1
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Stevens M, Wang Y, Bouley SJ, Mandigo TR, Sharma A, Sengupta S, Housden A, Perrimon N, Walker JA, Housden BE. Inhibition of autophagy as a novel treatment for neurofibromatosis type 1 tumors. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 39129390 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13704] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutation of the NF1 gene that is associated with various symptoms, including the formation of benign tumors, called neurofibromas, within nerves. Drug treatments are currently limited. The mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor selumetinib is used for a subset of plexiform neurofibromas (PNs) but is not always effective and can cause side effects. Therefore, there is a clear need to discover new drugs to target NF1-deficient tumor cells. Using a Drosophila cell model of NF1, we performed synthetic lethal screens to identify novel drug targets. We identified 54 gene candidates, which were validated with variable dose analysis as a secondary screen. Pathways associated with five candidates could be targeted using existing drugs. Among these, chloroquine (CQ) and bafilomycin A1, known to target the autophagy pathway, showed the greatest potential for selectively killing NF1-deficient Drosophila cells. When further investigating autophagy-related genes, we found that 14 out of 30 genes tested had a synthetic lethal interaction with NF1. These 14 genes are involved in multiple aspects of the autophagy pathway and can be targeted with additional drugs that mediate the autophagy pathway, although CQ was the most effective. The lethal effect of autophagy inhibitors was conserved in a panel of human NF1-deficient Schwann cell lines, highlighting their translational potential. The effect of CQ was also conserved in a Drosophila NF1 in vivo model and in a xenografted NF1-deficient tumor cell line grown in mice, with CQ treatment resulting in a more significant reduction in tumor growth than selumetinib treatment. Furthermore, combined treatment with CQ and selumetinib resulted in a further reduction in NF1-deficient cell viability. In conclusion, NF1-deficient cells are vulnerable to disruption of the autophagy pathway. This pathway represents a promising target for the treatment of NF1-associated tumors, and we identified CQ as a candidate drug for the treatment of NF1 tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Stevens
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Yuanli Wang
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- The First People's Hospital of Qinzhou, China
| | - Stephanie J Bouley
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Torrey R Mandigo
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aditi Sharma
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sonali Sengupta
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Amy Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin E Housden
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Science, University of Exeter, UK
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2
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Valencia ML, Sofela FA, Jongens TA, Sehgal A. Do metabolic deficits contribute to sleep disruption in monogenic intellectual disability syndromes? Trends Neurosci 2024; 47:583-592. [PMID: 39054162 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2024.06.006] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Intellectual disability is defined as limitations in cognitive and adaptive behavior that often arise during development. Disordered sleep is common in intellectual disability and, given the importance of sleep for cognitive function, it may contribute to other behavioral phenotypes. Animal models of intellectual disability, in particular of monogenic intellectual disability syndromes (MIDS), recapitulate many disease phenotypes and have been invaluable for linking some of these phenotypes to specific molecular pathways. An emerging feature of MIDS, in both animal models and humans, is the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities, which could be relevant for behavior. Focusing on specific MIDS that have been molecularly characterized, we review sleep, circadian, and metabolic phenotypes in animal models and humans and propose that altered metabolic state contributes to the abnormal sleep/circadian phenotypes in MIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariela Lopez Valencia
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Folasade A Sofela
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman Medical School of University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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3
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Stahl A, Tomchik SM. Modeling neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders in the Drosophila mushroom body. Learn Mem 2024; 31:a053816. [PMID: 38876485 PMCID: PMC11199955 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053816.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The common fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a powerful platform to investigate the genetic, molecular, cellular, and neural circuit mechanisms of behavior. Research in this model system has shed light on multiple aspects of brain physiology and behavior, from fundamental neuronal function to complex behaviors. A major anatomical region that modulates complex behaviors is the mushroom body (MB). The MB integrates multimodal sensory information and is involved in behaviors ranging from sensory processing/responses to learning and memory. Many genes that underlie brain disorders are conserved, from flies to humans, and studies in Drosophila have contributed significantly to our understanding of the mechanisms of brain disorders. Genetic mutations that mimic human diseases-such as Fragile X syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease-affect MB structure and function, altering behavior. Studies dissecting the effects of disease-causing mutations in the MB have identified key pathological mechanisms, and the development of a complete connectome promises to add a comprehensive anatomical framework for disease modeling. Here, we review Drosophila models of human neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders via the effects of their underlying mutations on MB structure, function, and the resulting behavioral alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Stahl
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
| | - Seth M Tomchik
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
- Hawk-IDDRC, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA
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4
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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.
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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.)
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5
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Haynes PR, Pyfrom ES, Li Y, Stein C, Cuddapah VA, Jacobs JA, Yue Z, Sehgal A. A neuron-glia lipid metabolic cycle couples daily sleep to mitochondrial homeostasis. Nat Neurosci 2024; 27:666-678. [PMID: 38360946 PMCID: PMC11001586 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01568-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Sleep is thought to be restorative to brain energy homeostasis, but it is not clear how this is achieved. We show here that Drosophila glia exhibit a daily cycle of glial mitochondrial oxidation and lipid accumulation that is dependent on prior wake and requires the Drosophila APOE orthologs NLaz and GLaz, which mediate neuron-glia lipid transfer. In turn, a full night of sleep is required for glial lipid clearance, mitochondrial oxidative recovery and maximal neuronal mitophagy. Knockdown of neuronal NLaz causes oxidative stress to accumulate in neurons, and the neuronal mitochondrial integrity protein, Drp1, is required for daily glial lipid accumulation. These data suggest that neurons avoid accumulation of oxidative mitochondrial damage during wake by using mitophagy and passing damage to glia in the form of lipids. We propose that a mitochondrial lipid metabolic cycle between neurons and glia reflects a fundamental function of sleep relevant for brain energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula R Haynes
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elana S Pyfrom
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yongjun Li
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carly Stein
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vishnu Anand Cuddapah
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jack A Jacobs
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhifeng Yue
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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6
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Tamir S, Dye TJ, Witt RM. Sleep and Circadian Disturbances in Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Semin Pediatr Neurol 2023; 48:101090. [PMID: 38065637 DOI: 10.1016/j.spen.2023.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Sleep problems are highly prevalent in those with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). We propose this is secondary to multiple factors that directly and indirectly negatively impact sleep and circadian processes in those with NDDs, which in turn, further perturbs development, resulting in a "developmental and sleep/circadian-related encephalopathy." In this review, we discuss select NDDs with known or suspected sleep and circadian phenotypes. We also highlight important considerations when evaluating and treating sleep and circadian disorders in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Tamir
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Thomas J Dye
- Division of Child Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Pulmonary Medicine and the Sleep Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Center for Circadian Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Rochelle M Witt
- Division of Child Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Division of Pulmonary Medicine and the Sleep Center, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Center for Circadian Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH.
