur-Chung neurodevelopmental disorder and alters the hippocampal glutamatergic synapse. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02762-8. [PMID: 39367055 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02762-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/06/2024]
Abstract
Exome sequencing has enabled the identification of causative genes of monogenic forms of autism, amongst them, in 2016, CSNK2A1, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of the kinase CK2, linking this kinase to Okur-Chung Neurodevelopmental Syndrome (OCNDS), a newly described neurodevelopmental condition with many symptoms resembling those of autism spectrum disorder. Thus far, no preclinical model of this condition exists. Here we describe a knock-in mouse model that harbors the K198R mutation in the activation segment of the α subunit of CK2. This region is a mutational hotspot, representing one-third of patients. These mice exhibit behavioral phenotypes that mirror patient symptoms. Homozygous knock-in mice die mid-gestation while heterozygous knock-in mice are born at half of the expected mendelian ratio and are smaller in weight and size than wildtype littermates. Heterozygous knock-in mice showed alterations in cognition and memory-assessing paradigms, enhanced stereotypies, altered circadian activity patterns, and nesting behavior. Phosphoproteome analysis from brain tissue revealed alterations in the phosphorylation status of major pre- and postsynaptic proteins of heterozygous knock-in mice. In congruence, we detect reduced synaptic maturation in hippocampal neurons and attenuated long-term potentiation in the hippocampus of knock-in mice. Taken together, heterozygous knock-in mice (CK2αK198R/+) exhibit significant face validity, presenting ASD-relevant phenotypes, synaptic deficits, and alterations in synaptic plasticity, all of which strongly validate this line as a mouse model of OCNDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Cruz-Gamero
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Demetra Ballardin
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Lecis
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France
- GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Chun-Lei Zhang
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Cobret
- Center for Molecular Biophysics-CNRS UPR 4301, Rue Charles Sadron, Orléans, France
| | - Alexander Gast
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Rebecca Piskorowski
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Langui
- Inserm, Institut du Cerveau, Plateforme ICM-Quant, Paris, France
| | - Joachim Jose
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacampus, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Heike Rebholz
- Université Paris Cité, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Laboratory of Signaling mechanisms in neurological disorders, 75014, Paris, France.
- GHU-Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Sainte Anne, F-75014, Paris, France.
- Center of Neurodegeneration, Faculty of Medicine, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fenton TA, Haouchine OY, Hallam EB, Smith EM, Jackson KC, Rahbarian D, Canales CP, Adhikari A, Nord AS, Ben-Shalom R, Silverman JL. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model of SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:405. [PMID: 39358332 PMCID: PMC11447000 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03077-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability (SRID). Without functional SynGAP1 protein, individuals are developmentally delayed and have prominent features of intellectual disability (ID), motor impairments, and epilepsy. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous discoveries indicating the critical role of Syngap1. Several rodent models with a loss of Syngap1 have been engineered, identifying precise roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical pathways key for synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1/Syngap1 is lethal. Heterozygous mutations of Syngap1 result in a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Our in vivo functional data, using the original mouse model from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated behaviors including robust hyperactivity and deficits in learning and memory in young adults. Furthermore, we described impairments in the domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data that was collected with wireless, telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). Syngap1+/- mice exhibited elevated spiking events and spike trains, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power frequency. For the first time, we illustrated that primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice displayed: 1) increased network firing activity, 2) greater bursts, 3) and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks, by utilizing high density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA). Our work bridges in vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro that can be utilized for the development and efficacy assessment of targeted treatments for SRID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Olivia Y Haouchine
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Hallam
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Emily M Smith
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kiya C Jackson
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Darlene Rahbarian
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Cesar P Canales
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Alex S Nord
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Roy Ben-Shalom
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zahran MA, Manas-Ojeda A, Navarro-Sánchez M, Castillo-Gómez E, Olucha-Bordonau FE. Deep learning-based scoring method of the three-chamber social behaviour test in a mouse model of alcohol intoxication. A comparative analysis of DeepLabCut, commercial automatic tracking and manual scoring. Heliyon 2024; 10:e36352. [PMID: 39286202 PMCID: PMC11403434 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Alcohol consumption and withdrawal alter social behaviour in humans in a sex-dependent manner. The three-chamber test is a widely used paradigm to assess rodents' social behaviour, including sociability and social novelty. Automatic tracking systems are commonly used to score time spent with conspecifics, despite failing to score direct interaction time with conspecifics rather than time in the nearby zone. Thereby, the automatically scored results are usually inaccurate and need manual corrections. New method New advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have been used recently to analyze complex behaviours. DeepLabCat is a pose-estimation toolkit that allows the tracking of animal body parts. Thus, we used DeepLabCut, to introduce a scoring model of the three-chamber test to investigate alcohol withdrawal effects on social behaviour in mice considering sex and withdrawal periods. We have compared the results of two automatic pose estimation methods: automatic tracking (AnyMaze) and DeepLabCut considering the manual scoring method, the current gold standard. Results We have found that the automatic tracking method (AnyMaze) has failed to detect the significance of social deficits in female mice during acute withdrawal. However, tracking the animal's nose using DeepLabCut showed a significant social deficit in agreement with manual scoring. Interestingly, this social deficit was shown only in females during acute and recovered by the protracted withdrawal. DLC and manually scored results showed a higher Spearman correlation coefficient and a lower bias in the Bland-Altman analysis. Conclusion our approach helps improve the accuracy of scoring the three-chamber test while outperforming commercial automatic tracking systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Aly Zahran
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Aroa Manas-Ojeda
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Mónica Navarro-Sánchez
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Esther Castillo-Gómez
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
- CIBERsam-ISCiii, Spain
| | - Francisco E Olucha-Bordonau
- Unitat Predepartamental de Medicina, Facultat de Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
- CIBERsam-ISCiii, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Milazzo R, Montepeloso A, Kumar R, Ferro F, Cavalca E, Rigoni P, Cabras P, Ciervo Y, Das S, Capotondo A, Pellin D, Peviani M, Biffi A. Therapeutic efficacy of intracerebral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8024. [PMID: 39271711 PMCID: PMC11399302 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52301-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The conditions supporting the generation of microglia-like cells in the central nervous system (CNS) after transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) have been studied to advance the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we explored the transplantation efficacy of different cell subsets and delivery routes with the goal of favoring the establishment of a stable and exclusive engraftment of HSPCs and their progeny in the CNS of female mice. In this setting, we show that the CNS environment drives the expansion, distribution and myeloid differentiation of the locally transplanted cells towards a microglia-like phenotype. Intra-CNS transplantation of HSPCs engineered to overexpress TREM2 decreased neuroinflammation, Aβ aggregation and improved memory in 5xFAD female mice. Our proof of concept study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of HSPC gene therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Milazzo
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Women and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Annita Montepeloso
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesca Ferro
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eleonora Cavalca
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pietro Rigoni
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Women and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Cabras
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Cellular and Molecular Neuropharmacology lab, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Yuri Ciervo
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Women and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Sabyasachi Das
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alessia Capotondo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo Pellin
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marco Peviani
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "L. Spallanzani", Cellular and Molecular Neuropharmacology lab, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Biffi
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Women and Child's Health, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
