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Yoshioka N, Kurose M, Sano H, Tran DM, Chiken S, Tainaka K, Yamamura K, Kobayashi K, Nambu A, Takebayashi H. Sensory-motor circuit is a therapeutic target for dystonia musculorum mice, a model of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy 6. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj9335. [PMID: 39058787 PMCID: PMC11277474 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj9335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in Dystonin (DST), which encodes cytoskeletal linker proteins, cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy 6 (HSAN-VI) in humans and the dystonia musculorum (dt) phenotype in mice; however, the neuronal circuit underlying the HSAN-VI and dt phenotype is unresolved. dt mice exhibit dystonic movements accompanied by the simultaneous contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles and postnatal lethality. Here, we identified the sensory-motor circuit as a major causative neural circuit using a gene trap system that enables neural circuit-selective inactivation and restoration of Dst by Cre-mediated recombination. Sensory neuron-selective Dst deletion led to motor impairment, degeneration of proprioceptive sensory neurons, and disruption of the sensory-motor circuit. Restoration of Dst expression in sensory neurons using Cre driver mice or a single postnatal injection of Cre-expressing adeno-associated virus ameliorated sensory degeneration and improved abnormal movements. These findings demonstrate that the sensory-motor circuit is involved in the movement disorders in dt mice and that the sensory circuit is a therapeutic target for HSAN-VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozomu Yoshioka
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Transdisciplinary Research Programs, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurose
- Department of Physiology, School of Dentistry, Iwate Medical University, Yahaba, Japan
- Division of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiromi Sano
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
- Division of Behavioral Neuropharmacology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Dang Minh Tran
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Satomi Chiken
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tainaka
- Department of System Pathology for Neurological Disorders, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kensuke Yamamura
- Division of Oral Physiology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenta Kobayashi
- Section of Viral Vector Development, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nambu
- Division of System Neurophysiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Physiological Sciences, SOKENDAI, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Hirohide Takebayashi
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Center for Coordination of Research Facilities, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Akter M, Cui H, Hosain MA, Liu J, Duan Y, Ding B. RANBP17 Overexpression Restores Nucleocytoplasmic Transport and Ameliorates Neurodevelopment in Induced DYT1 Dystonia Motor Neurons. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1728232024. [PMID: 38438257 PMCID: PMC11007476 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1728-23.2024] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
DYT1 dystonia is a debilitating neurological movement disorder, and it represents the most frequent and severe form of hereditary primary dystonia. There is currently no cure for this disease due to its unclear pathogenesis. In our previous study utilizing patient-specific motor neurons (MNs), we identified distinct cellular deficits associated with the disease, including a deformed nucleus, disrupted neurodevelopment, and compromised nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) functions. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular impairments have remained elusive. In this study, we revealed the genome-wide changes in gene expression in DYT1 MNs through transcriptomic analysis. We found that those dysregulated genes are intricately involved in neurodevelopment and various biological processes. Interestingly, we identified that the expression level of RANBP17, a RAN-binding protein crucial for NCT regulation, exhibited a significant reduction in DYT1 MNs. By manipulating RANBP17 expression, we further demonstrated that RANBP17 plays an important role in facilitating the nuclear transport of both protein and transcript cargos in induced human neurons. Excitingly, the overexpression of RANBP17 emerged as a substantial mitigating factor, effectively restoring impaired NCT activity and rescuing neurodevelopmental deficits observed in DYT1 MNs. These findings shed light on the intricate molecular underpinnings of impaired NCT in DYT1 neurons and provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of DYT1 dystonia, potentially leading to the development of innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masuma Akter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Haochen Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Md Abir Hosain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Jinmei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Yuntian Duan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
| | - Baojin Ding
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana 71130-3932
