1
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Hu HT, Hsueh YP. KLHL17 differentially controls the expression of AMPA- and KA-type glutamate receptors to regulate dendritic spine enlargement. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38898681 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16148] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Kelch-like family member 17 (KLHL17), an actin-associated adaptor protein, is linked to neurological disorders, including infantile spasms and autism spectrum disorders. The key morphological feature of Klhl17-deficient neurons is impaired dendritic spine enlargement, resulting in the amplitude of calcium events being increased. Our previous studies have indicated an involvement of F-actin and the spine apparatus in KLHL17-mediated dendritic spine enlargement. Here, we show that KLHL17 further employs different mechanisms to control the expression of two types of glutamate receptors, that is, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and kainate receptors (KARs), to regulate dendritic spine enlargement and calcium influx. We deployed proteomics to reveal that KLHL17 interacts with N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein (NSF) in neurons, with this interaction of KLHL17 and NSF enhancing NSF protein levels. Consistent with the function of NSF in regulating the surface expression of AMPAR, Klhl17 deficiency limits the surface expression of AMPAR, but not its total protein levels. The NSF pathway also contributes to synaptic F-actin distribution and the dendritic spine enlargement mediated by KLHL17. KLHL17 is known to act as an adaptor mediating degradation of the KAR subunit GluK2 by the CUL3 ubiquitin ligase complex, and Klhl17 deficiency impairs activity-dependent degradation of GluK2. Herein, we further demonstrate that GluK2 is critical to the increased amplitude of calcium influx in Klhl17-deficient neurons. Moreover, GluK2 is also involved in KLHL17-regulated dendritic spine enlargement. Thus, our study reveals that KLHL17 controls AMPAR and KAR expression via at least two mechanisms, consequently regulating dendritic spine enlargement. The regulatory effects of KLHL17 on these two glutamate receptors likely contribute to neuronal features in patients suffering from certain neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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2
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Huang TN, Shih YT, Yen TL, Hsueh YP. Vcp overexpression and leucine supplementation extend lifespan and ameliorate neuromuscular junction phenotypes of a SOD1G93A-ALS mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2024; 33:935-944. [PMID: 38382647 PMCID: PMC11102594 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae022] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Many genes with distinct molecular functions have been linked to genetically heterogeneous amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), including SuperOxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) and Valosin-Containing Protein (VCP). SOD1 converts superoxide to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide. VCP acts as a chaperon to regulate protein degradation and synthesis and various other cellular responses. Although the functions of these two genes differ, in the current report we show that overexpression of wild-type VCP in mice enhances lifespan and maintains the size of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of both male and female SOD1G93A mice, a well-known ALS mouse model. Although VCP exerts multiple functions, its regulation of ER formation and consequent protein synthesis has been shown to play the most important role in controlling dendritic spine formation and social and memory behaviors. Given that SOD1 mutation results in protein accumulation and aggregation, it may direct VCP to the protein degradation pathway, thereby impairing protein synthesis. Since we previously showed that the protein synthesis defects caused by Vcp deficiency can be improved by leucine supplementation, to confirm the role of the VCP-protein synthesis pathway in SOD1-linked ALS, we applied leucine supplementation to SOD1G93A mice and, similar to Vcp overexpression, we found that it extends SOD1G93A mouse lifespan. In addition, the phenotypes of reduced muscle strength and fewer NMJs of SOD1G93A mice are also improved by leucine supplementation. These results support the existence of crosstalk between SOD1 and VCP and suggest a critical role for protein synthesis in ASL. Our study also implies a potential therapeutic treatment for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Sec 2, Academia Rd, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Tzu Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Sec 2, Academia Rd, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, ROC
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tzu-Li Yen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Sec 2, Academia Rd, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Sec 2, Academia Rd, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, ROC
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3
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Zong R, Zhang X, Dong X, Liu G, Zhang J, Gao Y, Zhang Z, Ma Y, Gao H, Gamper N. Genetic deletion of zinc transporter ZnT 3 induces progressive cognitive deficits in mice by impairing dendritic spine plasticity and glucose metabolism. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1375925. [PMID: 38807922 PMCID: PMC11130425 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1375925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) is abundantly expressed in the brain, residing in synaptic vesicles, where it plays important roles in controlling the luminal zinc levels. In this study, we found that ZnT3 knockout in mice decreased zinc levels in the hippocampus and cortex, and was associated with progressive cognitive impairments, assessed at 2, 6, and 9-month of age. The results of Golgi-Cox staining demonstrated that ZnT3 deficiency was associated with an increase in dendritic complexity and a decrease in the density of mature dendritic spines, indicating potential synaptic plasticity deficit. Since ZnT3 deficiency was previously linked to glucose metabolism abnormalities, we tested the expression levels of genes related to insulin signaling pathway in the hippocampus and cortex. We found that the Expression of glucose transporters, GLUT3, GLUT4, and the insulin receptor in the whole tissue and synaptosome fraction of the hippocampus of the ZnT3 knockout mice were significantly reduced, as compared to wild-type controls. Expression of AKT (A serine/threonine protein kinase) and insulin-induced AKT phosphorylation was also reduced in the hippocampus of ZnT3 knockout mice. We hypothesize that the ZnT3 deficiency and reduced brain zinc levels may cause cognitive impairment by negatively affecting glycose metabolism via decreased expression of key components of insulin signaling, as well as via changes in synaptic plasticity. These finding may provide new therapeutic target for treatments of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zong
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoding Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaohui Dong
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Guan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Jieyao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yiting Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhongyang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yiming Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Haixia Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Nikita Gamper
- Department of Pharmacology, Center for Innovative Drug Research and Evaluation, Institute of Medical Science and Health, The Hebei Collaboration Innovation Center for Mechanism, Diagnosis and Treatment of Neurological and Psychiatric Disease, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
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4
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Wainberg M, Forde NJ, Mansour S, Kerrebijn I, Medland SE, Hawco C, Tripathy SJ. Genetic architecture of the structural connectome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1962. [PMID: 38438384 PMCID: PMC10912129 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46023-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Myelinated axons form long-range connections that enable rapid communication between distant brain regions, but how genetics governs the strength and organization of these connections remains unclear. We perform genome-wide association studies of 206 structural connectivity measures derived from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging tractography of 26,333 UK Biobank participants, each representing the density of myelinated connections within or between a pair of cortical networks, subcortical structures or cortical hemispheres. We identify 30 independent genome-wide significant variants after Bonferroni correction for the number of measures studied (126 variants at nominal genome-wide significance) implicating genes involved in myelination (SEMA3A), neurite elongation and guidance (NUAK1, STRN, DPYSL2, EPHA3, SEMA3A, HGF, SHTN1), neural cell proliferation and differentiation (GMNC, CELF4, HGF), neuronal migration (CCDC88C), cytoskeletal organization (CTTNBP2, MAPT, DAAM1, MYO16, PLEC), and brain metal transport (SLC39A8). These variants have four broad patterns of spatial association with structural connectivity: some have disproportionately strong associations with corticothalamic connectivity, interhemispheric connectivity, or both, while others are more spatially diffuse. Structural connectivity measures are highly polygenic, with a median of 9.1 percent of common variants estimated to have non-zero effects on each measure, and exhibited signatures of negative selection. Structural connectivity measures have significant genetic correlations with a variety of neuropsychiatric and cognitive traits, indicating that connectivity-altering variants tend to influence brain health and cognitive function. Heritability is enriched in regions with increased chromatin accessibility in adult oligodendrocytes (as well as microglia, inhibitory neurons and astrocytes) and multiple fetal cell types, suggesting that genetic control of structural connectivity is partially mediated by effects on myelination and early brain development. Our results indicate pervasive, pleiotropic, and spatially structured genetic control of white-matter structural connectivity via diverse neurodevelopmental pathways, and support the relevance of this genetic control to healthy brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wainberg