- Gene Therapy Program, Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Medeiros D, Masini D, Plewnia C, Boi L, Rosati M, Scalbert N, Fisone G. Dopamine D2 receptor activation counteracts olfactory dysfunction and related cellular abnormalities in experimental parkinsonism. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35948. [PMID: 39224310 PMCID: PMC11366923 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Olfactory dysfunction is a common non-motor symptom associated with Parkinson's disease (PD). This condition usually appears before the onset of the cardinal motor symptoms and is still poorly understood. Here, we generated a mouse model of early-stage PD based on partial 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesion of the dorsal striatum to reproduce the olfactory deficit and associated cellular and electrophysiological anomalies observed in patients. Using this model, we investigated the effect of long-term, continuous administration of pramipexole, a dopamine D2/3 selective agonist, on olfactory dysfunction. We found that pramipexole reverted the impairment of odor discrimination displayed by the mouse model in the habituation/dishabituation test. In line with similar observations in PD patients, the mouse model showed an increase of dopamine cells paralleled by augmented levels of the dopamine marker, tyrosine hydroxylase, in the olfactory bulb (OB). These changes, which have been proposed to contribute to olfactory dysfunction, were abolished by oral administration of pramipexole. Local field potential recording in the OB of 6-OHDA lesion mice showed reduced oscillations in the beta frequency range, in comparison to healthy control mice. This abnormality, which is suggestive of defective long range OB transmission, was also counteracted by pramipexole. Altogether these findings indicate that prolonged pharmacological stimulation of dopamine D2-like receptors rescues olfactory discrimination observed in experimental parkinsonism. Moreover, they show that this protective effect is exerted in parallel to a normalization of dopamine neurons and beta band oscillations in the OB, providing information on the potential mechanisms involved in PD-related olfactory dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carina Plewnia
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Boi
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martha Rosati
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Scalbert
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gilberto Fisone
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fenton TA, Haouchine OY, Hallam EL, Smith EM, Jackson KC, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord AS, Ben-Shalom R, Silverman JL. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical mouse model of SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4067746. [PMID: 38562838 PMCID: PMC10984035 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4067746/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability (SRID). Without functional SynGAP1 protein, individuals are developmentally delayed and have prominent features of intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous discoveries indicting the critical role of Syngap1. Several rodent models with a loss of Syngap1 have been engineered identifying precise roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical pathways key for synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1/Syngap1 is lethal. Heterozygous mutations of Syngap1 result in a broad range of behavioral phenotypes. Our in vivo functional data, using the original mouse model from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated behaviors including robust hyperactivity and deficits in learning and memory in young adults. Furthermore, we described impairments in the domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless, telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). Syngap1+/- mice exhibited elevated spiking events and spike trains, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power frequency. For the first time, we illustrated primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater bursts, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks by employing high density microelectrode arrays (HD-MEA). Our work bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro that can be utilized for the development and efficacy assessment of targeted treatments for SRID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Olivia Y Haouchine
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Elizabeth L Hallam
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Emily M Smith
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Kiya C. Jackson
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Darlene Rahbarian
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Cesar Canales
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Alexander S. Nord
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- UC Davis Center for Neuroscience; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616
| | - Roy Ben-Shalom
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Severino L, Kim J, Nam MH, McHugh TJ. From synapses to circuits: What mouse models have taught us about how autism spectrum disorder impacts hippocampal function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105559. [PMID: 38246230 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105559] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a variety of cognitive and behavioral domains. While a genetic component of ASD has been well-established, none of the numerous syndromic genes identified in humans accounts for more than 1% of the clinical patients. Due to this large number of target genes, numerous mouse models of the disorder have been generated. However, the focus on distinct brain circuits, behavioral phenotypes and diverse experimental approaches has made it difficult to synthesize the overwhelming number of model animal studies into concrete throughlines that connect the data across levels of investigation. Here we chose to focus on one circuit, the hippocampus, and one hypothesis, a shift in excitatory/inhibitory balance, to examine, from the level of the tripartite synapse up to the level of in vivo circuit activity, the key commonalities across disparate models that can illustrate a path towards a better mechanistic understanding of ASD's impact on hippocampal circuit function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leandra Severino
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Division of Bio-Medical Science & Technology, KIST-School, University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, South Korea; Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi Saitama, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Borreca A, Mantovani C, Desiato G, Corradini I, Filipello F, Elia CA, D'Autilia F, Santamaria G, Garlanda C, Morini R, Pozzi D, Matteoli M. Loss of interleukin 1 signaling causes impairment of microglia- mediated synapse elimination and autistic-like behaviour in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:493-509. [PMID: 38307446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.221] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the hypothesis that elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases has gained popularity. IL-1 is one of the main cytokines found to be elevated in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by defects in social communication and cognitive impairments. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking IL-1 signaling display autistic-like defects associated with an excessive number of synapses. We also show that microglia lacking IL-1 signaling at early neurodevelopmental stages are unable to properly perform the process of synapse engulfment and display excessive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Notably, even the acute inhibition of IL-1R1 by IL-1Ra is sufficient to enhance mTOR signaling and reduce synaptosome phagocytosis in WT microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that rapamycin treatment rescues the defects in IL-1R deficient mice. These data unveil an exclusive role of microglial IL-1 in synapse refinement via mTOR signaling and indicate a novel mechanism possibly involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with defects in the IL-1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borreca
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Mantovani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Genni Desiato
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Corradini
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabia Filipello
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Adriana Elia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Santamaria
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Morini
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Courtney Y, Head JP, Yimer ED, Dani N, Shipley FB, Libermann TA, Lehtinen MK. A choroid plexus apocrine secretion mechanism shapes CSF proteome and embryonic brain development. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574486. [PMID: 38260341 PMCID: PMC10802501 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
We discovered that apocrine secretion by embryonic choroid plexus (ChP) epithelial cells contributes to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome and influences brain development in mice. The apocrine response relies on sustained intracellular calcium signaling and calpain-mediated cytoskeletal remodeling. It rapidly alters the embryonic CSF proteome, activating neural progenitors lining the brain's ventricles. Supraphysiological apocrine secretion induced during mouse development by maternal administration of a serotonergic 5HT2C receptor agonist dysregulates offspring cerebral cortical development, alters the fate of CSF-contacting neural progenitors, and ultimately changes adult social behaviors. Critically, exposure to maternal illness or to the psychedelic drug LSD during pregnancy also overactivates the ChP, inducing excessive secretion. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a new mechanism by which maternal exposure to diverse stressors disrupts in utero brain development.
Collapse
|
10
|
Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lau KA, Yang X, Rioult-Pedotti MS, Tang S, Appleman M, Zhang J, Tian Y, Marino C, Yao M, Jiang Q, Tsuda AC, Huang YWA, Cao C, Marshall J. A PSD-95 peptidomimetic mitigates neurological deficits in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 230:102513. [PMID: 37536482 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102513] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a severe cognitive disorder caused by loss of neuronal expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A. In an AS mouse model, we previously reported a deficit in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and set out to develop a therapeutic that would restore normal signaling. We demonstrate that CN2097, a peptidomimetic compound that binds postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), a TrkB associated scaffolding protein, mitigates deficits in PLC-CaMKII and PI3K/mTOR pathways to restore synaptic plasticity and learning. Administration of CN2097 facilitated long-term potentiation (LTP) and corrected paired-pulse ratio. As the BDNF-mTORC1 pathway is critical for inhibition of autophagy, we investigated whether autophagy was disrupted in AS mice. We found aberrantly high autophagic activity attributable to a concomitant decrease in mTORC1 signaling, resulting in decreased levels of synaptic proteins, including Synapsin-1 and Shank3. CN2097 increased mTORC1 activity to normalize autophagy and restore hippocampal synaptic protein levels. Importantly, treatment mitigated cognitive and motor dysfunction. These findings support the use of neurotrophic therapeutics as a valuable approach for treating AS pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara A Lau
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mengia S Rioult-Pedotti
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Stephen Tang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mark Appleman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Yuyang Tian
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Caitlin Marino
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mudi Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Ayumi C Tsuda
