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Yu X, Wang Y. Peripheral Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein is required for the timely closure of a critical period for neuronal susceptibility in the ventral cochlear nucleus. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1186630. [PMID: 37305436 PMCID: PMC10248243 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1186630] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations in neuronal plasticity and critical periods are common across neurodevelopmental diseases, including Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the leading single-gene cause of autism. Characterized with sensory dysfunction, FXS is the result of gene silencing of Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) and loss of its product, Fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP). The mechanisms underlying altered critical period and sensory dysfunction in FXS are obscure. Here, we performed genetic and surgical deprivation of peripheral auditory inputs in wildtype and Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice across ages and investigated the effects of global FMRP loss on deafferentation-induced neuronal changes in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN) and auditory brainstem responses. The degree of neuronal cell loss during the critical period was unchanged in Fmr1 KO mice. However, the closure of the critical period was delayed. Importantly, this delay was temporally coincidental with reduced hearing sensitivity, implying an association with sensory inputs. Functional analyses further identified early-onset and long-lasting alterations in signal transmission from the spiral ganglion to the VCN, suggesting a peripheral site of FMRP action. Finally, we generated conditional Fmr1 KO (cKO) mice with selective deletion of FMRP in spiral ganglion but not VCN neurons. cKO mice recapitulated the delay in the VCN critical period closure in Fmr1 KO mice, confirming an involvement of cochlear FMRP in shaping the temporal features of neuronal critical periods in the brain. Together, these results identify a novel peripheral mechanism of neurodevelopmental pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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2
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Wang X, Sela-Donenfeld D, Wang Y. Axonal and presynaptic FMRP: Localization, signal, and functional implications. Hear Res 2023; 430:108720. [PMID: 36809742 PMCID: PMC9998378 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2023.108720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) binds a selected set of mRNAs and proteins to guide neural circuit assembly and regulate synaptic plasticity. Loss of FMRP is responsible for Fragile X syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized with auditory processing problems and social difficulty. FMRP actions in synaptic formation, maturation, and plasticity are site-specific among the four compartments of a synapse: presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, astrocytes, and extracellular matrix. This review summarizes advancements in understanding FMRP localization, signals, and functional roles in axons and presynaptic terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Medical College, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Dalit Sela-Donenfeld
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA.
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3
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Wang X, Fan Q, Yu X, Wang Y. Cellular distribution of the Fragile X mental retardation protein in the inner ear: a developmental and comparative study in the mouse, rat, gerbil, and chicken. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:149-169. [PMID: 36222577 PMCID: PMC9691623 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an mRNA binding protein that is essential for neural circuit assembly and synaptic plasticity. Loss of functional FMRP leads to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sensory dysfunction including abnormal auditory processing. While the central mechanisms of FMRP regulation have been studied in the brain, whether FMRP is expressed in the auditory periphery and how it develops and functions remains unknown. In this study, we characterized the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of FMRP immunoreactivity in the inner ear of mice, rats, gerbils, and chickens. Across species, FMRP was expressed in hair cells and supporting cells, with a particularly high level in immature hair cells during the prehearing period. Interestingly, the distribution of cytoplasmic FMRP displayed an age-dependent translocation in hair cells, and this feature was conserved across species. In the auditory ganglion (AG), FMRP immunoreactivity was detected in neuronal cell bodies as well as their peripheral and central processes. Distinct from hair cells, FMRP intensity in AG neurons was high both during development and after maturation. Additionally, FMRP was evident in mature glial cells surrounding AG neurons. Together, these observations demonstrate distinct developmental trajectories across cell types in the auditory periphery. Given the importance of peripheral inputs to the maturation of auditory circuits, these findings implicate involvement of FMRP in inner ear development as well as a potential contribution of periphery FMRP to the generation of auditory dysfunction in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Wang
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, College of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Qiwei Fan
- Division of Histology & Embryology, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of the Ministry of Education, College of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yu
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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4