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Zheng X, Liu Z, He Z, Xu J, Wang Y, Gong C, Zhang R, Zhang SC, Chen H, Wang W. Preclinical long-term safety of intraspinal transplantation of human dorsal spinal GABA neural progenitor cells. iScience 2023; 26:108306. [PMID: 38026209 PMCID: PMC10661464 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108306] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons have shown promise in treating spinal cord injury (SCI). We previously showed that hPSC-derived dorsal spinal γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons can alleviate spasticity and promote locomotion in rats with SCI, but their long-term safety remains elusive. Here, we characterized the long-term fate and safety of human dorsal spinal GABA neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in naive rats over one year. All grafted NPCs had undergone differentiation, yielding mainly neurons and astrocytes. Fully mature human neurons grew many axons and formed numerous synapses with rat neural circuits, together with mature human astrocytes that structurally integrated into the rat spinal cord. The sensorimotor function of rats was not impaired by intraspinal transplantation, even when human neurons were activated or inhibited by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs). These findings represent a significant step toward the clinical translation of human spinal neuron transplantation for treating SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolong Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhixian Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ziyu He
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - YaNan Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - ChenZi Gong
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Ruoying Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Su-Chun Zhang
- Waisman Center, Department of Neuroscience and Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Program in Neuroscience & Behavioral Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Rehabilitation, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
- Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, the School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
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Xiong W, Jin L, Zhao Y, Wu Y, Dong J, Guo Z, Zhu M, Dai Y, Pan Y, Zhu X. Deletion of Transferrin Receptor 1 in Parvalbumin Interneurons Induces a Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia-Like Phenotype. J Neurosci 2023; 43:5092-5113. [PMID: 37308296 PMCID: PMC10325000 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2277-22.2023] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is a severe neurodegenerative movement disorder, the underlying pathophysiology of which remains poorly understood. Mounting evidence has suggested that iron homeostasis dysregulation can lead to motor function impairment. However, whether deficits in iron homeostasis are involved in the pathophysiology of HSP remains unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we focused on parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons, a large category of inhibitory neurons in the central nervous system, which play a critical role in motor regulation. The PV+ interneuron-specific deletion of the gene encoding transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1), a key component of the neuronal iron uptake machinery, induced severe progressive motor deficits in both male and female mice. In addition, we observed skeletal muscle atrophy, axon degeneration in the spinal cord dorsal column, and alterations in the expression of HSP-related proteins in male mice with Tfr1 deletion in the PV+ interneurons. These phenotypes were highly consistent with the core clinical features of HSP cases. Furthermore, the effects on motor function induced by Tfr1 ablation in PV+ interneurons were mostly concentrated in the dorsal spinal cord; however, iron repletion partly rescued the motor defects and axon loss seen in both sexes of conditional Tfr1 mutant mice. Our study describes a new mouse model for mechanistic and therapeutic studies relating to HSP and provides novel insights into iron metabolism in spinal cord PV+ interneurons and its role in the regulation of motor functions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Iron is crucial for neuronal functioning. Mounting evidence suggests that iron homeostasis dysregulation can induce motor function deficits. Transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) is thought to be the key component in neuronal iron uptake. We found that deletion of Tfr1 in parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons in mice induced severe progressive motor deficits, skeletal muscle atrophy, axon degeneration in the spinal cord dorsal column, and alterations in the expression of hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP)-related proteins. These phenotypes were highly consistent with the core clinical features of HSP cases and partly rescued by iron repletion. This study describes a new mouse model for the study of HSP and provides novel insights into iron metabolism in spinal cord PV+ interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchao Xiong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liqiang Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yulu Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yu Wu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jinghua Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhixin Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Minzhen Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yongfeng Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yida Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinhong Zhu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Research Center for Brain Health, Pazhou Lab, Guangzhou 510330, China