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Yu-Wen Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Cong Cao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Barone I, Gilette NM, Hawks-Mayer H, Handy J, Zhang KJ, Chifamba FF, Mostafa E, Johnson-Venkatesh EM, Sun Y, Gibson JM, Rotenberg A, Umemori H, Tsai PT, Lipton JO. Synaptic BMAL1 phosphorylation controls circadian hippocampal plasticity. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj1010. [PMID: 37878694 PMCID: PMC10599629 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The time of day strongly influences adaptive behaviors like long-term memory, but the correlating synaptic and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The circadian clock comprises a canonical transcription-translation feedback loop (TTFL) strictly dependent on the BMAL1 transcription factor. We report that BMAL1 rhythmically localizes to hippocampal synapses in a manner dependent on its phosphorylation at Ser42 [pBMAL1(S42)]. pBMAL1(S42) regulates the autophosphorylation of synaptic CaMKIIα and circadian rhythms of CaMKIIα-dependent molecular interactions and LTP but not global rest/activity behavior. Therefore, our results suggest a model in which repurposing of the clock protein BMAL1 to synapses locally gates the circadian timing of plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Barone
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Nicole M. Gilette
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hannah Hawks-Mayer
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jonathan Handy
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin J. Zhang
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Fortunate F. Chifamba
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Engie Mostafa
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Erin M. Johnson-Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Gibson
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alexander Rotenberg
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hisashi Umemori
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Peter T. Tsai
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, University of Texas at Southwestern, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jonathan O. Lipton
- Department of Neurology and F.M. Kirby Center for Neurobiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Neurology and Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Qin Y, Zhang XY, Liu Y, Ma Z, Tao S, Li Y, Peng R, Wang F, Wang J, Feng J, Qiu Z, Jin L, Wang H, Gong X. Downregulation of mGluR1-mediated signaling underlying autistic-like core symptoms in Shank1 P1812L-knock-in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:329. [PMID: 37880287 PMCID: PMC10600164 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02626-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms that consist of social deficits and repetitive behaviors. Unfortunately, no effective medication is available thus far to target the core symptoms of ASD, since the pathogenesis remains largely unknown. To investigate the pathogenesis of the core symptoms in ASD, we constructed Shank1 P1812L-knock-in (KI) mice corresponding to a recurrent ASD-related mutation, SHANK1 P1806L, to achieve construct validity and face validity. Shank1 P1812L-KI heterozygous (HET) mice presented with social deficits and repetitive behaviors without the presence of confounding comorbidities. HET mice also exhibited downregulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) and associated signals, along with structural abnormalities in the dendritic spines and postsynaptic densities. Combined with findings from Shank1 R882H-KI mice, our study confirms that mGluR1-mediated signaling dysfunction is a pivotal mechanism underlying the core symptoms of ASD. Interestingly, Shank1 P1812L-KI homozygous (HOM) mice manifested behavioral signs of impaired long-term memory rather than autistic-like core traits; thus, their phenotype was markedly different from that of Shank1 P1812L-KI HET mice. Correspondingly, at the molecular level, Shank1 P1812L-KI HOM displayed upregulation of AMPA receptor (GluA2)-related signals. The different patterns of protein changes in HOM and HET mice may explain the differences in behaviors. Our study emphasizes the universality of mGluR1-signaling hypofunction in the pathogenesis of the core symptoms in ASD, providing a potential target for therapeutic drugs. The precise correspondence between genotype and phenotype, as shown in HOM and HET mice, indicates the importance of reproducing disease-related genotypes in mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Academy of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Zehan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaohong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
László K, Vörös D, Correia P, Fazekas CL, Török B, Plangár I, Zelena D. Vasopressin as Possible Treatment Option in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2603. [PMID: 37892977 PMCID: PMC10603886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rather common, presenting with prevalent early problems in social communication and accompanied by repetitive behavior. As vasopressin was implicated not only in salt-water homeostasis and stress-axis regulation, but also in social behavior, its role in the development of ASD might be suggested. In this review, we summarized a wide range of problems associated with ASD to which vasopressin might contribute, from social skills to communication, motor function problems, autonomous nervous system alterations as well as sleep disturbances, and altered sensory information processing. Beside functional connections between vasopressin and ASD, we draw attention to the anatomical background, highlighting several brain areas, including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, medial preoptic area, lateral septum, bed nucleus of stria terminalis, amygdala, hippocampus, olfactory bulb and even the cerebellum, either producing vasopressin or containing vasopressinergic receptors (presumably V1a). Sex differences in the vasopressinergic system might underline the male prevalence of ASD. Moreover, vasopressin might contribute to the effectiveness of available off-label therapies as well as serve as a possible target for intervention. In this sense, vasopressin, but paradoxically also V1a receptor antagonist, were found to be effective in some clinical trials. We concluded that although vasopressin might be an effective candidate for ASD treatment, we might assume that only a subgroup (e.g., with stress-axis disturbances), a certain sex (most probably males) and a certain brain area (targeting by means of virus vectors) would benefit from this therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dávid Vörös
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pedro Correia
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Lea Fazekas
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bibiána Török
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Imola Plangár
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary; (K.L.); (D.V.); (P.C.); (C.L.F.); (B.T.); (I.P.)
- Center of Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Center, University of Pécs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silverman JL, Fenton T, Haouchine O, Hallam E, Smith E, Jackson K, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord A, Ben-Shalom R. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical model of SYNGAP1 mutations. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3246655. [PMID: 37790402 PMCID: PMC10543290 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3246655/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
SYNGAP1 is a critical gene for neuronal development, synaptic structure, and function. Although rare, the disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1 -related intellectual disability. Without functional SynGAP1 protein, patients present with intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Previous work using mouse models with a variety of germline and conditional mutations has helped delineate SynGAP1's critical roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical signaling pathways essential to synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1 is embryonically lethal. Heterozygous mutations of SynGAP1 result in a broad range of phenotypes including increased locomotor activity, impaired working spatial memory, impaired cued fear memory, and increased stereotypic behavior. Our in vivo functional data, using the original germline mutation mouse line from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated robust hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits. Here, we describe impairments in the translational biomarker domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). We discovered Syngap1+/- mice exhibited elevated spike trains in both number and duration, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power band. Primary neurons from Syngap1+/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater spikes per burst, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks using high density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEA). This work is translational, innovative, and highly significant as it outlines functional impairments in Syngap1 mutant mice. Simultaneously, the work utilized untethered, wireless neurophysiology that can discover potential biomarkers of Syngap1 RI-D, for clinical trials, as it has done with other NDDs. Our work is substantial forward progress toward translational work for SynGAP1R-ID as it bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate multiple quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro for the development of treatments for SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fenton TA, Haouchine OY, Hallam EL, Smith EM, Jackson KC, Rahbarian D, Canales C, Adhikari A, Nord AS, Ben-Shalom R, Silverman JL. Hyperexcitability and translational phenotypes in a preclinical model of SYNGAP1 mutations. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550093. [PMID: 37546838 PMCID: PMC10402099 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
SYNGAP1 is a critical gene for neuronal development, synaptic structure, and function. Although rare, the disruption of SYNGAP1 directly causes a genetically identifiable neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) called SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability. Without functional SynGAP1 protein, patients present with intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy. Previous work using mouse models with a variety of germline and conditional mutations has helped delineate SynGAP1's critical roles in neuronal structure and function, as well as key biochemical signaling pathways essential to synapse integrity. Homozygous loss of SYNGAP1 is embryonically lethal. Heterozygous mutations of SynGAP1 result in a broad range of phenotypes including increased locomotor activity, impaired working spatial memory, impaired cued fear memory, and increased stereotypic behavior. Our in vivo functional data, using the original germline mutation mouse line from the Huganir laboratory, corroborated robust hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits. Here, we describe impairments in the translational biomarker domain of sleep, characterized using neurophysiological data collected with wireless telemetric electroencephalography (EEG). We discovered Syngap1 +/- mice exhibited elevated spike trains in both number and duration, in addition to elevated power, most notably in the delta power band. Primary neurons from Syngap1 +/- mice displayed increased network firing activity, greater spikes per burst, and shorter inter-burst intervals between peaks using high density micro-electrode arrays (HD-MEA). This work is translational, innovative, and highly significant as it outlines functional impairments in Syngap1 mutant mice. Simultaneously, the work utilized untethered, wireless neurophysiology that can discover potential biomarkers of Syngap1R-ID, for clinical trials, as it has done with other NDDs. Our work is substantial forward progress toward translational work for SynGAP1R-ID as it bridges in-vitro electrophysiological neuronal activity and function with in vivo neurophysiological brain activity and function. These data elucidate multiple quantitative, translational biomarkers in vivo and in vitro for the development of treatments for SYNGAP1-related intellectual disability.