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Natalie J Forde
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Salim Mansour
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabel Kerrebijn
- Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah E Medland
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Colin Hawco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Shreejoy J Tripathy
- Krembil Centre for Neuroinformatics, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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5
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Chao YW, Lee YL, Tseng CS, Wang LUH, Hsia KC, Chen H, Fustin JM, Azeem S, Chang TT, Chen CY, Kung FC, Hsueh YP, Huang YS, Chao HW. Improved CaP Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid and Protein Delivery to Neural Primary Cultures and Stem Cells. ACS NANO 2024; 18:4822-4839. [PMID: 38285698 PMCID: PMC10867895 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c09608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Efficiently delivering exogenous materials into primary neurons and neural stem cells (NSCs) has long been a challenge in neurobiology. Existing methods have struggled with complex protocols, unreliable reproducibility, high immunogenicity, and cytotoxicity, causing a huge conundrum and hindering in-depth analyses. Here, we establish a cutting-edge method for transfecting primary neurons and NSCs, named teleofection, by a two-step process to enhance the formation of biocompatible calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles. Teleofection enables both nucleic acid and protein transfection into primary neurons and NSCs, eliminating the need for specialized skills and equipment. It can easily fine-tune transfection efficiency by adjusting the incubation time and nanoparticle quantity, catering to various experimental requirements. Teleofection's versatility allows for the delivery of different cargos into the same cell culture, whether simultaneously or sequentially. This flexibility proves invaluable for long-term studies, enabling the monitoring of neural development and synapse plasticity. Moreover, teleofection ensures the consistent and robust expression of delivered genes, facilitating molecular and biochemical investigations. Teleofection represents a significant advancement in neurobiology, which has promise to transcend the limitations of current gene delivery methods. It offers a user-friendly, cost-effective, and reproducible approach for researchers, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of brain function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Lurk Lee
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Ching-San Tseng
- Department
of Anatomy, School of Medicine, China Medical
University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Lily Ueh-Hsi Wang
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chiang Hsia
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Huatao Chen
- Department
of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
- Key
Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology of the Ministry of Agriculture
and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Jean-Michel Fustin
- The
University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
| | - Sayma Azeem
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Tung Chang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Fan-Che Kung
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute
of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Shuian Huang
- Institute
of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Taiwan
International Graduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming Chao-Tung University and Academia
Sinica, Taipei 115201, Taiwan
- Institute
of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
| | - Hsu-Wen Chao
- Department
of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Graduate
Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Department
of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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6
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Zhang L, Xu X, Ma L, Wang X, Jin M, Li L, Ni H. Zinc Water Prevents Autism-Like Behaviors in the BTBR Mice. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:4779-4792. [PMID: 36602746 PMCID: PMC10415509 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to explore the effects of zinc water on autism-like behavior, convulsion threshold, and neurogenesis in ASD model animals. This study used the young BTBR ASD mouse model to explore the effect of a 6-week zinc water supplementation on ASD-like behaviors such as repetitive behavior and social communication disorder, seizure threshold, and the correlation with excitability regulation. The mice were divided into four groups of normal controls (B6) and models (BTBR) who did and did not receive zinc supplementation in water (B6, B6 + zinc, BTBR, and BTBR + zinc). For morphological changes in the hippocampus, we selected two indicators: hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting and neurogenesis. ASD-like behavior testing, seizure threshold determination, Timm staining, and neurogenesis-related assays-represented by Ki67 and DCX-were performed after 6 weeks of zinc supplementation. Our results show that zinc water can prevent autism-like behavior, reduce susceptibility to convulsions, and increase the proliferation of hippocampal progenitor cells in BTBR mice but has less effect on mossy fiber sprouting and neural progenitor cell differentiation. Zinc water reduces autism-like behavior in a partially inherited autism model mice-BTBR-which may be associated with hippocampal neural precursor cell proliferation and reversed hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaowen Xu
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liya Ma
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xinxin Wang
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meifang Jin
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lili Li
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong Ni
- Division of Brain Science, Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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7
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Li X, Hao S, Zou S, Tu X, Kong W, Jiang T, Chen JG. Cortex-restricted deletion of Foxp1 impairs barrel formation and induces aberrant tactile responses in a mouse model of autism. Mol Autism 2023; 14:34. [PMID: 37691105 PMCID: PMC10494400 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00567-0] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display touch defensiveness or avoidance (hypersensitivity), or engage in sensory seeking by touching people or objects (hyposensitivity). Abnormal sensory responses have also been noticed in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Tactile sensory information is normally processed by the somatosensory system that travels along the thalamus to the primary somatosensory cortex. The neurobiology behind tactile sensory abnormalities, however, is not fully understood. METHODS We employed cortex-specific Foxp1 knockout (Foxp1-cKO) mice as a model of autism in this study. Tactile sensory deficits were measured by the adhesive removal test. The mice's behavior and neural activity were further evaluated by the whisker nuisance test and c-Fos immunofluorescence, respectively. We also studied the dendritic spines and barrel formation in the primary somatosensory cortex by Golgi staining and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Foxp1-cKO mice had a deferred response to the tactile environment. However, the mice exhibited avoidance behavior and hyper-reaction following repeated whisker stimulation, similar to a fight-or-flight response. In contrast to the wild-type, c-Fos was activated in the basolateral amygdala but not in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex of the cKO mice. Moreover, Foxp1 deficiency in cortical neurons altered the dendrite development, reduced the number of dendritic spines, and disrupted barrel formation in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting impaired somatosensory processing may underlie the aberrant tactile responses. LIMITATIONS It is still unclear how the defective thalamocortical connection gives rise to the hyper-reactive response. Future experiments with electrophysiological recording are needed to analyze the role of thalamo-cortical-amygdala circuits in the disinhibiting amygdala and enhanced fearful responses in the mouse model of autism. CONCLUSIONS Foxp1-cKO mice have tactile sensory deficits while exhibit hyper-reactivity, which may represent fearful and emotional responses controlled by the amygdala. This study presents anatomical evidence for reduced thalamocortical connectivity in a genetic mouse model of ASD and demonstrates that the cerebral cortex can be the origin of atypical sensory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishuai Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China.