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7
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Catterson JH, Minkley L, Aspe S, Judd-Mole S, Moura S, Dyson MC, Rajasingam A, Woodling NS, Atilano ML, Ahmad M, Durrant CS, Spires-Jones TL, Partridge L. Protein retention in the endoplasmic reticulum rescues Aβ toxicity in Drosophila. Neurobiol Aging 2023; 132:154-174. [PMID: 37837732 PMCID: PMC10940166 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2023.09.008] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid β (Aβ) accumulation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. In adult Drosophila brains, human Aβ overexpression harms climbing and lifespan. It's uncertain whether Aβ is intrinsically toxic or activates downstream neurodegeneration pathways. Our study uncovers a novel protective role against Aβ toxicity: intra-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein accumulation with a focus on laminin and collagen subunits. Despite high Aβ, laminin B1 (LanB1) overexpression robustly counters toxicity, suggesting a potential Aβ resistance mechanism. Other laminin subunits and collagen IV also alleviate Aβ toxicity; combining them with LanB1 augments the effect. Imaging reveals ER retention of LanB1 without altering Aβ secretion. LanB1's rescue function operates independently of the IRE1α/XBP1 ER stress response. ER-targeted GFP overexpression also mitigates Aβ toxicity, highlighting broader ER protein retention advantages. Proof-of-principle tests in murine hippocampal slices using mouse Lamb1 demonstrate ER retention in transduced cells, indicating a conserved mechanism. Though ER protein retention generally harms, it could paradoxically counter neuronal Aβ toxicity, offering a new therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Catterson
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Lucy Minkley
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Salomé Aspe
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sebastian Judd-Mole
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sofia Moura
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Miranda C Dyson
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Arjunan Rajasingam
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Nathaniel S Woodling
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Magda L Atilano
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Mumtaz Ahmad
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Claire S Durrant
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Tara L Spires-Jones
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 1 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Linda Partridge
- Institute of Healthy Ageing, Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, Darwin Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9b, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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8
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Brown EB, Zhang J, Lloyd E, Lanzon E, Botero V, Tomchik S, Keene AC. Neurofibromin 1 mediates sleep depth in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1011049. [PMID: 38091360 PMCID: PMC10763969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1011049] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural regulation of sleep and metabolic homeostasis are critical in many aspects of human health. Despite extensive epidemiological evidence linking sleep dysregulation with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, little is known about the neural and molecular basis for the integration of sleep and metabolic function. The RAS GTPase-activating gene Neurofibromin (Nf1) has been implicated in the regulation of sleep and metabolic rate, raising the possibility that it serves to integrate these processes, but the effects on sleep consolidation and physiology remain poorly understood. A key hallmark of sleep depth in mammals and flies is a reduction in metabolic rate during sleep. Here, we examine multiple measures of sleep quality to determine the effects of Nf1 on sleep-dependent changes in arousal threshold and metabolic rate. Flies lacking Nf1 fail to suppress metabolic rate during sleep, raising the possibility that loss of Nf1 prevents flies from integrating sleep and metabolic state. Sleep of Nf1 mutant flies is fragmented with a reduced arousal threshold in Nf1 mutants, suggesting Nf1 flies fail to enter deep sleep. The effects of Nf1 on sleep can be localized to a subset of neurons expressing the GABAA receptor Rdl. Sleep loss has been associated with changes in gut homeostasis in flies and mammals. Selective knockdown of Nf1 in Rdl-expressing neurons within the nervous system increases gut permeability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the gut, raising the possibility that loss of sleep quality contributes to gut dysregulation. Together, these findings suggest Nf1 acts in GABA-sensitive neurons to modulate sleep depth in Drosophila.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Brown
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Evan Lloyd
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth Lanzon
- Jupiter Life Science Initiative, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, United States of America
| | - Valentina Botero
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Seth Tomchik
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa, United States of America
| | - Alex C. Keene
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, United States of America
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9
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Durkin J, Poe AR, Belfer SJ, Rodriguez A, Tang SH, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Neurofibromin 1 regulates early developmental sleep in Drosophila. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 15:100101. [PMID: 37593040 PMCID: PMC10428071 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common in neurodevelopmental disorders, but knowledge of molecular factors that govern sleep in young animals is lacking. Evidence across species, including Drosophila, suggests that juvenile sleep has distinct functions and regulatory mechanisms in comparison to sleep in maturity. In flies, manipulation of most known adult sleep regulatory genes is not associated with sleep phenotypes during early developmental (larval) stages. Here, we examine the role of the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated gene Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) in sleep during numerous developmental periods. Mutations in Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) are associated with sleep and circadian disorders in humans and adult flies. We find in flies that Nf1 acts to regulate sleep across the lifespan, beginning during larval stages. Nf1 is required in neurons for this function, as is signaling via the Alk pathway. These findings identify Nf1 as one of a small number of genes positioned to regulate sleep across developmental periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Durkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Amy R. Poe
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Samuel J. Belfer
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anyara Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Si Hao Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - James A. Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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10
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Poe AR, Zhu L, Szuperak M, McClanahan PD, Anafi RC, Scholl B, Thum AS, Cavanaugh DJ, Kayser MS. Developmental emergence of sleep rhythms enables long-term memory in Drosophila. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2301. [PMID: 37683005 PMCID: PMC10491288 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
