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van der Heijden ME. Converging and Diverging Cerebellar Pathways for Motor and Social Behaviors in Mice. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01706-w. [PMID: 38780757 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01706-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies has shown that the cerebellum contributes to cognitive functions, including social behaviors. Now that the cerebellum's role in a wider range of behaviors has been confirmed, the question arises whether the cerebellum contributes to social behaviors via the same mechanisms with which it modulates movements. This review seeks to answer whether the cerebellum guides motor and social behaviors through identical pathways. It focuses on studies in which cerebellar cells, synapses, or genes are manipulated in a cell-type specific manner followed by testing of the effects on social and motor behaviors. These studies show that both anatomically restricted and cerebellar cortex-wide manipulations can lead to social impairments without abnormal motor control, and vice versa. These studies suggest that the cerebellum employs different cellular, synaptic, and molecular pathways for social and motor behaviors. Future studies warrant a focus on the diverging mechanisms by which the cerebellum contributes to a wide range of neural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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2
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Zhan X, Asmara H, Pfaffinger P, Turner RW. Calcium-Dependent Regulation of Neuronal Excitability Is Rescued in Fragile X Syndrome by a Tat-Conjugated N-Terminal Fragment of FMRP. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e0136242024. [PMID: 38664011 PMCID: PMC11112635 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0136-24.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) arises from the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) needed for normal neuronal excitability and circuit functions. Recent work revealed that FMRP contributes to mossy fiber long-term potentiation by adjusting the Kv4 A-type current availability through interactions with a Cav3-Kv4 ion channel complex, yet the mechanism has not yet been defined. In this study using wild-type and Fmr1 knock-out (KO) tsA-201 cells and cerebellar sections from male Fmr1 KO mice, we show that FMRP associates with all subunits of the Cav3.1-Kv4.3-KChIP3 complex and is critical to enabling calcium-dependent shifts in Kv4.3 inactivation to modulate the A-type current. Specifically, upon depolarization Cav3 calcium influx activates dual-specific phosphatase 1/6 (DUSP1/6) to deactivate ERK1/2 (ERK) and lower phosphorylation of Kv4.3, a signaling pathway that does not function in Fmr1 KO cells. In Fmr1 KO mouse tissue slices, cerebellar granule cells exhibit a hyperexcitable response to membrane depolarizations. Either incubating Fmr1 KO cells or in vivo administration of a tat-conjugated FMRP N-terminus fragment (FMRP-N-tat) rescued Cav3-Kv4 function and granule cell excitability, with a decrease in the level of DUSP6. Together these data reveal a Cav3-activated DUSP signaling pathway critical to the function of a FMRP-Cav3-Kv4 complex that is misregulated in Fmr1 KO conditions. Moreover, FMRP-N-tat restores function of this complex to rescue calcium-dependent control of neuronal excitability as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviating the symptoms of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Zhan
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Hadhimulya Asmara
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Paul Pfaffinger
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Ray W Turner
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
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3
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Suresh H, Morgan BR, Mithani K, Warsi NM, Yan H, Germann J, Boutet A, Loh A, Gouveia FV, Young J, Quon J, Morgado F, Lerch J, Lozano AM, Al-Fatly B, Kühn AA, Laughlin S, Dewan MC, Mabbott D, Gorodetsky C, Bartels U, Huang A, Tabori U, Rutka JT, Drake JM, Kulkarni AV, Dirks P, Taylor MD, Ramaswamy V, Ibrahim GM. Postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome is an acquired autism-like network disturbance. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:950-964. [PMID: 38079480 PMCID: PMC11066932 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad230] [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] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a common and debilitating complication of posterior fossa tumor surgery in children. Affected children exhibit communication and social impairments that overlap phenomenologically with subsets of deficits exhibited by children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although both CMS and ASD are thought to involve disrupted cerebro-cerebellar circuitry, they are considered independent conditions due to an incomplete understanding of their shared neural substrates. METHODS In this study, we analyzed postoperative cerebellar lesions from 90 children undergoing posterior fossa resection of medulloblastoma, 30 of whom developed CMS. Lesion locations were mapped to a standard atlas, and the networks functionally connected to each lesion were computed in normative adult and pediatric datasets. Generalizability to ASD was assessed using an independent cohort of children with ASD and matched controls (n = 427). RESULTS Lesions in children who developed CMS involved the vermis and inferomedial cerebellar lobules. They engaged large-scale cerebellothalamocortical circuits with a preponderance for the prefrontal and parietal cortices in the pediatric and adult connectomes, respectively. Moreover, with increasing connectomic age, CMS-associated lesions demonstrated stronger connectivity to the midbrain/red nuclei, thalami and inferior parietal lobules and weaker connectivity to the prefrontal cortex. Importantly, the CMS-associated lesion network was independently reproduced in ASD and correlated with communication and social deficits, but not repetitive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CMS-associated lesions may result in an ASD-like network disturbance that occurs during sensitive windows of brain development. A common network disturbance between CMS and ASD may inform improved treatment strategies for affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrishikesh Suresh
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin R Morgan
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karim Mithani
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nebras M Warsi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Han Yan
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jürgen Germann
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boutet
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Loh
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Young
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Quon
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felipe Morgado
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bassam Al-Fatly
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea A Kühn
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Exzellenzcluster NeuroCure, Charité, Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Suzanne Laughlin
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael C Dewan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Donald Mabbott
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolina Gorodetsky
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ute Bartels
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annie Huang
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James T Rutka
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James M Drake
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abhaya V Kulkarni
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Dirks
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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4
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Wang C, Derderian KD, Hamada E, Zhou X, Nelson AD, Kyoung H, Ahituv N, Bouvier G, Bender KJ. Impaired cerebellar plasticity hypersensitizes sensory reflexes in SCN2A-associated ASD. Neuron 2024; 112:1444-1455.e5. [PMID: 38412857 PMCID: PMC11065582 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.029] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly present with sensory hypersensitivity or abnormally strong reactions to sensory stimuli. Such hypersensitivity can be overwhelming, causing high levels of distress that contribute markedly to the negative aspects of the disorder. Here, we identify a mechanism that underlies hypersensitivity in a sensorimotor reflex found to be altered in humans and in mice with loss of function in the ASD risk-factor gene SCN2A. The cerebellum-dependent vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain one's gaze during movement, was hypersensitized due to deficits in cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Heterozygous loss of SCN2A-encoded NaV1.2 sodium channels in granule cells impaired high-frequency transmission to Purkinje cells and long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity important for modulating VOR gain. VOR plasticity could be rescued in mice via a CRISPR-activator approach that increases Scn2a expression, demonstrating that evaluation of a simple reflex can be used to assess and quantify successful therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly D Derderian
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hamada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xujia Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Kyoung
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guy Bouvier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, 91400 Saclay, France.
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Hanzel M, Fernando K, Maloney SE, Gong S, Mätlik K, Zhao J, Pasolli HA, Heissel S, Dougherty JD, Hull C, Hatten ME. Mice lacking Astn2 have ASD-like behaviors and altered cerebellar circuit properties. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.18.580354. [PMID: 38405978 PMCID: PMC10888872 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.18.580354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) is a transmembrane neuronal protein highly expressed in the cerebellum that functions in receptor trafficking and modulates cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) synaptic activity. We recently reported a family with a paternally inherited intragenic ASTN2 duplication with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning difficulties, and speech and language delay. To provide a genetic model for the role of the cerebellum in ASD-related behaviors and study the role of ASTN2 in cerebellar circuit function, we generated global and PC-specific conditional Astn2 knockout (KO and cKO, respectively) mouse lines. Astn2 KO mice exhibit strong ASD-related behavioral phenotypes, including a marked decrease in separation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalization calls, hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, altered social behaviors, and impaired cerebellar-dependent eyeblink conditioning. Hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors were also prominent in Astn2 cKO animals. By Golgi staining, Astn2 KO PCs have region-specific changes in dendritic spine density and filopodia numbers. Proteomic analysis of Astn2 KO cerebellum reveals a marked upregulation of ASTN2 family member, ASTN1, a neuron-glial adhesion protein. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrates a significant increase in Bergmann glia volume in the molecular layer of Astn2 KO animals. Electrophysiological experiments indicate a reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), as well as increased amplitudes of both spontaneous EPSCs and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the Astn2 KO animals, suggesting that pre- and postsynaptic components of synaptic transmission are altered. Thus, ASTN2 regulates ASD-like behaviors and cerebellar circuit properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Hanzel
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Kayla Fernando
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan E Maloney
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Kärt Mätlik
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - H Amalia Pasolli
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
- Dept of Genetics, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Court Hull
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mary E Hatten
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
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6
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Mosconi MW, Stevens CJ, Unruh KE, Shafer R, Elison JT. Endophenotype trait domains for advancing gene discovery in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:41. [PMID: 37993779 PMCID: PMC10664534 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with a diverse range of etiological processes, including both genetic and non-genetic causes. For a plurality of individuals with ASD, it is likely that the primary causes involve multiple common inherited variants that individually account for only small levels of variation in phenotypic outcomes. This genetic landscape creates a major challenge for detecting small but important pathogenic effects associated with ASD. To address similar challenges, separate fields of medicine have identified endophenotypes, or discrete, quantitative traits that reflect genetic likelihood for a particular clinical condition and leveraged the study of these traits to map polygenic mechanisms and advance more personalized therapeutic strategies for complex diseases. Endophenotypes represent a distinct class of biomarkers useful for understanding genetic contributions to psychiatric and developmental disorders because they are embedded within the causal chain between genotype and clinical phenotype, and they are more proximal to the action of the gene(s) than behavioral traits. Despite their demonstrated power for guiding new understanding of complex genetic structures of clinical conditions, few endophenotypes associated with ASD have been identified and integrated into family genetic studies. In this review, we argue that advancing knowledge of the complex pathogenic processes that contribute to ASD can be accelerated by refocusing attention toward identifying endophenotypic traits reflective of inherited mechanisms. This pivot requires renewed emphasis on study designs with measurement of familial co-variation including infant sibling studies, family trio and quad designs, and analysis of monozygotic and dizygotic twin concordance for select trait dimensions. We also emphasize that clarification of endophenotypic traits necessarily will involve integration of transdiagnostic approaches as candidate traits likely reflect liability for multiple clinical conditions and often are agnostic to diagnostic boundaries. Multiple candidate endophenotypes associated with ASD likelihood are described, and we propose a new focus on the analysis of "endophenotype trait domains" (ETDs), or traits measured across multiple levels (e.g., molecular, cellular, neural system, neuropsychological) along the causal pathway from genes to behavior. To inform our central argument for research efforts toward ETD discovery, we first provide a brief review of the concept of endophenotypes and their application to psychiatry. Next, we highlight key criteria for determining the value of candidate endophenotypes, including unique considerations for the study of ASD. Descriptions of different study designs for assessing endophenotypes in ASD research then are offered, including analysis of how select patterns of results may help prioritize candidate traits in future research. We also present multiple candidate ETDs that collectively cover a breadth of clinical phenomena associated with ASD, including social, language/communication, cognitive control, and sensorimotor processes. These ETDs are described because they represent promising targets for gene discovery related to clinical autistic traits, and they serve as models for analysis of separate candidate domains that may inform understanding of inherited etiological processes associated with ASD as well as overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA.