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8
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Wang J, Lu T, Gui Y, Zhang X, Cao X, Li Y, Li C, Liu L, Ding Z. HSPA12A controls cerebral lactate homeostasis to maintain hippocampal neurogenesis and mood stabilization. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:280. [PMID: 37580315 PMCID: PMC10425330 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02573-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mood instability, a subjective emotional state defined as rapid mood oscillations of up and down, is a symptom that occurs in several psychiatric disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Heat shock protein A12A (HSPA12A) shows decreased expression in the brains of schizophrenia patients. However, the causal effects of HSPA12A in any psychiatric disorders are completely unknown. To investigate whether HSPA12A affects mood stability, Hspa12a-knockout mice (Hspa12a-/-) and wild-type (WT) littermates were subjected to tests of open field, forced swimming, elevated plus maze, and sucrose preference. Cerebral lactate levels were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) was assessed by BrdU labeling. We found that acute mood stress increased hippocampal HSPA12A expression and CSF lactate levels in mice. However, Hspa12a-/- mice exhibited behaviors of mood instability (anhedonia, lower locomotor activity, antidepression, and anxiety), which were accompanied by impaired AHN, decreased CSF lactate levels, and downregulated hippocampal glycolytic enzyme expression. By contrast, HSPA12A overexpression increased lactate production and glycolytic enzyme expression of primary hippocampal neurons. Intriguingly, lactate administration alleviated the mood instability and AHN impairment in Hspa12a-/- mice. Further analyses revealed that HSPA12A was necessary for sustaining cerebral lactate homeostasis, which could be mediated by inhibiting GSK3β in hippocampal neurons, to maintain AHN and mood stabilization. Taken together, HSPA12A is defined as a novel regulator of mood stability and exerts therapeutic potential for mood disorder. Our findings establish a framework for determining mood disorder and AHN relevance of cerebral lactate homeostasis. HSPA12A is a novel mood stabilizer through inhibiting GSK3β in hippocampal neurons, thereby sustaining glycolysis-generated lactate to maintain cerebral lactate homeostasis, which ultimately leading to maintenance of hippocampal neurogenesis and mood stabilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yali Gui
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaojin Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Xiaofei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yuehua Li
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Chuanfu Li
- Departments of Surgery, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37614, USA
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Zhengnian Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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9
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Hu HT, Lin YJ, Wang UTT, Lee SP, Liou YH, Chen BC, Hsueh YP. Autism-related KLHL17 and SYNPO act in concert to control activity-dependent dendritic spine enlargement and the spine apparatus. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002274. [PMID: 37651441 PMCID: PMC10499226 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines, the tiny and actin-rich protrusions emerging from dendrites, are the subcellular locations of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain that control synaptic activity and plasticity. Dendritic spines contain a specialized form of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), i.e., the spine apparatus, required for local calcium signaling and that is involved in regulating dendritic spine enlargement and synaptic plasticity. Many autism-linked genes have been shown to play critical roles in synaptic formation and plasticity. Among them, KLHL17 is known to control dendritic spine enlargement during development. As a brain-specific disease-associated gene, KLHL17 is expected to play a critical role in the brain, but it has not yet been well characterized. In this study, we report that KLHL17 expression in mice is strongly regulated by neuronal activity and KLHL17 modulates the synaptic distribution of synaptopodin (SYNPO), a marker of the spine apparatus. Both KLHL17 and SYNPO are F-actin-binding proteins linked to autism. SYNPO is known to maintain the structure of the spine apparatus in mature spines and contributes to synaptic plasticity. Our super-resolution imaging using expansion microscopy demonstrates that SYNPO is indeed embedded into the ER network of dendritic spines and that KLHL17 is closely adjacent to the ER/SYNPO complex. Using mouse genetic models, we further show that Klhl17 haploinsufficiency and knockout result in fewer dendritic spines containing ER clusters and an alteration of calcium events at dendritic spines. Accordingly, activity-dependent dendritic spine enlargement and neuronal activation (reflected by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation and C-FOS expression) are impaired. In addition, we show that the effect of disrupting the KLHL17 and SYNPO association is similar to the results of Klhl17 haploinsufficiency and knockout, further strengthening the evidence that KLHL17 and SYNPO act together to regulate synaptic plasticity. In conclusion, our findings unravel a role for KLHL17 in controlling synaptic plasticity via its regulation of SYNPO and synaptic ER clustering and imply that impaired synaptic plasticity contributes to the etiology of KLHL17-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jui Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ueh-Ting Tim Wang
- Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sue-Ping Lee
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yae-Huei Liou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Bi-Chang Chen
- Research Center for Applied Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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10
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Zhang S, Pei G, Li B, Li P, Lin Y. Abnormal phase separation of biomacromolecules in human diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1133-1152. [PMID: 37475546 PMCID: PMC10423695 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Membrane-less organelles (MLOs) formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) are associated with numerous important biological functions, but the abnormal phase separation will also dysregulate the physiological processes. Emerging evidence points to the importance of LLPS in human health and diseases. Nevertheless, despite recent advancements, our knowledge of the molecular relationship between LLPS and diseases is frequently incomplete. In this review, we outline our current understanding about how aberrant LLPS affects developmental disorders, tandem repeat disorders, cancers and viral infection. We also examine disease mechanisms driven by aberrant condensates, and highlight potential treatment approaches. This study seeks to expand our understanding of LLPS by providing a valuable new paradigm for understanding phase separation and human disorders, as well as to further translate our current knowledge regarding LLPS into therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Gaofeng Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Boya Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Pilong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- Frontier Research Center for Biological StructureTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yi Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane BiologyTsinghua University-Peking University Joint Centre for Life SciencesSchool of Life SciencesTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
- IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research at Tsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
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11
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Yen TL, Huang TN, Lin MH, Hsu TT, Lu MH, Shih PY, Ellegood J, Lerch J, Hsueh YP. Sex bias in social deficits, neural circuits and nutrient demand in Cttnbp2 autism models. Brain 2023; 146:2612-2626. [PMID: 36385662 PMCID: PMC10232293 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders caused by both genetic and environmental factors are strongly male-biased neuropsychiatric conditions. However, the mechanism underlying the sex bias of autism spectrum disorders remains elusive. Here, we use a mouse model in which the autism-linked gene Cttnbp2 is mutated to explore the potential mechanism underlying the autism sex bias. Autism-like features of Cttnbp2 mutant mice were assessed via behavioural assays. C-FOS staining identified sex-biased brain regions critical to social interaction, with their roles and connectivity then validated by chemogenetic manipulation. Proteomic and bioinformatic analyses established sex-biased molecular deficits at synapses, prompting our hypothesis that male-biased nutrient demand magnifies Cttnbp2 deficiency. Accordingly, intakes of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) and zinc were experimentally altered to assess their effect on autism-like behaviours. Both deletion and autism-linked mutation of Cttnbp2 result in male-biased social deficits. Seven brain regions, including the infralimbic area of the medial prefrontal cortex (ILA), exhibit reduced neural activity in male mutant mice but not in females upon social stimulation. ILA activation by chemogenetic manipulation is sufficient to activate four of those brain regions susceptible to Cttnbp2 deficiency and consequently to ameliorate social deficits in male mice, implying an ILA-regulated neural circuit is critical to male-biased social deficits. Proteomics analysis reveals male-specific downregulated proteins (including SHANK2 and PSD-95, two synaptic zinc-binding proteins) and female-specific upregulated proteins (including RRAGC) linked to neuropsychiatric disorders, which are likely relevant to male-biased deficits and a female protective effect observed in Cttnbp2 mutant mice. Notably, RRAGC is an upstream regulator of mTOR that senses BCAA, suggesting that mTOR exerts a beneficial effect on females. Indeed, increased BCAA intake activates the mTOR pathway and rescues neuronal responses and social behaviours of male Cttnbp2 mutant mice. Moreover, mutant males exhibit greatly increased zinc demand to display normal social behaviours. Mice carrying an autism-linked Cttnbp2 mutation exhibit male-biased social deficits linked to specific brain regions, differential synaptic proteomes and higher demand for BCAA and zinc. We postulate that lower demand for zinc and BCAA are relevant to the female protective effect. Our study reveals a mechanism underlying sex-biased social defects and also suggests a potential therapeutic approach for autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Li Yen
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hui Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tsan-Ting Hsu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pu-Yun Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3H7, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, The University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, ROC
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12
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Lin YJ, Huang TN, Hsueh YP. Quantification of the density and morphology of dendritic spines and synaptic protein distribution using Thy1-YFP transgenic mice. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102290. [PMID: 37149854 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptopathy, which encompasses morphological deficits and any abnormal protein distribution of synapses, is a critical feature of many neurological diseases. We here provide a protocol using mice stably expressing a Thy1-YFP transgene to assess synaptic features in vivo. We describe steps for recording the entire morphology of projection neurons using confocal microscopy based on YFP signals. We detail assessment of the density and size of dendritic spines and the distributions of synaptic proteins using ImageJ and statistical analysis using Prism. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Shih et al. (2020).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Jui Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, Republic of China.