In adulthood, sleep-wake rhythms are one of the most prominent behaviors under circadian control. However, during early life, sleep is spread across the 24-hour day. The mechanism through which sleep rhythms emerge, and consequent advantage conferred to a juvenile animal, is unknown. In the second-instar Drosophila larvae (L2), like in human infants, sleep is not under circadian control. We identify the precise developmental time point when the clock begins to regulate sleep in Drosophila, leading to emergence of sleep rhythms in early third-instars (L3). At this stage, a cellular connection forms between DN1a clock neurons and arousal-promoting Dh44 neurons, bringing arousal under clock control to drive emergence of circadian sleep. Last, we demonstrate that L3 but not L2 larvae exhibit long-term memory (LTM) of aversive cues and that this LTM depends upon deep sleep generated once sleep rhythms begin. We propose that the developmental emergence of circadian sleep enables more complex cognitive processes, including the onset of enduring memories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Poe
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lucy Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Milan Szuperak
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | | | - Ron C. Anafi
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Benjamin Scholl
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andreas S. Thum
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Matthew S. Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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11
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Rivera AMC, Fernández-Villa T, Martín V, Atallah I. Blunted circadian variation of blood pressure in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:164. [PMID: 37353803 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02766-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke are life-threatening complications associated with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). As previous studies observed an association between cardiovascular events and the loss of circadian variations of blood pressure, we investigated the 24 h circadian rhythm of blood pressure (BP) in 24 NF1 patients (10 males and 14 females, with a mean age of 39.5 years ± 14 years) by using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). RESULTS Only one-third of the patient were dippers, 50% were non-dippers, and 17% were risers. Reduced variability of systolic and diastolic nocturnal blood pressure was observed in NF1 patients compared with several studies of normotensive individuals (p = 0.024). In NF1 patients, the blunted systolic nocturnal decline was significantly associated with the number of neurofibromas (p = 0.049) and the presence of a plexiform neurofibroma (p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS Most NF1 patients in this study showed a "non-dipper" pattern with a blunted nocturnal BP decline, which is considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events in normotensive and hypertensive individuals. Periodic monitoring of BP should be included in NF1 follow-up guidelines to diagnose masked hypertension or a non-dipper/riser pattern which would significantly increase the morbidity and mortality of NF1 patients to implement therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Cieza Rivera
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Tania Fernández-Villa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Research Group in interactions gene- environmental and health (GIIGAS)/Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain
- Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicente Martín
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain
- Research Group in interactions gene- environmental and health (GIIGAS)/Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain
- Epidemiology and Public Health Networking Biomedical Research Centre (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isis Atallah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Universidad de León, León, Spain.
- Division of Genetic Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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12
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Bedont JL, Kolesnik A, Pivarshev P, Malik D, Hsu CT, Weljie A, Sehgal A. Chronic sleep loss sensitizes Drosophila melanogaster to nitrogen stress. Curr Biol 2023; 33:1613-1623.e5. [PMID: 36965479 PMCID: PMC10133188 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic sleep loss profoundly impacts metabolic health and shortens lifespan, but studies of the mechanisms involved have focused largely on acute sleep deprivation.1,2 To identify metabolic consequences of chronically reduced sleep, we conducted unbiased metabolomics on heads of three adult Drosophila short-sleeping mutants with very different mechanisms of sleep loss: fumin (fmn), redeye (rye), and sleepless (sss).3,4,5,6,7 Common features included elevated ornithine and polyamines, with lipid, acyl-carnitine, and TCA cycle changes suggesting mitochondrial dysfunction. Studies of excretion demonstrate inefficient nitrogen elimination in adult sleep mutants, likely contributing to their polyamine accumulation. Increasing levels of polyamines, particularly putrescine, promote sleep in control flies but poison sleep mutants. This parallels the broadly enhanced toxicity of high dietary nitrogen load from protein in chronically sleep-restricted Drosophila, including both sleep mutants and flies with hyper-activated wake-promoting neurons. Together, our results implicate nitrogen stress as a novel mechanism linking chronic sleep loss to adverse health outcomes-and perhaps for linking food and sleep homeostasis at the cellular level in healthy organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph L Bedont
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Anna Kolesnik
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Pavel Pivarshev
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dania Malik
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Cynthia T Hsu
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Aalim Weljie
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 4000 Jones Bridge Road, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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13
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Bansal S, Lin S. Transcriptional Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicators in Drosophila. Cold Spring Harb Protoc 2023; 2023:8-18. [PMID: 36167674 DOI: 10.1101/pdb.top107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Knowing which neurons are active during behavior is a crucial step toward understanding how nervous systems work. Neuronal activation is generally accompanied by an increase in intracellular calcium levels. Therefore, intracellular calcium levels are widely used as a proxy for neuronal activity. Many types of synthetic components and bioluminescent or fluorescent proteins that report transient and long-term changes in intracellular calcium levels have been developed over the past 60 years. Calcium indicators that enable imaging of the dynamic activity of a large ensemble of neurons in behaving animals have revolutionized the field of neuroscience. Among these, transcription-based genetically encoded calcium indicators (transcriptional GECIs) have proven easy to use and do not depend on sophisticated imaging systems, offering unique advantages over other types of calcium indicators. Here, we describe the two currently available fly transcriptional GECIs-calcium-dependent nuclear import of LexA (CaLexA) and transcriptional reporter of intracellular calcium (TRIC)-and review studies that have used them. In the accompanying protocol, we present step-by-step details for generating CaLexA- and TRIC-ready flies and for imaging CaLexA and TRIC signals in dissected brains after experimental manipulations of intact free-moving flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia Bansal