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Pocratsky AM, Nascimento F, Özyurt MG, White IJ, Sullivan R, O’Callaghan BJ, Smith CC, Surana S, Beato M, Brownstone RM. Pathophysiology of Dyt1- Tor1a dystonia in mice is mediated by spinal neural circuit dysfunction. Sci Transl Med 2023; 15:eadg3904. [PMID: 37134150 PMCID: PMC7614689 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg3904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia, a neurological disorder defined by abnormal postures and disorganized movements, is considered to be a neural circuit disorder with dysfunction arising within and between multiple brain regions. Given that spinal neural circuits constitute the final pathway for motor control, we sought to determine their contribution to this movement disorder. Focusing on the most common inherited form of dystonia in humans, DYT1-TOR1A, we generated a conditional knockout of the torsin family 1 member A (Tor1a) gene in the mouse spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We found that these mice recapitulated the phenotype of the human condition, developing early-onset generalized torsional dystonia. Motor signs emerged early in the mouse hindlimbs before spreading caudo-rostrally to affect the pelvis, trunk, and forelimbs throughout postnatal maturation. Physiologically, these mice bore the hallmark features of dystonia, including spontaneous contractions at rest and excessive and disorganized contractions, including cocontractions of antagonist muscle groups, during voluntary movements. Spontaneous activity, disorganized motor output, and impaired monosynaptic reflexes, all signs of human dystonia, were recorded from isolated mouse spinal cords from these conditional knockout mice. All components of the monosynaptic reflex arc were affected, including motor neurons. Given that confining the Tor1a conditional knockout to DRG did not lead to early-onset dystonia, we conclude that the pathophysiological substrate of this mouse model of dystonia lies in spinal neural circuits. Together, these data provide new insights into our current understanding of dystonia pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M. Pocratsky
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Filipe Nascimento
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - M. Görkem Özyurt
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Ian J. White
- Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology, University College London; London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Roisin Sullivan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Benjamin J. O’Callaghan
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Calvin C. Smith
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sunaina Surana
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University College London; London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Marco Beato
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University College London; London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Robert M. Brownstone
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London; London, WC1N 3BG, UK
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Kuster JK, Levenstein JM, Waugh J, Multhaupt-Buell TJ, Lee MJ, Kim BW, Pagnacco G, Makhlouf ML, Sudarsky LR, Breiter HC, Sharma N, Blood AJ. Sustained activation in basal ganglia and cerebellum after repetitive movement in a non-task-specific dystonia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.19.533030. [PMID: 36993354 PMCID: PMC10055227 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.19.533030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
We previously observed sustained fMRI BOLD signal in the basal ganglia in focal hand dystonia patients after a repetitive finger tapping task. Since this was observed in a task-specific dystonia, for which excessive task repetition may play a role in pathogenesis, in the current study we asked if this effect would be observed in a focal dystonia (cervical dystonia [CD]) that is not considered task-specific or thought to result from overuse. We evaluated fMRI BOLD signal time courses before, during, and after the finger tapping task in CD patients. We observed patient/control differences in post-tapping BOLD signal in left putamen and left cerebellum during the non-dominant (left) hand tapping condition, reflecting abnormally sustained BOLD signal in CD. BOLD signals in left putamen and cerebellum were also abnormally elevated in CD during tapping itself and escalated as tapping was repeated. There were no cerebellar differences in the previously studied FHD cohort, either during or after tapping. We conclude that some elements of pathogenesis and/or pathophysiology associated with motor task execution/repetition may not be limited to task-specific dystonias, but there may be regional differences in these effects across dystonias, associated with different types of motor control programs.
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7
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Human spinal GABA neurons survive and mature in the injured nonhuman primate spinal cord. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:439-448. [PMID: 36669493 PMCID: PMC9969075 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to permanent neural dysfunction without effective therapies. We previously showed that human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived spinal GABA neurons can alleviate spasticity and promote locomotion in rats after SCI, but whether this strategy can be translated into the clinic remains elusive. Here, a nonhuman primate (NHP) model of SCI was established in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) in which the T10 spinal cord was hemisected, resulting in neural conduction failure and neural dysfunction, including locomotion deficits, pain, and spasms. Grafted human spinal GABA neurons survived for up to 7.5 months in the injured monkey spinal cord and retained their intrinsic properties, becoming mature and growing axons and forming synapses. Importantly, they are functionally alive, as evidenced by designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drug (DREADD) activation. These findings represent a significant step toward the clinical translation of human spinal neuron transplantation for treating SCI.