| | - Cassandra J Stevens
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Kathryn E Unruh
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Robin Shafer
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Jed T Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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7
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Niere F, Uneri A, McArdle CJ, Deng Z, Egido-Betancourt HX, Cacheaux LP, Namjoshi SV, Taylor WC, Wang X, Barth SH, Reynoldson C, Penaranda J, Stierer MP, Heaney CF, Craft S, Keene CD, Ma T, Raab-Graham KF. Aberrant DJ-1 expression underlies L-type calcium channel hypoactivity in dendrites in tuberous sclerosis complex and Alzheimer's disease. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301534120. [PMID: 37903257 PMCID: PMC10636362 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301534120] [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: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
L-type voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels (L-VGCC) dysfunction is implicated in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. While a popular therapeutic target, it is unknown whether molecular mechanisms leading to disrupted L-VGCC across neurodegenerative disorders are conserved. Importantly, L-VGCC integrate synaptic signals to facilitate a plethora of cellular mechanisms; however, mechanisms that regulate L-VGCC channel density and subcellular compartmentalization are understudied. Herein, we report that in disease models with overactive mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling (or mTORopathies), deficits in dendritic L-VGCC activity are associated with increased expression of the RNA-binding protein (RBP) Parkinsonism-associated deglycase (DJ-1). DJ-1 binds the mRNA coding for the alpha and auxiliary Ca2+ channel subunits CaV1.2 and α2δ2, and represses their mRNA translation, only in the disease states, specifically preclinical models of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In agreement, DJ-1-mediated repression of CaV1.2/α2δ2 protein synthesis in dendrites is exaggerated in mouse models of AD and TSC, resulting in deficits in dendritic L-VGCC calcium activity. Finding of DJ-1-regulated L-VGCC activity in dendrites in TSC and AD provides a unique signaling pathway that can be targeted in clinical mTORopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farr Niere
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Biology, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC27411
| | - Ayse Uneri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Hailey X. Egido-Betancourt
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Luisa P. Cacheaux
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Sanjeev V. Namjoshi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - William C. Taylor
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Samuel H. Barth
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Cameron Reynoldson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Juan Penaranda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Michael P. Stierer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Suzanne Craft
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Wake Forest Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - C. Dirk Keene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA98104
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC27157
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8
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Nishiyama H, Nishiyama N, Zemelman BV. Loss of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthens the cerebellothalamic synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.564864. [PMID: 37961231 PMCID: PMC10635038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.564864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar damage early in life often causes long-lasting motor, social, and cognitive impairments, suggesting the roles of the cerebellum in developing a broad spectrum of behaviors. This recent finding has promoted research on how cerebellar damage affects the development of the cerebral cortex, the brain region responsible for higher-order control of all behaviors. However, the cerebral cortex is not directly connected to the cerebellum. The thalamus is the direct postsynaptic target of the cerebellum, sending cerebellar outputs to the cerebral cortex. Despite its crucial position in cerebello-cerebral interaction, thalamic susceptibility to cerebellar damage remains largely unclear. Here, we studied the consequences of early cerebellar perturbation on thalamic development. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that the synaptic organization of the cerebellothlamic circuit is similar to that of the primary sensory thalamus, in which aberrant sensory activity alters synaptic circuit formation. The hemizygous deletion of the tuberous sclerosis complex-1 ( Tsc1 ) gene in the Purkinje cell-known to cause Purkinje cell hypoactivity and autistic behaviors-did not alter cerebellothalamic synapses or intrinsic membrane properties of thalamic neurons. However, the ablation of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthened the cerebellothalamic synapses and enhanced thalamic suprathreshold activities. These results suggest that the cerebellothalamic circuit is resistant to moderate perturbation in the developing cerebellum, such as the reduced firing rate of Purkinje cells, and that autistic behaviors are not necessarily linked to thalamic abnormality. Still, Purkinje cell loss alters the thalamic circuit, suggesting the vulnerability of the thalamus to substantial disturbance in the developing cerebellum.
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A Hosny S, M Abdelmenem A, Azouz T, S Kamar S, M ShamsEldeen A, A El-Shafei A. Beneficial Effect of Erythropoietin on Ameliorating Propionic Acid-Induced Autistic-Like Features in Young Rats. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2023; 56:77-86. [PMID: 37970239 PMCID: PMC10644041 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.23-00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impairs communication and social interaction. This study investigated the possible beneficial effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on experimental autistic-like behaviors induced by propionic acid (PPA). Twenty-four rats were distributed into three groups: (i) control; (ii) PPA_Gp: daily injected subcutaneously with PPA for five consecutive days; PPA+EPO-Gp: injected with PPA, then received intraperitoneal injection of EPO once daily for two weeks. Behavioral changes in the rats were assessed. Specimens from the cerebellar hemispheres were subjected to histological and ultrastructure examination, immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and calbindin-D28K, and biochemical analysis for glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), and serotonin. PPA-Gp showed significant behavioral impairment, with a significant depletion in GSH-px, GABA, and serotonin and a significant increase in MDA. Histological examination revealed reduced Purkinje cell count with ultrastructural degeneration, irregularly arranged nerve fibers in the molecular layer, astrogliosis, and significantly decreased calbindin-immunostaining compared to the control. EPO protected cerebellar structure, increased Purkinje cell count, improved neuronal morphology, reduced PPA-induced autistic-like features, alleviated neuronal oxidative stress, increased intercellular antioxidant levels, and suppressed inflammation. EPO provided significant protection against PPA-induced autistic features in rats, with structural preservation of Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A Hosny
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Taha Azouz
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samaa S Kamar
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M ShamsEldeen
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa A El-Shafei
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Manial, Cairo, Egypt
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10
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Shen LP, Li W, Pei LZ, Yin J, Xie ST, Li HZ, Yan C, Wang JJ, Zhang Q, Zhang XY, Zhu JN. Oxytocin Receptor in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells Does Not Engage in Autism-Related Behaviors. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:888-904. [PMID: 36040660 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The classical motor center cerebellum is one of the most consistent structures of abnormality in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and neuropeptide oxytocin is increasingly explored as a potential pharmacotherapy for ASD. However, whether oxytocin targets the cerebellum for therapeutic effects remains unclear. Here, we report a localization of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in Purkinje cells (PCs) of cerebellar lobule Crus I, which is functionally connected with ASD-implicated circuits. OXTR activation neither affects firing activities, intrinsic excitability, and synaptic transmission of normal PCs nor improves abnormal intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission of PCs in maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model of autism. Furthermore, blockage of OXTR in Crus I in wild-type mice does not induce autistic-like social, stereotypic, cognitive, and anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that oxytocin signaling in Crus I PCs seems to be uninvolved in ASD pathophysiology, and contribute to understanding of targets and mechanisms of oxytocin in ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling-Zhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Zhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jing-Ning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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11
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Frare C, Pitt SK, Hewett SJ. Sex- and age-dependent contribution of System x c- to cognitive, sensory, and social behaviors revealed by comprehensive behavioral analyses of System x c- null mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1238349. [PMID: 37649973 PMCID: PMC10462982 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1238349] [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: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background System xc- (Sxc-) is an important heteromeric amino acid cystine/glutamate exchanger that plays a pivotal role in the CNS by importing cystine into cells while exporting glutamate. Although certain behaviors have been identified as altered in Sxc- null mutant mice, our understanding of the comprehensive impact of Sxc- on behavior remains incomplete. Methods To address this gap, we compared motor, sensory and social behaviors of male and female mice in mice null for Sxc- (SLC7A11sut/sut) with wildtype littermates (SLC7A11+/+) in a comprehensive and systematic manner to determine effects of genotype, sex, age, and their potential interactions. Results Motor performance was not affected by loss of Sxc- in both males and females, although it was impacted negatively by age. Motor learning was specifically disrupted in female mice lacking Sxc- at both 2 and 6 months of age. Further, female SLC7A11sut/sut mice at both ages exhibited impaired sociability, but normal spatial and recognition memory, as well as sensorimotor gating. Finally, pronounced open-space anxiety was displayed by female SLC7A11sut/sut when they were young. In contrast, young SLC7A11sut/sut male mice demonstrated normal sociability, delayed spatial learning, increased open-space anxiety and heightened sensitivity to noise. As they aged, anxiety and noise sensitivity abated but hyperactivity emerged. Discussion We find that the behavioral phenotypes of female SLC7A11sut/sut are similar to those observed in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder, while behaviors of male SLC7A11sut/sut resemble those seen in mouse models of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These results underscore the need for further investigation of SLC7A11 in neurodevelopment. By expanding our understanding of the potential involvement of Sxc-, we may gain additional insights into the mechanisms underlying complex neurodevelopmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sandra J. Hewett
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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12
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Narvaiz DA, Nolan SO, Smith GD, Holley AJ, Reynolds CD, Blandin KJ, Nguyen PH, Tran DLK, Lugo JN. Rapamycin improves social and stereotypic behavior abnormalities induced by pre-mitotic neuronal subset specific Pten deletion. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023:e12854. [PMID: 37376966 PMCID: PMC10393422 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a signaling system integral to neural growth and migration. In both patients and rodent models, mutations to the phosphatase and tensin homolog gene (PTEN) on chromosome 10 results in hyperactivation of the mTOR pathway, as well as seizures, intellectual disabilities and autistic behaviors. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, can reverse the epileptic phenotype of neural subset specific Pten knockout (NS-Pten KO) mice, but its impact on behavior is not known. To determine the behavioral effects of rapamycin, male and female NS-Pten KO and wildtype (WT) mice were assigned as controls or administered 10 mg/kg of rapamycin for 2 weeks followed by behavioral testing. Rapamycin improved social behavior in both genotypes and stereotypic behaviors in NS-Pten KO mice. Rapamycin treatment resulted in a reduction of several measures of activity in the open field test in both genotypes. Rapamycin did not reverse the reduced anxiety behavior in KO mice. These data show the potential clinical use of mTOR inhibitors by showing its administration can reduce the production of autistic-like behaviors in NS-Pten KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Narvaiz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Suzanne O Nolan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Gregory D Smith
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J Holley
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Conner D Reynolds
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Katherine J Blandin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Phuoc H Nguyen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Doan L K Tran
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
| | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, Texas, USA
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13
