1
|
Pan Y, Hysinger JD, Yalçın B, Lennon JJ, Byun YG, Raghavan P, Schindler NF, Anastasaki C, Chatterjee J, Ni L, Xu H, Malacon K, Jahan SM, Ivec AE, Aghoghovwia BE, Mount CW, Nagaraja S, Scheaffer S, Attardi LD, Gutmann DH, Monje M. Nf1 mutation disrupts activity-dependent oligodendroglial plasticity and motor learning in mice. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:1555-1564. [PMID: 38816530 PMCID: PMC11303248 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-024-01654-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurogenetic disorders, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), can cause cognitive and motor impairments, traditionally attributed to intrinsic neuronal defects such as disruption of synaptic function. Activity-regulated oligodendroglial plasticity also contributes to cognitive and motor functions by tuning neural circuit dynamics. However, the relevance of oligodendroglial plasticity to neurological dysfunction in NF1 is unclear. Here we explore the contribution of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) to pathological features of the NF1 syndrome in mice. Both male and female littermates (4-24 weeks of age) were used equally in this study. We demonstrate that mice with global or OPC-specific Nf1 heterozygosity exhibit defects in activity-dependent oligodendrogenesis and harbor focal OPC hyperdensities with disrupted homeostatic OPC territorial boundaries. These OPC hyperdensities develop in a cell-intrinsic Nf1 mutation-specific manner due to differential PI3K/AKT activation. OPC-specific Nf1 loss impairs oligodendroglial differentiation and abrogates the normal oligodendroglial response to neuronal activity, leading to impaired motor learning performance. Collectively, these findings show that Nf1 mutation delays oligodendroglial development and disrupts activity-dependent OPC function essential for normal motor learning in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Pan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jared D Hysinger
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Belgin Yalçın
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - James J Lennon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Youkyeong Gloria Byun
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Preethi Raghavan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nicole F Schindler
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jit Chatterjee
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lijun Ni
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Haojun Xu
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Karen Malacon
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Samin M Jahan
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Alexis E Ivec
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Aghoghovwia
- Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher W Mount
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Surya Nagaraja
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Suzanne Scheaffer
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Laura D Attardi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Weiss EM, Guhathakurta D, Petrušková A, Hundrup V, Zenker M, Fejtová A. Developmental effect of RASopathy mutations on neuronal network activity on a chip. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1388409. [PMID: 38910965 PMCID: PMC11190344 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1388409] [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: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are a group of genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes encoding components and regulators of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, resulting in overactivation of signaling. RASopathy patients exhibit distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, and varying degrees of neurocognitive impairments including neurodevelopmental delay, intellectual disabilities, or attention deficits. At present, it is unclear how RASopathy mutations cause neurocognitive impairment and what their neuron-specific cellular and network phenotypes are. Here, we investigated the effect of RASopathy mutations on the establishment and functional maturation of neuronal networks. We isolated cortical neurons from RASopathy mouse models, cultured them on multielectrode arrays and performed longitudinal recordings of spontaneous activity in developing networks as well as recordings of evoked responses in mature neurons. To facilitate the analysis of large and complex data sets resulting from long-term multielectrode recordings, we developed MATLAB-based tools for data processing, analysis, and statistical evaluation. Longitudinal analysis of spontaneous network activity revealed a convergent developmental phenotype in neurons carrying the gain-of-function Noonan syndrome-related mutations Ptpn11 D61Y and Kras V14l. The phenotype was more pronounced at the earlier time points and faded out over time, suggesting the emergence of compensatory mechanisms during network maturation. Nevertheless, persistent differences in excitatory/inhibitory balance and network excitability were observed in mature networks. This study improves the understanding of the complex relationship between genetic mutations and clinical manifestations in RASopathies by adding insights into functional network processes as an additional piece of the puzzle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Weiss
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Debarpan Guhathakurta
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aneta Petrušková
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Prague, Czechia
| | - Verena Hundrup
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Zenker
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Fejtová
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bjorklund GR, Rees KP, Balasubramanian K, Hewitt LT, Nishimura K, Newbern JM. Hyperactivation of MEK1 in cortical glutamatergic neurons results in projection axon deficits and aberrant motor learning. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050570. [PMID: 38826084 PMCID: PMC11247507 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050570] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2, encoded by Mapk3 and Mapk1, respectively) signaling is linked to multiple neurodevelopmental diseases, especially the RASopathies, which typically exhibit ERK1/2 hyperactivation in neurons and non-neuronal cells. To better understand how excitatory neuron-autonomous ERK1/2 activity regulates forebrain development, we conditionally expressed a hyperactive MEK1 (MAP2K1) mutant, MEK1S217/221E, in cortical excitatory neurons of mice. MEK1S217/221E expression led to persistent hyperactivation of ERK1/2 in cortical axons, but not in soma/nuclei. We noted reduced axonal arborization in multiple target domains in mutant mice and reduced the levels of the activity-dependent protein ARC. These changes did not lead to deficits in voluntary locomotion or accelerating rotarod performance. However, skilled motor learning in a single-pellet retrieval task was significantly diminished in these MEK1S217/221E mutants. Restriction of MEK1S217/221E expression to layer V cortical neurons recapitulated axonal outgrowth deficits but did not affect motor learning. These results suggest that cortical excitatory neuron-autonomous hyperactivation of MEK1 is sufficient to drive deficits in axon outgrowth, which coincide with reduced ARC expression, and deficits in skilled motor learning. Our data indicate that neuron-autonomous decreases in long-range axonal outgrowth may be a key aspect of neuropathogenesis in RASopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George R. Bjorklund
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Katherina P. Rees
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | | | - Lauren T. Hewitt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Kenji Nishimura
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Jason M. Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Swier VJ, White KA, Negrão de Assis PL, Johnson TB, Leppert HG, Rechtzigel MJ, Meyerholz DK, Dodd RD, Quelle DE, Khanna R, Rogers CS, Weimer JM. NF1 +/ex42del miniswine model the cellular disruptions and behavioral presentations of NF1-associated cognitive and motor impairment. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13858. [PMID: 38932491 PMCID: PMC11208292 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13858] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive or motor impairment is common among individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant tumor-predisposition disorder. As many as 70% of children with NF1 report difficulties with spatial/working memory, attention, executive function, and fine motor movements. In contrast to the utilization of various Nf1 mouse models, here we employ an NF1+/ex42del miniswine model to evaluate the mechanisms and characteristics of these presentations, taking advantage of a large animal species more like human anatomy and physiology. The prefrontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and hippocampus from NF1+/ex42del and wild-type miniswine were examined longitudinally, revealing abnormalities in mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and microglial activation over time. Imbalances in GABA: Glutamate ratios and GAD67 expression were observed in the hippocampus and motor cortex, supporting the role of disruption in inhibitory neurotransmission in NF1 cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. Moreover, NF1+/ex42del miniswine demonstrated slower and shorter steps, indicative of a balance-preserving response commonly observed in NF1 patients, and progressive memory and learning impairments. Collectively, our findings affirm the effectiveness of NF1+/ex42del miniswine as a valuable resource for assessing cognitive and motor impairments associated with NF1, investigating the involvement of specific neural circuits and glia in these processes, and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Hannah G. Leppert
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | | | | | - Rebecca D. Dodd
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of South DakotaSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Atsoniou K, Giannopoulou E, Georganta EM, Skoulakis EMC. Drosophila Contributions towards Understanding Neurofibromatosis 1. Cells 2024; 13:721. [PMID: 38667335 PMCID: PMC11048932 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a multisymptomatic disorder with highly variable presentations, which include short stature, susceptibility to formation of the characteristic benign tumors known as neurofibromas, intense freckling and skin discoloration, and cognitive deficits, which characterize most children with the condition. Attention deficits and Autism Spectrum manifestations augment the compromised learning presented by most patients, leading to behavioral problems and school failure, while fragmented sleep contributes to chronic fatigue and poor quality of life. Neurofibromin (Nf1) is present ubiquitously during human development and postnatally in most neuronal, oligodendrocyte, and Schwann cells. Evidence largely from animal models including Drosophila suggests that the symptomatic variability may reflect distinct cell-type-specific functions of the protein, which emerge upon its loss, or mutations affecting the different functional domains of the protein. This review summarizes the contributions of Drosophila in modeling multiple NF1 manifestations, addressing hypotheses regarding the cell-type-specific functions of the protein and exploring the molecular pathways affected upon loss of the highly conserved fly homolog dNf1. Collectively, work in this model not only has efficiently and expediently modelled multiple aspects of the condition and increased understanding of its behavioral manifestations, but also has led to pharmaceutical strategies towards their amelioration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Atsoniou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Giannopoulou
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Eirini-Maria Georganta
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| | - Efthimios M. C. Skoulakis
- Institute for Fundamental Biomedical Research, Biomedical Sciences Research Center “Alexander Fleming”, 16672 Athens, Greece; (K.A.); (E.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Parent HH, Niswender CM. Therapeutic Potential for Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 7 Modulators in Cognitive Disorders. Mol Pharmacol 2024; 105:348-358. [PMID: 38423750 PMCID: PMC11026152 DOI: 10.1124/molpharm.124.000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGlu7) is the most highly conserved and abundantly expressed mGlu receptor in the human brain. The presynaptic localization of mGlu7, coupled with its low affinity for its endogenous agonist, glutamate, are features that contribute to the receptor's role in modulating neuronal excitation and inhibition patterns, including long-term potentiation, in various brain regions. These characteristics suggest that mGlu7 modulation may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy in disorders of cognitive dysfunction, including neurodevelopmental disorders that cause impairments in learning, memory, and attention. Primary mutations in the GRM7 gene have recently been identified as novel causes of neurodevelopmental disorders, and these patients exhibit profound intellectual and cognitive disability. Pharmacological tools, such as agonists, antagonists, and allosteric modulators, have been the mainstay for targeting mGlu7 in its endogenous homodimeric form to probe effects of its function and modulation in disease models. However, recent research has identified diversity in dimerization, as well as trans-synaptic interacting proteins, that also play a role in mGlu7 signaling and pharmacological properties. These novel findings represent exciting opportunities in the field of mGlu receptor drug discovery and highlight the importance of further understanding the functions of mGlu7 in complex neurologic conditions at both the molecular and physiologic levels. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Proper expression and function of mGlu7 is essential for learning, attention, and memory formation at the molecular level within neural circuits. The pharmacological targeting of mGlu7 is undergoing a paradigm shift by incorporating an understanding of receptor interaction with other cis- and trans- acting synaptic proteins, as well as various intracellular signaling pathways. Based upon these new findings, mGlu7's potential as a drug target in the treatment of cognitive disorders and learning impairments is primed for exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harrison H Parent
- Department of Pharmacology (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.), and Vanderbilt Institute for Chemical Biology (C.M.N.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N.)