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Ding B. Novel insights into the pathogenesis of DYT1 dystonia from induced patient-derived neurons. Neural Regen Res 2022; 17:561-562. [PMID: 34380890 PMCID: PMC8504368 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.320978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Baojin Ding
- Department of Biology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA, USA
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van der Heijden ME, Kizek DJ, Perez R, Ruff EK, Ehrlich ME, Sillitoe RV. Abnormal cerebellar function and tremor in a mouse model for non-manifesting partially penetrant dystonia type 6. J Physiol 2021; 599:2037-2054. [PMID: 33369735 PMCID: PMC8559601 DOI: 10.1113/jp280978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
KEY POINTS Loss-of-function mutations in the Thap1 gene cause partially penetrant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). Some non-manifesting DYT6 mutation carriers have tremor and abnormal cerebello-thalamo-cortical signalling. We show that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor, a reduction in cerebellar neuron number, and abnormal electrophysiological signals in the remaining neurons. These results underscore the importance of Thap1 levels for cerebellar function. These results uncover how cerebellar abnormalities contribute to different dystonia-associated motor symptoms. ABSTRACT Loss-of-function mutations in the Thanatos-associated domain-containing apoptosis-associated protein 1 (THAP1) gene cause partially penetrant autosomal dominant dystonia type 6 (DYT6). However, the neural abnormalities that promote the resultant motor dysfunctions remain elusive. Studies in humans show that some non-manifesting DYT6 carriers have altered cerebello-thalamo-cortical function with subtle but reproducible tremor. Here, we uncover that Thap1 heterozygote mice have action tremor that rises above normal baseline values even though they do not exhibit overt dystonia-like twisting behaviour. At the neural circuit level, we show using in vivo recordings in awake Thap1+/- mice that Purkinje cells have abnormal firing patterns and that cerebellar nuclei neurons, which connect the cerebellum to the thalamus, fire at a lower frequency. Although the Thap1+/- mice have fewer Purkinje cells and cerebellar nuclei neurons, the number of long-range excitatory outflow projection neurons is unaltered. The preservation of interregional connectivity suggests that abnormal neural function rather than neuron loss instigates the network dysfunction and the tremor in Thap1+/- mice. Accordingly, we report an inverse correlation between the average firing rate of cerebellar nuclei neurons and tremor power. Our data show that cerebellar circuitry is vulnerable to Thap1 mutations and that cerebellar dysfunction may be a primary cause of tremor in non-manifesting DYT6 carriers and a trigger for the abnormal postures in manifesting patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dominic J. Kizek
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ross Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elena K. Ruff
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle E. Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
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Juvale IIA, Che Has AT. The Potential Role of miRNAs as Predictive Biomarkers in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1338-1355. [PMID: 33774758 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01825-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are defined as a set of abnormal brain developmental conditions marked by the early childhood onset of cognitive, behavioral, and functional deficits leading to memory and learning problems, emotional instability, and impulsivity. Autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, Tourette syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Down's syndrome are a few known examples of neurodevelopmental disorders. Although they are relatively common in both developed and developing countries, very little is currently known about their underlying molecular mechanisms. Both genetic and environmental factors are known to increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Current diagnostic and screening tests for neurodevelopmental disorders are not reliable; hence, individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders are often diagnosed in the later stages. This negatively affects their prognosis and quality of life, prompting the need for a better diagnostic biomarker. Recent studies on microRNAs and their altered regulation in diseases have shed some light on the possible role they could play in the development of the central nervous system. This review attempts to elucidate our current understanding of the role that microRNAs play in neurodevelopmental disorders with the hope of utilizing them as potential biomarkers in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Imtiyaz Ahmed Juvale
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Tarmizi Che Has
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
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Spinal Inhibitory Interneurons: Gatekeepers of Sensorimotor Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052667. [PMID: 33800863 PMCID: PMC7961554 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to sense and move within an environment are complex functions necessary for the survival of nearly all species. The spinal cord is both the initial entry site for peripheral information and the final output site for motor response, placing spinal circuits as paramount in mediating sensory responses and coordinating movement. This is partly accomplished through the activation of complex spinal microcircuits that gate afferent signals to filter extraneous stimuli from various sensory modalities and determine which signals are transmitted to higher order structures in the CNS and to spinal motor pathways. A mechanistic understanding of how inhibitory interneurons are organized and employed within the spinal cord will provide potential access points for therapeutics targeting inhibitory deficits underlying various pathologies including sensory and movement disorders. Recent studies using transgenic manipulations, neurochemical profiling, and single-cell transcriptomics have identified distinct populations of inhibitory interneurons which express an array of genetic and/or neurochemical markers that constitute functional microcircuits. In this review, we provide an overview of identified neural components that make up inhibitory microcircuits within the dorsal and ventral spinal cord and highlight the importance of inhibitory control of sensorimotor pathways at the spinal level.