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, Republic of China.
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan 11529, Republic of China.
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13
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Xie Y, Wang H, Hu B, Zhang X, Liu A, Cai C, Li S, Chen C, Wang Z, Yin Z, Wang M. Dendritic Spine in Autism Genetics: Whole-Exome Sequencing Identifying De Novo Variant of CTTNBP2 in a Quad Family Affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 10:children10010080. [PMID: 36670631 PMCID: PMC9856540 DOI: 10.3390/children10010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects around 1% of children with no effective blood test or cure. Recent studies have suggested that these are neurological disorders with a strong genetic basis and that they are associated with the abnormal formation of dendritic spines. Chromosome microarray (CMA) together with high-throughput sequencing technology has been used as a powerful tool to identify new candidate genes for ASD. In the present study, CMA was first used to scan for genome-wide copy number variants in a proband, and no clinically significant copy number variants were found. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was used further for genetic testing of the whole quad family affected by ASD, including the proband, his non-autistic sister, and his parents. Sanger sequencing and MassARRAY-based validation were used to identify and confirm variants associated with ASD. WES yielded a 151-fold coverage depth for each sample. A total of 98.65% of the targeted whole-exome region was covered at >20-fold depth. A de novo variant in CTTNBP2, p.M115T, was identified. The CTTNBP2 gene belongs to a family of ankyrin repeat domain-containing proteins associated with dendritic spine formation. Although CTTNBP2 has been associated with ASD, limited studies have been developed to identify clinically relevant de novo mutations of CTTNBP2 in children with ASD; family-based WES successfully identified a clinically relevant mutation in the CTTNBP2 gene in a quad family affected by ASD. Considering the neuron-specific expression of CTTNBP2 and its role in dendritic spine formation, our results suggest a correlation between the CTTNBP2 mutation and ASD, providing genetic evidence for ASD spine pathology. Although the present study is currently insufficient to support the assertion that the de novo mutation M115T in CTTNBP2 directly causes the autism phenotype, our study provides support for the assertion that this mutation is a candidate clinically relevant variant in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingmei Xie
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Division of Child Health Care, Xiamen Branch of Children’s Hospital of Fudan University (Xiamen Children’s Hospital), Xiamen 361006, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Xueli Zhang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Aiping Liu
- The Department of Laboratory, Baoan Public Health Service Center of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518108, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children’s Hospital (Children’s Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Shijun Li
- First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Longgang District Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Shenzhen 518172, China
| | - Zhangxing Wang
- Division of Neonatology, Shenzhen Longhua People’s Hospital, Shenzhen 518109, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yin
- The People’s Hospital of Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Division of Pediatrics, Dehong Hospital of Kun-ming Medical University, Mangshi 678400, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Center for Children’s Health, Shanghai 201102, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Y.); (M.W.)
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14
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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15
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Austin C, Curtin P, Arora M, Reichenberg A, Curtin A, Iwai-Shimada M, Wright RO, Wright RJ, Remnelius KL, Isaksson J, Bölte S, Nakayama SF. Elemental Dynamics in Hair Accurately Predict Future Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: An International Multi-Center Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237154. [PMID: 36498727 PMCID: PMC9740182 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237154] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition diagnosed in approximately 2% of children. Reliance on the emergence of clinically observable behavioral patterns only delays the mean age of diagnosis to approximately 4 years. However, neural pathways critical to language and social functions develop during infancy, and current diagnostic protocols miss the age when therapy would be most effective. We developed non-invasive ASD biomarkers using mass spectrometry analyses of elemental metabolism in single hair strands, coupled with machine learning. We undertook a national prospective study in Japan, where hair samples were collected at 1 month and clinical diagnosis was undertaken at 4 years. Next, we analyzed a national sample of Swedish twins and, in our third study, participants from a specialist ASD center in the US. In a blinded analysis, a predictive algorithm detected ASD risk as early as 1 month with 96.4% sensitivity, 75.4% specificity, and 81.4% accuracy (n = 486; 175 cases). These findings emphasize that the dynamics in elemental metabolism are systemically dysregulated in autism, and these signatures can be detected and leveraged in hair samples to predict the emergence of ASD as early as 1 month of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Austin
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Paul Curtin
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Manish Arora
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Abraham Reichenberg
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Austen Curtin
- Linus Biotechnology Inc., New York, NY 10013, USA
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Miyuki Iwai-Shimada
- Exposure Dynamics Research Section, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Robert O. Wright
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Karl Lundin Remnelius
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 11330 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Isaksson
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 11330 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Sciences, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 11330 Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, 11861 Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Shoji F. Nakayama
- Exposure Dynamics Research Section, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
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16
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Restoring Age-Related Cognitive Decline through Environmental Enrichment: A Transcriptomic Approach. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233864. [PMID: 36497123 PMCID: PMC9736066 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233864] [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: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is one of the greatest health threats of old age and the maintenance of optimal brain function across a lifespan remains a big challenge. The hippocampus is considered particularly vulnerable but there is cross-species consensus that its functional integrity benefits from the early and continuous exercise of demanding physical, social and mental activities, also referred to as environmental enrichment (EE). Here, we investigated the extent to which late-onset EE can improve the already-impaired cognitive abilities of lifelong deprived C57BL/6 mice and how it affects gene expression in the hippocampus. To this end, 5- and 24-month-old mice housed in standard cages (5mSC and 24mSC) and 24-month-old mice exposed to EE in the last 2 months of their life (24mEE) were subjected to a Barnes maze task followed by next-generation RNA sequencing of the hippocampal tissue. Our analyses showed that late-onset EE was able to restore deficits in spatial learning and short-term memory in 24-month-old mice. These positive cognitive effects were reflected by specific changes in the hippocampal transcriptome, where late-onset EE affected transcription much more than age (24mSC vs. 24mEE: 1311 DEGs, 24mSC vs. 5mSC: 860 DEGs). Remarkably, a small intersection of 72 age-related DEGs was counter-regulated by late-onset EE. Of these, Bcl3, Cttnbp2, Diexf, Esr2, Grb10, Il4ra, Inhba, Rras2, Rps6ka1 and Socs3 appear to be particularly relevant as key regulators involved in dendritic spine plasticity and in age-relevant molecular signaling cascades mediating senescence, insulin resistance, apoptosis and tissue regeneration. In summary, our observations suggest that the brains of aged mice in standard cage housing preserve a considerable degree of plasticity. Switching them to EE proved to be a promising and non-pharmacological intervention against cognitive decline.