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Wang C, Derderian KD, Hamada E, Zhou X, Nelson AD, Kyoung H, Ahituv N, Bouvier G, Bender KJ. Impaired cerebellar plasticity hypersensitizes sensory reflexes in SCN2A-associated ASD. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.05.543814. [PMID: 37333267 PMCID: PMC10274749 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.05.543814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) commonly present with sensory hypersensitivity, or abnormally strong reactions to sensory stimuli. Such hypersensitivity can be overwhelming, causing high levels of distress that contribute markedly to the negative aspects of the disorder. Here, we identify the mechanisms that underlie hypersensitivity in a sensorimotor reflex found to be altered in humans and in mice with loss-of-function in the ASD risk-factor gene SCN2A. The cerebellum-dependent vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which helps maintain one's gaze during movement, was hypersensitized due to deficits in cerebellar synaptic plasticity. Heterozygous loss of SCN2A-encoded NaV1.2 sodium channels in granule cells impaired high-frequency transmission to Purkinje cells and long-term potentiation, a form of synaptic plasticity important for modulating VOR gain. VOR plasticity could be rescued in adolescent mice via a CRISPR-activator approach that increases Scn2a expression, highlighting how evaluation of simple reflexes can be used as quantitative readout of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Wang
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly D. Derderian
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Hamada
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Xujia Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andrew D. Nelson
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Henry Kyoung
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Nadav Ahituv
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Guy Bouvier
- Department of Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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14
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Verpeut JL, Bergeler S, Kislin M, William Townes F, Klibaite U, Dhanerawala ZM, Hoag A, Janarthanan S, Jung C, Lee J, Pisano TJ, Seagraves KM, Shaevitz JW, Wang SSH. Cerebellar contributions to a brainwide network for flexible behavior in mice. Commun Biol 2023; 6:605. [PMID: 37277453 PMCID: PMC10241932 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04920-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum regulates nonmotor behavior, but the routes of influence are not well characterized. Here we report a necessary role for the posterior cerebellum in guiding a reversal learning task through a network of diencephalic and neocortical structures, and in flexibility of free behavior. After chemogenetic inhibition of lobule VI vermis or hemispheric crus I Purkinje cells, mice could learn a water Y-maze but were impaired in ability to reverse their initial choice. To map targets of perturbation, we imaged c-Fos activation in cleared whole brains using light-sheet microscopy. Reversal learning activated diencephalic and associative neocortical regions. Distinctive subsets of structures were altered by perturbation of lobule VI (including thalamus and habenula) and crus I (including hypothalamus and prelimbic/orbital cortex), and both perturbations influenced anterior cingulate and infralimbic cortex. To identify functional networks, we used correlated variation in c-Fos activation within each group. Lobule VI inactivation weakened within-thalamus correlations, while crus I inactivation divided neocortical activity into sensorimotor and associative subnetworks. In both groups, high-throughput automated analysis of whole-body movement revealed deficiencies in across-day behavioral habituation to an open-field environment. Taken together, these experiments reveal brainwide systems for cerebellar influence that affect multiple flexible responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Verpeut
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
| | - Silke Bergeler
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Mikhail Kislin
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - F William Townes
- Department of Statistics and Data Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Ugne Klibaite
- Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 01451, USA
| | - Zahra M Dhanerawala
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Austin Hoag
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Sanjeev Janarthanan
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Caroline Jung
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Junuk Lee
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Thomas J Pisano
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Kelly M Seagraves
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Joshua W Shaevitz
- Department of Physics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Samuel S-H Wang
- Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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15
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Matthiesen M, Khlaifia A, Steininger CFD, Dadabhoy M, Mumtaz U, Arruda-Carvalho M. Maturation of nucleus accumbens synaptic transmission signals a critical period for the rescue of social deficits in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Brain 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 37226266 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01028-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behavior emerges early in development, a time marked by the onset of neurodevelopmental disorders featuring social deficits, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although social deficits are at the core of the clinical diagnosis of ASD, very little is known about their neural correlates at the time of clinical onset. The nucleus accumbens (NAc), a brain region extensively implicated in social behavior, undergoes synaptic, cellular and molecular alterations in early life, and is particularly affected in ASD mouse models. To explore a link between the maturation of the NAc and neurodevelopmental deficits in social behavior, we compared spontaneous synaptic transmission in NAc shell medium spiny neurons (MSNs) between the highly social C57BL/6J and the idiopathic ASD mouse model BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J at postnatal day (P) 4, P6, P8, P12, P15, P21 and P30. BTBR NAc MSNs display increased spontaneous excitatory transmission during the first postnatal week, and increased inhibition across the first, second and fourth postnatal weeks, suggesting accelerated maturation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs compared to C57BL/6J mice. BTBR mice also show increased optically evoked medial prefrontal cortex-NAc paired pulse ratios at P15 and P30. These early changes in synaptic transmission are consistent with a potential critical period, which could maximize the efficacy of rescue interventions. To test this, we treated BTBR mice in either early life (P4-P8) or adulthood (P60-P64) with the mTORC1 antagonist rapamycin, a well-established intervention for ASD-like behavior. Rapamycin treatment rescued social interaction deficits in BTBR mice when injected in infancy, but did not affect social interaction in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina Matthiesen
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Abdessattar Khlaifia
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | | | - Maryam Dadabhoy
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Unza Mumtaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada
| | - Maithe Arruda-Carvalho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, M1C1A4, Canada.
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S3G5, Canada.
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16
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Therapeutic strategies for autism: targeting three levels of the central dogma of molecular biology. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 36792602 PMCID: PMC9931756 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has yielded much success in the identification of risk genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with many studies implicating loss-of-function (LoF) mutations within these genes. Despite this, no significant clinical advances have been made so far in the development of therapeutics for ASD. Given the role of LoF mutations in ASD etiology, many of the therapeutics in development are designed to rescue the haploinsufficient effect of genes at the transcriptional, translational, and protein levels. This review will discuss the various therapeutic techniques being developed from each level of the central dogma with examples including: CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and gene replacement at the DNA level, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) at the mRNA level, and small-molecule drugs at the protein level, followed by a review of current delivery methods for these therapeutics. Since central nervous system (CNS) penetrance is of utmost importance for ASD therapeutics, it is especially necessary to evaluate delivery methods that have higher efficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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17
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Granak S, Tuckova K, Kutna V, Vojtechova I, Bajkova L, Petrasek T, Ovsepian SV. Developmental effects of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity and environmental enrichment on structural synaptic plasticity and behaviour in a rat model of autism spectrum disorder. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 57:17-31. [PMID: 36380588 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition causing a range of social and communication impairments. Although the role of multiple genes and environmental factors has been reported, the effects of the interplay between genes and environment on the onset and progression of the disease remains elusive. We housed wild-type (Tsc2+/+) and tuberous sclerosis 2 deficient (Tsc2+/-) Eker rats (ASD model) in individually ventilated cages or enriched conditions and conducted a series of behavioural tests followed by the histochemical analysis of dendritic spines and plasticity in three age groups (days 45, 90 and 365). The elevated plus-maze test revealed a reduction of anxiety by enrichment, whereas the mobility of young and adult Eker rats in the open field was lower compared to the wild type. In the social interaction test, an enriched environment reduced social contact in the youngest group and increased anogenital exploration in 90- and 365-day-old rats. Self-grooming was increased by environmental enrichment in young and adult rats and decreased in aged Eker rats. Dendritic spine counts revealed an increased spine density in the cingulate gyrus in adult Ekers irrespective of housing conditions, whereas spine density in hippocampal pyramidal neurons was comparable across all genotypes and groups. Morphometric analysis of dendritic spines revealed age-related changes in spine morphology and density, which were responsive to animal genotype and environment. Taken together, our findings suggest that under TSC2 haploinsufficiency and mTORC1 hyperactivity, the expression of behavioural signs and neuroplasticity in Eker rats can be differentially influenced by the developmental stage and environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Granak
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Klara Tuckova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viera Kutna
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Iveta Vojtechova
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Bajkova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Petrasek
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Neurophysiology of Memory, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, UK
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18
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Hawks ZW, Todorov A, Marrus N, Nishino T, Talovic M, Nebel MB, Girault JB, Davis S, Marek S, Seitzman BA, Eggebrecht AT, Elison J, Dager S, Mosconi MW, Tychsen L, Snyder AZ, Botteron K, Estes A, Evans A, Gerig G, Hazlett HC, McKinstry RC, Pandey J, Schultz RT, Styner M, Wolff JJ, Zwaigenbaum L, Markson L, Petersen SE, Constantino JN, White DA, Piven J, Pruett JR. A Prospective Evaluation of Infant Cerebellar-Cerebral Functional Connectivity in Relation to Behavioral Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:149-161. [PMID: 36712571 PMCID: PMC9874081 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.12.004] [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: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed based on social impairment, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Contemporary theories posit that cerebellar pathology contributes causally to ASD by disrupting error-based learning (EBL) during infancy. The present study represents the first test of this theory in a prospective infant sample, with potential implications for ASD detection. Methods Data from the Infant Brain Imaging Study (n = 94, 68 male) were used to examine 6-month cerebellar functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging in relation to later (12/24-month) ASD-associated behaviors and outcomes. Hypothesis-driven univariate analyses and machine learning-based predictive tests examined cerebellar-frontoparietal network (FPN; subserves error signaling in support of EBL) and cerebellar-default mode network (DMN; broadly implicated in ASD) connections. Cerebellar-FPN functional connectivity was used as a proxy for EBL, and cerebellar-DMN functional connectivity provided a comparative foil. Data-driven functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging enrichment examined brain-wide behavioral associations, with post hoc tests of cerebellar connections. Results Cerebellar-FPN and cerebellar-DMN connections did not demonstrate associations with ASD. Functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging enrichment identified 6-month correlates of later ASD-associated behaviors in networks of a priori interest (FPN, DMN), as well as in cingulo-opercular (also implicated in error signaling) and medial visual networks. Post hoc tests did not suggest a role for cerebellar connections. Conclusions We failed to identify cerebellar functional connectivity-based contributions to ASD. However, we observed prospective correlates of ASD-associated behaviors in networks that support EBL. Future studies may replicate and extend network-level positive results, and tests of the cerebellum may investigate brain-behavior associations at different developmental stages and/or using different neuroimaging modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë W. Hawks
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Address correspondence to Zoë W. Hawks, Ph.D.