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Suewei Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
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14
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Garg S, Wan MW, Begum-Ali J, Kolesnik-Taylor A, Green J, Johnson MH, Jones E. Early Developmental Trajectories in Infants With Neurofibromatosis 1. Front Psychol 2022; 13:795951. [PMID: 35936291 PMCID: PMC9355323 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.795951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the trajectories of cognitive, motor and behavioural development in infants with NF1 compared to infants without a family history of neurodevelopmental difficulties. Study design Infants with NF1 and low-risk controls were recruited from 5 months of age and followed longitudinally. Data from standardised tests was gathered at 5, 10 and 14 months and developmental trajectories of motor, language, behaviour, sleep, social development and parent-infant interaction were examined. Linear mixed modelling was used to estimate group differences in cognitive and behavioural measures over time. Results No group differences were observed on Mullen Scale of Early Learning, overall adaptive functioning, temperament or behavioural measures. There were no group differences observed on measures of social communication or parent-infant interaction. Over the course of development, the NF1 group slept less and took more time to settle to sleep as compared to the control group. Maternal education was significantly associated with cognitive and behavioural developmental outcomes in both groups. Conclusion Cognitive, social and behavioural impairments are a cause of significant functional morbidity in children with NF1. This report is the first study to investigate the trajectories of cognitive, motor and behavioural development in infancy in NF1. Our results demonstrate that overall cognitive and behavioural developmental trajectories of the NF1 group in the infancy period are similar to controls. Given previous reports of delayed development in the NF1 cohort by 40 months, early clinical interventions strategies to promote sleep hygiene may be beneficial to optimise developmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Garg
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ming Wai Wan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jannath Begum-Ali
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Kolesnik-Taylor
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Green
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Mark H. Johnson
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Jones
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development and Department of Psychology, Birkbeck, University of London, London, United Kingdom
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15
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Endocrine cybernetics: neuropeptides as molecular switches in behavioural decisions. Open Biol 2022; 12:220174. [PMID: 35892199 PMCID: PMC9326288 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity in animal behaviour relies on the ability to integrate external and internal cues from the changing environment and hence modulate activity in synaptic circuits of the brain. This context-dependent neuromodulation is largely based on non-synaptic signalling with neuropeptides. Here, we describe select peptidergic systems in the Drosophila brain that act at different levels of a hierarchy to modulate behaviour and associated physiology. These systems modulate circuits in brain regions, such as the central complex and the mushroom bodies, which supervise specific behaviours. At the top level of the hierarchy there are small numbers of large peptidergic neurons that arborize widely in multiple areas of the brain to orchestrate or modulate global activity in a state and context-dependent manner. At the bottom level local peptidergic neurons provide executive neuromodulation of sensory gain and intrinsically in restricted parts of specific neuronal circuits. The orchestrating neurons receive interoceptive signals that mediate energy and sleep homeostasis, metabolic state and circadian timing, as well as external cues that affect food search, aggression or mating. Some of these cues can be triggers of conflicting behaviours such as mating versus aggression, or sleep versus feeding, and peptidergic neurons participate in circuits, enabling behaviour choices and switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R. Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland Würzburg 97074, Germany
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16
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Doldur-Balli F, Imamura T, Veatch OJ, Gong NN, Lim DC, Hart MP, Abel T, Kayser MS, Brodkin ES, Pack AI. Synaptic dysfunction connects autism spectrum disorder and sleep disturbances: A perspective from studies in model organisms. Sleep Med Rev 2022; 62:101595. [PMID: 35158305 PMCID: PMC9064929 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2022.101595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances (SD) accompany many neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting SD is a transdiagnostic process that can account for behavioral deficits and influence underlying neuropathogenesis. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) comprises a complex set of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication, and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Diagnosis of ASD is based primarily on behavioral criteria, and there are no drugs that target core symptoms. Among the co-occurring conditions associated with ASD, SD are one of the most prevalent. SD often arises before the onset of other ASD symptoms. Sleep interventions improve not only sleep but also daytime behaviors in children with ASD. Here, we examine sleep phenotypes in multiple model systems relevant to ASD, e.g., mice, zebrafish, fruit flies and worms. Given the functions of sleep in promoting brain connectivity, neural plasticity, emotional regulation and social behavior, all of which are of critical importance in ASD pathogenesis, we propose that synaptic dysfunction is a major mechanism that connects ASD and SD. Common molecular targets in this interplay that are involved in synaptic function might be a novel avenue for therapy of individuals with ASD experiencing SD. Such therapy would be expected to improve not only sleep but also other ASD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fusun Doldur-Balli
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Toshihiro Imamura
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Division of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Olivia J Veatch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
| | - Naihua N Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Diane C Lim
- Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, USA
| | - Michael P Hart
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute and Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Edward S Brodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Allan I Pack
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
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17
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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.