| | - Colleen M Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Warren Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery (H.H.P., C.M.N.), Vanderbilt Brain Institute (C.M.N.), and Vanderbilt Institute for Chemical Biology (C.M.N.), Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; and Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee (C.M.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Faidi R, Reid AY. Early-life immune activation is a vulnerability factor for adult epileptogenesis in neurofibromatosis type 1 in male mice. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1284574. [PMID: 38685949 PMCID: PMC11056566 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1284574] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common neurocutaneous disorder, can develop several neurological manifestations that include cognitive impairments and epilepsy over their lifetime. It is unclear why certain patients with NF1 develop these conditions while others do not. Early-life immune activation promotes later-life seizure susceptibility, neurocognitive impairments, and leads to spontaneous seizures in some animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders, but the central nervous system immune profile and the enduring consequences of early-life immune activation on the developmental trajectory of the brain in NF1 have not yet been explored. We tested the hypothesis that early-life immune activation promotes the development of spatial memory impairments and epileptogenesis in a mouse model of NF1. Methods Male wild-type (WT) and Nf1+/- mice received systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline at post-natal day 10 and were assessed in adulthood for learning and memory deficits in the Barnes maze and underwent EEG recordings to look for spontaneous epileptiform abnormalities and susceptibility to challenge with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Results Whereas early-life immune activation by a single injection of LPS acutely elicited a comparable brain cytokine signature in WT and Nf1+/- mice, it promoted spontaneous seizure activity in adulthood only in the Nf1+/- mice. Early-life immune activation affected susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures similarly in both WT and Nf1+/-mice. There was no effect on spatial learning and memory regardless of mouse genotype. Discussion Our findings suggest second-hit environmental events such as early-life immune activation may promote epileptogenesis in the Nf1+/- mouse and may be a risk-factor for NF1-associated epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rania Faidi
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aylin Y. Reid
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kim D, Yadav D, Song M. An updated review on animal models to study attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:187. [PMID: 38605002 PMCID: PMC11009407 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02893-0] [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: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting both children and adolescents. Individuals with ADHD experience heterogeneous problems, such as difficulty in attention, behavioral hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent studies have shown that complex genetic factors play a role in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Animal models with clear hereditary traits are crucial for studying the molecular, biological, and brain circuit mechanisms underlying ADHD. Owing to their well-managed genetic origins and the relative simplicity with which the function of neuronal circuits is clearly established, models of mice can help learn the mechanisms involved in ADHD. Therefore, in this review, we highlighting the important genetic animal models that can be used to study ADHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daegeon Kim
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea
| | - Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea
| | - Minseok Song
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Rodríguez-Martín M, Báez-Flores J, Ribes V, Isidoro-García M, Lacal J, Prieto-Matos P. Non-Mammalian Models for Understanding Neurological Defects in RASopathies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38672195 PMCID: PMC11048513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040841] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental congenital disorders stemming from mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway, present a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of complex neurological disorders. Afflicting approximately one in a thousand newborns, RASopathies manifest as abnormalities across multiple organ systems, with a pronounced impact on the central and peripheral nervous system. In the pursuit of understanding RASopathies' neurobiology and establishing phenotype-genotype relationships, in vivo non-mammalian models have emerged as indispensable tools. Species such as Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus species and Gallus gallus embryos have proven to be invaluable in shedding light on the intricate pathways implicated in RASopathies. Despite some inherent weaknesses, these genetic models offer distinct advantages over traditional rodent models, providing a holistic perspective on complex genetics, multi-organ involvement, and the interplay among various pathway components, offering insights into the pathophysiological aspects of mutations-driven symptoms. This review underscores the value of investigating the genetic basis of RASopathies for unraveling the underlying mechanisms contributing to broader neurological complexities. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of non-mammalian models in serving as a crucial preliminary step for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - María Isidoro-García
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo Prieto-Matos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostics Science, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cherra SJ, Lamb R. Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1352731. [PMID: 38463630 PMCID: PMC10920261 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1352731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Faralli A, Fucà E, Lazzaro G, Menghini D, Vicari S, Costanzo F. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in neurogenetic syndromes: new treatment perspectives for Down syndrome? Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1328963. [PMID: 38456063 PMCID: PMC10917937 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1328963] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
This perspective review aims to explore the potential neurobiological mechanisms involved in the application of transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) for Down syndrome (DS), the leading cause of genetically-based intellectual disability. The neural mechanisms underlying tDCS interventions in genetic disorders, typically characterized by cognitive deficits, are grounded in the concept of brain plasticity. We initially present the neurobiological and functional effects elicited by tDCS applications in enhancing neuroplasticity and in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance, both associated with cognitive improvement in the general population. The review begins with evidence on tDCS applications in five neurogenetic disorders, including Rett, Prader-Willi, Phelan-McDermid, and Neurofibromatosis 1 syndromes, as well as DS. Available evidence supports tDCS as a potential intervention tool and underscores the importance of advancing neurobiological research into the mechanisms of tDCS action in these conditions. We then discuss the potential of tDCS as a promising non-invasive strategy to mitigate deficits in plasticity and promote fine-tuning of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in DS, exploring implications for cognitive treatment perspectives in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Faralli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Costanzo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hernandez DP, Cruz DM, Martinez CS, Garcia LM, Figueroa A, Villarreal M, Manoj LM, Lopez S, López-Lorenzo KD, López-Juárez A. Gender-Specific Fine Motor Skill Learning Is Impaired by Myelin-Targeted Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Gene Mutation. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:477. [PMID: 38339230 PMCID: PMC10854893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. The clinical presentation of NF1 includes diverse neurological issues in pediatric and adult patients, ranging from learning disabilities, motor skill issues, and attention deficit disorder, to increased risk of depression and dementia. Preclinical research suggests that abnormal neuronal signaling mediates spatial learning and attention issues in NF1; however, drugs that improve phenotypes in models show inconclusive results in clinical trials, highlighting the need for a better understanding of NF1 pathophysiology and broader therapeutic options. Most NF1 patients show abnormalities in their brain white matter (WM) and myelin, and links with NF1 neuropathophysiology have been suggested; however, no current data can clearly support or refute this idea. We reported that myelin-targeted Nf1 mutation impacts oligodendrocyte signaling, myelin ultrastructure, WM connectivity, and sensory-motor behaviors in mice; however, any impact on learning and memory remains unknown. Here, we adapted a voluntary running test-the complex wheel (CW; a wheel with unevenly spaced rungs)-to delineate fine motor skill learning curves following induction of an Nf1 mutation in pre-existing myelinating cells (pNf1 mice). We found that pNf1 mutant females experience delayed or impaired learning in the CW, while proper learning in pNf1 males is predominantly disrupted; these phenotypes add complexity to the gender-dependent learning differences in the mouse strain used. No broad differences in memory of acquired CW skills were detected in any gender, but gene-dose effects were observed at the studied time points. Finally, nitric oxide signaling regulation differentially impacted learning in wild type (WT)/pNf1, male/female mice. Our results provide evidence for fine motor skill learning issues upon induction of an Nf1 mutation in mature myelinating cells. Together with previous connectivity, cellular, and molecular analyses, these results diversify the potential treatments for neurological issues in NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniella P. Hernandez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Daniela M. Cruz
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Celeste S. Martinez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Larisa M. Garcia
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Ashley Figueroa
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Marisol Villarreal
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Liya M. Manoj
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | - Saul Lopez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| | | | - Alejandro López-Juárez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
de Blank P, Nishiyama A, López-Juárez A. A new era for myelin research in Neurofibromatosis type 1. Glia 2023; 71:2701-2719. [PMID: 37382486 PMCID: PMC10592420 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for myelin regulating higher-order brain function and disease is rapidly accumulating; however, defining cellular/molecular mechanisms remains challenging partially due to the dynamic brain physiology involving deep changes during development, aging, and in response to learning and disease. Furthermore, as the etiology of most neurological conditions remains obscure, most research models focus on mimicking symptoms, which limits understanding of their molecular onset and progression. Studying diseases caused by single gene mutations represents an opportunity to understand brain dys/function, including those regulated by myelin. Here, we discuss known and potential repercussions of abnormal central myelin on the neuropathophysiology of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Most patients with this monogenic disease present with neurological symptoms diverse in kind, severity, and onset/decline, including learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, motor coordination issues, and increased risk for depression and dementia. Coincidentally, most NF1 patients show diverse white matter/myelin abnormalities. Although myelin-behavior links were proposed decades ago, no solid data can prove or refute this idea yet. A recent upsurge in myelin biology understanding and research/therapeutic tools provides opportunities to address this debate. As precision medicine moves forward, an integrative understanding of all cell types disrupted in neurological conditions becomes a priority. Hence, this review aims to serve as a bridge between fundamental cellular/molecular myelin biology and clinical research in NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter de Blank
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cure Starts Now Brain Tumor Center, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Akiko Nishiyama
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Alejandro López-Juárez