Collapse
|
17
|
Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
Collapse
|
18
|
Cluster Analysis of Short Sensory Profile Data Reveals Sensory-Based Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113030. [PMID: 36361815 PMCID: PMC9655407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a common, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder lacking targeted treatments. Additional features include restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors and differences in sensory processing. We hypothesized that detailed sensory features including modality specific hyper- and hypo-sensitivity could be used to identify clinically recognizable subgroups with unique underlying gene variants. Participants included 378 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who contributed Short Sensory Profile data assessing the frequency of sensory behaviors and whole genome sequencing results to the Autism Speaks' MSSNG database. Sensory phenotypes in this cohort were not randomly distributed with 10 patterns describing 43% (162/378) of participants. Cross comparison of two independent cluster analyses on sensory responses identified six distinct sensory-based subgroups. We then characterized subgroups by calculating the percent of patients in each subgroup who had variants with a Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score of 15 or greater in each of 24,896 genes. Each subgroup exhibited a unique pattern of genes with a high frequency of variants. These results support the use of sensory features to identify autism spectrum disorder subgroups with shared genetic variants.
Collapse
|
19
|
Michetti C, Falace A, Benfenati F, Fassio A. Synaptic genes and neurodevelopmental disorders: From molecular mechanisms to developmental strategies of behavioral testing. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 173:105856. [PMID: 36070836 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptopathies are a class of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by modification in genes coding for synaptic proteins. These proteins oversee the process of neurotransmission, mainly controlling the fusion and recycling of synaptic vesicles at the presynaptic terminal, the expression and localization of receptors at the postsynapse and the coupling between the pre- and the postsynaptic compartments. Murine models, with homozygous or heterozygous deletion for several synaptic genes or knock-in for specific pathogenic mutations, have been developed. They have proved to be extremely informative for understanding synaptic physiology, as well as for clarifying the patho-mechanisms leading to developmental delay, epilepsy and motor, cognitive and social impairments that are the most common clinical manifestations of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the onset of these disorders emerges during infancy and adolescence while the behavioral phenotyping is often conducted in adult mice, missing important information about the impact of synaptic development and maturation on the manifestation of the behavioral phenotype. Here, we review the main achievements obtained by behavioral testing in murine models of synaptopathies and propose a battery of behavioral tests to improve classification, diagnosis and efficacy of potential therapeutic treatments. Our aim is to underlie the importance of studying behavioral development and better focusing on disease onset and phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Antonio Falace
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Children's Hospital A. Meyer-University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hong I, Kaang B. The complexity of ventral CA1 and its multiple functionalities. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12826. [PMID: 35815710 PMCID: PMC9744572 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus is one of the most widely investigated brain regions with its massive contributions to multiple behaviours. Especially, the hippocampus is subdivided into the dorsal and ventral parts playing distinct roles. In this review, we will focus on the ventral hippocampus, especially the ventral CA1 (vCA1), whose role is being actively discovered. vCA1 is well known to be associated with emotion-like behaviour, in both positive (reward) and negative (aversive) stimuli. How can this small region in volume mediate such variety of responses? This question will be answered with technologies up to date that have allowed us to study in-depth the specific neural circuit and to map the complex connectivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilgang Hong
- School of Biological SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| | - Bong‐Kiun Kaang
- School of Biological SciencesSeoul National UniversitySeoulSouth Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Jung S, Park M. Shank postsynaptic scaffolding proteins in autism spectrum disorder: Mouse models and their dysfunctions in behaviors, synapses, and molecules. Pharmacol Res 2022; 182:106340. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
22
|
Reyes RV, Hino K, Canales CP, Dickson EJ, La Torre A, Simó S. The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase CRL5 Regulates Dentate Gyrus Morphogenesis, Adult Neurogenesis, and Animal Behavior. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:908719. [PMID: 35801174 PMCID: PMC9253586 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.908719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) is an essential part of the hippocampal formation and participates in the majority of hippocampal functions. The DG is also one of the few structures in the mammalian central nervous system that produces adult-born neurons and, in humans, alterations in adult neurogenesis are associated with stress and depression. Given the importance of DG in hippocampal function, it is imperative to understand the molecular mechanisms driving DG development and homeostasis. The E3 ubiquitin ligase Cullin-5/RBX2 (CRL5) is a multiprotein complex involved in neuron migration and localization in the nervous system, but its role during development and in the adult DG remain elusive. Here, we show that CRL5 participates in mossy fiber pruning, DG layering, adult neurogenesis, and overall physical activity in mice. During DG development, RBX2 depletion causes an overextension of the DG mossy fiber infrapyramidal bundle (IPB). We further demonstrate that the increased activity in Reelin/DAB1 or ARF6 signaling, observed in RBX2 knockout mice, is not responsible for the lack of IPB pruning. Knocking out RBX2 also affects granule cell and neural progenitor localization and these defects were rescued by downregulating the Reelin/DAB1 signaling. Finally, we show that absence of RBX2 increases the number neural progenitors and adult neurogenesis. Importantly, RBX2 knockout mice exhibit higher levels of physical activity, uncovering a potential mechanism responsible for the increased adult neurogenesis in the RBX2 mutant DG. Overall, we present evidence of CRL5 regulating mossy fiber pruning and layering during development and opposing adult neurogenesis in the adult DG.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raenier V. Reyes
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Keiko Hino
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Cesar Patricio Canales
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Eamonn James Dickson
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Anna La Torre
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sergi Simó
- Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Sergi Simó,
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Grabrucker AM. Prenatal Zinc Deficient Mice as a Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116082. [PMID: 35682762 PMCID: PMC9181257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between early life zinc deficiency and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In line with this, mouse models have revealed prenatal zinc deficiency as a profound risk factor for neurobiological and behavioral abnormalities in the offspring reminiscent of ASD behavior. From these studies, a complex pathology emerges, with alterations in the gastrointestinal and immune system and synaptic signaling in the brain, as a major consequence of prenatal zinc deficiency. The features represent a critical link in a causal chain that leads to various neuronal dysfunctions and behavioral phenotypes observed in prenatal zinc deficient (PZD) mice and probably other mouse models for ASD. Given that the complete phenotype of PZD mice may be key to understanding how non-genetic factors can modify the clinical features and severity of autistic patients and explain the observed heterogeneity, here, we summarize published data on PZD mice. We critically review the emerging evidence that prenatal zinc deficiency is at the core of several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, being mechanistically linked to ASD-associated genetic factors. In addition, we highlight future directions and outstanding questions, including potential symptomatic, disease-modifying, and preventive treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann Katrin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-61-237756
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Klibaite U, Kislin M, Verpeut JL, Bergeler S, Sun X, Shaevitz JW, Wang SSH. Deep phenotyping reveals movement phenotypes in mouse neurodevelopmental models. Mol Autism 2022; 13:12. [PMID: 35279205 PMCID: PMC8917660 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00492-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive action, resistance to environmental change and fine motor disruptions are hallmarks of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders, and vary considerably from individual to individual. In animal models, conventional behavioral phenotyping captures such fine-scale variations incompletely. Here we observed male and female C57BL/6J mice to methodically catalog adaptive movement over multiple days and examined two rodent models of developmental disorders against this dynamic baseline. We then investigated the behavioral consequences of a cerebellum-specific deletion in Tsc1 protein and a whole-brain knockout in Cntnap2 protein in mice. Both of these mutations are found in clinical conditions and have been associated with ASD. METHODS We used advances in computer vision and deep learning, namely a generalized form of high-dimensional statistical analysis, to develop a framework for characterizing mouse movement on multiple timescales using a single popular behavioral assay, the open-field test. The pipeline takes virtual markers from pose estimation to find behavior clusters and generate wavelet signatures of behavior classes. We measured spatial and temporal habituation to a new environment across minutes and days, different types of self-grooming, locomotion and gait. RESULTS Both Cntnap2 knockouts and L7-Tsc1 mutants showed forelimb lag during gait. L7-Tsc1 mutants and Cntnap2 knockouts showed complex defects in multi-day adaptation, lacking the tendency of wild-type mice to spend progressively more time in corners of the arena. In L7-Tsc1 mutant mice, failure to adapt took the form of maintained ambling, turning and locomotion, and an overall decrease in grooming. However, adaptation in these traits was similar between wild-type mice and Cntnap2 knockouts. L7-Tsc1 mutant and Cntnap2 knockout mouse models showed different patterns of behavioral state occupancy. LIMITATIONS Genetic risk factors for autism are numerous, and we tested only two. Our pipeline was only done under conditions of free behavior. Testing under task or social conditions would reveal more information about behavioral dynamics and variability. CONCLUSIONS Our automated pipeline for deep phenotyping successfully captures model-specific deviations in adaptation and movement as well as differences in the detailed structure of behavioral dynamics. The reported deficits indicate that deep phenotyping constitutes a robust set of ASD symptoms that may be considered for implementation in clinical settings as quantitative diagnosis criteria.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugne Klibaite
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, 52 Oxford St, 02138, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mikhail Kislin
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jessica L Verpeut
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Silke Bergeler
- Department of Physics, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Xiaoting Sun
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Joshua W Shaevitz
- Department of Physics, Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| | - Samuel S-H Wang
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Rd, 08544, Princeton, NJ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
A recurrent SHANK1 mutation implicated in autism spectrum disorder causes autistic-like core behaviors in mice via downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2985-2998. [PMID: 35388181 PMCID: PMC9205781 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic etiology and underlying mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. SHANK family genes (SHANK1/2/3) are well known ASD-related genes. However, little is known about how SHANK missense mutations contribute to ASD. Here, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of and the multilevel neuropathological features induced by Shank1 mutations in knock-in (KI) mice. In this study, by sequencing the SHANK1 gene in a cohort of 615 ASD patients and 503 controls, we identified an ASD-specific recurrent missense mutation, c.2621 G > A (p.R874H). This mutation demonstrated strong pathogenic potential in in vitro experiments, and we generated the corresponding Shank1 R882H-KI mice. Shank1 R882H-KI mice displayed core symptoms of ASD, namely, social disability and repetitive behaviors, without confounding comorbidities of abnormal motor function and heightened anxiety. Brain structural changes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were observed in Shank1 R882H-KI mice via structural magnetic resonance imaging. These key brain regions also showed severe and consistent downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling, which subsequently affected the release of intracellular calcium. Corresponding cellular structural and functional changes were present in Shank1 R882H-KI mice, including decreased spine size, reduced spine density, abnormal morphology of postsynaptic densities, and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and basal excitatory transmission. These findings demonstrate the causative role of SHANK1 in ASD and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of core symptoms of ASD. We also provide a reliable model of ASD with core symptoms for future studies, such as biomarker identification and therapeutic intervention studies.