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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
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18
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Pickering L, Main KM, Feldt‐Rasmussen U, Klose M, Sehested A, Mathiasen R, Jennum P. Brain tumours in children and adolescents may affect the circadian rhythm and quality of life. Acta Paediatr 2021; 110:3376-3386. [PMID: 34432900 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIM Children with brain and cervical medulla tumours may experience circadian abnormalities and poor health. We aimed to examine their circadian rhythm, fatigue and quality of life (QoL). METHODS Children with a brain or cervical medulla tumour were recruited from the Paediatric Department, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark, between 2016 and 2020. They were grouped by tumour location involving the circadian regulatory system, defined as diencephalon, pineal gland, brain stem and cervical medulla, or other areas. Saliva melatonin and cortisol concentrations were measured. Sleep diaries and actigraphy assessed sleep-wake patterns. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and Generic Core Scale measured fatigue and QoL. RESULTS We included 68 children (62% males) with a median age (25th-75th percentiles) of 12.2 (7.7-16.3) years. Children with tumours involving the circadian regulatory system typically had a lower melatonin peak (p=0.06) and experienced significantly more fatigue and poorer QoL. Low melatonin profiles were observed in 31% and 4% had a phase-shifted daytime peak, compared with 14% and 0%, respectively, in children with tumours located elsewhere. Children with low melatonin profiles had significantly lower inter-daily stability than those with normal profiles. CONCLUSION Tumours involving the circadian regulatory system adversely affected circadian function, fatigue and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Pickering
- Danish Center for Sleep Medicine Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Glostrup Denmark
| | - Katharina M. Main
- Department of Growth and Reproduction and EDMaRC, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine Copenhagen University Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Ulla Feldt‐Rasmussen
- Department of Clinical Medicine Copenhagen University Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Marianne Klose
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Astrid Sehested
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - René Mathiasen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Poul Jennum
- Danish Center for Sleep Medicine Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Rigshospitalet University of Copenhagen Glostrup Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine Copenhagen University Copenhagen Denmark
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19
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Hugin + neurons provide a link between sleep homeostat and circadian clock neurons. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2111183118. [PMID: 34782479 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2111183118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep is controlled by homeostatic mechanisms, which drive sleep after wakefulness, and a circadian clock, which confers the 24-h rhythm of sleep. These processes interact with each other to control the timing of sleep in a daily cycle as well as following sleep deprivation. However, the mechanisms by which they interact are poorly understood. We show here that hugin + neurons, previously identified as neurons that function downstream of the clock to regulate rhythms of locomotor activity, are also targets of the sleep homeostat. Sleep deprivation decreases activity of hugin + neurons, likely to suppress circadian-driven activity during recovery sleep, and ablation of hugin + neurons promotes sleep increases generated by activation of the homeostatic sleep locus, the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB). Also, mutations in peptides produced by the hugin + locus increase recovery sleep following deprivation. Transsynaptic mapping reveals that hugin + neurons feed back onto central clock neurons, which also show decreased activity upon sleep loss, in a Hugin peptide-dependent fashion. We propose that hugin + neurons integrate circadian and sleep signals to modulate circadian circuitry and regulate the timing of sleep.
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20
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Huang H, Possidente DR, Vecsey CG. Optogenetic activation of SIFamide (SIFa) neurons induces a complex sleep-promoting effect in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Physiol Behav 2021; 239:113507. [PMID: 34175361 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is a universal and extremely complicated function. Sleep is regulated by two systems-sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms. In a wide range of species, neuropeptides have been found to play a crucial role in the communication and synchronization between different components of both systems. In the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, SIFamide (SIFa) is a neuropeptide that has been reported to be expressed in 4 neurons in the pars intercerebralis (PI) area of the brain. Previous work has shown that transgenic ablation of SIFa neurons, mutation of SIFa itself, or knockdown of SIFa receptors reduces sleep, suggesting that SIFa is sleep-promoting. However, those were all constitutive manipulations that could have affected development or resulted in compensation, so the role of SIFa signaling in sleep regulation during adulthood remains unclear. In the current study, we examined the sleep-promoting effect of SIFa through an optogenetic approach, which allowed for neuronal activation with high temporal resolution, while leaving development unaffected. We found that activation of the red-light sensor Chrimson in SIFa neurons promoted sleep in flies in a sexually dimorphic manner, where the magnitude of the sleep effect was greater in females than in males. Because neuropeptidergic neurons often also release other transmitters, we used RNA interference to knock down SIFa while also optogenetically activating SIFa neurons. SIFa knockdown only partially reduced the magnitude of the sleep effect, suggesting that release of other transmitters may contribute to the sleep induction when SIFa neurons are activated. Video-based analysis showed that activation of SIFa neurons for as brief a period as 1 second was able to decrease walking behavior for minutes after the stimulus. Future studies should aim to identify the transmitters that are utilized by SIFa neurons and characterize their upstream activators and downstream targets. It would also be of interest to determine how acute optogenetic activation of SIFa neurons alters other behaviors that have been linked to SIFa, such as mating and feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyang Huang
- Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
| | - Debra R Possidente
- Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
| | - Christopher G Vecsey
- Neuroscience Program, Skidmore College, 815 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
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21
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Machado Almeida P, Lago Solis B, Stickley L, Feidler A, Nagoshi E. Neurofibromin 1 in mushroom body neurons mediates circadian wake drive through activating cAMP-PKA signaling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5758. [PMID: 34599173 PMCID: PMC8486785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26031-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Various behavioral and cognitive states exhibit circadian variations in animals across phyla including Drosophila melanogaster, in which only ~0.1% of the brain's neurons contain circadian clocks. Clock neurons transmit the timing information to a plethora of non-clock neurons via poorly understood mechanisms. Here, we address the molecular underpinning of this phenomenon by profiling circadian gene expression in non-clock neurons that constitute the mushroom body, the center of associative learning and sleep regulation. We show that circadian clocks drive rhythmic expression of hundreds of genes in mushroom body neurons, including the Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) tumor suppressor gene and Pka-C1. Circadian clocks also drive calcium rhythms in mushroom body neurons via NF1-cAMP/PKA-C1 signaling, eliciting higher mushroom body activity during the day than at night, thereby promoting daytime wakefulness. These findings reveal the pervasive, non-cell-autonomous circadian regulation of gene expression in the brain and its role in sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Machado Almeida
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Blanca Lago Solis
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Luca Stickley
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
| | - Alexis Feidler
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland ,grid.412750.50000 0004 1936 9166Present Address: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY USA
| | - Emi Nagoshi
- grid.8591.50000 0001 2322 4988Department of Genetics and Evolution, Sciences III, University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest-Ansermet, Geneva, 4, CH-1211 Switzerland
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22
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Drosophila clock cells use multiple mechanisms to transmit time-of-day signals in the brain. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019826118. [PMID: 33658368 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019826118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of circadian behavior and physiology by the Drosophila brain clock requires communication from central clock neurons to downstream output regions, but the mechanism by which clock cells regulate downstream targets is not known. We show here that the pars intercerebralis (PI), previously identified as a target of the morning cells in the clock network, also receives input from evening cells. We determined that morning and evening clock neurons have time-of-day-dependent connectivity to the PI, which is regulated by specific peptides as well as by fast neurotransmitters. Interestingly, PI cells that secrete the peptide DH44, and control rest:activity rhythms, are inhibited by clock inputs while insulin-producing cells (IPCs) are activated, indicating that the same clock cells can use different mechanisms to drive cycling in output neurons. Inputs of morning cells to IPCs are relevant for the circadian rhythm of feeding, reinforcing the role of the PI as a circadian relay that controls multiple behavioral outputs. Our findings provide mechanisms by which clock neurons signal to nonclock cells to drive rhythms of behavior.