- Department of Health and Biomedical Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Du X, Yan Y, Yu J, Zhu T, Huang CC, Zhang L, Shan X, Li R, Dai Y, Lv H, Zhang XY, Feng J, Li WG, Luo Q, Li F. SH2B1 Tunes Hippocampal ERK Signaling to Influence Fluid Intelligence in Humans and Mice. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2023; 6:0269. [PMID: 38434247 PMCID: PMC10907025 DOI: 10.34133/research.0269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluid intelligence is a cognitive domain that encompasses general reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving abilities independent of task-specific experience. Understanding its genetic and neural underpinnings is critical yet challenging for predicting human development, lifelong health, and well-being. One approach to address this challenge is to map the network of correlations between intelligence and other constructs. In the current study, we performed a genome-wide association study using fluid intelligence quotient scores from the UK Biobank to explore the genetic architecture of the associations between obesity risk and fluid intelligence. Our results revealed novel common genetic loci (SH2B1, TUFM, ATP2A1, and FOXO3) underlying the association between fluid intelligence and body metabolism. Surprisingly, we demonstrated that SH2B1 variation influenced fluid intelligence independently of its effects on metabolism but partially mediated its association with bilateral hippocampal volume. Consistently, selective genetic ablation of Sh2b1 in the mouse hippocampus, particularly in inhibitory neurons, but not in excitatory neurons, significantly impaired working memory, short-term novel object recognition memory, and behavioral flexibility, but not spatial learning and memory, mirroring the human intellectual performance. Single-cell genetic profiling of Sh2B1-regulated molecular pathways revealed that Sh2b1 deletion resulted in aberrantly enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, whereas pharmacological inhibition of ERK signaling reversed the associated behavioral impairment. Our cross-species study thus provides unprecedented insight into the role of SH2B1 in fluid intelligence and has implications for understanding the genetic and neural underpinnings of lifelong mental health and well-being.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Du
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Human Phenom Institute,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuhua Yan
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education),
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Juehua Yu
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- Center for Experimental Studies and Research,
The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Tailin Zhu
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education),
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Chu-Chung Huang
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science,
East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Lingli Zhang
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xingyue Shan
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education),
School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ren Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Human Phenom Institute,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Hui Lv
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Human Phenom Institute,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Human Phenom Institute,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qiang Luo
- National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine at Huashan Hospital, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education-Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science and Human Phenom Institute,
Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Fei Li
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health,
Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department,
Shanghai Xinhua Children’s Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
- Shanghai Research Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Shanghai 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Lalancette E, Charlebois-Poirier AR, Agbogba K, Knoth IS, Côté V, Perreault S, Lippé S. Time-frequency analyses of repetition suppression and change detection in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Brain Res 2023; 1818:148512. [PMID: 37499730 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148512] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are at increased risk of developing cognitive problems, including attention deficits and learning difficulties. Alterations in brain response to repetition and change have been evidenced in other genetic conditions associated with cognitive dysfunctions. Whether the integrity of these fundamental neural responses is compromised in school-aged children with NF1 is still unknown. In this study, we examined the repetition suppression (RS) and change detection responses in children with NF1 (n = 36) and neurotypical controls (n = 41) aged from 4 to 13 years old, using a simple sequence of vowels. We performed time-frequency analyses to compare spectral power and phase synchronization between groups, in the theta, alpha and beta frequency bands. Correlational analyses were performed between the neural responses and the level of intellectual functioning, as well as with behavioral symptoms of comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders measured through parental questionnaires. Children with NF1 showed preserved RS, but increased spectral power in the change detection response. Correlational analyses performed with measures of change detection revealed a negative association between the alpha-band spectral power and symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. These findings suggest atypical neural response to change in children with NF1. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the interaction with comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders and the possible role of altered inhibitory mechanisms in this enhanced neural response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eve Lalancette
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Audrey-Rose Charlebois-Poirier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Kristian Agbogba
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Inga Sophia Knoth
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Valérie Côté
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Sébastien Perreault
- Department of Neurosciences, Division of Child Neurology, CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| | - Sarah Lippé
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Marie Victorin Building, 90 Vincent-D'Indy Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H2V 2S9, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, 3175 Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc. H3T 1C5, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gan L, Zhu W, Fu P. The efficacy of statins for improving cognitive impairments in pediatric patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1): a meta-analysis. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1274972. [PMID: 37876519 PMCID: PMC10591081 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1274972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Given the considerable discrepancies in the evidence concerning the efficacy of statins in ameliorating cognitive impairments in pediatric patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1), this study conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to consolidate existing evidence to evaluate the efficacy of statins on cognitive impairments in children with NF-1. Methods This study adhered to the PRISMA statement, and the research protocol was pre-registered on PROSPERO (#CRD: 42022369072). Comprehensive searches of databases including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were performed up to March 31, 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of statins on cognitive impairments in children with NF-1. Statistical analyses were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1. A fixed- or random-effects model was employed according to the I2 statistic. As all data were continuous, MD [95% CI] was used as the pooled estimate. Results The final analysis included five RCTs with a total of 364 patients. The meta-analysis indicated that aside from a statistically significant improvement in internalizing problems (MD [95%CI] = 3.61[0.11, 7.10], p = 0.04), Object assembly Test (MD [95%CI] = 0.53[0.12, 0.93], p = 0.01), Cancellation Test (MD [95%CI] = 3.61[0.11, 7.10], p < 0.0001), statins did not exhibit significant efficacy in improving other cognitive aspects in children with NF-1 (p > 0.05). An additional descriptive analysis on indices that cannot be meta-analyzed revealed considerable inconsistency in the therapeutic effect of statins across different studies. Conclusion Current evidence suggests that statins may not be effective for cognitive performance in children with NF-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lutong Gan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Guangzhou Medical School of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiwen Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Guangzhou Medical School of China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengqing Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Hospital of Guangzhou Medical School of China, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lin LL, Song GJ, Zhang H, Yin Y, Xin SM, Ding L, Li Y. GPR34 Knockdown Relieves Cognitive Deficits and Suppresses Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease via the ERK/NF-κB Signal. Neuroscience 2023; 528:129-139. [PMID: 37557947 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a serious neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregation and neuroinflammation. G-protein-coupled receptor 34 (Gpr34) was found highly expressed in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. However, its role in AD remains unclear. Herein, the role of Gpr34 as well as its molecular mechanism was explored. Data in GSE85162 were analyzed and the differently expressed genes in the hippocampus tissues of APP/PS1 mouse model of AD were subjected to GO, KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyses. APP/PS1 mice were used as an animal model of AD and the cognitive impairment was evaluated by a water maze test. The level of Gpr34 in hippocampus and BV-2 cells as well as the activation of ERK/NF-κB signal was determined by quantitative real-time PCR, western blot or immunofluorescence. Our results showed that, in BV-2 cells exposed to Aβ1-42, Gpr34 knockdown decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS and suppressed the activation of ERK/NF-κB signal. Moreover, the Gpr34-overexpression-induced activation of ERK/NF-κB signal and up-regulated levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and iNOS were abolished by FR180204, an ERK inhibitor. On the other hand, the in vivo study showed that Gpr34 knockdown ameliorated the cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice, decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, the activation of microglia and ERK/NF-κB signal. In conclusion, Gpr34 knockdown relieved cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and suppressed neuroinflammation and microglial activation, maybe via the ERK/NF-κB signal. It is indicated that the high level of Grp34 in hippocampus may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Lu Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Jun Song
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Meng Xin
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Booth SJ, Garg S, Brown LJE, Green J, Pobric G, Taylor JR. Aberrant oscillatory activity in neurofibromatosis type 1: an EEG study of resting state and working memory. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:27. [PMID: 37608248 PMCID: PMC10463416 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09492-y] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with impaired cognitive function. Despite the well-explored functional roles of neural oscillations in neurotypical populations, only a limited number of studies have investigated oscillatory activity in the NF1 population. METHODS We compared oscillatory spectral power and theta phase coherence in a paediatric sample with NF1 (N = 16; mean age: 13.03 years; female: n = 7) to an age/sex-matched typically developing control group (N = 16; mean age: 13.34 years; female: n = 7) using electroencephalography measured during rest and during working memory task performance. RESULTS Relative to typically developing children, the NF1 group displayed higher resting state slow wave power and a lower peak alpha frequency. Moreover, higher theta power and frontoparietal theta phase coherence were observed in the NF1 group during working memory task performance, but these differences disappeared when controlling for baseline (resting state) activity. CONCLUSIONS Overall, results suggest that NF1 is characterised by aberrant resting state oscillatory activity that may contribute towards the cognitive impairments experienced in this population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03310996 (first posted: October 16, 2017).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Booth
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Laura J E Brown
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jason R Taylor
- Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rhodes SD, McCormick F, Cagan RL, Bakker A, Staedtke V, Ly I, Steensma MR, Lee SY, Romo CG, Blakeley JO, Sarin KY. RAS Signaling Gone Awry in the Skin: The Complex Role of RAS in Cutaneous Neurofibroma Pathogenesis, Emerging Biological Insights. J Invest Dermatol 2023; 143:1358-1368. [PMID: 37245145 PMCID: PMC10409534 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) are the most common tumor in people with the rasopathy neurofibromatosis type 1. They number in hundreds or even thousands throughout the body, and currently, there are no effective interventions to prevent or treat these skin tumors. To facilitate the identification of novel and effective therapies, essential studies including a more refined understanding of cNF biology and the role of RAS signaling and downstream effector pathways responsible for cNF initiation, growth, and maintenance are needed. This review highlights the current state of knowledge of RAS signaling in cNF pathogenesis and therapeutic development for cNF treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Rhodes
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Frank McCormick
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA; Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | | | - Verena Staedtke
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ina Ly
- Stephen E. and Catherine Pappas Center for Neuro-Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Matthew R Steensma
- Center for Cancer and Cell Biology, Van Andel Research Institute, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Spectrum Health System, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Sang Y Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carlos G Romo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaishri O Blakeley
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kavita Y Sarin
- Department of Dermatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Doherty AC, Huddleston DA, Horn PS, Ratner N, Simpson BN, Schorry EK, Aschbacher-Smith L, Prada CE, Gilbert DL. Motor Function and Physiology in Youth With Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 143:34-43. [PMID: 36996759 PMCID: PMC10228140 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2023.02.014] [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: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic neurocutaneous disorder commonly associated with motor and cognitive symptoms that greatly impact quality of life. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can quantify motor cortex physiology, reflecting the basis for impaired motor function as well as, possibly, clues for mechanisms of effective treatment. We hypothesized that children with NF1 have impaired motor function and altered motor cortex physiology compared to typically developing (TD) control children and children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS Children aged 8-17 years with NF1 (n = 21) were compared to children aged 8-12 years with ADHD (n = 59) and TD controls (n = 88). Motor development was assessed using the Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs (PANESS) scale. The balance of inhibition and excitation in motor cortex was assessed using the TMS measures short-interval cortical inhibition (SICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Measures were compared by diagnosis and tested using bivariate correlations and regression for association with clinical characteristics. RESULTS In NF1, ADHD severity scores were intermediate between the ADHD and TD cohorts, but total PANESS scores were markedly elevated (worse) compared to both (P < 0.001). Motor cortex ICF (excitatory) was significantly lower in NF1 than in TD and ADHD (P < 0.001), but SICI (inhibitory) did not differ. However, in NF1, better PANESS scores correlated with lower SICI ratios (more inhibition; ρ = 0.62, P = 0.003) and lower ICF ratios (less excitation; ρ = 0.38, P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS TMS-evoked SICI and ICF may reflect processes underlying abnormal motor function in children with NF1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Doherty
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
| | - David A Huddleston
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Paul S Horn
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Nancy Ratner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology - Rasopathy Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Brittany N Simpson
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth K Schorry
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio; Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | - Carlos E Prada
- Division of Genetics, Ann & Robert Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Donald L Gilbert
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sran S, Bedrosian TA. RAS pathway: The new frontier of brain mosaicism in epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106074. [PMID: 36907520 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As cells divide during development, errors in DNA replication and repair lead to somatic mosaicism - a phenomenon in which different cell lineages harbor unique constellations of genetic variants. Over the past decade, somatic variants that disrupt mTOR signaling, protein glycosylation, and other functions during brain development have been linked to cortical malformations and focal epilepsy. More recently, emerging evidence points to a role for Ras pathway mosaicism in epilepsy. The Ras family of proteins is a critical driver of MAPK signaling. Disruption of the Ras pathway is most known for its association with tumorigenesis; however, developmental disorders known as RASopathies commonly have a neurological component that sometimes includes epilepsy, offering evidence for Ras involvement in brain development and epileptogenesis. Brain somatic variants affecting the Ras pathway (e.g., KRAS, PTPN11, BRAF) are now strongly associated with focal epilepsy through genotype-phenotype association studies as well as mechanistic evidence. This review summarizes the Ras pathway and its involvement in epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders, focusing on new evidence regarding Ras pathway mosaicism and the potential future clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahibjot Sran
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - Tracy A Bedrosian
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Santos S, Martins B, Sereno J, Martins J, Castelo-Branco M, Gonçalves J. Neurobehavioral sex-related differences in Nf1 +/- mice: female show a "camouflaging"-type behavior. Biol Sex Differ 2023; 14:24. [PMID: 37101298 PMCID: PMC10131355 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-023-00509-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder associated with neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This condition has been associated with an increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission and, consequently, an excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with autistic-like behavior in both human and animal models. Here, we explored the influence of biological sex in the GABAergic system and behavioral alterations induced by the Nf1+/- mutation in a murine model. METHODS Juvenile male and female Nf1+/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were used. Hippocampus size was assessed by conventional toluidine blue staining and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hippocampal GABA and glutamate levels were determined by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which was complemented by western blot for the GABA(A) receptor. Behavioral evaluation of on anxiety, memory, social communication, and repetitive behavior was performed. RESULTS We found that juvenile female Nf1+/- mice exhibited increased hippocampal GABA levels. Moreover, mutant female displays a more prominent anxious-like behavior together with better memory performance and social behavior. On the other hand, juvenile Nf1+/- male mice showed increased hippocampal volume and thickness, with a decrease in GABA(A) receptor levels. We observed that mutant males had higher tendency for repetitive behavior. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggested a sexually dimorphic impact of Nf1+/- mutation in hippocampal neurochemistry, and autistic-like behaviors. For the first time, we identified a "camouflaging"-type behavior in females of an animal model of ASD, which masked their autistic traits. Accordingly, like observed in human disorder, in this animal model of ASD, females show larger anxiety levels but better executive functions and production of normative social patterns, together with an imbalance of inhibition/excitation ratio. Contrary, males have more externalizing disorders, such as hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, with memory deficits. The ability of females to camouflage their autistic traits creates a phenotypic evaluation challenge that mimics the diagnosis difficulty observed in humans. Thus, we propose the study of the Nf1+/- mouse model to better understand the sexual dimorphisms of ASD phenotypes and to create better diagnostic tools.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Sereno
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Gonçalves
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health (ICNAS), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ma J, Hu Z, Yue H, Luo Y, Wang C, Wu X, Gu Y, Wang L. GRM2 Regulates Functional Integration of Adult-Born DGCs by Paradoxically Modulating MEK/ERK1/2 Pathway. J Neurosci 2023; 43:2822-2836. [PMID: 36878727 PMCID: PMC10124958 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1886-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GRM2) is highly expressed in hippocampal dentate granule cells (DGCs), regulating synaptic transmission and hippocampal functions. Newborn DGCs are continuously generated throughout life and express GRM2 when they are mature. However, it remained unclear whether and how GRM2 regulates the development and integration of these newborn neurons. We discovered that the expression of GRM2 in adult-born DGCs increased with neuronal development in mice of both sexes. Lack of GRM2 caused developmental defects of DGCs and impaired hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions. Intriguingly, our data showed that knockdown of Grm2 resulted in decreased b/c-Raf kinases and paradoxically led to an excessive activation of MEK/ERK1/2 pathway. Inhibition of MEK ameliorated the developmental defects caused by Grm2 knockdown. Together, our results indicate that GRM2 is necessary for the development and functional integration of newborn DGCs in the adult hippocampus through regulating the phosphorylation and activation state of MEK/ERK1/2 pathway.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Metabotropic glutamate receptor 2 (GRM2) is highly expressed in mature dentate granule cells (DGCs) in the hippocampus. It remains unclear whether GRM2 is required for the development and integration of adult-born DGCs. We provided in vivo and in vitro evidence to show that GRM2 regulates the development of adult-born DGCs and their integration into existing hippocampal circuits. Lack of GRM2 in a cohort of newborn DGCs impaired object-to-location memory in mice. Moreover, we revealed that GRM2 knockdown paradoxically upregulated MEK/ERK1/2 pathway by suppressing b/c-Raf in developing neurons, which is likely a common mechanism underlying the regulation of the development of neurons expressing GRM2. Thus, Raf/MEK/ERK1/2 pathway could be a potential target for brain diseases related to GRM2 abnormality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Ma
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310027 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhechun Hu
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Yue
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310027 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujian Luo
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310027 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gu
- Center of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Lang Wang
- Department of Neurology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Interdisciplinary Institute of Neuroscience and Technology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310027 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
- School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310058 Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Behroozi Z, Jafarpour M, Razmgir M, Saffarpour S, Azizi H, Kheirandish A, Kosari-Rad T, Ramezni F, Janzadeh A. The effect of gabapentin and pregabalin administration on memory in clinical and preclinical studies: a meta-analysis and systematic review. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:262. [PMID: 37069609 PMCID: PMC10111701 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04696-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, gabapentinoids such as Gabapentin (GBP) and pregabalin (PGB) are widely used as painkillers. This may alter the function of the nervous system; hence their results may include a difference in memory and processes that end in memory formation. This study aims to conclude whether gabapentinoids can alter memory or not by reviewing and analyzing clinical and preclinical studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS A comprehensive search was carried out in databases including PUBMED, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science. In the included studies, memory was measured as an outcome variable in clinical or preclinical studies. RESULT A total of 21 articles (4 clinical, 17 preclinical) were included in the meta-analysis by STATA Software. The results showed that memory changes under the influence of GBP. Both the administrated dosage and the time of administration are important in the final results and latency time of retention. GBP administration in healthy animals increased latency time, whereas if the administration of GBP took place exactly before training, the latency time increased slightly. Short-term administration of PGB in healthy volunteers is accompanied by transient side effects on the CNS. However, the number and homogeneity of the studies were not such that a meta-analysis could be performed on them. CONCLUSION Clinical and preclinical studies showed that PGB administration did not confirm its improving memory effect. GBP administration in healthy animals increased latency time and improved memory. Although it depended on the time of administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Behroozi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maral Jafarpour