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12
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Shadrach JL, Gomez-Frittelli J, Kaltschmidt JA. Proprioception revisited: where do we stand? CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 21:23-28. [PMID: 34222735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2021.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Originally referred to as 'muscle sense', the notion that skeletal muscle held a peripheral sensory function was first described early in the 19th century. Foundational experiments by Sherrington in the early 20th century definitively demonstrated that proprioceptors contained within skeletal muscle, tendons, and joints are innervated by sensory neurons and play an important role in the control of movement. In this review, we will highlight several recent advances in the ongoing effort to further define the molecular diversity underlying the proprioceptive sensorimotor system. Together, the work summarized here represents our current understanding of sensorimotor circuit formation during development and the mechanisms that regulate the integration of proprioceptive feedback into the spinal circuits that control locomotion in both normal and diseased states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Shadrach
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Julieta Gomez-Frittelli
- Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Julia A Kaltschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.,Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
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13
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Lalonde NR, Bui TV. Do spinal circuits still require gating of sensory information by presynaptic inhibition after spinal cord injury? CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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14
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Masgutova G, Harris A, Jacob B, Corcoran LM, Clotman F. Pou2f2 Regulates the Distribution of Dorsal Interneurons in the Mouse Developing Spinal Cord. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:263. [PMID: 31787878 PMCID: PMC6853997 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal dorsal interneurons, which are generated during embryonic development, relay and process sensory inputs from the periphery to the central nervous system. Proper integration of these cells into neuronal circuitry depends on their correct positioning within the spinal parenchyma. Molecular cues that control neuronal migration have been extensively characterized but the genetic programs that regulate their production remain poorly investigated. Onecut (OC) transcription factors have been shown to control the migration of the dorsal interneurons (dINs) during spinal cord development. Here, we report that the OC factors moderate the expression of Pou2f2, a transcription factor essential for B-cell differentiation, in spinal dINs. Overexpression or inactivation of Pou2f2 leads to alterations in the differentiation of dI2, dI3 and Phox2a-positive dI5 populations and to defects in the distribution of dI2-dI6 interneurons. Thus, an OC-Pou2f2 genetic cascade regulates adequate diversification and distribution of dINs during embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauhar Masgutova
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Harris
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benvenuto Jacob
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, System and Cognition Division, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Lynn M Corcoran
- Molecular Immunology Division and Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Frédéric Clotman
- Université catholique de Louvain, Institute of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Neural Differentiation, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Integrated Analysis of microRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles: An Attempt to Disentangle the Complex Interaction Network in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9100288. [PMID: 31652596 PMCID: PMC6826944 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9100288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder, whose etiology and pathogenesis are still largely unknown. In order to uncover novel regulatory networks and molecular pathways possibly related to ADHD, we performed an integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling analysis in peripheral blood samples of children with ADHD and age-matched typically developing (TD) children. The expression levels of 13 miRNAs were evaluated with microfluidic qPCR, and differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs were detected on an Illumina HiSeq 2500 genome analyzer. The miRNA targetome was identified using an integrated approach of validated and predicted interaction data extracted from seven different bioinformatic tools. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were carried out. Results showed that six miRNAs (miR-652-3p, miR-942-5p, let-7b-5p, miR-181a-5p, miR-320a, and miR-148b-3p) and 560 genes were significantly DE in children with ADHD compared to TD subjects. After correction for multiple testing, only three miRNAs (miR-652-3p, miR-148b-3p, and miR-942-5p) remained significant. Genes known to be associated with ADHD (e.g., B4GALT2, SLC6A9 TLE1, ANK3, TRIO, TAF1, and SYNE1) were confirmed to be significantly DE in our study. Integrated miRNA and mRNA expression data identified critical key hubs involved in ADHD. Finally, the GO and pathway enrichment analyses of all DE genes showed their deep involvement in immune functions, reinforcing the hypothesis that an immune imbalance might contribute to the ADHD etiology. Despite the relatively small sample size, in this study we were able to build a complex miRNA-target interaction network in children with ADHD that might help in deciphering the disease pathogenesis. Validation in larger samples should be performed in order to possibly suggest novel therapeutic strategies for treating this complex disease.