| | - Alexandre Todorov
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Natasha Marrus
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tomoyuki Nishino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Muhamed Talovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mary Beth Nebel
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jessica B. Girault
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Savannah Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Scott Marek
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Benjamin A. Seitzman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Adam T. Eggebrecht
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jed Elison
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Stephen Dager
- Departments of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Life Span Institute and Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
| | - Lawrence Tychsen
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Abraham Z. Snyder
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Kelly Botteron
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Annette Estes
- Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Alan Evans
- McConnell Brain Imaging Center, Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guido Gerig
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Heather C. Hazlett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Robert C. McKinstry
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Juhi Pandey
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert T. Schultz
- Center for Autism Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Jason J. Wolff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Lonnie Zwaigenbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lori Markson
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Steven E. Petersen
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - John N. Constantino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Desirée A. White
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joseph Piven
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - John R. Pruett
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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19
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FDA-Approved Kinase Inhibitors in Preclinical and Clinical Trials for Neurological Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15121546. [PMID: 36558997 PMCID: PMC9784968 DOI: 10.3390/ph15121546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers and neurological disorders are two major types of diseases. We previously developed a new concept termed "Aberrant Cell Cycle Diseases" (ACCD), revealing that these two diseases share a common mechanism of aberrant cell cycle re-entry. The aberrant cell cycle re-entry is manifested as kinase/oncogene activation and tumor suppressor inactivation, which are hallmarks of both tumor growth in cancers and neuronal death in neurological disorders. Therefore, some cancer therapies (e.g., kinase inhibition, tumor suppressor elevation) can be leveraged for neurological treatments. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has so far approved 74 kinase inhibitors, with numerous other kinase inhibitors in clinical trials, mostly for the treatment of cancers. In contrast, there are dire unmet needs of FDA-approved drugs for neurological treatments, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), ischemic stroke (IS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and others. In this review, we list these 74 FDA-approved kinase-targeted drugs and identify those that have been reported in preclinical and/or clinical trials for neurological disorders, with a purpose of discussing the feasibility and applicability of leveraging these cancer drugs (FDA-approved kinase inhibitors) for neurological treatments.
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20
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GENE TARGET: A framework for evaluating Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders for gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:32-46. [PMID: 36156879 PMCID: PMC9478871 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Interest in gene-based therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders is increasing exponentially, driven by the rise in recognition of underlying genetic etiology, progress in genomic technology, and recent proof of concept in several disorders. The current prioritization of one genetic disorder over another for development of therapies is driven by competing interests of pharmaceutical companies, advocacy groups, and academic scientists. Although these are all valid perspectives, a consolidated framework will facilitate more efficient and rational gene therapy development. Here we outline features of Mendelian neurodevelopmental disorders that warrant consideration when determining suitability for gene therapy. These features fit into four broad domains: genetics, preclinical validation, clinical considerations, and ethics. We propose a simple mnemonic, GENE TARGET, to remember these features and illustrate how they could be scored using a preliminary scoring rubric. In this suggested rubric, for a given disorder, scores for each feature may be added up to a composite GENE TARGET suitability (GTS) score. In addition to proposing a systematic method to evaluate and compare disorders, our framework helps identify gaps in the translational pipeline for a given disorder, which can inform prioritization of future research efforts.
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21
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Yang D, Zhao Y, Nie B, An L, Wan X, Wang Y, Wang W, Cai G, Wu S. Progress in magnetic resonance imaging of autism model mice brain. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2022; 13:e1616. [PMID: 35930672 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease characterized by social disorder and stereotypical behaviors with an increasing incidence. ASD patients are suffering from varying degrees of mental retardation and language development abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology to detect brain structural and functional dysfunction in vivo, playing an important role in the early diagnosisbasic research of ASD. High-field, small-animal MRI in basic research of autism model mice has provided a new approach to research the pathogenesis, characteristics, and intervention efficacy in autism. This article reviews MRI studies of mouse models of autism over the past 20 years. Reduced gray matter, abnormal connections of brain networks, and abnormal development of white matter fibers have been demonstrated in these studies, which are present in different proportions in the various mouse models. This provides a more macroscopic view for subsequent research on autism model mice. This article is categorized under: Cognitive Biology > Genes and Environment Neuroscience > Computation Neuroscience > Genes, Molecules, and Cells Neuroscience > Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Yang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Binbin Nie
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Leiting An
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiangdong Wan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yazhou Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Guohong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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22
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Hikosaka M, Kawano T, Wada Y, Maeda T, Sakurai T, Ohtsuki G. Immune-Triggered Forms of Plasticity Across Brain Regions. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:925493. [PMID: 35978857 PMCID: PMC9376917 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.925493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells play numerous roles in the host defense against the invasion of microorganisms and pathogens, which induces the release of inflammatory mediators (e.g., cytokines and chemokines). In the CNS, microglia is the major resident immune cell. Recent efforts have revealed the diversity of the cell types and the heterogeneity of their functions. The refinement of the synapse structure was a hallmark feature of the microglia, while they are also involved in the myelination and capillary dynamics. Another promising feature is the modulation of the synaptic transmission as synaptic plasticity and the intrinsic excitability of neurons as non-synaptic plasticity. Those modulations of physiological properties of neurons are considered induced by both transient and chronic exposures to inflammatory mediators, which cause behavioral disorders seen in mental illness. It is plausible for astrocytes and pericytes other than microglia and macrophage to induce the immune-triggered plasticity of neurons. However, current understanding has yet achieved to unveil what inflammatory mediators from what immune cells or glia induce a form of plasticity modulating pre-, post-synaptic functions and intrinsic excitability of neurons. It is still unclear what ion channels and intracellular signaling of what types of neurons in which brain regions of the CNS are involved. In this review, we introduce the ubiquitous modulation of the synaptic efficacy and the intrinsic excitability across the brain by immune cells and related inflammatory cytokines with the mechanism for induction. Specifically, we compare neuro-modulation mechanisms by microglia of the intrinsic excitability of cerebellar Purkinje neurons with cerebral pyramidal neurons, stressing the inverted directionality of the plasticity. We also discuss the suppression and augmentation of the extent of plasticity by inflammatory mediators, as the meta-plasticity by immunity. Lastly, we sum up forms of immune-triggered plasticity in the different brain regions with disease relevance. Together, brain immunity influences our cognition, sense, memory, and behavior via immune-triggered plasticity.
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23
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Gene-based therapeutics for rare genetic neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2416-2428. [PMID: 35585789 PMCID: PMC9263284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We are in an emerging era of gene-based therapeutics with significant promise for rare genetic disorders. The potential is particularly significant for genetic central nervous system disorders that have begun to achieve Food and Drug Administration approval for select patient populations. This review summarizes the discussions and presentations of the National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored workshop "Gene-Based Therapeutics for Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Disorders," which was held in January 2021. Here, we distill the points raised regarding various precision medicine approaches related to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that may be amenable to gene-based therapies.
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24
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Chung C, Shin W, Kim E. Early and Late Corrections in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:934-944. [PMID: 34556257 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and repetitive symptoms. A key feature of ASD is early-life manifestations of symptoms, indicative of early pathophysiological mechanisms. In mouse models of ASD, increasing evidence indicates that there are early pathophysiological mechanisms that can be corrected early to prevent phenotypic defects in adults, overcoming the disadvantage of the short-lasting effects that characterize adult-initiated treatments. In addition, the results from gene restorations indicate that ASD-related phenotypes can be rescued in some cases even after the brain has fully matured. These results suggest that we need to consider both temporal and mechanistic aspects in studies of ASD models and carefully compare genetic and nongenetic corrections. Here, we summarize the early and late corrections in mouse models of ASD by genetic and pharmacological interventions and discuss how to better integrate these results to ensure efficient and long-lasting corrections for eventual clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changuk Chung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Wangyong Shin
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.