Collapse
|
27
|
Postsynaptic autism spectrum disorder genes and synaptic dysfunction. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105564. [PMID: 34838666 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the synaptic dysfunction of neuronal circuits and the ensuing behavioral alterations caused by mutations in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-linked genes directly or indirectly affecting the postsynaptic neuronal compartment. There are plenty of ASD risk genes, that may be broadly grouped into those involved in gene expression regulation (epigenetic regulation and transcription) and genes regulating synaptic activity (neural communication and neurotransmission). Notably, the effects mediated by ASD-associated genes can vary extensively depending on the developmental time and/or subcellular site of expression. Therefore, in order to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of disruptions in postsynaptic function, an effort to better model ASD in experimental animals is required to improve standardization and increase reproducibility within and among studies. Such an effort holds promise to provide deeper insight into the development of these disorders and to improve the translational value of preclinical studies.
Collapse
|
28
|
Martin LJ, Poulson SJ, Mannan E, Sivaselvachandran S, Cho M, Setak F, Chan C. Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12778. [PMID: 34812576 PMCID: PMC9744566 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have altered sensory processing but may ineffectively communicate their experiences. Here, we used a battery of nociceptive behavioral tests to assess sensory alterations in two commonly used mouse models of ASD, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR), and fragile-X mental retardation-1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. We also asked whether emotional contagion, a primitive form of empathy, was altered in BTBR and Fmr1 KO mice when experiencing pain with a social partner. BTBR mice demonstrated mixed nociceptive responses with hyporesponsivity to mechanical/thermal stimuli and intraplantar injections of formalin and capsaicin while displaying hypersensitivity on the acetic acid test. Fmr1-KO mice were hyposensitive to mechanical stimuli and intraplantar injections of capsaicin and formalin. BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice developed significantly less mechanical allodynia following intraplantar injections of complete Freund's adjuvant, while BTBR mice developed slightly more thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, as measured by the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests, BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice did not show emotional contagion of pain. In sum, our findings indicate that depending on the sensation, pain responses may be mixed, which reflects findings in ASD individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Loren J. Martin
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada,Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra J. Poulson
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Emma Mannan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Moonjeong Cho
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Fatima Setak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Claire Chan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Delling JP, Boeckers TM. Comparison of SHANK3 deficiency in animal models: phenotypes, treatment strategies, and translational implications. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:55. [PMID: 34784886 PMCID: PMC8594088 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and high heritability. Core symptoms of ASD include deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Many genes have been identified that are associated with an increased risk for ASD. Proteins encoded by these ASD risk genes are often involved in processes related to fetal brain development, chromatin modification and regulation of gene expression in general, as well as the structural and functional integrity of synapses. Genes of the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) family encode crucial scaffolding proteins (SHANK1-3) of excitatory synapses and other macromolecular complexes. SHANK gene mutations are highly associated with ASD and more specifically the Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS), which is caused by heterozygous 22q13.3-deletion resulting in SHANK3-haploinsufficiency, or by SHANK3 missense variants. SHANK3 deficiency and potential treatment options have been extensively studied in animal models, especially in mice, but also in rats and non-human primates. However, few of the proposed therapeutic strategies have translated into clinical practice yet. MAIN TEXT This review summarizes the literature concerning SHANK3-deficient animal models. In particular, the structural, behavioral, and neurological abnormalities are described and compared, providing a broad and comprehensive overview. Additionally, the underlying pathophysiologies and possible treatments that have been investigated in these models are discussed and evaluated with respect to their effect on ASD- or PMDS-associated phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Animal models of SHANK3 deficiency generated by various genetic strategies, which determine the composition of the residual SHANK3-isoforms and affected cell types, show phenotypes resembling ASD and PMDS. The phenotypic heterogeneity across multiple models and studies resembles the variation of clinical severity in human ASD and PMDS patients. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed and tested in animal models, which might lead to translational implications for human patients with ASD and/or PMDS. Future studies should explore the effects of new therapeutic approaches that target genetic haploinsufficiency, like CRISPR-mediated activation of promotors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Delling
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany. .,Ulm Site, DZNE, Ulm, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
S100B dysregulation during brain development affects synaptic SHANK protein networks via alteration of zinc homeostasis. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:562. [PMID: 34741005 PMCID: PMC8571423 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01694-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are caused by a combination of genetic predisposition and nongenetic factors. Among the nongenetic factors, maternal immune system activation and zinc deficiency have been proposed. Intriguingly, as a genetic factor, copy-number variations in S100B, a pro-inflammatory damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP), have been associated with ASD, and increased serum S100B has been found in ASD. Interestingly, it has been shown that increased S100B levels affect zinc homeostasis in vitro. Thus, here, we investigated the influence of increased S100B levels in vitro and in vivo during pregnancy in mice regarding zinc availability, the zinc-sensitive SHANK protein networks associated with ASD, and behavioral outcomes. We observed that S100B affects the synaptic SHANK2 and SHANK3 levels in a zinc-dependent manner, especially early in neuronal development. Animals exposed to high S100B levels in utero similarly show reduced levels of free zinc and SHANK2 in the brain. On the behavioral level, these mice display hyperactivity, increased stereotypic and abnormal social behaviors, and cognitive impairment. Pro-inflammatory factors and zinc-signaling alterations converge on the synaptic level revealing a common pathomechanism that may mechanistically explain a large share of ASD cases.