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17
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Brennan K, Zheng H, Fahrner JA, Shin JH, Gentles AJ, Schaefer B, Sunwoo JB, Bernstein JA, Gevaert O. NSD1 mutations deregulate transcription and DNA methylation of bivalent developmental genes in Sotos syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2164-2184. [PMID: 35094088 PMCID: PMC9262396 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sotos syndrome (SS), the most common overgrowth with intellectual disability (OGID) disorder, is caused by inactivating germline mutations of NSD1, which encodes a histone H3 lysine 36 methyltransferase. To understand how NSD1 inactivation deregulates transcription and DNA methylation (DNAm), and to explore how these abnormalities affect human development, we profiled transcription and DNAm in SS patients and healthy control individuals. We identified a transcriptional signature that distinguishes individuals with SS from controls and was also deregulated in NSD1-mutated cancers. Most abnormally expressed genes displayed reduced expression in SS; these downregulated genes consisted mostly of bivalent genes and were enriched for regulators of development and neural synapse function. DNA hypomethylation was strongly enriched within promoters of transcriptionally deregulated genes: overexpressed genes displayed hypomethylation at their transcription start sites while underexpressed genes featured hypomethylation at polycomb binding sites within their promoter CpG island shores. SS patients featured accelerated molecular aging at the levels of both transcription and DNAm. Overall, these findings indicate that NSD1-deposited H3K36 methylation regulates transcription by directing promoter DNA methylation, partially by repressing polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) activity. These findings could explain the phenotypic similarity of SS to OGID disorders that are caused by mutations in PRC2 complex-encoding genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Brennan
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - June Ho Shin
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrew J Gentles
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Bradley Schaefer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olivier Gevaert
- Stanford Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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18
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Fabbri MC, Crovetti A, Tinacci L, Bertelloni F, Armani A, Mazzei M, Fratini F, Bozzi R, Cecchi F. Identification of candidate genes associated with bacterial and viral infections in wild boars hunted in Tuscany (Italy). Sci Rep 2022; 12:8145. [PMID: 35581286 PMCID: PMC9114367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Wild boar (Sus scrofa L.) is one of the large mammals most spread worldwide, highly adaptable, and its population rapidly increased in many areas in Europe, including Italy, where Tuscany is considered particularly suitable for wild boar. Wild boars are potential hosts for different etiological agents, such as Brucella spp., Leptospira spp. and Pseudorabies virus and they can contribute to maintain and/or to disseminate some bacterial or viral pathogens to humans and domestic animals, above all-in free-range farms. In order to identify hypothetical genomic regions associated with these infection diseases, 96 samples of wild boars hunted in Tuscany during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 hunting seasons were considered. Diagnosis was achieved by serological tests and 42 Pseudorabies, 31 Leptospira and 15 Brucella positive animals were identified. All animals were genotyped with Geneseek Genomic Profiler Porcine HD (70 k) and a genome-wide scan was then performed. Significant markers were highlighted for Pseudorabies (two SNPs), Brucella (seven SNPs), and Leptospira (four SNPs) and they were located within, or nearby, 29 annotated genes on chromosome 6, 9, 12, 13, 14 and 18. Eight genes are implicated in viral (SEC14L1, JMJD6, SRSF2, TMPRSS2, MX1, MX2) or bacterial (COL8A1, SPIRE1) infections, seven genes (MFSD11, METTL23, CTTNBP2, BACE2, IMPA2, MPPE1 and GNAL) are involved in mental disorders and one gene (MGAT5B) is related to the Golgi complex. Results presented here provide interesting starting points for future research, validation studies and fine mapping of candidate genes involved in bacterial and viral infections in wild boar.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fabbri
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy.
| | - A Crovetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - L Tinacci
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Bertelloni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Armani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Mazzei
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Fratini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - R Bozzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agrarie, Alimentari, Ambientali e Forestali, Università di Firenze, Firenze, Italy
| | - F Cecchi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Università di Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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19
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Shih PY, Fang YL, Shankar S, Lee SP, Hu HT, Chen H, Wang TF, Hsia KC, Hsueh YP. Phase separation and zinc-induced transition modulate synaptic distribution and association of autism-linked CTTNBP2 and SHANK3. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2664. [PMID: 35562389 PMCID: PMC9106668 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30353-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Many synaptic proteins form biological condensates via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Synaptopathy, a key feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), is likely relevant to the impaired phase separation and/or transition of ASD-linked synaptic proteins. Here, we report that LLPS and zinc-induced liquid-to-gel phase transition regulate the synaptic distribution and protein-protein interaction of cortactin-binding protein 2 (CTTNBP2), an ASD-linked protein. CTTNBP2 forms self-assembled condensates through its C-terminal intrinsically disordered region and facilitates SHANK3 co-condensation at dendritic spines. Zinc binds the N-terminal coiled-coil region of CTTNBP2, promoting higher-order assemblies. Consequently, it leads to reduce CTTNBP2 mobility and enhance the stability and synaptic retention of CTTNBP2 condensates. Moreover, ASD-linked mutations alter condensate formation and synaptic retention of CTTNBP2 and impair mouse social behaviors, which are all ameliorated by zinc supplementation. Our study suggests the relevance of condensate formation and zinc-induced phase transition to the synaptic distribution and function of ASD-linked proteins. Autism impacts synapses. This study reports that autism-linked mutations of CTTNBP2 regulate phase separation to control synaptic enrichment of that protein. A zinc-induced liquid-to-gel transition improves synaptic retention of CTTNBP2 and SHANK3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pu-Yun Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yu-Lun Fang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sahana Shankar
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Sue-Ping Lee
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsin Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ting-Fang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.,Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kuo-Chiang Hsia
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. .,Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. .,Molecular and Cell Biology, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica and Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
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20
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Lee K, Jung Y, Vyas Y, Skelton I, Abraham WC, Hsueh YP, Montgomery JM. Dietary zinc supplementation rescues fear-based learning and synaptic function in the Tbr1 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2022; 13:13. [PMID: 35303947 PMCID: PMC8932001 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a dyad of behavioural symptoms—social and communication deficits and repetitive behaviours. Multiple aetiological genetic and environmental factors have been identified as causing or increasing the likelihood of ASD, including serum zinc deficiency. Our previous studies revealed that dietary zinc supplementation can normalise impaired social behaviours, excessive grooming, and heightened anxiety in a Shank3 mouse model of ASD, as well as the amelioration of synapse dysfunction. Here, we have examined the efficacy and breadth of dietary zinc supplementation as an effective therapeutic strategy utilising a non-Shank-related mouse model of ASD—mice with Tbr1 haploinsufficiency. Methods We performed behavioural assays, amygdalar slice whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, and immunohistochemistry to characterise the synaptic mechanisms underlying the ASD-associated behavioural deficits observed in Tbr1+/− mice and the therapeutic potential of dietary zinc supplementation. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Šídák's post hoc test and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc multiple comparisons were performed for statistical analysis. Results Our data show that dietary zinc supplementation prevents impairments in auditory fear memory and social interaction, but not social novelty, in the Tbr1+/− mice. Tbr1 haploinsufficiency did not induce excessive grooming nor elevate anxiety in mice. At the synaptic level, dietary zinc supplementation reversed α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR) and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and normalised presynaptic function at thalamic-lateral amygdala (LA) synapses that are crucial for auditory fear memory. In addition, the zinc supplemented diet significantly restored the synaptic puncta density of the GluN1 subunit essential for functional NMDARs as well as SHANK3 expression in both the basal and lateral amygdala (BLA) of Tbr1+/− mice. Limitations The therapeutic effect of dietary zinc supplementation observed in rodent models may not reproduce the same effects in human patients. The effect of dietary zinc supplementation on synaptic function in other brain structures affected by Tbr1 haploinsufficiency including olfactory bulb and anterior commissure will also need to be examined. Conclusions Our data further the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of dietary zinc supplementation and verify the efficacy and breadth of its application as a potential treatment strategy for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.,INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Imogen Skelton
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand
| | - Wickliffe C Abraham
- Department of Psychology and Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Section 2, Academia Rd., Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, 85 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland, 1023, New Zealand.