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25
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Chung WK, Berg JS, Botkin JR, Brenner SE, Brosco JP, Brothers KB, Currier RJ, Gaviglio A, Kowtoniuk WE, Olson C, Lloyd-Puryear M, Saarinen A, Sahin M, Shen Y, Sherr EH, Watson MS, Hu Z. Newborn screening for neurodevelopmental diseases: Are we there yet? AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2022; 190:222-230. [PMID: 35838066 PMCID: PMC9796120 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In the US, newborn screening (NBS) is a unique health program that supports health equity and screens virtually every baby after birth, and has brought timely treatments to babies since the 1960's. With the decreasing cost of sequencing and the improving methods to interpret genetic data, there is an opportunity to add DNA sequencing as a screening method to facilitate the identification of babies with treatable conditions that cannot be identified in any other scalable way, including highly penetrant genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). However, the lack of effective dietary or drug-based treatments has made it nearly impossible to consider NDDs in the current NBS framework, yet it is anticipated that any treatment will be maximally effective if started early. Hence there is a critical need for large scale pilot studies to assess if and how NDDs can be effectively screened at birth, if parents desire that information, and what impact early diagnosis may have. Here we attempt to provide an overview of the recent advances in NDD treatments, explore the possible framework of setting up a pilot study to genetically screen for NDDs, highlight key technical, practical, and ethical considerations and challenges, and examine the policy and health system implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Chung
- Department of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jonathan S Berg
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Botkin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Steven E Brenner
- Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Jeffrey P Brosco
- Institute for Bioethics and Health Policy, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kyle B Brothers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Robert J Currier
- School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy Gaviglio
- Connetics Consulting, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | | | - Colleen Olson
- Steinhardt Graduate School of Education, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yufeng Shen
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute of Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael S Watson
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Washington University (Adjunct), St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zhanzhi Hu
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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26
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Serra I, Stravs A, Osório C, Oyaga MR, Schonewille M, Tudorache C, Badura A. Tsc1 Haploinsufficiency Leads to Pax2 Dysregulation in the Developing Murine Cerebellum. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:831687. [PMID: 35645731 PMCID: PMC9137405 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.831687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) is a tumor suppressor that promotes the inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, and mutations in TSC1 lead to a rare complex disorder of the same name. Despite phenotype heterogeneity, up to 50% of TSC patients present with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Consequently, TSC models are often used to probe molecular and behavioral mechanisms of ASD development. Amongst the different brain areas proposed to play a role in the development of ASD, the cerebellum is commonly reported to be altered, and cerebellar-specific deletion of Tsc1 in mice is sufficient to induce ASD-like phenotypes. However, despite these functional changes, whether Tsc1 haploinsufficiency affects cerebellar development is still largely unknown. Given that the mTOR pathway is a master regulator of cell replication and migration, we hypothesized that dysregulation of this pathway would also disrupt the development of cell populations during critical periods of cerebellar development. Here, we used a mouse model of TSC to investigate gene and protein expression during embryonic and early postnatal periods of cerebellar development. We found that, at E18 and P7, mRNA levels of the cerebellar inhibitory interneuron marker paired box gene 2 (Pax2) were dysregulated. This dysregulation was accompanied by changes in the expression of mTOR pathway-related genes and downstream phosphorylation of S6. Differential gene correlation analysis revealed dynamic changes in correlated gene pairs across development, with an overall loss of correlation between mTOR- and cerebellar-related genes in Tsc1 mutants compared to controls. We corroborated the genetic findings by characterizing the mTOR pathway and cerebellar development on protein and cellular levels with Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We found that Pax2-expressing cells were largely unchanged at E18 and P1, while at P7, their number was increased and maturation into parvalbumin-expressing cells delayed. Our findings indicate that, in mice, Tsc1 haploinsufficiency leads to altered cerebellar development and that cerebellar interneuron precursors are particularly susceptible to mTOR pathway dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Serra
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ana Stravs
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Catarina Osório
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maria Roa Oyaga
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | - Aleksandra Badura
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Aleksandra Badura,
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27
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Gibson JM, Howland CP, Ren C, Howland C, Vernino A, Tsai PT. A Critical Period for Development of Cerebellar-Mediated Autism-Relevant Social Behavior. J Neurosci 2022; 42:2804-2823. [PMID: 35190469 PMCID: PMC8973277 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1230-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has been increasingly implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with many ASD-linked genes impacting both cerebellar function and development. However, the precise timing and critical periods of when abnormal cerebellar neurodevelopment contributes to ASD-relevant behaviors remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify a critical period for the development of ASD-relevant behaviors in a cerebellar male mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), by using the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin, to pharmacologically inhibit dysregulated downstream signaling. We find independent critical periods during which abnormal ASD-relevant behaviors develop for the two core ASD diagnostic criteria, social impairments and behavioral flexibility, and delineate an anatomic, physiological, and behavioral framework. These findings not only further our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the timing of ASD-relevant behaviors but also have the capacity to inform potential therapies to optimize treatment interventions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT No targeted treatments currently exist for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This complex developmental disorder has established links to genetic and circuit aberrations, yet the precise timing and coordination of these underlying mechanisms that contribute to the spectrum of physiological and behavioral abnormalities remains unclear. Cerebellar pathology is consistently seen in ASD individuals; therefore, we sought to identify the specific windows for cerebellar involvement in the development of ASD-relevant behaviors. Using pharmacologic treatment paradigms, we outline distinct critical periods of developmental vulnerability for ASD-relevant social and inflexible behaviors. From this study, we posit a refined window of time during which ASD symptoms develop that will inform therapeutic timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Gibson
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Cleone P Howland
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Cyrena Howland
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Alexandra Vernino
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| | - Peter T Tsai
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
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28
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Baek SJ, Park JS, Kim J, Yamamoto Y, Tanaka-Yamamoto K. VTA-projecting cerebellar neurons mediate stress-dependent depression-like behaviors. eLife 2022; 11:72981. [PMID: 35156922 PMCID: PMC8843095 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although cerebellar alterations have been implicated in stress symptoms, the exact contribution of the cerebellum to stress symptoms remains to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrated the crucial role of cerebellar neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in the development of chronic stress-induced behavioral alterations in mice. Chronic chemogenetic activation of inhibitory Purkinje cells in crus I suppressed c-Fos expression in the DN and an increase in immobility in the tail suspension test or forced swimming test, which were triggered by chronic stress application. The combination of adeno-associated virus-based circuit mapping and electrophysiological recording identified network connections from crus I to the VTA via the dentate nucleus (DN) of the deep cerebellar nuclei. Furthermore, chronic inhibition of specific neurons in the DN that project to the VTA prevented stressed mice from showing such depression-like behavior, whereas chronic activation of these neurons alone triggered behavioral changes that were comparable with the depression-like behaviors triggered by chronic stress application. Our results indicate that the VTA-projecting cerebellar neurons proactively regulate the development of depression-like behavior, raising the possibility that cerebellum may be an effective target for the prevention of depressive disorders in human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Ji Baek
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Sung Park
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhyun Kim
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yukio Yamamoto
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Keiko Tanaka-Yamamoto
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Division of Bio-Medical Science and Technology, KIST School, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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McKinney WS, Kelly SE, Unruh KE, Shafer RL, Sweeney JA, Styner M, Mosconi MW. Cerebellar Volumes and Sensorimotor Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:821109. [PMID: 35592866 PMCID: PMC9113114 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.821109] [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: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensorimotor issues are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though their neural bases are not well understood. The cerebellum is vital to sensorimotor control and reduced cerebellar volumes in ASD have been documented. Our study examined the extent to which cerebellar volumes are associated with multiple sensorimotor behaviors in ASD. Materials and Methods Fifty-eight participants with ASD and 34 typically developing (TD) controls (8-30 years) completed a structural MRI scan and precision grip testing, oculomotor testing, or both. Force variability during precision gripping as well as absolute error and trial-to-trial error variability of visually guided saccades were examined. Volumes of cerebellar lobules, vermis, and white matter were quantified. The relationships between each cerebellar region of interest (ROI) and force variability, saccade error, and saccade error variability were examined. Results Relative to TD controls, individuals with ASD showed increased force variability. Individuals with ASD showed a reduced volume of cerebellar vermis VI-VII relative to TD controls. Relative to TD females, females with ASD showed a reduced volume of bilateral cerebellar Crus II/lobule VIIB. Increased volume of Crus I was associated with increased force variability. Increased volume of vermal lobules VI-VII was associated with reduced saccade error for TD controls but not individuals with ASD. Increased right lobule VIII and cerebellar white matter volumes as well as reduced right lobule VI and right lobule X volumes were associated with greater ASD symptom severity. Reduced volumes of right Crus II/lobule VIIB were associated with greater ASD symptom severity in only males, while reduced volumes of right Crus I were associated with more severe restricted and repetitive behaviors only in females. Conclusion Our finding that increased force variability in ASD is associated with greater cerebellar Crus I volumes indicates that disruption of sensory feedback processing supported by Crus I may contribute to skeletomotor differences in ASD. Results showing that volumes of vermal lobules VI-VII are associated with saccade precision in TD but not ASD implicates atypical organization of the brain systems supporting oculomotor control in ASD. Associations between volumes of cerebellar subregions and ASD symptom severity suggest cerebellar pathological processes may contribute to multiple developmental challenges in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker S. McKinney
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Shannon E. Kelly
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Kathryn E. Unruh
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Robin L. Shafer
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - John A. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Martin Styner
- Department of Psychiatry and Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Matthew W. Mosconi
- Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies and Kansas Center for Autism Research and Training (K-CART), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
- *Correspondence: Matthew W. Mosconi,
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30