- The International Campus of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Razmgir
- Department of Medical Library and Information Sciences, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Saffarpour
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-E-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hanieh Azizi
- Medical University of Pécs Hungary, Pécs, Hungary
- BG Unfall Klinik, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ali Kheirandish
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Tahereh Kosari-Rad
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezni
- Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Atousa Janzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Argetsinger LS, Flores A, Svezhova N, Ellis M, Reynolds C, Cote JL, Cline JM, Myers MG, Carter-Su C. Role of the Beta and Gamma Isoforms of the Adapter Protein SH2B1 in Regulating Energy Balance. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad032. [PMID: 36799031 PMCID: PMC10282918 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad032] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Human variants of the adapter protein SH2B1 are associated with severe childhood obesity, hyperphagia, and insulin resistance-phenotypes mimicked by mice lacking Sh2b1. SH2B1β and γ isoforms are expressed ubiquitously, whereas SH2B1α and δ isoforms are expressed primarily in the brain. Restoring SH2B1β driven by the neuron-specific enolase promoter largely reverses the metabolic phenotype of Sh2b1-null mice, suggesting crucial roles for neuronal SH2B1β in energy balance control. Here we test this hypothesis by using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to delete the β and γ isoforms from the neurons of mice (SH2B1βγ neuron-specific knockout [NKO] mice) or throughout the body (SH2B1βγ knockout [KO] mice). While parameters of energy balance were normal in both male and female SH2B1βγ NKO mice, food intake, body weight, and adiposity were increased in male (but not female) SH2B1βγ KO mice. Analysis of long-read single-cell RNA seq data from wild-type mouse brain revealed that neurons express almost exclusively the α and δ isoforms, whereas neuroglial cells express almost exclusively the β and γ isoforms. Our work suggests that neuronal SH2B1β and γ are not primary regulators of energy balance. Rather, non-neuronal SH2B1β and γ in combination with neuronal SH2B1α and δ suffice for body weight maintenance. While SH2B1β/γ and SH2B1α/δ share some functionality, SH2B1β/γ appears to play a larger role in promoting leanness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence S Argetsinger
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Anabel Flores
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Nadezhda Svezhova
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Michael Ellis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Caitlin Reynolds
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Jessica L Cote
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Joel M Cline
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Martin G Myers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Christin Carter-Su
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Galasso C, Casarelli L, El Malhany N, Spiridigliozzi S, Pitzianti MB, Curatolo P, Pasini A. Presence of neurologic signs in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. Minerva Pediatr (Torino) 2023; 75:1-7. [PMID: 27471818 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5276.16.04476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common neurogenetic disorder affecting nervous system, caused by germiline mutations of the NF1 gene. Although the clinical diagnosis of NF1 is defined by presence of cafe-au-laits spots, freckling and benign tumors (neurofibromatosis), neurocognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders are reported in comorbidity. Children with NF1 show higher incidence of executive deficits, such attention, response inhibition, executive planning and problem solving, working memory, and learning impairment. In this study we examine the presence of neurological soft signs and planning function in subjects with NF1. The NSS are minor motor and sensory abnormalities without focal brain damage. METHODS Eleven drug naïve children between 7-15 years with clinical and molecular diagnosis of NF are matched to 11 healthy controls to ass the presence of neurological soft signs and planning executive functions. NSS were assessed using Physical and Neurological Examination for Subtle Signs and the Tower of London task is performance test to assess the capacity of planning, organization and execution of a work. RESULTS Our results revealed highest rate of NSS and planning deficit in children with NF1 compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS The motor abnormalities and planning deficit are possible markers to confirm that NF1 could be considering a neurodevelopmental disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Galasso
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Casarelli
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia El Malhany
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Spiridigliozzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria B Pitzianti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Pasini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Department of System Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rong J, Yang Y, Liang M, Zhong H, Li Y, Zhu Y, Sha S, Chen L, Zhou R. Neonatal inflammation increases hippocampal KCC2 expression through methylation-mediated TGF-β1 downregulation leading to impaired hippocampal cognitive function and synaptic plasticity in adult mice. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:15. [PMID: 36691035 PMCID: PMC9872321 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02697-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which neonatal inflammation leads to cognitive deficits in adulthood remain poorly understood. Inhibitory GABAergic synaptic transmission plays a vital role in controlling learning, memory and synaptic plasticity. Since early-life inflammation has been reported to adversely affect the GABAergic synaptic transmission, the aim of this study was to investigate whether and how neonatal inflammation affects GABAergic synaptic transmission resulting in cognitive impairment. Neonatal mice received a daily subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50 μg/kg) or saline on postnatal days 3-5. It was found that blocking GABAergic synaptic transmission reversed the deficit in hippocampus-dependent memory or the induction failure of long-term potentiation in the dorsal CA1 in adult LPS mice. An increase of mIPSCs amplitude was further detected in adult LPS mice indicative of postsynaptic potentiation of GABAergic transmission. Additionally, neonatal LPS resulted in the increased expression and function of K+-Cl--cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and the decreased expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the dorsal CA1 during adulthood. The local TGF-β1 overexpression improved KCC2 expression and function, synaptic plasticity and memory of adult LPS mice. Adult LPS mice show hypermethylation of TGFb1 promoter and negatively correlate with reduced TGF-β1 transcripts. 5-Aza-deoxycytidine restored the changes in TGFb1 promoter methylation and TGF-β1 expression. Altogether, the results suggest that hypermethylation-induced reduction of TGF-β1 leads to enhanced GABAergic synaptic inhibition through increased KCC2 expression, which is a underlying mechanism of neonatal inflammation-induced hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in adult mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Rong
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Yang Yang
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Min Liang
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Haiquan Zhong
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Yingchun Li
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Yichao Zhu
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Sha Sha
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Lei Chen
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| | - Rong Zhou
- grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Longmian Avenue 101, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166 Jiangsu China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lymphocytic Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:582-592.e2. [PMID: 36638885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.09.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) is a conserved central intracellular signaling cascade involved in many aspects of neuronal development and plasticity. Converging evidence support investigation of ERK1/2 activity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously reported enhanced baseline lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation in autism, and now we extend our work to investigate the early phase kinetics of lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation in idiopathic ASD. METHOD Study participants included 67 individuals with ASD (3-25 years of age), 65 age- and sex-matched typical developing control (TDC) subjects, and 36 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched developmental disability control (DDC) subjects matched to those with ASD and IQ <90. We completed an additional analysis comparing results from ASD, TDC, and DDC groups with data from 37 individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). All subjects had blood lymphocyte samples analyzed by flow cytometry following stimulation with phorbol ester and sequentially analyzed for ERK1/2 activation (phosphorylation) at several time points. RESULTS The ASD group (mean = 5.81 minutes; SD = 1.5) had a significantly lower (more rapid) mean ERK1/2 T1/2 activation value than both the DDC group (mean = 6.78 minutes; SD = 1.6; p = .00078) and the TDC group (mean = 6.4 minutes; SD = 1.5; p = .025). More rapid ERK1/2 T1/2 activation times did correlate with increased social impairment across all study groups including the ASD cohort. Differences in ERK1/2 T1/2 activation were more pronounced in younger than in older individuals in the primary analysis. The ASD group additionally had more rapid activation times than the FXS group, and the FXS group activation kinetics did not differ from those of the TDC and DDC groups. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation kinetics are dysregulated in persons with ASD, marked by more rapid early phase activation. Group differences in ERK1/2 activation kinetics appear to be driven by findings from the youngest children analyzed. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
Collapse
|
29
|
Dyson A, Ryan M, Garg S, Evans DG, Baines RA. Loss of NF1 in Drosophila Larvae Causes Tactile Hypersensitivity and Impaired Synaptic Transmission at the Neuromuscular Junction. J Neurosci 2022; 42:9450-9472. [PMID: 36344265 PMCID: PMC9794380 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0562-22.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition in which the mechanisms underlying its core symptomatology are largely unknown. Studying animal models of monogenic syndromes associated with ASD, such as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), can offer insights into its etiology. Here, we show that loss of function of the Drosophila NF1 ortholog results in tactile hypersensitivity following brief mechanical stimulation in the larva (mixed sexes), paralleling the sensory abnormalities observed in individuals with ASD. Mutant larvae also exhibit synaptic transmission deficits at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ), with increased spontaneous but reduced evoked release. While the latter is homeostatically compensated for by a postsynaptic increase in input resistance, the former is consistent with neuronal hyperexcitability. Indeed, diminished expression of NF1 specifically within central cholinergic neurons induces both excessive neuronal firing and tactile hypersensitivity, suggesting the two may be linked. Furthermore, both impaired synaptic transmission and behavioral deficits are fully rescued via knock-down of Ras proteins. These findings validate NF1 -/- Drosophila as a tractable model of ASD with the potential to elucidate important pathophysiological mechanisms.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1-2% of the overall population and can considerably impact an individual's quality of life. However, there are currently no treatments available for its core symptoms, largely because of a poor understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Examining how loss of function of the ASD-associated NF1 gene affects behavior and physiology in Drosophila may shed light on this. In this study, we identify a novel, ASD-relevant behavioral phenotype in NF1 -/- larvae, namely an enhanced response to mechanical stimulation, which is associated with Ras-dependent synaptic transmission deficits indicative of neuronal hyperexcitability. Such insights support the use of Drosophila neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) models in ASD research and may provide outputs for genetic or pharmacological screens in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dyson