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23
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Moscato EH, Dubowy C, Walker JA, Kayser MS. Social Behavioral Deficits with Loss of Neurofibromin Emerge from Peripheral Chemosensory Neuron Dysfunction. Cell Rep 2021; 32:107856. [PMID: 32640222 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with social and communicative disabilities. The cellular and circuit mechanisms by which loss of neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) results in social deficits are unknown. Here, we identify social behavioral dysregulation with Nf1 loss in Drosophila. These deficits map to primary dysfunction of a group of peripheral sensory neurons. Nf1 regulation of Ras signaling in adult ppk23+ chemosensory cells is required for normal social behaviors in flies. Loss of Nf1 attenuates ppk23+ neuronal activity in response to pheromones, and circuit-specific manipulation of Nf1 expression or neuronal activity in ppk23+ neurons rescues social deficits. This disrupted sensory processing gives rise to persistent changes in behavior beyond the social interaction, indicating a sustained effect of an acute sensory misperception. Together our data identify a specific circuit mechanism through which Nf1 regulates social behaviors and suggest social deficits in NF1 arise from propagation of sensory misinformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia H Moscato
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christine Dubowy
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - James A Walker
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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24
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Ruiz D, Bajwa ST, Vanani N, Bajwa TA, Cavanaugh DJ. Slowpoke functions in circadian output cells to regulate rest:activity rhythms. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249215. [PMID: 33765072 PMCID: PMC7993846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The circadian system produces ~24-hr oscillations in behavioral and physiological processes to ensure that they occur at optimal times of day and in the correct temporal order. At its core, the circadian system is composed of dedicated central clock neurons that keep time through a cell-autonomous molecular clock. To produce rhythmic behaviors, time-of-day information generated by clock neurons must be transmitted across output pathways to regulate the downstream neuronal populations that control the relevant behaviors. An understanding of the manner through which the circadian system enacts behavioral rhythms therefore requires the identification of the cells and molecules that make up the output pathways. To that end, we recently characterized the Drosophila pars intercerebralis (PI) as a major circadian output center that lies downstream of central clock neurons in a circuit controlling rest:activity rhythms. We have conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to identify potential circadian output genes expressed by PI cells, and used cell-specific RNA interference (RNAi) to knock down expression of ~40 of these candidate genes selectively within subsets of PI cells. We demonstrate that knockdown of the slowpoke (slo) potassium channel in PI cells reliably decreases circadian rest:activity rhythm strength. Interestingly, slo mutants have previously been shown to have aberrant rest:activity rhythms, in part due to a necessary function of slo within central clock cells. However, rescue of slo in all clock cells does not fully reestablish behavioral rhythms, indicating that expression in non-clock neurons is also necessary. Our results demonstrate that slo exerts its effects in multiple components of the circadian circuit, including PI output cells in addition to clock neurons, and we hypothesize that it does so by contributing to the generation of daily neuronal activity rhythms that allow for the propagation of circadian information throughout output circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Ruiz
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Saffia T. Bajwa
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Naisarg Vanani
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Tanvir A. Bajwa
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. Cavanaugh
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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25
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Beer K, Helfrich-Förster C. Model and Non-model Insects in Chronobiology. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:601676. [PMID: 33328925 PMCID: PMC7732648 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an established model organism in chronobiology, because genetic manipulation and breeding in the laboratory are easy. The circadian clock neuroanatomy in D. melanogaster is one of the best-known clock networks in insects and basic circadian behavior has been characterized in detail in this insect. Another model in chronobiology is the honey bee Apis mellifera, of which diurnal foraging behavior has been described already in the early twentieth century. A. mellifera hallmarks the research on the interplay between the clock and sociality and complex behaviors like sun compass navigation and time-place-learning. Nevertheless, there are aspects of clock structure and function, like for example the role of the clock in photoperiodism and diapause, which can be only insufficiently investigated in these two models. Unlike high-latitude flies such as Chymomyza costata or D. ezoana, cosmopolitan D. melanogaster flies do not display a photoperiodic diapause. Similarly, A. mellifera bees do not go into "real" diapause, but most solitary bee species exhibit an obligatory diapause. Furthermore, sociality evolved in different Hymenoptera independently, wherefore it might be misleading to study the social clock only in one social insect. Consequently, additional research on non-model insects is required to understand the circadian clock in Diptera and Hymenoptera. In this review, we introduce the two chronobiology model insects D. melanogaster and A. mellifera, compare them with other insects and show their advantages and limitations as general models for insect circadian clocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Beer
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri Institute, Biocentre, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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26