Collapse
|
31
|
May HJ, Jeong J, Revah-Politi A, Cohen JS, Chassevent A, Baptista J, Baugh EH, Bier L, Bottani A, Carminho A Rodrigues MT, Conlon C, Fluss J, Guipponi M, Kim CA, Matsumoto N, Person R, Primiano M, Rankin J, Shinawi M, Smith-Hicks C, Telegrafi A, Toy S, Uchiyama Y, Aggarwal V, Goldstein DB, Roche KW, Anyane-Yeboa K. Truncating variants in the SHANK1 gene are associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Genet Med 2021; 23:1912-1921. [PMID: 34113010 DOI: 10.1038/s41436-021-01222-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we aimed to characterize the clinical phenotype of a SHANK1-related disorder and define the functional consequences of SHANK1 truncating variants. METHODS Exome sequencing (ES) was performed for six individuals who presented with neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals were ascertained with the use of GeneMatcher and Database of Chromosomal Imbalance and Phenotype in Humans Using Ensembl Resources (DECIPHER). We evaluated potential nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of two variants by making knock-in cell lines of endogenous truncated SHANK1, and expressed the truncated SHANK1 complementary DNA (cDNA) in HEK293 cells and cultured hippocampal neurons to examine the proteins. RESULTS ES detected de novo truncating variants in SHANK1 in six individuals. Evaluation of NMD resulted in stable transcripts, and the truncated SHANK1 completely lost binding with Homer1, a linker protein that binds to the C-terminus of SHANK1. These variants may disrupt protein-protein networks in dendritic spines. Dispersed localization of the truncated SHANK1 variants within the spine and dendritic shaft was also observed when expressed in neurons, indicating impaired synaptic localization of truncated SHANK1. CONCLUSION This report expands the clinical spectrum of individuals with truncating SHANK1 variants and describes the impact these variants may have on the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halie J May
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Jaehoon Jeong
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anya Revah-Politi
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie S Cohen
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anna Chassevent
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julia Baptista
- Exeter Genomics Laboratory, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK.,Institute of Biomedical & Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Evan H Baugh
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Louise Bier
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Armand Bottani
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Charles Conlon
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joel Fluss
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatrics Subspecialties Service, Geneva Children's Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michel Guipponi
- Division of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Crianca, Hospital das Clinicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Richard Person
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michelle Primiano
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Rankin
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Marwan Shinawi
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Constance Smith-Hicks
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aida Telegrafi
- Clinical Genomics Program, GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Samantha Toy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Yuri Uchiyama
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Rare Disease Genomics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Vimla Aggarwal
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - David B Goldstein
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Katherine W Roche
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kwame Anyane-Yeboa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. .,Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Simmons DH, Titley HK, Hansel C, Mason P. Behavioral Tests for Mouse Models of Autism: An Argument for the Inclusion of Cerebellum-Controlled Motor Behaviors. Neuroscience 2021; 462:303-319. [PMID: 32417339 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have been interrogated using a variety of behavioral tests in order to understand the symptoms of ASD. However, the hallmark behaviors that are classically affected in ASD - deficits in social interaction and communication as well as the occurrence of repetitive behaviors - do not have direct murine equivalents. Thus, it is critical to identify the caveats that come with modeling a human disorder in mice. The most commonly used behavioral tests represent complex cognitive processes based on largely unknown brain circuitry. Motor impairments provide an alternative, scientifically rigorous approach to understanding ASD symptoms. Difficulties with motor coordination and learning - seen in both patients and mice - point to an involvement of the cerebellum in ASD pathology. This brain area supports types of motor learning that are conserved throughout vertebrate evolution, allowing for direct comparisons of functional abnormalities between humans with autism and ASD mouse models. Studying simple motor behaviors provides researchers with clearly interpretable results. We describe and evaluate methods used on mouse behavioral assays designed to test for social, communicative, perseverative, anxious, nociceptive, and motor learning abnormalities. We comment on the effectiveness and validity of each test based on how much information its results give, as well as its relevance to ASD, and will argue for an inclusion of cerebellum-supported motor behaviors in the phenotypic description of ASD mouse models. LAY SUMMARY: Mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder help us gain insight about ASD symptoms in human patients. However, there are many differences between mice and humans, which makes interpreting behaviors challenging. Here, we discuss a battery of behavioral tests for specific mouse behaviors to explore whether each test does indeed evaluate the intended measure, and whether these tests are useful in learning about ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana H Simmons
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Heather K Titley
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christian Hansel
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Peggy Mason
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Haigh JL, Adhikari A, Copping NA, Stradleigh T, Wade AA, Catta-Preta R, Su-Feher L, Zdilar I, Morse S, Fenton TA, Nguyen A, Quintero D, Agezew S, Sramek M, Kreun EJ, Carter J, Gompers A, Lambert JT, Canales CP, Pennacchio LA, Visel A, Dickel DE, Silverman JL, Nord AS. Deletion of a non-canonical regulatory sequence causes loss of Scn1a expression and epileptic phenotypes in mice. Genome Med 2021; 13:69. [PMID: 33910599 PMCID: PMC8080386 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-021-00884-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genes with multiple co-active promoters appear common in brain, yet little is known about functional requirements for these potentially redundant genomic regulatory elements. SCN1A, which encodes the NaV1.1 sodium channel alpha subunit, is one such gene with two co-active promoters. Mutations in SCN1A are associated with epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome (DS). The majority of DS patients harbor coding mutations causing SCN1A haploinsufficiency; however, putative causal non-coding promoter mutations have been identified. METHODS To determine the functional role of one of these potentially redundant Scn1a promoters, we focused on the non-coding Scn1a 1b regulatory region, previously described as a non-canonical alternative transcriptional start site. We generated a transgenic mouse line with deletion of the extended evolutionarily conserved 1b non-coding interval and characterized changes in gene and protein expression, and assessed seizure activity and alterations in behavior. RESULTS Mice harboring a deletion of the 1b non-coding interval exhibited surprisingly severe reductions of Scn1a and NaV1.1 expression throughout the brain. This was accompanied by electroencephalographic and thermal-evoked seizures, and behavioral deficits. CONCLUSIONS This work contributes to functional dissection of the regulatory wiring of a major epilepsy risk gene, SCN1A. We identified the 1b region as a critical disease-relevant regulatory element and provide evidence that non-canonical and seemingly redundant promoters can have essential function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Haigh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Anna Adhikari
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Tyler Stradleigh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - A Ayanna Wade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Rinaldo Catta-Preta
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Linda Su-Feher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Iva Zdilar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sarah Morse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Timothy A Fenton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Anh Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Diana Quintero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Samrawit Agezew
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael Sramek
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ellie J Kreun
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jasmine Carter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Andrea Gompers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jason T Lambert
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Cesar P Canales
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, CA, USA
| | - Diane E Dickel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, USA
- U.S. Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Walnut Creek, CA, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Alex S Nord
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kawamura A, Katayama Y, Kakegawa W, Ino D, Nishiyama M, Yuzaki M, Nakayama KI. The autism-associated protein CHD8 is required for cerebellar development and motor function. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108932. [PMID: 33826902 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the chromatin remodeler chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) are a highly penetrant risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although cerebellar abnormalities have long been thought to be related to ASD pathogenesis, it has remained largely unknown whether dysfunction of CHD8 in the cerebellum contributes to ASD phenotypes. We here show that cerebellar granule neuron progenitor (GNP)-specific deletion of Chd8 in mice impairs the proliferation and differentiation of these cells as well as gives rise to cerebellar hypoplasia and a motor coordination defect, but not to ASD-like behavioral abnormalities. CHD8 is found to regulate the expression of neuronal genes in GNPs. It also binds preferentially to promoter regions and modulates local chromatin accessibility of transcriptionally active genes in these cells. Our results have thus uncovered a key role for CHD8 in cerebellar development, with important implications for understanding the contribution of this brain region to ASD pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Kawamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yuta Katayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Wataru Kakegawa
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ino
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nishiyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wan L, Liu D, Xiao WB, Zhang BX, Yan XX, Luo ZH, Xiao B. Association of SHANK Family with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An Update on Genetic and Animal Model Discoveries. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1623-1643. [PMID: 33595806 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Shank family proteins are enriched at the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. They serve as synaptic scaffolding proteins and appear to play a critical role in the formation, maintenance and functioning of synapse. Increasing evidence from genetic association and animal model studies indicates a connection of SHANK genes defects with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we first update the current understanding of the SHANK family genes and their encoded protein products. We then denote the literature relating their alterations to the risk of neuropsychiatric diseases. We further review evidence from animal models that provided molecular insights into the biological as well as pathogenic roles of Shank proteins in synapses, and the potential relationship to the development of abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Du Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Taikang Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, 430050, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Biao Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Developmental impaired Akt signaling in the Shank1 and Shank3 double knock-out mice. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1928-1944. [PMID: 33402706 PMCID: PMC8440179 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Human mutations and haploinsufficiency of the SHANK family genes are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Complex phenotypes have been also described in all mouse models of Shank mutations and deletions, consistent with the heterogeneity of the human phenotypes. However, the specific role of Shank proteins in synapse and neuronal functions remain to be elucidated. Here, we generated a new mouse model to investigate how simultaneously deletion of Shank1 and Shank3 affects brain development and behavior in mice. Shank1-Shank3 DKO mice showed a low survival rate, a developmental strong reduction in the activation of intracellular signaling pathways involving Akt, S6, ERK1/2, and eEF2 during development and a severe behavioral impairments. Our study suggests that Shank1 and Shank3 proteins are essential to developmentally regulate the activation of Akt and correlated intracellular pathways crucial for mammalian postnatal brain development and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, Akt function might represent a new therapeutic target for enhancing cognitive abilities of syndromic ASD patients.