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Megan Ryan
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
- Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Richard A Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Carter Leno V, Begum-Ali J, Goodwin A, Mason L, Pasco G, Pickles A, Garg S, Green J, Charman T, Johnson MH, Jones EJH. Infant excitation/inhibition balance interacts with executive attention to predict autistic traits in childhood. Mol Autism 2022; 13:46. [PMID: 36482366 PMCID: PMC9733024 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is proposed to be characterised by an atypical balance of cortical excitation and inhibition (E/I). However, most studies have examined E/I alterations in older autistic individuals, meaning that findings could in part reflect homeostatic compensation. To assess the directionality of effects, it is necessary to examine alterations in E/I balance early in the lifespan before symptom emergence. Recent explanatory frameworks have argued that it is also necessary to consider how early risk features interact with later developing modifier factors to predict autism outcomes. METHOD We indexed E/I balance in early infancy by extracting the aperiodic exponent of the slope of the electroencephalogram (EEG) power spectrum ('1/f'). To validate our index of E/I balance, we tested for differences in the aperiodic exponent in 10-month-old infants with (n = 22) and without (n = 27) neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a condition thought to be characterised by alterations to cortical inhibition. We then tested for E/I alterations in a larger heterogeneous longitudinal cohort of infants with and without a family history of neurodevelopmental conditions (n = 150) who had been followed to early childhood. We tested the relevance of alterations in E/I balance and our proposed modifier, executive attention, by assessing whether associations between 10-month aperiodic slope and 36-month neurodevelopmental traits were moderated by 24-month executive attention. Analyses adjusted for age at EEG assessment, sex and number of EEG trials. RESULTS Infants with NF1 were characterised by a higher aperiodic exponent, indicative of greater inhibition, supporting our infant measure of E/I. Longitudinal analyses showed a significant interaction between aperiodic slope and executive attention, such that higher aperiodic exponents predicted greater autistic traits in childhood, but only in infants who also had weaker executive functioning abilities. LIMITATIONS The current study relied on parent report of infant executive functioning-type abilities; future work is required to replicate effects with objective measures of cognition. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest alterations in E/I balance are on the developmental pathway to autism outcomes, and that higher executive functioning abilities may buffer the impact of early cortical atypicalities, consistent with proposals that stronger executive functioning abilities may modify the impact of a wide range of risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Carter Leno
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Jannath Begum-Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Amy Goodwin
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Luke Mason
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Greg Pasco
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shruti Garg
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Faculty of Biological Medical and Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mark H Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emily J H Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lalancette E, Charlebois-Poirier AR, Agbogba K, Knoth IS, Jones EJH, Mason L, Perreault S, Lippé S. Steady-state visual evoked potentials in children with neurofibromatosis type 1: associations with behavioral rating scales and impact of psychostimulant medication. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:42. [PMID: 35869419 PMCID: PMC9306184 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09452-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder often associated with cognitive dysfunctions, including a high occurrence of deficits in visuoperceptual skills. The neural underpinnings of these visuoperceptual deficits are not fully understood. We used steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs) to investigate possible alterations in the synchronization of neural activity in the occipital cortex of children with NF1. Methods SSVEPs were measured using electroencephalography and compared between children with NF1 (n = 28) and neurotypical controls (n = 28) aged between 4 and 13 years old. SSVEPs were recorded during visual stimulation with coloured icons flickering at three different frequencies (6 Hz, 10 Hz, and 15 Hz) and analyzed in terms of signal-to-noise ratios. A mixed design ANCOVA was performed to compare SSVEP responses between groups at the three stimulation frequencies. Pearson’s correlations with levels of intellectual functioning as well as with symptoms of ADHD, ASD and emotional/behavioral problems were performed. The impact of psychostimulant medication on the SSVEP responses was analyzed in a subset of the NF1 group (n = 8) with paired t-tests. Results We observed reduced signal-to-noise ratios of the SSVEP responses in children with NF1. The SSVEP responses were negatively correlated with symptoms of inattention and with symptoms of emotional/behavioral problems in the NF1 group. The SSVEP response generated by the lowest stimulation frequency (i.e., 6 Hz) was rescued with the intake of psychostimulant medication. Conclusions Impaired processing of rhythmic visual stimulation was evidenced in children with NF1 through measures of SSVEP responses. Those responses seem to be more reduced in children with NF1 who exhibit more symptoms of inattention and emotional/behavioral problems in their daily life. SSVEPs are potentially sensitive electrophysiological markers that could be included in future studies investigating the impact of medication on brain activity and cognitive functioning in children with NF1. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-022-09452-y.
Collapse
|
32
|
Role of nerves in neurofibromatosis type 1-related nervous system tumors. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1137-1153. [PMID: 36327093 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00723-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that affects nearly 1 in 3000 infants. Neurofibromin inactivation and NF1 gene mutations are involved in various aspects of neuronal function regulation, including neuronal development induction, electrophysiological activity elevation, growth factor expression, and neurotransmitter release. NF1 patients often exhibit a predisposition to tumor development, especially in the nervous system, resulting in the frequent occurrence of peripheral nerve sheath tumors and gliomas. Recent evidence suggests that nerves play a role in the development of multiple tumor types, prompting researchers to investigate the nerve as a vital component in and regulator of the initiation and progression of NF1-related nervous system tumors. CONCLUSION In this review, we summarize existing evidence about the specific effects of NF1 mutation on neurons and emerging research on the role of nerves in neurological tumor development, promising a new set of selective and targeted therapies for NF1-related tumors.
Collapse
|
33
|
Montanaro FAM, Alfieri P, Caciolo C, Cumbo F, Piga S, Tartaglia M, Licchelli S, Digilio MC, Vicari S. Neuropsychological features in RASopathies: A pilot study on parent training program involving families of children with Noonan syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:510-519. [PMID: 36490374 PMCID: PMC10107825 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.32025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome (NS) is a clinical variable multisystem disorder caused by mutations in genes encoding proteins involved in the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. NS is characterized by a distinctive facies, short stature, and congenital heart defects. Psychomotor delay, learning difficulties, and social deficits are also common. Furthermore, behavioral and attention problems can be reckoned as a key symptom in NS, with functioning resembling the patterns observed in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The complex behavioral phenotype has great impact on the quality of life and raises demanding management issues also for patients' families. Parent management training (PMT) is recommended as first-line treatment for ADHD; however, no study has been performed to test the efficacy of PMT in NS, thus far. The aim of this pilot study is the implementation and evaluation of a PMT dedicated to NS families. Parents of seven children with NS were recruited and underwent to a 10-session PMT. Three different questionnaires were administered to both parents: Conners Parent Rating Scales, Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ). Our findings on this first small cohort of families indicate that positive perception and satisfaction about the child and the interaction with him increased in mothers after the intervention, as measured respectively by PSI-SF difficult child (DC) and PSI-SF parent-child dysfunctional interaction (PCDI), while mothers' level of stress decreased after the PMT, as indicated by PSI-SF total scores. Furthermore, APQ positive parenting, which measures behaviors of positive relationship with the child, increased in mothers after the intervention. Statistical analysis on fathers' questionnaires did not show significant differences after the PMT sessions. This pilot study suggests that PMT is a promising intervention for parents of NS children with behavioral and ADHD symptoms. Changes in mothers' attitudes and distress indicate that behaviorally oriented programs may help parents to manage with NS phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Alice Maria Montanaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Alfieri
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Caciolo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cumbo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Muscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Piga
- Clinical Epidemiology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Licchelli
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione UILDM Lazio Onlus, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Digilio
- Genetics and Rare Diseases Research Division, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lacroix A, Proteau-Lemieux M, Côté S, Near J, Hui SC, Edden RA, Lippé S, Çaku A, Corbin F, Lepage JF. Multimodal assessment of the GABA system in patients with fragile-X syndrome and neurofibromatosis of type 1. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105881. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
|
35
|
Garg S, Williams S, Jung J, Pobric G, Nandi T, Lim B, Vassallo G, Green J, Evans DG, Stagg CJ, Parkes LM, Stivaros S. Non-invasive brain stimulation modulates GABAergic activity in neurofibromatosis 1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18297. [PMID: 36316421 PMCID: PMC9622815 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21907-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a single-gene disorder associated with cognitive phenotypes common to neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism. GABAergic dysregulation underlies working memory impairments seen in NF1. This mechanistic experimental study investigates whether application of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (atDCS) can modulate GABA and working memory in NF1. Thirty-one NF1 adolescents 11-18 years, were recruited to this single-blind sham-controlled cross-over randomized trial. AtDCS or sham stimulation was applied to the left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC) and MR Spectroscopy was collected before and after intervention in the left DLPFC and occipital cortex. Task-related functional MRI was collected before, during, and after stimulation. Higher baseline GABA+ in the left DLPFC was associated with faster response times on baseline working memory measures. AtDCS was seen to significantly reduced GABA+ and increase brain activation in the left DLPFC as compared to sham stimulation. Task performance was worse in the aTDCS group during stimulation but no group differences in behavioural outcomes were observed at the end of stimulation. Although our study suggests aTDCS modulates inhibitory activity in the DLPFC, further work is needed to determine whether repeated sessions of atDCS and strategies such as alternating current stimulation offer a better therapeutic approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK.