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Ly S, Lee DA, Strus E, Prober DA, Naidoo N. Evolutionarily Conserved Regulation of Sleep by the Protein Translational Regulator PERK. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1639-1648.e3. [PMID: 32169212 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.02.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is a cross-species phenomenon whose evolutionary and biological function remain poorly understood. Clinical and animal studies suggest that sleep disturbance is significantly associated with disruptions in protein homeostasis-or proteostasis-in the brain, but the mechanism of this link has not been explored. In the cell, the protein kinase R (PKR)-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway modulates proteostasis by transiently inhibiting protein synthesis in response to proteostatic stress. In this study, we examined the role of the PERK pathway in sleep regulation and provide the first evidence that PERK signaling is required to regulate normal sleep in both vertebrates and invertebrates. We show that pharmacological inhibition of PERK reduces sleep in both Drosophila and zebrafish, indicating an evolutionarily conserved requirement for PERK in sleep. Genetic knockdown of PERK activity also reduces sleep in Drosophila, whereas PERK overexpression induces sleep. Finally, we demonstrate that changes in PERK signaling directly impact wake-promoting neuropeptide expression, revealing a mechanism through which proteostatic pathways can affect sleep and wake behavior. Taken together, these results demonstrate that protein synthesis pathways like PERK could represent a general mechanism of sleep and wake regulation and provide greater insight into the relationship between sleep and proteostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ly
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daniel A Lee
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Ewa Strus
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David A Prober
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Nirinjini Naidoo
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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27
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King AN, Sehgal A. Molecular and circuit mechanisms mediating circadian clock output in the Drosophila brain. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 51:268-281. [PMID: 30059181 PMCID: PMC6353709 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A central question in the circadian biology field concerns the mechanisms that translate ~24-hr oscillations of the molecular clock into overt rhythms. Drosophila melanogaster is a powerful system that provided the first understanding of how molecular clocks are generated and is now illuminating the neural basis of circadian behavior. The identity of ~150 clock neurons in the Drosophila brain and their roles in shaping circadian rhythms of locomotor activity have been described before. This review summarizes mechanisms that transmit time-of-day signals from the clock, within the clock network as well as downstream of it. We also discuss the identification of functional multisynaptic circuits between clock neurons and output neurons that regulate locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna N. King
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
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28
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Nässel DR, Pauls D, Huetteroth W. Neuropeptides in modulation of Drosophila behavior: how to get a grip on their pleiotropic actions. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2019; 36:1-8. [PMID: 31280184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides constitute a large and diverse class of signaling molecules that are produced by many types of neurons, neurosecretory cells, endocrines and other cells. Many neuropeptides display pleiotropic actions either as neuromodulators, co-transmitters or circulating hormones, while some play these roles concurrently. Here, we highlight pleiotropic functions of neuropeptides and different levels of neuropeptide signaling in the brain, from context-dependent orchestrating signaling by higher order neurons, to local executive modulation in specific circuits. Additionally, orchestrating neurons receive peptidergic signals from neurons conveying organismal internal state cues and relay these to executive circuits. We exemplify these levels of signaling with four neuropeptides, SIFamide, short neuropeptide F, allatostatin-A and leucokinin, each with a specific expression pattern and level of complexity in signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dennis Pauls
- Neurobiology and Genetics, Theodor-Boveri-Institute Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolf Huetteroth
- Department of Biology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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29
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A circadian output center controlling feeding:fasting rhythms in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008478. [PMID: 31693685 PMCID: PMC6860455 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian rhythms allow animals to coordinate behavioral and physiological processes with respect to one another and to synchronize these processes to external environmental cycles. In most animals, circadian rhythms are produced by core clock neurons in the brain that generate and transmit time-of-day signals to downstream tissues, driving overt rhythms. The neuronal pathways controlling clock outputs, however, are not well understood. Furthermore, it is unclear how the central clock modulates multiple distinct circadian outputs. Identifying the cellular components and neuronal circuitry underlying circadian regulation is increasingly recognized as a critical step in the effort to address health pathologies linked to circadian disruption, including heart disease and metabolic disorders. Here, building on the conserved components of circadian and metabolic systems in mammals and Drosophila melanogaster, we used a recently developed feeding monitor to characterize the contribution to circadian feeding rhythms of two key neuronal populations in the Drosophila pars intercerebralis (PI), which is functionally homologous to the mammalian hypothalamus. We demonstrate that thermogenetic manipulations of PI neurons expressing the neuropeptide SIFamide (SIFa) as well as mutations of the SIFa gene degrade feeding:fasting rhythms. In contrast, manipulations of a nearby population of PI neurons that express the Drosophila insulin-like peptides (DILPs) affect total food consumption but leave feeding rhythms intact. The distinct contribution of these two PI cell populations to feeding is accompanied by vastly different neuronal connectivity as determined by trans-Tango synaptic mapping. These results for the first time identify a non-clock cell neuronal population in Drosophila that regulates feeding rhythms and furthermore demonstrate dissociable control of circadian and homeostatic aspects of feeding regulation by molecularly-defined neurons in a putative circadian output hub.