Collapse
|
38
|
Christian DL, Wu DY, Martin JR, Moore JR, Liu YR, Clemens AW, Nettles SA, Kirkland NM, Papouin T, Hill CA, Wozniak DF, Dougherty JD, Gabel HW. DNMT3A Haploinsufficiency Results in Behavioral Deficits and Global Epigenomic Dysregulation Shared across Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108416. [PMID: 33238114 PMCID: PMC7716597 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) have been detected in autism and related disorders, but how these mutations disrupt nervous system function is unknown. Here, we define the effects of DNMT3A mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disease. We show that diverse mutations affect different aspects of protein activity but lead to shared deficiencies in neuronal DNA methylation. Heterozygous DNMT3A knockout mice mimicking DNMT3A disruption in disease display growth and behavioral alterations consistent with human phenotypes. Strikingly, in these mice, we detect global disruption of neuron-enriched non-CG DNA methylation, a binding site for the Rett syndrome protein MeCP2. Loss of this methylation leads to enhancer and gene dysregulation that overlaps with models of Rett syndrome and autism. These findings define the effects of DNMT3A haploinsufficiency in the brain and uncover disruption of the non-CG methylation pathway as a convergence point across neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana L Christian
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Dennis Y Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Jenna R Martin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - J Russell Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Yiran R Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Adam W Clemens
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Sabin A Nettles
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Nicole M Kirkland
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Science, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Thomas Papouin
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Cheryl A Hill
- Department of Pathology and Anatomical Science, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - David F Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Harrison W Gabel
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Dutta R, Crawley JN. Behavioral Evaluation of Angelman Syndrome Mice at Older Ages. Neuroscience 2020; 445:163-171. [PMID: 31730795 PMCID: PMC7214203 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder presenting with severe deficits in motor, speech, and cognitive abilities. The primary genetic cause of Angelman syndrome is a maternally transmitted mutation in the Ube3a gene, which has been successfully modeled in Ube3a mutant mice. Phenotypes have been extensively reported in young adult Ube3a mice. Because symptoms continue throughout life in Angelman syndrome, we tested multiple behavioral phenotypes of male Ube3a mice and WT littermate controls at older adult ages. Social behaviors on both the 3-chambered social approach and male-female social interaction tests showed impairments in Ube3a at 12 months of age. Anxiety-related scores on both the elevated plus-maze and the light ↔ dark transitions assays indicated anxiety-like phenotypes in 12 month old Ube3a mice. Open field locomotion parameters were consistently lower at 12 months. Reduced general exploratory locomotion at this age prevented the interpretation of an anxiety-like phenotype, and likely impacted social tasks. Robust phenotypes in middle-aged Ube3a mice appear to result from continued motor decline. Motor deficits may provide the best outcome measures for preclinical testing of pharmacological targets, towards reductions of symptoms in adults with Angelman syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Dutta
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. The effect of background strain on the behavioral phenotypes of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12696. [PMID: 32808443 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2+/- ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioral phenotypes of male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2+/- genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behavior and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2+/- genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2+/- mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Rein B, Ma K, Yan Z. A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:3464-3477. [PMID: 32895524 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and other behavioral abnormalities. The three-chamber social preference test is often used to assess social deficits in mouse models of ASD. However, varying and often contradicting phenotypic descriptions of ASD mouse models can be found in the scientific literature, and the substantial variability in the methods used by researchers to assess social deficits in mice could be a contributing factor. Here we describe a standardized three-chamber social preference protocol, which is sensitive and reliable at detecting social preference deficits in several mouse models of ASD. This protocol comprises three phases that can all be completed within 1 d. The test mouse is first habituated to the apparatus containing two empty cups in the side chambers, followed by the pre-test phase in which the mouse can interact with two identical inanimate objects placed in the cups. During the test phase, the mouse is allowed to interact with a social stimulus (an unfamiliar wild-type (WT) mouse) contained in one cup and a novel non-social stimulus contained in the other cup. The protocol is thus designed to assess preference between social and non-social stimuli under conditions of equal salience. The broad implementation of the three-chamber social preference protocol presented here should improve the accuracy and consistency of assessments for social preference deficits associated with ASD and other psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kaijie Ma
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Caruso A, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML. Ultrasonic vocalizations as a fundamental tool for early and adult behavioral phenotyping of Autism Spectrum Disorder rodent models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:31-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
43
|
Schultz MN, Crawley JN. Evaluation of a TrkB agonist on spatial and motor learning in the Ube3a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Learn Mem 2020; 27:346-354. [PMID: 32817301 PMCID: PMC7433657 DOI: 10.1101/lm.051201.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation in the maternal allele of the gene Ube3a The primary symptoms of Angelman syndrome are severe cognitive deficits, impaired motor functions, and speech disabilities. Analogous phenotypes have been detected in young adult Ube3a mice. Here, we investigate cognitive phenotypes of Ube3a mice as compared to wild-type littermate controls at an older adult age. Water maze spatial learning, swim speed, and rotarod motor coordination and balance were impaired at 6 mo of age, as predicted. Based on previous findings of reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor in Ube3a mice, a novel therapeutic target, the TrkB agonist 7,8-DHF, was interrogated. Semichronic daily treatment with 7,8-DHF, 5 mg/kg i.p., did not significantly improve the impairments in performance during the acquisition of the water maze hidden platform location in Ube3a mice, after training with either massed or spaced trials, and had no effect on the swim speed and rotarod deficits. Robust behavioral phenotypes in middle-aged Ube3a mice appear to result from continued motor decline. Our results suggest that motor deficits could offer useful outcome measures for preclinical testing of many pharmacological targets, with the goal of reducing symptoms in adults with Angelman syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria N Schultz
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95821, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95821, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Kelly E, Meng F, Fujita H, Morgado F, Kazemi Y, Rice LC, Ren C, Escamilla CO, Gibson JM, Sajadi S, Pendry RJ, Tan T, Ellegood J, Basson MA, Blakely RD, Dindot SV, Golzio C, Hahn MK, Katsanis N, Robins DM, Silverman JL, Singh KK, Wevrick R, Taylor MJ, Hammill C, Anagnostou E, Pfeiffer BE, Stoodley CJ, Lerch JP, du Lac S, Tsai PT. Regulation of autism-relevant behaviors by cerebellar-prefrontal cortical circuits. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1102-1110. [PMID: 32661395 PMCID: PMC7483861 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar dysfunction has been demonstrated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, the circuits underlying cerebellar contributions to ASD-relevant behaviors remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice; showed that the mPFC mediates cerebellum-regulated social and repetitive/inflexible behaviors; and showed disruptions in connectivity between these regions in multiple mouse models of ASD-linked genes and in individuals with ASD. We delineated a circuit from cerebellar cortical areas Right crus 1 (Rcrus1) and posterior vermis through the cerebellar nuclei and ventromedial thalamus and culminating in the mPFC. Modulation of this circuit induced social deficits and repetitive behaviors, whereas activation of Purkinje cells (PCs) in Rcrus1 and posterior vermis improved social preference impairments and repetitive/inflexible behaviors, respectively, in male PC-Tsc1 mutant mice. These data raise the possibility that these circuits might provide neuromodulatory targets for the treatment of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elyza Kelly
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Fantao Meng
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hirofumi Fujita
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Felipe Morgado
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yasaman Kazemi
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Laura C Rice
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Christine Ochoa Escamilla
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gibson
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sanaz Sajadi
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Pendry
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tommy Tan
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Scott V Dindot
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Maureen K Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Nicholas Katsanis
- ACT-GeM, Department of Human Genetics at Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute; Department of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Diane M Robins