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21
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Shayganfard M. Are Essential Trace Elements Effective in Modulation of Mental Disorders? Update and Perspectives. Biol Trace Elem Res 2022; 200:1032-1059. [PMID: 33904124 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of mental disorders is associated with several risk factors including genetic and environmental susceptibility. A group of nutrients serves an especially important role in a number of essential neurodevelopmental processes through brain areas promoting the high degree of brain metabolism during early life, although almost all nutrients are needed. These include macronutrients and micronutrients (e.g., iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium). Numerous nutritional psychiatry trials have been performed to examine the correlation of many individual nutrients with mental health, such as essential trace elements. The increased accumulation or lack of such components will facilitate an alternative metabolic pathway that can lead to many diseases and conditions of neurodevelopment. Mental functions have biochemical bases, so the impairment of such neurochemical mechanisms due to lack of trace elements can have mental effects. In psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and autism, scientific studies demonstrate the putative role of trace element deficiency. Therefore, given the critical roles played by essential trace elements in the neurodevelopment and mental health, the effect of these elements' intake on the modulation of psychological functioning is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Shayganfard
- Department of Psychiatry, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
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22
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Terashima H, Minatohara K, Maruoka H, Okabe S. Imaging neural circuit pathology of autism spectrum disorders: autism-associated genes, animal models and the application of in vivo two-photon imaging. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i81-i99. [DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in human genetics identified genetic variants involved in causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Mouse models that mimic mutations found in patients with ASD exhibit behavioral phenotypes consistent with ASD symptoms. These mouse models suggest critical biological factors of ASD etiology. Another important implication of ASD genetics is the enrichment of ASD risk genes in molecules involved in developing synapses and regulating neural circuit function. Sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies applied to ASD mouse models identify common synaptic impairments in the neocortex, with genetic-mutation-specific defects in local neural circuits. In this article, we review synapse- and circuit-level phenotypes identified by in vivo two-photon imaging in multiple mouse models of ASD and discuss the contributions of altered synapse properties and neural circuit activity to ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Terashima
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Minatohara
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisato Maruoka
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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23
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Alsufiani HM, Alkhanbashi AS, Laswad NAB, Bakhadher KK, Alghamdi SA, Tayeb HO, Tarazi FI. Zinc deficiency and supplementation in autism spectrum disorder and Phelan-McDermid syndrome. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:970-978. [PMID: 35114017 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25019] [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: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The disorder is four times more common in males than in females. Zinc deficiency and mutations in SHANK2 and SHANK3 (members of a family of excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding proteins) are all risk factors that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. The presence of shankopathies (loss of one copy of the SHANK3 gene) can lead to the development of Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS)-a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, poor motor tone, and ASD-like symptoms. We reviewed the relationship between zinc, ASD, and PMDS as well as the effect of zinc supplementation in improving symptoms of ASD and PMDS based on 22 studies published within 6 years (2015-2020). Zinc deficiency (assessed by either dietary intake, blood, hair, or tooth matrix) was shown to be highly prevalent in ASD and PMDS patients as well as in preclinical models of ASD and PMDS. Zinc supplements improved the behavioral deficits in animal models of ASD and PMDS. Clinical trials are still needed to validate the beneficial therapeutic effects of zinc supplements in ASD and PMDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hadeil M Alsufiani
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.,Experimental Biochemistry Unit, King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa S Alkhanbashi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah A Bin Laswad
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulood K Bakhadher
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shareefa A Alghamdi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haythum O Tayeb
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Neuroscience Research Unit, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Frank I Tarazi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
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24
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Complete Genome Sequences and Genome-Wide Characterization of Trichoderma Biocontrol Agents Provide New Insights into their Evolution and Variation in Genome Organization, Sexual Development, and Fungal-Plant Interactions. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0066321. [PMID: 34908505 PMCID: PMC8672877 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00663-21] [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] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Trichoderma spp. represent one of the most important fungal genera to mankind and in natural environments. The genus harbors prolific producers of wood-decaying enzymes, biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, plant-growth-promoting biofertilizers, as well as model organisms for studying fungal-plant-plant pathogen interactions. Pursuing highly accurate, contiguous, and chromosome-level reference genomes has become a primary goal of fungal research communities. Here, we report the chromosome-level genomic sequences and whole-genome annotation data sets of four strains used as biocontrol agents or biofertilizers (Trichoderma virens Gv29-8, Trichoderma virens FT-333, Trichoderma asperellum FT-101, and Trichoderma atroviride P1). Our results provide comprehensive categorization, correct positioning, and evolutionary detail of both nuclear and mitochondrial genomes, including telomeres, AT-rich blocks, centromeres, transposons, mating-type loci, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial sequences, as well as many new secondary metabolic and carbohydrate-active enzyme gene clusters. We have also identified evolutionarily conserved core genes contributing to plant-fungal interactions, as well as variations potentially linked to key behavioral traits such as sex, genome defense, secondary metabolism, and mycoparasitism. The genomic resources we provide herein significantly extend our knowledge not only of this economically important fungal genus, but also fungal evolution and basic biology in general. IMPORTANCE Telomere-to-telomere and gapless reference genome assemblies are necessary to ensure that all genomic variants are studied and discovered, including centromeres, telomeres, AT-rich blocks, mating type loci, biosynthetic, and metabolic gene clusters. Here, we applied long-range sequencing technologies to determine the near-completed genome sequences of four widely used biocontrol agents or biofertilizers: Trichoderma virens Gv29-8 and FT-333, Trichoderma asperellum FT-101, and Trichoderma atroviride P1. Like those of three Trichoderma reesei wild isolates [QM6a, CBS999.97(MAT1-1) and CBS999.97(MAT1-2)] we reported previously, these four biocontrol agent genomes each contain seven nuclear chromosomes and a circular mitochondrial genome. Substantial intraspecies and intragenus diversities are also discovered, including single nucleotide polymorphisms, chromosome shuffling, as well as genomic relics derived from historical transposition events and repeat-induced point (RIP) mutations.