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30
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Liang X, Ho MCW, Zhang Y, Li Y, Wu MN, Holy TE, Taghert PH. Morning and Evening Circadian Pacemakers Independently Drive Premotor Centers via a Specific Dopamine Relay. Neuron 2019; 102:843-857.e4. [PMID: 30981533 PMCID: PMC6533154 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many animals exhibit morning and evening peaks of locomotor behavior. In Drosophila, two corresponding circadian neural oscillators-M (morning) cells and E (evening) cells-exhibit a corresponding morning or evening neural activity peak. Yet we know little of the neural circuitry by which distinct circadian oscillators produce specific outputs to precisely control behavioral episodes. Here, we show that ring neurons of the ellipsoid body (EB-RNs) display spontaneous morning and evening neural activity peaks in vivo: these peaks coincide with the bouts of locomotor activity and result from independent activation by M and E pacemakers. Further, M and E cells regulate EB-RNs via identified PPM3 dopaminergic neurons, which project to the EB and are normally co-active with EB-RNs. These in vivo findings establish the fundamental elements of a circadian neuronal output pathway: distinct circadian oscillators independently drive a common pre-motor center through the agency of specific dopaminergic interneurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xitong Liang
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Margaret C W Ho
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yajun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing 100871, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Mark N Wu
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Timothy E Holy
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Paul H Taghert
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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31
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Lee Y, Lahens NF, Zhang S, Bedont J, Field JM, Sehgal A. G1/S cell cycle regulators mediate effects of circadian dysregulation on tumor growth and provide targets for timed anticancer treatment. PLoS Biol 2019; 17:e3000228. [PMID: 31039152 PMCID: PMC6490878 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Circadian disruption has multiple pathological consequences, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. To address such mechanisms, we subjected transformed cultured cells to chronic circadian desynchrony (CCD), mimicking a chronic jet-lag scheme, and assayed a range of cellular functions. The results indicated a specific circadian clock–dependent increase in cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis revealed up-regulation of G1/S phase transition genes (myelocytomatosis oncogene cellular homolog [Myc], cyclin D1/3, chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 [Cdt1]), concomitant with increased phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein by cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 and increased G1-S progression. Phospho-RB (Ser807/811) was found to oscillate in a circadian fashion and exhibit phase-shifted rhythms in circadian desynchronized cells. Consistent with circadian regulation, a CDK4/6 inhibitor approved for cancer treatment reduced growth of cultured cells and mouse tumors in a time-of-day–specific manner. Our study identifies a mechanism that underlies effects of circadian disruption on tumor growth and underscores the use of treatment timed to endogenous circadian rhythms. A study of “jet-lagged” cells reveals a specific molecular mechanism regulating cell proliferation that it impacted by circadian disruption, underscoring the importance of administering anti-cancer treatment at a specific time of day. Circadian misalignment caused by altered sleep–wake cycles, shift work, or frequent jet lag increases susceptibility to several disorders, including cancer. However, the mechanisms by which circadian disruption contributes to disease are not well understood, and so we addressed this issue by investigating the molecular, cellular, and biochemical consequences of chronic circadian desynchronization. Our studies using cancer cell or tumor tissue models show that chronic circadian desynchronization induces multiple oncogenic pathways to promote cell proliferation. In particular, chronic circadian desynchronization promotes phosphorylation of the retinoblastoma (RB) protein, thereby favoring G1/S phase cell cycle progression. Consistent with these findings, the antiproliferative activity of a selective inhibitor of the enzyme that phosphorylates RB has time-of-day–specific effects on cancer cells and mouse tumors, but this time dependence is abrogated by chronic jet-lag conditions. These data suggest a circadian regulation of G1/S cell cycle progression and provide an important molecular rationale for time-of-day–specific treatment of cancer patients, also known as chronotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yool Lee
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Nicholas F. Lahens
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shirley Zhang
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Joseph Bedont
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey M. Field
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Penn Chronobiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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32
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Nässel DR, Zandawala M. Recent advances in neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila, from genes to physiology and behavior. Prog Neurobiol 2019; 179:101607. [PMID: 30905728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2019.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on neuropeptides and peptide hormones, the largest and most diverse class of neuroactive substances, known in Drosophila and other animals to play roles in almost all aspects of daily life, as w;1;ell as in developmental processes. We provide an update on novel neuropeptides and receptors identified in the last decade, and highlight progress in analysis of neuropeptide signaling in Drosophila. Especially exciting is the huge amount of work published on novel functions of neuropeptides and peptide hormones in Drosophila, largely due to the rapid developments of powerful genetic methods, imaging techniques and innovative assays. We critically discuss the roles of peptides in olfaction, taste, foraging, feeding, clock function/sleep, aggression, mating/reproduction, learning and other behaviors, as well as in regulation of development, growth, metabolic and water homeostasis, stress responses, fecundity, and lifespan. We furthermore provide novel information on neuropeptide distribution and organization of peptidergic systems, as well as the phylogenetic relations between Drosophila neuropeptides and those of other phyla, including mammals. As will be shown, neuropeptide signaling is phylogenetically ancient, and not only are the structures of the peptides, precursors and receptors conserved over evolution, but also many functions of neuropeptide signaling in physiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick R Nässel
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Meet Zandawala
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
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Anastasaki C, Rensing N, Johnson KJ, Wong M, Gutmann DH. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1)-mutant mice exhibit increased sleep fragmentation. J Sleep Res 2019; 28:e12816. [PMID: 30609083 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which affected children and adults are at a higher risk of sleep disorders. In an effort to identify potential sleep disturbances in a small animal model, we used a previously reported Nf1 conditional knockout (Nf1CKO ) mouse strain. In contrast to Nf1 mutant flies, the distribution of vigilance states was intact in Nf1CKO mice. However, Nf1CKO mice exhibited increased non-REM sleep (NREM)-to-wake and wake-to-NREM transitions. This sleep disruption was accompanied by decreased bout durations during awake and NREM sleep states under both light and dark conditions. Moreover, Nf1CKO mice have higher percentage delta power during awake and NREM sleep states under all light conditions. Taken together, Nf1CKO mice phenocopy some of the sleep disturbances observed in NF1 patients and provide a tractable platform to explore the molecular mechanisms governing sleep abnormalities in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Anastasaki
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Nicholas Rensing
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Kevin J Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Michael Wong
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
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