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karun K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Medical Imaging and Psychology, University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - Brad E Pfeiffer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Catherine J Stoodley
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sascha du Lac
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter T Tsai
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Vyas Y, Lee K, Jung Y, Montgomery JM. Influence of maternal zinc supplementation on the development of autism-associated behavioural and synaptic deficits in offspring Shank3-knockout mice. Mol Brain 2020; 13:110. [PMID: 32758248 PMCID: PMC7409418 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are characterised by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviours. Multiple ASD-associated mutations have been identified in the Shank family of proteins that play a critical role in the structure and plasticity of glutamatergic synapses, leading to impaired synapse function and the presentation of ASD-associated behavioural deficits in mice. Shank proteins are highly regulated by zinc, where zinc binds the Shank SAM domain to drive synaptic protein recruitment and synaptic maturation. Here we have examined the influence of maternal dietary zinc supplementation during pregnancy and lactation on the development of ASD-associated behavioural and synaptic changes in the offspring Shank3 knockout (Shank3−/−) mice. Behavioural and electrophysiological experiments were performed in juvenile and adult Shank3−/− and wildtype littermate control mice born from mothers fed control (30 ppm, ppm) or supplemented (150 ppm) dietary zinc. We observed that the supplemented maternal zinc diet prevented ASD-associated deficits in social interaction and normalised anxiety behaviours in Shank3−/− offspring mice. These effects were maintained into adulthood. Repetitive grooming was also prevented in adult Shank3−/− offspring mice. At the synaptic level, maternal zinc supplementation altered postsynaptic NMDA receptor-mediated currents and presynaptic function at glutamatergic synapses onto medium spiny neurons in the cortico-striatal pathway of the Shank3−/− offspring mice. These data show that increased maternal dietary zinc during pregnancy and lactation can alter the development of ASD-associated changes at the synaptic and the behavioural levels, and that zinc supplementation from the beginning of brain development can prevent ASD-associated deficits in Shank3−/− mice long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Neurobiology of sensory processing in autism spectrum disorder. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 173:161-181. [PMID: 32711809 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Altered sensory processing and perception has been one of the characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this chapter, we review the neural underpinnings of sensory abnormalities of ASD by examining the literature on clinical, behavioral and neurobiological evidence that underlies the main patterns of sensory integration function and dysfunction. Furthermore, neural differences in anatomy, function and connectivity of different regions underlying sensory processing are also discussed. We conclude that sensory integration intervention is built on the premise of neuroplasticity to improve function and behavior for individuals with ASD.
Collapse
|
47
|
3Rs-based optimization of mice behavioral testing: The habituation/dishabituation olfactory test. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 332:108550. [PMID: 31838181 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is clear evidence that most of the paradigms that are used in the field of behavioral neuroscience suffer from a lack of reliability mainly because of oversimplification of both testing procedures and interpretations. In the present study we show how an already existing behavioral test, the olfactory habituation / dishabituation task, can be optimized in such a way that animal number and animal distress could be minimized, number/confidence of behavioral outcomes and number of explored behavioral dimensions could be increased. NEW METHOD We used ethologically relevant technical and procedural changes associated with videotracking-based automated quantification of sniffing behavior to validate our new setup. Mainly internal and construct validity were challenged through the implementation of a series of simple experiments. RESULTS We show that the new version of the test: 1) has very good within and inter laboratory replicability, 2) is sensitive to some environmental / experimental factors while insensitive to others, 3) allows investigating hedonism, both state and trait anxiety, efficacy of anxiolytic molecules, acute stress, mental retardation-related social impairments and learning and memory. 4) We also show that interest for both nonsocial and social odors is stable over time which makes repetitive testing possible. CONCLUSIONS This work paves the way for future studies showing how behavioral tests / procedures may be improved by using ethologically relevant changes, in order to question laboratory animals more adequately. Refining behavioral tests may considerably increase predictivity of preclinical tests and, ultimately, help reinforcing translational research.
Collapse
|
48
|
Translating preclinical findings in clinically relevant new antipsychotic targets: focus on the glutamatergic postsynaptic density. Implications for treatment resistant schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:795-827. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
49
|
Schiavone S, Tucci P, Trabace L, Morgese MG. Early Celastrol Administration Prevents Ketamine-Induced Psychotic-Like Behavioral Dysfunctions, Oxidative Stress and IL-10 Reduction in The Cerebellum of Adult Mice. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24213993. [PMID: 31694174 PMCID: PMC6864687 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24213993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Administration of subanesthetic doses of ketamine during brain maturation represents a tool to mimic an early insult to the central nervous system (CNS). The cerebellum is a key player in psychosis pathogenesis, to which oxidative stress also contributes. Here, we investigated the impact of early celastrol administration on behavioral dysfunctions in adult mice that had received ketamine (30 mg/kg i.p.) at postnatal days (PNDs) 7, 9, and 11. Cerebellar levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), NADPH oxidase (NOX) 1 and NOX2, as well as of the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV), were also assessed. Furthermore, celastrol effects on ketamine-induced alterations of proinflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in this brain region were evaluated. Early celastrol administration prevented ketamine-induced discrimination index decrease at adulthood. The same was found for locomotor activity elevations and increased close following and allogrooming, whereas no beneficial effects on sniffing impairment were detected. Ketamine increased 8-OHdG in the cerebellum of adult mice, which was also prevented by early celastrol injection. Cerebellar NOX1 levels were enhanced at adulthood following postnatal ketamine exposure. Celastrol per se induced NOX1 decrease in the cerebellum. This effect was more significant in animals that were early administered with ketamine. NOX2 levels did not change. Ketamine administration did not affect PV amount in the cerebellum. TNF-α levels were enhanced in ketamine-treated animals; however, this was not prevented by early celastrol administration. While no changes were observed for IL-6 and IL-1β levels, ketamine determined a reduction of cerebellar IL-10 expression, which was prevented by early celastrol treatment. Our results suggest that NOX inhibition during brain maturation prevents the development of psychotic-like behavioral dysfunctions, as well as the increased cerebellar oxidative stress and the reduction of IL-10 in the same brain region following ketamine exposure in postnatal life. This opens novel neuroprotective opportunities against early detrimental insults occurring during brain development.
Collapse
|
50
|
Maloney SE, Creeley CE, Hartman RE, Yuede CM, Zorumski CF, Jevtovic-Todorovic V, Dikranian K, Noguchi KK, Farber NB, Wozniak DF. Using animal models to evaluate the functional consequences of anesthesia during early neurodevelopment. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106834. [PMID: 29550366 PMCID: PMC6179938 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fifteen years ago Olney and colleagues began using animal models to evaluate the effects of anesthetic and sedative agents (ASAs) on neurodevelopment. The results from ongoing studies indicate that, under certain conditions, exposure to these drugs during development induces an acute elevated apoptotic neurodegenerative response in the brain and long-term functional impairments. These animal models have played a significant role in bringing attention to the possible adverse effects of exposing the developing brain to ASAs when few concerns had been raised previously in the medical community. The apoptotic degenerative response resulting from neonatal exposure to ASAs has been replicated in many studies in both rodents and non-human primates, suggesting that a similar effect may occur in humans. In both rodents and non-human primates, significantly increased levels of apoptotic degeneration are often associated with functional impairments later in life. However, behavioral deficits following developmental ASA exposure have not been consistently reported even when significantly elevated levels of apoptotic degeneration have been documented in animal models. In the present work, we review this literature and propose a rodent model for assessing potential functional deficits following neonatal ASA exposure with special reference to experimental design and procedural issues. Our intent is to improve test sensitivity and replicability for detecting subtle behavioral effects, and thus enhance the translational significance of ASA models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Catherine E Creeley
- Department of Psychology, The State University of New York at Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063, USA
| | - Richard E Hartman
- Department of Psychology, Loma Linda University, 11130 Anderson St., Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | - Carla M Yuede
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Charles F Zorumski
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Krikor Dikranian
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin K Noguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nuri B Farber
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David F Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Taylor Family Institute for Innovative Psychiatric Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| |
Collapse
|