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16
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Chasman D, Iyer N, Fotuhi Siahpirani A, Estevez Silva M, Lippmann E, McIntosh B, Probasco MD, Jiang P, Stewart R, Thomson JA, Ashton RS, Roy S. Inferring Regulatory Programs Governing Region Specificity of Neuroepithelial Stem Cells during Early Hindbrain and Spinal Cord Development. Cell Syst 2019; 9:167-186.e12. [PMID: 31302154 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2019.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuroepithelial stem cells (NSC) from different anatomical regions of the embryonic neural tube's rostrocaudal axis can differentiate into diverse central nervous system tissues, but the transcriptional regulatory networks governing these processes are incompletely understood. Here, we measure region-specific NSC gene expression along the rostrocaudal axis in a human pluripotent stem cell model of early central nervous system development over a 72-h time course, spanning the hindbrain to cervical spinal cord. We introduce Escarole, a probabilistic clustering algorithm for non-stationary time series, and combine it with prior-based regulatory network inference to identify genes that are regulated dynamically and predict their upstream regulators. We identify known regulators of patterning and neural development, including the HOX genes, and predict a direct regulatory connection between the transcription factor POU3F2 and target gene STMN2. We demonstrate that POU3F2 is required for expression of STMN2, suggesting that this regulatory connection is important for region specificity of NSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Chasman
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Nisha Iyer
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Alireza Fotuhi Siahpirani
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Computer Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Maria Estevez Silva
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Ethan Lippmann
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Brian McIntosh
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Mitchell D Probasco
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Ron Stewart
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - James A Thomson
- Regenerative Biology Theme, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI 53715, USA
| | - Randolph S Ashton
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.
| | - Sushmita Roy
- Wisconsin Institute for Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53715, USA; Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
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17
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Osseward PJ, Pfaff SL. Cell type and circuit modules in the spinal cord. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2019; 56:175-184. [PMID: 30954861 PMCID: PMC8559966 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2019.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The spinal cord contains an extraordinarily diverse population of interconnected neurons to process somatosensory information and execute movement. Studies of the embryonic spinal cord have elucidated basic principles underlying the specification of spinal cord neurons, while adult and postnatal studies have provided insight into cell type function and circuitry. However, the overarching principles that bridge molecularly defined subtypes with their connectivity, physiology, and function remain unclear. This review consolidates recent work in spinal neuron characterization, examining how molecular and spatial features of individual spinal neuron types relate to the reference points of connectivity and function. This review will focus on how spinal neuron subtypes are organized to control movement in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Osseward
- Gene Expression Laboratory and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Neurosciences Graduate Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Samuel L Pfaff
- Gene Expression Laboratory and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 North Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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18
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Koch SC. Motor task-selective spinal sensorimotor interneurons in mammalian circuits. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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19
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Jin K, Xiang M. Transcription factor Ptf1a in development, diseases and reprogramming. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:921-940. [PMID: 30470852 PMCID: PMC11105224 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2972-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The transcription factor Ptf1a is a crucial helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein selectively expressed in the pancreas, retina, spinal cord, brain, and enteric nervous system. Ptf1a is preferably assembled into a transcription trimeric complex PTF1 with an E protein and Rbpj (or Rbpjl). In pancreatic development, Ptf1a is indispensable in controlling the expansion of multipotent progenitor cells as well as the specification and maintenance of the acinar cells. In neural tissues, Ptf1a is transiently expressed in the post-mitotic cells and specifies the inhibitory neuronal cell fates, mostly mediated by downstream genes such as Tfap2a/b and Prdm13. Mutations in the coding and non-coding regulatory sequences resulting in Ptf1a gain- or loss-of-function are associated with genetic diseases such as pancreatic and cerebellar agenesis in the rodent and human. Surprisingly, Ptf1a alone is sufficient to reprogram mouse or human fibroblasts into tripotential neural stem cells. Its pleiotropic functions in many biological processes remain to be deciphered in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangxin Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
| | - Mengqing Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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20
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Monje MHG, Sánchez-Ferro Á. Tor1a gene in GABApre interneurons: The new player in the "impaired inhibition" game of dystonia? Mov Disord 2018; 33:1408. [PMID: 30216539 DOI: 10.1002/mds.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana H G Monje
- HM CINAC, Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain.,Anatomy, Histology and Neuroscience Department, School of Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
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21
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Plant GW, Weinrich JA, Kaltschmidt JA. Sensory and descending motor circuitry during development and injury. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 53:156-161. [PMID: 30205323 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2018.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Proprioceptive sensory input and descending supraspinal projections are two major inputs that feed into and influence spinal circuitry and locomotor behaviors. Here we review their influence on each other during development and after spinal cord injury. We highlight developmental mechanisms of circuit formation as they relate to the sensory-motor circuit and its reciprocal interactions with local spinal interneurons, as well as competitive interactions between proprioceptive and descending supraspinal inputs in the setting of spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giles W Plant
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jarret Ap Weinrich
- Department of Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Julia A Kaltschmidt
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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