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Yang X, Yin H, Wang X, Sun Y, Bian X, Zhang G, Li A, Cao A, Li B, Ebrahimi-Fakhari D, Yang Z, Meisler MH, Liu Q. Social Deficits and Cerebellar Degeneration in Purkinje Cell Scn8a Knockout Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:822129. [PMID: 35557557 PMCID: PMC9087741 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.822129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SCN8A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit Nav1. 6 have been reported in individuals with epilepsy, intellectual disability and features of autism spectrum disorder. SCN8A is widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the cerebellum. Cerebellar dysfunction has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder. We investigated conditional Scn8a knockout mice under C57BL/6J strain background that specifically lack Scn8a expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells (Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice). Cerebellar morphology was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and MR imaging. Mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests including the accelerating rotarod, open field, elevated plus maze, light-dark transition box, three chambers, male-female interaction, social olfaction, and water T-maze tests. Patch clamp recordings were used to evaluate evoked action potentials in Purkinje cells. Behavioral phenotyping demonstrated that Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice have impaired social interaction, motor learning and reversal learning as well as increased repetitive behavior and anxiety-like behaviors. By 5 months of age, Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice began to exhibit cerebellar Purkinje cell loss and reduced molecular thickness. At 9 months of age, Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice exhibited decreased cerebellar size and a reduced number of cerebellar Purkinje cells more profoundly, with evidence of additional neurodegeneration in the molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei. Purkinje cells in Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice exhibited reduced repetitive firing. Taken together, our experiments indicated that loss of Scn8a expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells leads to cerebellar degeneration and several ASD-related behaviors. Our study demonstrated the specific contribution of loss of Scn8a in cerebellar Purkinje cells to behavioral deficits characteristic of ASD. However, it should be noted that our observed effects reported here are specific to the C57BL/6 genome type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongqiang Yin
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yueqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianli Bian
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaorui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Anning Li
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aihua Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baomin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari
- Department of Neurology, The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
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31
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Cable J, Purcell RH, Robinson E, Vorstman JAS, Chung WK, Constantino JN, Sanders SJ, Sahin M, Dolmetsch RE, Shah B, Thurm A, Martin CL, Bearden CE, Mulle JG. Harnessing rare variants in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopment disorders-a Keystone Symposia report. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1506:5-17. [PMID: 34342000 PMCID: PMC8688183 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14658] [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: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, have strong genetic risk components, but the underlying mechanisms have proven difficult to decipher. Rare, high-risk variants may offer an opportunity to delineate the biological mechanisms responsible more clearly for more common idiopathic diseases. Indeed, different rare variants can cause the same behavioral phenotype, demonstrating genetic heterogeneity, while the same rare variant can cause different behavioral phenotypes, demonstrating variable expressivity. These observations suggest convergent underlying biological and neurological mechanisms; identification of these mechanisms may ultimately reveal new therapeutic targets. At the 2021 Keystone eSymposium "Neuropsychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Harnessing Rare Variants" a panel of experts in the field described significant progress in genomic discovery and human phenotyping and raised several consistent issues, including the need for detailed natural history studies of rare disorders, the challenges in cohort recruitment, and the importance of viewing phenotypes as quantitative traits that are impacted by rare variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryan H. Purcell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Elise Robinson
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob A. S. Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry and The Centre for Applied Genomics, Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy K. Chung
- Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York
- Simons Foundation, New York, New York
| | - John N. Constantino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Stephan J. Sanders
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Bina Shah
- Project 8p Foundation, Commission on Novel Technologies for Neurodevelopmental CNVs, New York, New York
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping, NIMH, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christa L. Martin
- Autism & Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Carrie E. Bearden
- Integrative Center for Neurogenetics, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Science and Psychology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jennifer G. Mulle
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Wolff JJ, Piven J. Predicting Autism in Infancy. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021; 60:958-967. [PMID: 33161062 PMCID: PMC8158398 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2020.07.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication and interaction deficits and restricted, repetitive patterns of interests and behavior that are evident in early childhood. Its prevalence has grown substantially over the past several decades, with current estimates ranging from 1.7% to 2.5% in the United States.1,2 This represents more than 1.5 million children with ASD, the vast majority of whom receive or will receive specialized services.2 Each year, approximately 100,000 (and growing) individuals with ASD reach adulthood, and many face myriad challenges related to employment, housing, mental health, and overburdened or insufficient support services.3-5 A host of significant costs can be associated with ASD, from direct costs related to the provision of special education programs, housing, and medical care to indirect costs, such as loss of productivity affecting both individuals with ASD and their families.6 Currently, overall lifetime cost of care per person with ASD can exceed $3 million, totaling more than $265 billion annually in the United States and rising to an estimated $1 trillion by 2025.7,8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J. Wolff
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota
| | - Joseph Piven
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Dalal JS, Winden KD, Salussolia CL, Sundberg M, Singh A, Pham TT, Zhou P, Pu WT, Miller MT, Sahin M. Loss of Tsc1 in cerebellar Purkinje cells induces transcriptional and translation changes in FMRP target transcripts. eLife 2021; 10:e67399. [PMID: 34259631 PMCID: PMC8279760 DOI: 10.7554/elife.67399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disorder that is associated with multiple neurological manifestations. Previously, we demonstrated that Tsc1 loss in cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) can cause altered social behavior in mice. Here, we performed detailed transcriptional and translational analyses of Tsc1-deficient PCs to understand the molecular alterations in these cells. We found that target transcripts of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) are reduced in mutant PCs with evidence of increased degradation. Surprisingly, we observed unchanged ribosomal binding for many of these genes using translating ribosome affinity purification. Finally, we found that multiple FMRP targets, including SHANK2, were reduced, suggesting that compensatory increases in ribosomal binding efficiency may be unable to overcome reduced transcript levels. These data further implicate dysfunction of FMRP and its targets in TSC and suggest that treatments aimed at restoring the function of these pathways may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasbir Singh Dalal
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Kellen Diamond Winden
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Catherine Lourdes Salussolia
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Maria Sundberg
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Achint Singh
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Truc Thanh Pham
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - Pingzhu Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
| | - William T Pu
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s HospitalBostonUnited States
- Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States
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Stoodley CJ, Tsai PT. Adaptive Prediction for Social Contexts: The Cerebellar Contribution to Typical and Atypical Social Behaviors. Annu Rev Neurosci 2021; 44:475-493. [PMID: 34236892 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-neuro-100120-092143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Social interactions involve processes ranging from face recognition to understanding others' intentions. To guide appropriate behavior in a given context, social interactions rely on accurately predicting the outcomes of one's actions and the thoughts of others. Because social interactions are inherently dynamic, these predictions must be continuously adapted. The neural correlates of social processing have largely focused on emotion, mentalizing, and reward networks, without integration of systems involved in prediction. The cerebellum forms predictive models to calibrate movements and adapt them to changing situations, and cerebellar predictive modeling is thought to extend to nonmotor behaviors. Primary cerebellar dysfunction can produce social deficits, and atypical cerebellar structure and function are reported in autism, which is characterized by social communication challenges and atypical predictive processing. We examine the evidence that cerebellar-mediated predictions and adaptation play important roles in social processes and argue that disruptions in these processes contribute to autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine J Stoodley
- Departments of Neuroscience and Psychology, American University, Washington, DC 20016, USA
| | - Peter T Tsai
- Departments of Neurology, Neuroscience, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA;
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35
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Stoessel MB, Majewska AK. Little cells of the little brain: microglia in cerebellar development and function. Trends Neurosci 2021; 44:564-578. [PMID: 33933255 PMCID: PMC8222145 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are long-lived resident macrophages of the brain with diverse roles that span development, adulthood, and aging. Once thought to be a relatively homogeneous population, there is a growing recognition that microglia are highly specialized to suit their specific brain region. Cerebellar microglia represent an example of such specialization, exhibiting a dynamical, transcriptional, and immunological profile that differs from that of other microglial populations. Here we review the evidence that cerebellar microglia shape the cerebellar environment and are in turn shaped by it. We examine the roles microglia play in cerebellar function, development, and aging. The emerging findings on cerebellar microglia may also provide insights into disease processes involving cerebellar dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark B Stoessel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Ania K Majewska
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14642, USA.
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36
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Sensitive period for rescuing parvalbumin interneurons connectivity and social behavior deficits caused by TSC1 loss. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3653. [PMID: 34135323 PMCID: PMC8209106 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23939-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway controls several aspects of neuronal development. Mutations in regulators of mTORC1, such as Tsc1 and Tsc2, lead to neurodevelopmental disorders associated with autism, intellectual disabilities and epilepsy. The correct development of inhibitory interneurons is crucial for functional circuits. In particular, the axonal arborisation and synapse density of parvalbumin (PV)-positive GABAergic interneurons change in the postnatal brain. How and whether mTORC1 signaling affects PV cell development is unknown. Here, we show that Tsc1 haploinsufficiency causes a premature increase in terminal axonal branching and bouton density formed by mutant PV cells, followed by a loss of perisomatic innervation in adult mice. PV cell-restricted Tsc1 haploinsufficient and knockout mice show deficits in social behavior. Finally, we identify a sensitive period during the third postnatal week during which treatment with the mTOR inhibitor Rapamycin rescues deficits in both PV cell innervation and social behavior in adult conditional haploinsufficient mice. Our findings reveal a role of mTORC1 signaling in the regulation of the developmental time course and maintenance of cortical PV cell connectivity and support a mechanistic basis for the targeted rescue of autism-related behaviors in disorders associated with deregulated mTORC1 signaling.
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37
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Ahmed R, Sarwar S, Hu J, Cardin V, Qiu LR, Zapata G, Vandeleur L, Yan K, Lerch JP, Corbett MA, Gecz J, Picketts DJ. Transgenic mice with an R342X mutation in Phf6 display clinical features of Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:575-594. [PMID: 33772537 PMCID: PMC8120135 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The PHF6 mutation c.1024C > T; p.R342X, is a recurrent cause of Börjeson-Forssman-Lehmann Syndrome (BFLS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by moderate-severe intellectual disability, truncal obesity, gynecomastia, hypogonadism, long tapering fingers and large ears (MIM#301900). Here, we generated transgenic mice with the identical substitution (R342X mice) using CRISPR technology. We show that the p.R342X mutation causes a reduction in PHF6 protein levels, in both human and mice, from nonsense-mediated decay and nonsense-associated alternative splicing, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging studies indicated that R342X mice had a reduced brain volume on a mixed genetic background but developed hydrocephaly and a high incidence of postnatal death on a C57BL/6 background. Cortical development proceeded normally, while hippocampus and hypothalamus relative brain volumes were altered. A hypoplastic anterior pituitary was also observed that likely contributes to the small size of the R342X mice. Behavior testing demonstrated deficits in associative learning, spatial memory and an anxiolytic phenotype. Taken together, the R342X mice represent a good preclinical model of BFLS that will allow further dissection of PHF6 function and disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raies Ahmed