| | - Steve Williams
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - JeYoung Jung
- School of Psychology, Precision Imaging Beacon, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gorana Pobric
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Tulika Nandi
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Ben Lim
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Grace Vassallo
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - D Gareth Evans
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Laura M Parkes
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Stavros Stivaros
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
- Academic Unit of Paediatric Radiology, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Blok LER, Boon M, van Reijmersdal B, Höffler KD, Fenckova M, Schenck A. Genetics, molecular control and clinical relevance of habituation learning. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104883. [PMID: 36152842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Habituation is the most fundamental form of learning. As a firewall that protects our brain from sensory overload, it is indispensable for cognitive processes. Studies in humans and animal models provide increasing evidence that habituation is affected in autism and related monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). An integrated application of habituation assessment in NDDs and their animal models has unexploited potential for neuroscience and medical care. With the aim to gain mechanistic insights, we systematically retrieved genes that have been demonstrated in the literature to underlie habituation. We identified 258 evolutionarily conserved genes across species, describe the biological processes they converge on, and highlight regulatory pathways and drugs that may alleviate habituation deficits. We also summarize current habituation paradigms and extract the most decisive arguments that support the crucial role of habituation for cognition in health and disease. We conclude that habituation is a conserved, quantitative, cognition- and disease-relevant process that can connect preclinical and clinical work, and hence is a powerful tool to advance research, diagnostics, and treatment of NDDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elisabeth Rosalie Blok
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marina Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Boyd van Reijmersdal
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kira Daniela Höffler
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Cortical inhibition in neurofibromatosis type 1 is modulated by lovastatin, as demonstrated by a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13814. [PMID: 35970940 PMCID: PMC9378617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is associated with GABAergic dysfunction which has been suggested as the underlying cause of cognitive impairments. Previous intervention trials investigated the statins’ effects using cognitive outcome measures. However, available outcome measures have led to inconclusive results and there is a need to identify other options. Here, we aimed at investigating alternative outcome measures in a feasibility trial targeting cortical inhibition mechanisms known to be altered in NF1. We explored the neurochemical and physiological changes elicited by lovastatin, with magnetic resonance spectroscopy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Fifteen NF1 adults participated in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03826940) composed of one baseline and two reassessment visits after lovastatin/placebo intake (60 mg/day, 3-days). Motor cortex GABA+ and Glx concentrations were measured using HERMES and PRESS sequences, respectively. Cortical inhibition was investigated by paired-pulse, input–output curve, and cortical silent period (CSP) TMS protocols. CSP ratios were significantly increased by lovastatin (relative: p = 0.027; absolute: p = 0.034) but not by placebo. CSP durations showed a negative correlation with the LICI 50 ms amplitude ratio. Lovastatin was able to modulate cortical inhibition in NF1, as assessed by TMS CSP ratios. The link between this modulation of cortical inhibition and clinical improvements should be addressed by future large-scale studies.
Collapse
|
39
|
Functional restoration of mouse Nf1 nonsense alleles in differentiated cultured neurons. J Hum Genet 2022; 67:661-668. [PMID: 35945271 DOI: 10.1038/s10038-022-01072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), one of the most common autosomal dominant genetic disorders, is caused by mutations in the NF1 gene. NF1 patients have a wide variety of manifestations with a subset at high risk for the development of tumors in the central nervous system (CNS). Nonsense mutations that result in the synthesis of truncated NF1 protein (neurofibromin) are strongly associated with CNS tumors. Therapeutic nonsense suppression with small molecule drugs is a potentially powerful approach to restore the expression of genes harboring nonsense mutations. Ataluren is one such drug that has been shown to restore full-length functional protein in several models of nonsense mutation diseases, as well as in patients with nonsense mutation Duchenne muscular dystrophy. To test ataluren's potential applicability to NF1 nonsense mutations associated with CNS tumors, we generated a homozygous Nf1R683X/R683X-3X-FLAG mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell line which recapitulates an NF1 patient nonsense mutation (c.2041 C > T; p.Arg681X). We differentiated Nf1R683X/R683X-3X-FLAG mES cells into cortical neurons in vitro, treated the cells with ataluren, and demonstrated that ataluren can promote readthrough of the nonsense mutation at codon 683 of Nf1 mRNA in neural cells. The resulting full-length protein is able to reduce the cellular level of hyperactive phosphorylated ERK (pERK), a RAS effector normally suppressed by the NF1 protein.
Collapse
|
40
|
Miller AH, Halloran MC. Mechanistic insights from animal models of neurofibromatosis type 1 cognitive impairment. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276464. [PMID: 36037004 PMCID: PMC9459395 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal-dominant neurogenetic disorder caused by mutations in the gene neurofibromin 1 (NF1). NF1 predisposes individuals to a variety of symptoms, including peripheral nerve tumors, brain tumors and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive deficits can negatively impact patient quality of life, especially the social and academic development of children. The neurofibromin protein influences neural circuits via diverse cellular signaling pathways, including through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Although animal models have been useful in identifying cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate NF1-dependent behaviors, translating these discoveries into effective treatments has proven difficult. Clinical trials measuring cognitive outcomes in patients with NF1 have mainly targeted RAS signaling but, unfortunately, resulted in limited success. In this Review, we provide an overview of the structure and function of neurofibromin, and evaluate several cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive function, which have recently been delineated in animal models. A better understanding of neurofibromin roles in the development and function of the nervous system will be crucial for identifying new therapeutic targets for the various cognitive domains affected by NF1. Summary: Neurofibromin influences neural circuits through RAS, cAMP and dopamine signaling. Exploring the mechanisms underlying neurofibromin-dependent behaviors in animal models might enable future treatment of the various cognitive deficits that are associated with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Miller
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA.,Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Mary C Halloran
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Plasticity of visual evoked potentials in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 142:220-227. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
42
|
Ha SE, Bhagwan Bhosale P, Kim HH, Park MY, Abusaliya A, Kim GS, Kim JA. Apigetrin Abrogates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation in L6 Skeletal Muscle Cells through NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:2635-2645. [PMID: 35735621 PMCID: PMC9221909 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44060180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Apigetrin is a glycosidic flavonoid derived from Teucrium gnaphalodes that has a wide range of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Inflammation is a kind of defense mechanism in the body. Flavonoids are natural phytochemicals that exert anti-inflammatory effects in numerous cells. In the present study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of apigetrin and its underlying mechanism of activity in skeletal muscle cells (L6). The determination of cytotoxicity was performed by MTT assay. We treated L6 cells with apigetrin, and nontoxic concentrations were chosen to perform further experimentation. Apigetrin inhibited the expression of iNOS and COX-2 induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. iNOS and COX-2 are inflammatory markers responsible for enhancing the inflammatory response. Apigetrin also inhibited the LPS-induced phosphorylation of p65 and IκB-α. NF-κB signaling regulates the inflammatory process by mediating various proinflammatory genes. Similarly, the MAPK signaling pathway consists of ERK, JNK, and p38, which plays a critical role in the production of cytokines and downstream signaling events leading to inflammation. Apigetrin significantly downregulated the phosphorylation of JNK and p38, but did not affect the phosphorylation of ERK in the LPS-stimulated cells. These findings indicate the correlation between the anti-inflammatory activity of NF-κB and the MAPK signaling pathway. Thus, our overall finding suggests that apigetrin has anti-inflammatory effects and it can be considered for further drug design on L6 skeletal muscle cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Eun Ha
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Pritam Bhagwan Bhosale
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Hun-Hwan Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Min-Yeong Park
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Abuyaseer Abusaliya
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
| | - Gon-Sup Kim
- Research Institute of Life Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (S.-E.H.); (P.B.B.); (H.-H.K.); (M.-Y.P.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: (G.-S.K.); (J.-A.K.); Tel.: +82-55-772-2346 (G.-S.K.); +82-55-751-8295 (J.-A.K.)
| | - Jin-A Kim
- Department of Physical Therapy, International University of Korea, Jinju 52833, Korea
- Correspondence: (G.-S.K.); (J.-A.K.); Tel.: +82-55-772-2346 (G.-S.K.); +82-55-751-8295 (J.-A.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Sakimoto Y, Shintani A, Yoshiura D, Goshima M, Kida H, Mitsushima D. A critical period for learning and plastic changes at hippocampal CA1 synapses. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7199. [PMID: 35504922 PMCID: PMC9065057 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Postnatal development of hippocampal function has been reported in many mammalian species, including humans. To obtain synaptic evidence, we analyzed developmental changes in plasticity after an inhibitory avoidance task in rats. Learning performance was low in infants (postnatal 2 weeks) but clearly improved from the juvenile period (3–4 weeks) to adulthood (8 weeks). One hour after the training, we prepared brain slices and sequentially recorded miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) from the same hippocampal CA1 neuron. Although the training failed to affect the amplitude of either mEPSCs or mIPSCs at 2 weeks, it increased mEPSC, but not mIPSC, amplitude at 3 weeks. At 4 weeks, the training had increased the amplitude of both mEPSCs and mIPSCs, whereas mIPSC, but not mEPSC, amplitude was increased at 8 weeks. Because early-life physiological functions can affect performance, we also evaluated sensory–motor functions together with emotional state and found adequate sensory/motor functions from infancy to adulthood. Moreover, by analyzing performance of rats in multiple hippocampal-dependent tasks, we found that the developmental changes in the performance are task dependent. Taken together, these findings delineate a critical period for learning and plastic changes at hippocampal CA1 synapses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Sakimoto
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan.
| | - Ako Shintani
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Daiki Yoshiura
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Makoto Goshima
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kida
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan
| | - Dai Mitsushima
- Department of Physiology, Yamaguchi University Graduate School of Medicine, Ube, 755-8505, Japan. .,The Research Institute for Time Studies, Yamaguchi University, Yamaguchi, 753-8511, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13040671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan–McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
Collapse
|
45
|
Hallan DR, Messner C, Daggubati LC, Sakya S, Thomas S, Rizk E. Evaluating the Evidence: Scientometric Analysis of Highly Cited Neurofibromatosis 1 Publications. Cureus 2022; 14:e23466. [PMID: 35481324 PMCID: PMC9034899 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is progressing rapidly. This study aimed to identify historical trends in publications focusing on NF1, to find the top 100 most cited publications on this topic, and to evaluate their level of evidence. This study identifies historical trends in publication regarding NF1 with the aim of providing readers useful information about the areas of research being performed, an educational guide to facilitate novice researchers in conducting effective evidence-based medical research, and unique insight into developments and trends of NF 1 research. This study also evaluates the evidence of highly cited papers on NF1. A search of all databases and journals accessible within Elsevier's Scopus was performed on June 27th, 2020, using combinations of the Boolean queries "Neurofibromatosis 1," "Von Recklinghausen," and "NF1," which yielded 13,599 documents. The top 100 most-cited papers were identified, analyzed, and evaluated for level of evidence. Evidence was assessed using the GRADE guidelines. The top 100 most-cited articles span years 1963-2010 and are published in 50 different journals. The average number of citations per publication was 366.5 (range 189-1527). The most cited article is "Neurofibromatosis: Conference Statement" (Stumpf et al., 1988). In this study, the top 100 most-cited works in NF1 are identified, characterized, and analyzed. This study will serve as a historical point of reference for future research, a jumping point for those unfamiliar with the topic, and an educational foundation for future NF1 specialists and researchers.