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25
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Gawlińska K, Gawliński D, Borczyk M, Korostyński M, Przegaliński E, Filip M. A Maternal High-Fat Diet during Early Development Provokes Molecular Changes Related to Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Rat Offspring Brain. Nutrients 2021; 13:3212. [PMID: 34579089 PMCID: PMC8467420 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disruptive neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by abnormal social interactions, communication, emotional circuits, and repetitive behaviors and is more often diagnosed in boys than in girls. It is postulated that ASD is caused by a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetics provides a mechanistic link between exposure to an unbalanced maternal diet and persistent modifications in gene expression levels that can lead to phenotype changes in the offspring. To better understand the impact of the early development environment on the risk of ASD in offspring, we assessed the effect of maternal high-fat (HFD), high-carbohydrate, and mixed diets on molecular changes in adolescent and young adult offspring frontal cortex and hippocampus. Our results showed that maternal HFD significantly altered the expression of 48 ASD-related genes in the frontal cortex of male offspring. Moreover, exposure to maternal HFD led to sex- and age-dependent changes in the protein levels of ANKRD11, EIF4E, NF1, SETD1B, SHANK1 and TAOK2, as well as differences in DNA methylation levels in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the offspring. Taken together, it was concluded that a maternal HFD during pregnancy and lactation periods can lead to abnormal brain development within the transcription and translation of ASD-related genes mainly in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawlińska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Dawid Gawliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Małgorzata Borczyk
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Michał Korostyński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Department of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (M.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Edmund Przegaliński
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
| | - Małgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna Street 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland; (K.G.); (E.P.); (M.F.)
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26
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Anashkina AA, Erlykina EI. Molecular Mechanisms of Aberrant Neuroplasticity in Autism Spectrum Disorders (Review). Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2021; 13:78-91. [PMID: 34513070 PMCID: PMC8353687 DOI: 10.17691/stm2021.13.1.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents the analysis and systematization of modern data on the molecular mechanisms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) development. Polyetiology and the multifactorial nature of ASD have been proved. The attempt has been made to jointly review and systematize current hypotheses of ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level from the standpoint of aberrant brain plasticity. The mechanism of glutamate excitotoxicity formation, the effect of imbalance of neuroactive amino acids and their derivatives, neurotransmitters, and hormones on the ASD formation have been considered in detail. The strengths and weaknesses of the proposed hypotheses have been analyzed from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine. The conclusion has been drawn on the leading role of glutamate excitotoxicity as a biochemical mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity accompanied by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. The mechanism of aberrant neuroplasticity has also been traced at the critical moments of the nervous system development taking into account the influence of various factors of the internal and external environment. New approaches to searching for ASD molecular markers have been considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Anashkina
- Senior Teacher, Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya; Senior Researcher, Central Scientific Research Laboratory, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - E I Erlykina
- Professor, Head of the Department of Biochemistry named after G.Y. Gorodisskaya, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
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27
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Biological implications of genetic variations in autism spectrum disorders from genomics studies. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:229227. [PMID: 34240107 PMCID: PMC8298259 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical social interaction and communication together with repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. The prevalence of ASD has been increased these years. Compelling evidence has shown that genetic factors contribute largely to the development of ASD. However, knowledge about its genetic etiology and pathogenesis is limited. Broad applications of genomics studies have revealed the importance of gene mutations at protein-coding regions as well as the interrupted non-coding regions in the development of ASD. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for the known molecular genetic basis and possible pathological mechanisms as well as the risk genes and loci of ASD. Functional studies for the underlying mechanisms are also implicated. The understanding of the genetics and genomics of ASD is important for the genetic diagnosis and intervention for this condition.
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28
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Chen CY, Hung YF, Tsai CY, Shih YC, Chou TF, Lai MZ, Wang TF, Hsueh YP. Transcriptomic Analysis and C-Terminal Epitope Tagging Reveal Differential Processing and Signaling of Endogenous TLR3 and TLR7. Front Immunol 2021; 12:686060. [PMID: 34211474 PMCID: PMC8240634 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.686060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling is critical for defense against pathogenic infection, as well as for modulating tissue development. Activation of different TLRs triggers common inflammatory responses such as cytokine induction. Here, we reveal differential impacts of TLR3 and TLR7 signaling on transcriptomic profiles in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Apart from self-regulation, TLR3, but not TLR7, induced expression of other TLRs, suggesting that TLR3 activation globally enhances innate immunity. Moreover, we observed diverse influences of TLR3 and TLR7 signaling on genes involved in methylation, caspase and autophagy pathways. We compared endogenous TLR3 and TLR7 by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology to knock in a dual Myc-HA tag at the 3’ ends of mouse Tlr3 and Tlr7. Using anti-HA antibodies to detect endogenous tagged TLR3 and TLR7, we found that both TLRs display differential tissue expression and posttranslational modifications. C-terminal tagging did not impair TLR3 activity. However, it disrupted the interaction between TLR7 and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88), the Tir domain-containing adaptor of TLR7, which blocked its downstream signaling necessary to trigger cytokine and chemokine expression. Our study demonstrates different properties for TLR3 and TLR7, and also provides useful mouse models for further investigation of these two RNA-sensing TLRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Ya Chen
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fen Hung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Yen Tsai
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Fang Chou
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Zong Lai
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Fang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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29
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Abstract
Since the discovery of manifest Zn deficiency in 1961, the increasing number of studies demonstrated the association between altered Zn status and multiple diseases. In this chapter, we provide a review of the most recent advances on the role of Zn in health and disease (2010-20), with a special focus on the role of Zn in neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, diabetes and obesity, male and female reproduction, as well as COVID-19. In parallel with the revealed tight association between ASD risk and severity and Zn status, the particular mechanisms linking Zn2+ and ASD pathogenesis like modulation of synaptic plasticity through ProSAP/Shank scaffold, neurotransmitter metabolism, and gut microbiota, have been elucidated. The increasing body of data indicate the potential involvement of Zn2+ metabolism in neurodegeneration. Systemic Zn levels in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease were found to be reduced, whereas its sequestration in brain may result in modulation of amyloid β and α-synuclein processing with subsequent toxic effects. Zn2+ was shown to possess adipotropic effects through the role of zinc transporters, zinc finger proteins, and Zn-α2-glycoprotein in adipose tissue physiology, underlying its particular role in pathogenesis of obesity and diabetes mellitus type 2. Recent findings also contribute to further understanding of the role of Zn2+ in spermatogenesis and sperm functioning, as well as oocyte development and fertilization. Finally, Zn2+ was shown to be the potential adjuvant therapy in management of novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), underlining the perspectives of zinc in management of old and new threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anatoly V Skalny
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia
| | - Michael Aschner
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia; Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia.
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30
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Lu MH, Hsueh YP. Protein synthesis as a modifiable target for autism-related dendritic spine pathophysiologies. FEBS J 2021; 289:2282-2300. [PMID: 33511762 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a condition of altered brain connectivity. As synapses are fundamental subcellular structures for neuronal connectivity, synaptic pathophysiology has become one of central themes in autism research. Reports disagree upon whether the density of dendritic spines, namely excitatory synapses, is increased or decreased in ASD and whether the protein synthesis that is critical for dendritic spine formation and function is upregulated or downregulated. Here, we review recent evidence supporting a subgroup of ASD models with decreased dendritic spine density (hereafter ASD-DSD), including Nf1 and Vcp mutant mice. We discuss the relevance of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) insufficiency in relation to unmet protein synthesis demand in ASD-DSD. In contrast to ASD-DSD, ASD models with hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may represent the opposite end of the disease spectrum, often characterized by increases in protein synthesis and dendritic spine density (denoted ASD-ISD). Finally, we propose personalized dietary leucine as a strategy tailored to balancing protein synthesis demand, thereby ameliorating dendritic spine pathophysiologies and autism-related phenotypes in susceptible patients, especially those with ASD-DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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31
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Glutamatergic Dysfunction and Synaptic Ultrastructural Alterations in Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Evidence from Human and Rodent Studies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010059. [PMID: 33374598 PMCID: PMC7793137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlation between dysfunction in the glutamatergic system and neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, is undisputed. Both disorders are associated with molecular and ultrastructural alterations that affect synaptic plasticity and thus the molecular and physiological basis of learning and memory. Altered synaptic plasticity, accompanied by changes in protein synthesis and trafficking of postsynaptic proteins, as well as structural modifications of excitatory synapses, are critically involved in the postnatal development of the mammalian nervous system. In this review, we summarize glutamatergic alterations and ultrastructural changes in synapses in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder of genetic or drug-related origin, and briefly comment on the possible reversibility of these neuropsychiatric disorders in the light of findings in regular synaptic physiology.