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Shihab Sarwar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jinghua Hu
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Valérie Cardin
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lily R Qiu
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Gerardo Zapata
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Lucianne Vandeleur
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Keqin Yan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Mark A Corbett
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Jozef Gecz
- Robinson Research Institute and Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - David J Picketts
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8L6, Canada
- Departments of Biochemistry, Microbiology, & Immunology, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
- Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
- Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 8M5, Canada
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38
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Rudolph S, Guo C, Pashkovski SL, Osorno T, Gillis WF, Krauss JM, Nyitrai H, Flaquer I, El-Rifai M, Datta SR, Regehr WG. Cerebellum-Specific Deletion of the GABA A Receptor δ Subunit Leads to Sex-Specific Disruption of Behavior. Cell Rep 2021; 33:108338. [PMID: 33147470 PMCID: PMC7700496 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Granule cells (GCs) of the cerebellar input layer express high-affinity δ GABAA subunit-containing GABAA receptors (δGABAARs) that respond to ambient GABA levels and context-dependent neuromodulators like steroids. We find that GC-specific deletion of δGABAA (cerebellar [cb] δ knockout [KO]) decreases tonic inhibition, makes GCs hyperexcitable, and in turn, leads to differential activation of cb output regions as well as many cortical and subcortical brain areas involved in cognition, anxiety-like behaviors, and the stress response. Cb δ KO mice display deficits in many behaviors, but motor function is normal. Strikingly, δGABAA deletion alters maternal behavior as well as spontaneous, stress-related, and social behaviors specifically in females. Our findings establish that δGABAARs enable the cerebellum to control diverse behaviors not previously associated with the cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner. These insights may contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie behavioral abnormalities in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders that display a gender bias. Rudolph et al. show that deletion of the neuromodulator and hormone-sensitive δGABAA receptor subunit from cerebellar granule cells results in anxiety-like behaviors and female-specific deficits in social behavior and maternal care. δGABAA deletion is associated with hyperexcitability of the cerebellar input layer and altered activation of many stress-related brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Rudolph
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Chong Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stan L Pashkovski
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tomas Osorno
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Winthrop F Gillis
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jeremy M Krauss
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hajnalka Nyitrai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isabella Flaquer
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mahmoud El-Rifai
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Wade G Regehr
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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39
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Di Nardo A, Lenoël I, Winden KD, Rühmkorf A, Modi ME, Barrett L, Ercan-Herbst E, Venugopal P, Behne R, Lopes CAM, Kleiman RJ, Bettencourt-Dias M, Sahin M. Phenotypic Screen with TSC-Deficient Neurons Reveals Heat-Shock Machinery as a Druggable Pathway for mTORC1 and Reduced Cilia. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107780. [PMID: 32579942 PMCID: PMC7381997 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurogenetic disorder that leads to elevated mechanistic targeting of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. Cilia can be affected by mTORC1 signaling, and ciliary deficits are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we examine whether neuronal cilia are affected in TSC. We show that cortical tubers from TSC patients and mutant mouse brains have fewer cilia. Using high-content image-based assays, we demonstrate that mTORC1 activity inversely correlates with ciliation in TSC1/2-deficientneurons.To investigate the mechanistic relationship between mTORC1 and cilia, we perform a phenotypic screen for mTORC1 inhibitors with TSC1/2-deficient neurons. We identify inhibitors ofthe heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) that suppress mTORC1 through regulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Pharmacological inhibition of Hsp90 rescues ciliation through downregulation of Hsp27. Our study uncovers the heat-shock machinery as a druggable signaling node to restore mTORC1 activity and cilia due to loss of TSC1/2, and it provides broadly applicable platforms for studying TSC-related neuronal dysfunction. Di Nardo et al. find that cortical tubers from TSC patients and mutant mouse brains have fewer cilia. An image-based screening of mTORC1 activity in TSC1/2-deficient neurons leads to the identification of the heat-shock machinery as a druggable signaling node to restore mTORC1 activity and cilia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Di Nardo
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Isadora Lenoël
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kellen D Winden
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alina Rühmkorf
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Meera E Modi
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lee Barrett
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ebru Ercan-Herbst
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pooja Venugopal
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Robert Behne
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Carla A M Lopes
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Rua da Quinta Grande 6, Oeiras 2780-156, Portugal
| | - Robin J Kleiman
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Mustafa Sahin
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Karalis V, Bateup HS. Current Approaches and Future Directions for the Treatment of mTORopathies. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:143-158. [PMID: 33910214 PMCID: PMC8440338 DOI: 10.1159/000515672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase at the center of an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that orchestrates cell growth and metabolism. mTOR responds to an array of intra- and extracellular stimuli and in turn controls multiple cellular anabolic and catabolic processes. Aberrant mTOR activity is associated with numerous diseases, with particularly profound impact on the nervous system. mTOR is found in two protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), which are governed by different upstream regulators and have distinct cellular actions. Mutations in genes encoding for mTOR regulators result in a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders known as mTORopathies. While these disorders can affect multiple organs, neuropsychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder have a major impact on quality of life. The neuropsychiatric aspects of mTORopathies have been particularly challenging to treat in a clinical setting. Current therapeutic approaches center on rapamycin and its analogs, drugs that are administered systemically to inhibit mTOR activity. While these drugs show some clinical efficacy, adverse side effects, incomplete suppression of mTOR targets, and lack of specificity for mTORC1 or mTORC2 may limit their utility. An increased understanding of the neurobiology of mTOR and the underlying molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of mTOR-related disorders will facilitate the development of improved therapeutics. Animal models of mTORopathies have helped unravel the consequences of mTOR pathway mutations in specific brain cell types and developmental stages, revealing an array of disease-related phenotypes. In this review, we discuss current progress and potential future directions for the therapeutic treatment of mTORopathies with a focus on findings from genetic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karalis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Helen S Bateup
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
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Hooshmandi M, Truong VT, Fields E, Thomas RE, Wong C, Sharma V, Gantois I, Soriano Roque P, Chalkiadaki K, Wu N, Chakraborty A, Tahmasebi S, Prager-Khoutorsky M, Sonenberg N, Suvrathan A, Watt AJ, Gkogkas CG, Khoutorsky A. 4E-BP2-dependent translation in cerebellar Purkinje cells controls spatial memory but not autism-like behaviors. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109036. [PMID: 33910008 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that selective activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in the cerebellum by deletion of the mTORC1 upstream repressors TSC1 or phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in Purkinje cells (PCs) causes autism-like features and cognitive deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms by which overactivated mTORC1 in the cerebellum engenders these behaviors remain unknown. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) is a central translational repressor downstream of mTORC1. Here, we show that mice with selective ablation of 4E-BP2 in PCs display a reduced number of PCs, increased regularity of PC action potential firing, and deficits in motor learning. Surprisingly, although spatial memory is impaired in these mice, they exhibit normal social interaction and show no deficits in repetitive behavior. Our data suggest that, downstream of mTORC1/4E-BP2, there are distinct cerebellar mechanisms independently controlling social behavior and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hooshmandi
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vinh Tai Truong
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Eviatar Fields
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Riya Elizabeth Thomas
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Calvin Wong
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vijendra Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Patricia Soriano Roque
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Neil Wu
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Anindyo Chakraborty
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Soroush Tahmasebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Aparna Suvrathan
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Christos G Gkogkas
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.
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42
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Matas E, Maisterrena A, Thabault M, Balado E, Francheteau M, Balbous A, Galvan L, Jaber M. Major motor and gait deficits with sexual dimorphism in a Shank3 mutant mouse model. Mol Autism 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33468258 PMCID: PMC7814442 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contrasting findings were reported in several animal models with a Shank3 mutation used to induce various autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Here, we aimed at investigating behavioral, cellular, and molecular consequences of a C-terminal (frameshift in exon 21) deletion in Shank3 protein in mice, a mutation that is also found in clinical conditions and which results in loss of major isoforms of Shank3. A special focus was made on cerebellar related parameters. Methods All three genotypes were analyzed [wild type (WT), heterozygote (Shank3+/ΔC) and homozygote (Shank3 ΔC/ΔC)] and males and females were separated into two distinct groups. Motor and social behavior, gait, Purkinje cells (PC) and glutamatergic protein levels were determined. Behavioral and cellular procedures used here were previously validated using two environmental animal models of ASD. ANOVA and post-hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice showed significant impairments in social novelty preference, stereotyped behavior and gait. These were accompanied by a decreased number of PC in restricted cerebellar sub-regions and decreased cerebellar expression of mGluR5. Females Shank3 ΔC/ΔC were less affected by the mutation than males. Shank3+/ΔC mice showed impairments only in social novelty preference, grooming, and decreased mGluR5 expression and that were to a much lesser extent than in Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice. Limitations As Shank3 mutation is a haploinsufficiency, it is of interest to emphasize that Shank3+/ΔC mice showed only mild to no deficiencies compared to Shank3 ΔC/ΔC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that several behavioral, cellular, and molecular parameters are affected in this animal model. The reported deficits are more pronounced in males than in females. Additionally, male Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice show more pronounced alterations than Shank3+/ΔC. Together with our previous findings in two environmental animal models of ASD, our studies indicate that gait dysfunction constitutes a robust set of motor ASD symptoms that may be considered for implementation in clinical settings as an early and quantitative diagnosis criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Matas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandre Maisterrena
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mathieu Thabault
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Maureen Francheteau
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Anais Balbous
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France. .,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France.