Collapse
|
46
|
Park G, Jeon SJ, Ko IO, Park JH, Lee KC, Kim MS, Shin CY, Kim H, Lee YS. Decreased in vivo glutamate/GABA ratio correlates with the social behavior deficit in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain 2022; 15:19. [PMID: 35183218 PMCID: PMC8858545 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-022-00904-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers have sought biomarkers whose alterations correlate with the susceptibility to ASD. However, biomarkers closely related to the pathophysiology of ASD are lacking. Even though excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance has been suggested as an underlying mechanism of ASD, few studies have investigated the actual ratio of glutamate (Glu) to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in vivo. Moreover, there are controversies in the directions of E/I ratio alterations even in extensively studied ASD animal models. Here, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 9.4T, we found significant differences in the levels of different metabolites or their ratios in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of Cntnap2−/− mice compared to their wild-type littermates. The Glu/GABA ratio, N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/total creatine (tCr) ratio, and tCr level in the prefrontal cortex were significantly different in Cntnap2−/− mice compared to those in wild-type mice, and they significantly correlated with the sociability of mice. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicated high specificity and selectivity of these metabolites in discriminating genotypes. These results suggest that the lowered Glu/GABA ratio in the prefrontal cortex along with the changes in the other metabolites might contribute to the social behavior deficit in Cntnap2−/− mice. Our results also demonstrate the utility of 1H-MRS in investigating the underlying mechanisms or the diagnosis of ASD.
Collapse
|
47
|
Anastasaki C, Orozco P, Gutmann DH. RAS and beyond: the many faces of the neurofibromatosis type 1 protein. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:274437. [PMID: 35188187 PMCID: PMC8891636 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a rare neurogenetic syndrome, characterized by pigmentary abnormalities, learning and social deficits, and a predisposition for benign and malignant tumor formation caused by germline mutations in the NF1 gene. With the cloning of the NF1 gene and the recognition that the encoded protein, neurofibromin, largely functions as a negative regulator of RAS activity, attention has mainly focused on RAS and canonical RAS effector pathway signaling relevant to disease pathogenesis and treatment. However, as neurofibromin is a large cytoplasmic protein the RAS regulatory domain of which occupies only 10% of its entire coding sequence, both canonical and non-canonical RAS pathway modulation, as well as the existence of potential non-RAS functions, are becoming apparent. In this Special article, we discuss our current understanding of neurofibromin function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paola Orozco
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Mo J, Moye SL, McKay RM, Le LQ. Neurofibromin and suppression of tumorigenesis: beyond the GAP. Oncogene 2022; 41:1235-1251. [PMID: 35066574 PMCID: PMC9063229 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disease and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, affecting 1 in 3000 individuals worldwide. The NF1 gene encodes neurofibromin, a large protein with RAS GTP-ase activating (RAS-GAP) activity, and loss of NF1 results in increased RAS signaling. Neurofibromin contains many other domains, and there is considerable evidence that these domains play a role in some manifestations of NF1. Investigating the role of these domains as well as the various signaling pathways that neurofibromin regulates and interacts with will provide a better understanding of how neurofibromin acts to suppress tumor development and potentially open new therapeutic avenues. In this review, we discuss what is known about the structure of neurofibromin, its interactions with other proteins and signaling pathways, its role in development and differentiation, and its function as a tumor suppressor. Finally, we discuss the latest research on potential therapeutics for neurofibromin-deficient neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Mo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Stefanie L Moye
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Renee M McKay
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA
| | - Lu Q Le
- Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- UTSW Comprehensive Neurofibromatosis Clinic, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
- O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390-9069, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Zhi WJ, Qiao SM, Zou Y, Peng RY, Yan HT, Ma LZ, Dong J, Zhao L, Yao BW, Zhao XL, Feng XX, Hu XJ, Wang LF. Low p-SYN1 (Ser-553) Expression Leads to Abnormal Neurotransmitter Release of GABA Induced by Up-Regulated Cdk5 after Microwave Exposure: Insights on Protection and Treatment of Microwave-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 44:206-221. [PMID: 35723394 PMCID: PMC8929049 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the wide application of microwave technology, concerns about its health impact have arisen. The signal transmission mode of the central nervous system and neurons make it particularly sensitive to electromagnetic exposure. It has been reported that abnormal release of amino acid neurotransmitters is mediated by alteration of p-SYN1 after microwave exposure, which results in cognitive dysfunction. As the phosphorylation of SYN1 is regulated by different kinases, in this study we explored the regulatory mechanisms of SYN1 fluctuations following microwave exposure and its subsequent effect on GABA release, aiming to provide clues on the mechanism of cognitive impairment caused by microwave exposure. In vivo studies with Timm and H&E staining were adopted and the results showed abnormality in synapse formation and neuronal structure, explaining the previously-described deficiency in cognitive ability caused by microwave exposure. The observed alterations in SYN1 level, combined with the results of earlier studies, indicate that SYN1 and its phosphorylation status (ser-553 and ser62/67) may play a role in the abnormal release of neurotransmitters. Thus, the role of Cdk5, the upstream kinase regulating the formation of p-SYN1 (ser-553), as well as that of MEK, the regulator of p-SYN1 (ser-62/67), were investigated both in vivo and in vitro. The results showed that Cdk5 was a negative regulator of p-SYN1 (ser-553) and that its up-regulation caused a decrease in GABA release by reducing p-SYN1 (ser-553). While further exploration still needed to elaborate the role of p-SYN1 (ser-62/67) for neurotransmitter release, MEK inhibition had was no impact on p-Erk or p-SYN1 (ser-62/67) after microwave exposure. In conclusion, the decrease of p-SYN1 (ser-553) may result in abnormalities in vesicular anchoring and GABA release, which is caused by increased Cdk5 regulated through Calpain-p25 pathway after 30 mW/cm2 microwave exposure. This study provided a potential new strategy for the prevention and treatment of microwave-induced cognitive dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jia Zhi
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Si-Mo Qiao
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (S.-M.Q.); (H.-T.Y.)
| | - Yong Zou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Rui-Yun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Hai-Tao Yan
- Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (S.-M.Q.); (H.-T.Y.)
| | - Li-Zhen Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Ji Dong
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Li Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Bin-Wei Yao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Xue-Long Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
| | - Xin-Xing Feng
- Endocrine and Cardiovascular Center, Cardiovascular Institute and Fuwai Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China;
| | - Xiang-Jun Hu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.-J.H.); (L.-F.W.)
| | - Li-Feng Wang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China; (W.-J.Z.); (Y.Z.); (R.-Y.P.); (L.-Z.M.); (J.D.); (L.Z.); (B.-W.Y.); (X.-L.Z.)
- Correspondence: (X.-J.H.); (L.-F.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sorrentino U, Bellonzi S, Mozzato C, Brasson V, Toldo I, Parrozzani R, Clementi M, Cassina M, Trevisson E. Epilepsy in NF1: Epidemiologic, Genetic, and Clinical Features. A Monocentric Retrospective Study in a Cohort of 784 Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246336. [PMID: 34944956 PMCID: PMC8699608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
An increased lifetime risk of epilepsy has been reported in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients, ranging between 4% and 14%. To further analyze the correlation between NF1 and epilepsy, we retrospectively reviewed the epidemiologic, clinical, radiological, and molecular data of 784 unselected patients diagnosed with NF1 and referred to the neurofibromatosis outpatient clinics at the University Hospital of Padua. A crude prevalence of epilepsy of 4.7% was observed. In about 70% of cases, seizures arose in the context of neuroradiological findings, with the main predisposing factors being cerebral vasculopathies and hydrocephalus. In the absence of structural abnormalities, the prevalence of epilepsy was found to be 1.27%, which is approximately equal to the total prevalence in the general population. NF1 patients with seizures exhibit a higher incidence of intellectual disability and/or developmental delay, as well as of isolated learning disabilities. The comparison of causative NF1 mutations between the two groups did not reveal a specific genotype-phenotype correlation. Our data refine the current knowledge on epileptological manifestations in NF1 patients, arguing against the hypothesis that specific mechanisms, inherent to neurofibromin cellular function, might determine an increased risk of epilepsy in this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ugo Sorrentino
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- Correspondence: (U.S.); (E.T.); Tel.: +39-049-8215444 (U.S.); +39-049-8211402 (E.T.)
| | - Silvia Bellonzi
- Pediatrics Complex Care Unit, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, 45100 Rovigo, Italy;
| | - Chiara Mozzato
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Valeria Brasson
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Irene Toldo
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Parrozzani
- Department of Neuroscience-Ophthalmology, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy;
| | - Maurizio Clementi
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Matteo Cassina
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Eva Trevisson
- Clinical Genetics Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padova, 35128 Padua, Italy; (C.M.); (V.B.); (M.C.); (M.C.)
- Institute of Pediatric Research IRP, “Fondazione Città della Speranza”, 35127 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (U.S.); (E.T.); Tel.: +39-049-8215444 (U.S.); +39-049-8211402 (E.T.)
| |
Collapse
|