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Huang TN, Shih YT, Lin SC, Hsueh YP. Social behaviors and contextual memory of Vcp mutant mice are sensitive to nutrition and can be ameliorated by amino acid supplementation. iScience 2020; 24:101949. [PMID: 33437936 PMCID: PMC7786123 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both genetic variations and nutritional deficiency are associated with autism spectrum disorders and other neurological disorders. However, it is less clear whether or how nutritional deficiency and genetic variations influence each other under pathogenic conditions. "Valosin-containing protein" (VCP, also known as p97) is associated with multiple neurological disorders and regulates dendritic spine formation by controlling endoplasmic reticulum formation and protein synthesis efficiency. Increased protein synthesis ameliorates the dendritic spine defects of Vcp-deficient neurons. Therefore, we investigated if Vcp-deficient mice are sensitive to nutritional conditions. Here, we show that social interaction and contextual memory of Vcp-deficient mice are indeed influenced by different dietary protein levels. Moreover, leucine supplementation ameliorates the behavioral deficits and dendritic spine density of Vcp-deficient mice, strengthening evidence for the role of protein synthesis in VCP function. Our study illustrates that genetic variation and nutrient factors cross-talk to influence neuronal and behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yu-Tzu Shih
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Si-Cih Lin
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Hu HT, Huang TN, Hsueh YP. KLHL17/Actinfilin, a brain-specific gene associated with infantile spasms and autism, regulates dendritic spine enlargement. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:103. [PMID: 33256713 PMCID: PMC7708131 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-020-00696-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dendritic spines, the actin-rich protrusions emerging from dendrites, are the subcellular locations of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain. Many actin-regulating molecules modulate dendritic spine morphology. Since dendritic spines are neuron-specific structures, it is reasonable to speculate that neuron-specific or -predominant factors are involved in dendritic spine formation. KLHL17 (Kelch-like 17, also known as Actinfilin), an actin-binding protein, is predominantly expressed in brain. Human genetic study has indicated an association of KLHL17/Actinfilin with infantile spasms, a rare form of childhood epilepsy also resulting in autism and mental retardation, indicating that KLHL17/Actinfilin plays a role in neuronal function. However, it remains elusive if and how KLHL17/Actinfilin regulates neuronal development and brain function. Methods Fluorescent immunostaining and electrophysiological recording were performed to evaluate dendritic spine formation and activity in cultured hippocampal neurons. Knockdown and knockout of KLHL17/Actinfilin and expression of truncated fragments of KLHL17/Actinfilin were conducted to investigate the function of KLHL17/Actinfilin in neurons. Mouse behavioral assays were used to evaluate the role of KLHL17/Actinfilin in brain function. Results We found that KLHL17/Actinfilin tends to form circular puncta in dendritic spines and are surrounded by or adjacent to F-actin. Klhl17 deficiency impairs F-actin enrichment at dendritic spines. Knockdown and knockout of KLHL17/Actinfilin specifically impair dendritic spine enlargement, but not the density or length of dendritic spines. Both N-terminal Broad-Complex, Tramtrack and Bric-a-brac (BTB) domain and C-terminal Kelch domains of KLHL17/Actinfilin are required for F-actin remodeling and enrichment at dendritic spines, as well as dendritic spine enlargement. A reduction of postsynaptic and presynsptic markers at dendritic spines and altered mEPSC profiles due to Klhl17 deficiency evidence impaired synaptic activity in Klhl17-deficient neurons. Our behavioral assays further indicate that Klhl17 deficiency results in hyperactivity and reduced social interaction, strengthening evidence for the physiological role of KLHL17/Actinfilin. Conclusion Our findings provide evidence that KLHL17/Actinfilin modulates F-actin remodeling and contributes to regulation of neuronal morphogenesis, maturation and activity, which is likely relevant to behavioral impairment in Klhl17-deficient mice. Trial registration Non-applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Tang Hu
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Academia Road, Section 2, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan, Republic of China.
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Shih PY, Hsieh BY, Tsai CY, Lo CA, Chen BE, Hsueh YP. Autism-linked mutations of CTTNBP2 reduce social interaction and impair dendritic spine formation via diverse mechanisms. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:185. [PMID: 33168105 PMCID: PMC7654188 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-01053-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal synaptic formation and signaling is one of the key molecular features of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Cortactin binding protein 2 (CTTNBP2), an ASD-linked gene, is known to regulate the subcellular distribution of synaptic proteins, such as cortactin, thereby controlling dendritic spine formation and maintenance. However, it remains unclear how ASD-linked mutations of CTTNBP2 influence its function. Here, using cultured hippocampal neurons and knockin mouse models, we screen seven ASD-linked mutations in the short form of the Cttnbp2 gene and identify that M120I, R533* and D570Y mutations impair CTTNBP2 protein-protein interactions via divergent mechanisms to reduce dendritic spine density in neurons. R533* mutation impairs CTTNBP2 interaction with cortactin due to lack of the C-terminal proline-rich domain. Through an N-C terminal interaction, M120I mutation at the N-terminal region of CTTNBP2 also negatively influences cortactin interaction. D570Y mutation increases the association of CTTNBP2 with microtubule, resulting in a dendritic localization of CTTNBP2, consequently reducing the distribution of CTTNBP2 in dendritic spines and impairing the synaptic function of CTTNBP2. Finally, we generated heterozygous M120I knockin mice to mimic the genetic variation of patients and found they exhibit reduced social interaction. Our study elucidates that different ASD-linked mutations of CTTNBP2 result in diverse molecular deficits, but all have the similar consequence of synaptic impairment.
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Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P. An Overview of the Main Genetic, Epigenetic and Environmental Factors Involved in Autism Spectrum Disorder Focusing on Synaptic Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218290. [PMID: 33167418 PMCID: PMC7663950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction and communication, with restricted interests, activity and behaviors. ASD is highly familial, indicating that genetic background strongly contributes to the development of this condition. However, only a fraction of the total number of genes thought to be associated with the condition have been discovered. Moreover, other factors may play an important role in ASD onset. In fact, it has been shown that parental conditions and in utero and perinatal factors may contribute to ASD etiology. More recently, epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation and micro RNA alterations, have been associated with ASD and proposed as potential biomarkers. This review aims to provide a summary of the literature regarding ASD candidate genes, mainly focusing on synapse formation and functionality and relevant epigenetic and environmental aspects acting in concert to determine ASD onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Masini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Eleonora Loi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Ana Florencia Vega-Benedetti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
| | - Marinella Carta
- Center for Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, 09121 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Doneddu
- Centro per l’Autismo e Disturbi correlati (CADc), Nuovo Centro Fisioterapico Sardo, 09131 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Roberta Fadda
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Zavattari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Biology and Genetics, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy; (E.M.); (E.L.); (A.F.V.-B.)
- Correspondence:
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