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43
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Tsutsumi S, Chadney O, Yiu TL, Bäumler E, Faraggiana L, Beau M, Häusser M. Purkinje Cell Activity Determines the Timing of Sensory-Evoked Motor Initiation. Cell Rep 2020; 33:108537. [PMID: 33357441 PMCID: PMC7773552 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.108537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar neurons can signal sensory and motor events, but their role in active sensorimotor processing remains unclear. We record and manipulate Purkinje cell activity during a task that requires mice to rapidly discriminate between multisensory and unisensory stimuli before motor initiation. Neuropixels recordings show that both sensory stimuli and motor initiation are represented by short-latency simple spikes. Optogenetic manipulation of short-latency simple spikes abolishes or delays motor initiation in a rate-dependent manner, indicating a role in motor initiation and its timing. Two-photon calcium imaging reveals task-related coherence of complex spikes organized into conserved alternating parasagittal stripes. The coherence of sensory-evoked complex spikes increases with learning and correlates with enhanced temporal precision of motor initiation. These results suggest that both simple spikes and complex spikes govern sensory-driven motor initiation: simple spikes modulate its latency, and complex spikes refine its temporal precision, providing specific cellular substrates for cerebellar sensorimotor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinichiro Tsutsumi
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Oscar Chadney
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tin-Long Yiu
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Edgar Bäumler
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Lavinia Faraggiana
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Maxime Beau
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Häusser
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research and Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
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44
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Abstract
During evolution, duplication of subnuclei generates broader cerebellar projections
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Hatten
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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45
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Leonard CE, Baydyuk M, Stepler MA, Burton DA, Donoghue MJ. EphA7 isoforms differentially regulate cortical dendrite development. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0231561. [PMID: 33275600 PMCID: PMC7717530 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The shape of a neuron facilitates its functionality within neural circuits. Dendrites integrate incoming signals from axons, receiving excitatory input onto small protrusions called dendritic spines. Therefore, understanding dendritic growth and development is fundamental for discerning neural function. We previously demonstrated that EphA7 receptor signaling during cortical development impacts dendrites in two ways: EphA7 restricts dendritic growth early and promotes dendritic spine formation later. Here, the molecular basis for this shift in EphA7 function is defined. Expression analyses reveal that EphA7 full-length (EphA7-FL) and truncated (EphA7-T1; lacking kinase domain) isoforms are dynamically expressed in the developing cortex. Peak expression of EphA7-FL overlaps with dendritic elaboration around birth, while highest expression of EphA7-T1 coincides with dendritic spine formation in early postnatal life. Overexpression studies in cultured neurons demonstrate that EphA7-FL inhibits both dendritic growth and spine formation, while EphA7-T1 increases spine density. Furthermore, signaling downstream of EphA7 shifts during development, such that in vivo inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin in EphA7-mutant neurons ameliorates dendritic branching, but not dendritic spine phenotypes. Finally, direct interaction between EphA7-FL and EphA7-T1 is demonstrated in cultured cells, which results in reduction of EphA7-FL phosphorylation. In cortex, both isoforms are colocalized to synaptic fractions and both transcripts are expressed together within individual neurons, supporting a model where EphA7-T1 modulates EphA7-FL repulsive signaling during development. Thus, the divergent functions of EphA7 during cortical dendrite development are explained by the presence of two variants of the receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie E. Leonard
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Maryna Baydyuk
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Marissa A. Stepler
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Denver A. Burton
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Maria J. Donoghue
- Department of Biology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States of America
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46
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Basilico B, Morandell J, Novarino G. Molecular mechanisms for targeted ASD treatments. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:126-137. [PMID: 32659636 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The possibility to generate construct valid animal models enabled the development and testing of therapeutic strategies targeting the core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). At the same time, these studies highlighted the necessity of identifying sensitive developmental time windows for successful therapeutic interventions. Animal and human studies also uncovered the possibility to stratify the variety of ASDs in molecularly distinct subgroups, potentially facilitating effective treatment design. Here, we focus on the molecular pathways emerging as commonly affected by mutations in diverse ASD-risk genes, on their role during critical windows of brain development and the potential treatments targeting these biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmin Morandell
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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Van Overwalle F, Manto M, Cattaneo Z, Clausi S, Ferrari C, Gabrieli JDE, Guell X, Heleven E, Lupo M, Ma Q, Michelutti M, Olivito G, Pu M, Rice LC, Schmahmann JD, Siciliano L, Sokolov AA, Stoodley CJ, van Dun K, Vandervert L, Leggio M. Consensus Paper: Cerebellum and Social Cognition. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2020; 19:833-868. [PMID: 32632709 PMCID: PMC7588399 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01155-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The traditional view on the cerebellum is that it controls motor behavior. Although recent work has revealed that the cerebellum supports also nonmotor functions such as cognition and affect, only during the last 5 years it has become evident that the cerebellum also plays an important social role. This role is evident in social cognition based on interpreting goal-directed actions through the movements of individuals (social "mirroring") which is very close to its original role in motor learning, as well as in social understanding of other individuals' mental state, such as their intentions, beliefs, past behaviors, future aspirations, and personality traits (social "mentalizing"). Most of this mentalizing role is supported by the posterior cerebellum (e.g., Crus I and II). The most dominant hypothesis is that the cerebellum assists in learning and understanding social action sequences, and so facilitates social cognition by supporting optimal predictions about imminent or future social interaction and cooperation. This consensus paper brings together experts from different fields to discuss recent efforts in understanding the role of the cerebellum in social cognition, and the understanding of social behaviors and mental states by others, its effect on clinical impairments such as cerebellar ataxia and autism spectrum disorder, and how the cerebellum can become a potential target for noninvasive brain stimulation as a therapeutic intervention. We report on the most recent empirical findings and techniques for understanding and manipulating cerebellar circuits in humans. Cerebellar circuitry appears now as a key structure to elucidate social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Van Overwalle
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mario Manto
- Mediathèque Jean Jacquy, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Zaira Cattaneo
- University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Clausi
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - John D. E. Gabrieli
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Xavier Guell
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
- Ataxia Unit, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Elien Heleven
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michela Lupo
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Qianying Ma
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marco Michelutti
- Service de Neurologie & Neuroscape@NeuroTech Platform, Département des Neurosciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Service de Neurologie Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giusy Olivito
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Min Pu
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laura C. Rice
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Jeremy D. Schmahmann
- Ataxia Unit, Cognitive Behavioral Neurology Unit, Laboratory for Neuroanatomy and Cerebellar Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Libera Siciliano
- Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Arseny A. Sokolov
- Service de Neurologie & Neuroscape@NeuroTech Platform, Département des Neurosciences Cliniques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Service de Neurologie Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University Neurorehabilitation, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Institute of Neurology, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Neuroscape Center, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Catherine J. Stoodley
- Department of Psychology and Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Kim van Dun
- Neurologic Rehabilitation Research, Rehabilitation Research Institute (REVAL), Hasselt University, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Larry Vandervert
- American Nonlinear Systems, 1529 W. Courtland Avenue, Spokane, WA 99205-2608 USA
| | - Maria Leggio
- Ataxia Laboratory, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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UYSAL SP, ŞAHİN M. Tuberous sclerosis: a review of the past, present, and future. Turk J Med Sci 2020; 50:1665-1676. [PMID: 32222129 PMCID: PMC7672342 DOI: 10.3906/sag-2002-133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant, multisystem disorder that is characterized by cellular and tissue dysplasia in several organs. With the advent of genetic and molecular techniques, mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes were discovered to be responsible for mTOR overactivation, which is the underlying mechanism of pathogenesis. TSC is a highly heterogenous clinical entity with variable presentations and severity of disease. The brain, heart, skin, eyes, kidneys, and lungs are commonly involved in this syndrome, with neurologic symptoms comprising a significant source of morbidity and mortality. In 2012, the diagnostic criteria for TSC were revised by the International Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus panel, and genetic testing was incorporated into the guidelines. Early detection of cardiac rhabdomyomas or TSC-associated skin lesions can suggest the diagnosis and underlie the importance of clinical vigilance. Animal studies have demonstrated the benefit of using mTOR inhibitors for various symptoms of TSC, and they have been successfully translated into clinical trials with significant improvement in symptom burden. Subependymal giant cell astrocytomas, renal angiomyolipomas, and epilepsy are the three FDA-approved indications in relation to TSC for the use of everolimus, which is a first generation mTOR inhibitor. Rapamycin has been FDA approved for lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Other TSC symptoms that could potentially benefit from this class of medication are currently under investigation. TSC constitutes a unique combination of protean physical symptoms and neurobehavioral abnormalities. TSC associated neuropsychiatric disorders (TAND), including intellectual disability, mood disorders, and autism spectrum disorder, represent significant challenges but remain underdiagnosed and undertreated. The TAND checklist is a useful tool for routine use in the clinical evaluation of TSC patients. A multidisciplinary treatment plan, based on the specific problems and needs of individuals, is the key to management of this genetic condition. Ongoing research studies have been providing promising leads for developing novel mechanistic strategies to address the pathophysiology of TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanem Pınar UYSAL
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston MassachusettsUSA
| | - Mustafa ŞAHİN
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston MassachusettsUSA
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49
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Yamamoto M, Kim M, Imai H, Itakura Y, Ohtsuki G. Microglia-Triggered Plasticity of Intrinsic Excitability Modulates Psychomotor Behaviors in Acute Cerebellar Inflammation. Cell Rep 2020; 28:2923-2938.e8. [PMID: 31509752 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.07.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar dysfunction relates to various psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum and depressive disorders. However, the physiological aspect is less advanced. Here, we investigate the immune-triggered hyperexcitability in the cerebellum on a wider scope. Activated microglia via exposure to bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide or heat-killed Gram-negative bacteria induce a potentiation of the intrinsic excitability in Purkinje neurons, which is suppressed by microglia-activity inhibitor and microglia depletion. An inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), released from microglia via toll-like receptor 4, triggers this plasticity. Our two-photon FRET ATP imaging shows an increase in ATP concentration following endotoxin exposure. Both TNF-α and ATP secretion facilitate synaptic transmission. Region-specific inflammation in the cerebellum in vivo shows depression- and autistic-like behaviors. Furthermore, both TNF-α inhibition and microglia depletion revert such behavioral abnormality. Resting-state functional MRI reveals overconnectivity between the inflamed cerebellum and the prefrontal neocortical regions. Thus, immune activity in the cerebellum induces neuronal hyperexcitability and disruption of psychomotor behaviors in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masamichi Yamamoto
- Department of Nephrology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University Hospital, Shogoin-Kawaramachi-cho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Minsoo Kim
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Yoshida-Konoe-cho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hirohiko Imai
- Department of Systems Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Informatics, Yoshida-Honmachi, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yamato Itakura
- Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Science, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Gen Ohtsuki
- The Hakubi Center for Advanced Research, Kyoto University, Yoshida, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan; Department of Biophysics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Science, Kitashirakawa-Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.
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Kelly E, Meng F, Fujita H, Morgado F, Kazemi Y, Rice LC, Ren C, Escamilla CO, Gibson JM, Sajadi S, Pendry RJ, Tan T, Ellegood J, Basson MA, Blakely RD, Dindot SV, Golzio C, Hahn MK, Katsanis N, Robins DM, Silverman JL, Singh KK, Wevrick R, Taylor MJ, Hammill C, Anagnostou E, Pfeiffer BE, Stoodley CJ, Lerch JP, du Lac S, Tsai PT. Regulation of autism-relevant behaviors by cerebellar-prefrontal cortical circuits. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1102-1110. [PMID: 32661395 PMCID: PMC7483861 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar dysfunction has been demonstrated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, the circuits underlying cerebellar contributions to ASD-relevant behaviors remain unknown. In this study, we demonstrated functional connectivity between the cerebellum and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in mice; showed that the mPFC mediates cerebellum-regulated social and repetitive/inflexible behaviors; and showed disruptions in connectivity between these regions in multiple mouse models of ASD-linked genes and in individuals with ASD. We delineated a circuit from cerebellar cortical areas Right crus 1 (Rcrus1) and posterior vermis through the cerebellar nuclei and ventromedial thalamus and culminating in the mPFC. Modulation of this circuit induced social deficits and repetitive behaviors, whereas activation of Purkinje cells (PCs) in Rcrus1 and posterior vermis improved social preference impairments and repetitive/inflexible behaviors, respectively, in male PC-Tsc1 mutant mice. These data raise the possibility that these circuits might provide neuromodulatory targets for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyza Kelly
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Fantao Meng
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hirofumi Fujita
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Felipe Morgado
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yasaman Kazemi
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Laura C Rice
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Chongyu Ren
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Christine Ochoa Escamilla
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jennifer M Gibson
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sanaz Sajadi
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Pendry
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Tommy Tan
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Randy D Blakely
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Scott V Dindot
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale; Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Maureen K Hahn
- Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and Brain Institute, Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Nicholas Katsanis
- ACT-GeM, Department of Human Genetics at Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute; Department of Pediatrics and Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Diane M Robins
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Karun K Singh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel Wevrick
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Department of Medical Imaging and Psychology, University of Toronto; Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, USA
| | - Brad E Pfeiffer
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Catherine J Stoodley
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Toronto Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Sascha du Lac
- Departments of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Neurology and Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter T Tsai
- Department of Neurology and Neurotherapeutics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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