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Ardourel M, Ranchon-Cole I, Pâris A, Felgerolle C, Acar N, Lesne F, Briault S, Perche O. FMR protein: Evidence of an emerging role in retinal aging? Exp Eye Res 2022; 225:109282. [PMID: 36265576 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109282] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aging is a multifactorial process that affects the entire organism by cumulative alterations. Visual function impairments that go along with aging are commonly observed, causing lower visual acuity, lower contrast sensitivity, and impaired dark adaptation. Electroretinogram analysis revealed that the amplitudes of rod- and cone-mediated responses are reduced in aged mice and humans. Reports suggested that age-related changes observed in both rod and cone photoreceptor functionality were linked to oxidative stress regulation or free radical production homeostasis. Interestingly, several recent reports linked the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) cellular activity with oxidative stress regulation in several tissue including brain tissue where FMRP participates to the response to stress via protein translation in neurite or is involved in free radical production and abnormal glutathione homeostasis. Based on these recent literatures, we raised the question about the effect of FMRP absence in the aging retina of Fmr1-/y compared to their WT littermates. Indeed, up to now, only young or adult mice (<6 months) were investigated and have shown a specific retinal phenotype. Herein, we demonstrated that Fmr1-/y mice do not present the aging effect on retinal function observed in WT littermates since ERG a- and b-waves amplitudes as well as oscillatory potentials amplitudes were not collapsed with age (12/18 months old). Absence of FMRP and its consequences seem to protect the retina against aging effect, rising a pivotal role of FMRP in retinal aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ardourel
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - I Ranchon-Cole
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - A Pâris
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - C Felgerolle
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France
| | - N Acar
- Eye and Nutrition Research Group, Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000, Dijon, France
| | - F Lesne
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France
| | - S Briault
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France; Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France
| | - O Perche
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orléans, Cedex 2, France; Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France.
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5
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Ardourel M, Pâris A, Felgerolle C, Lesne F, Ranchon-Cole I, Briault S, Perche O. FMRP-related retinal phenotypes: Evidence of glutamate-glutamine metabolic cycle impairment. Exp Eye Res 2022; 224:109238. [PMID: 36067823 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
FMRP, the fragile X mental retardation protein coded by the FMR1 gene, is an RNA-binding protein that assists transport, stabilization and translational regulation of specific synaptic mRNAs. Its expression has been found in multiple cell types of central nervous system (CNS) including glial cells where its involvement in glutamate neurotransmitter homeostasis have been shown. Indeed, glutamate homeostasis deficit has been observed in absence of FMRP in-vivo in cortex and hippocampus structures as well as in vitro on astroglial cell culture. Interestingly, the retina which is an extension of the CNS is presenting electrophysiological alterations in absence of FMRP in both human and murine models suggesting neurotransmitter impairments. Therefore, we investigate the consequences of Fmrp absence on Glutamate-Glutamine cycle in whole retinas and primary retinal Müller cells culture which are the main glial cells of the retina. Using the Fmr1-/y mice, we have shown in vivo and in vitro that the absence of Fmrp in Müller cells is characterized by loss of Glutamate-Glutamine cycle homeostasis due to a lower Glutamine Synthetase protein expression and activity. The lack of Fmrp in the retina induces a reduced flow of glutamine synthesis. Our data established for the first time in literature a direct link between the lack of Fmrp and neurotransmitter homeostasis in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryvonne Ardourel
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Arnaud Pâris
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Chloé Felgerolle
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Fabien Lesne
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France
| | - Isabelle Ranchon-Cole
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Inserm, Neuro-Dol, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France; UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Regional Hospital, 14 Avenue de l'hôpital, 45100, Orléans, France; UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France; Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, 3b rue de la Ferollerie, F-45071, Orléans Cedex 2, France.
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Curnow E, Wang Y. New Animal Models for Understanding FMRP Functions and FXS Pathology. Cells 2022; 11:1628. [PMID: 35626665 PMCID: PMC9140010 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X encompasses a range of genetic conditions, all of which result as a function of changes within the FMR1 gene and abnormal production and/or expression of the FMR1 gene products. Individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common heritable form of intellectual disability, have a full-mutation sequence (>200 CGG repeats) which brings about transcriptional silencing of FMR1 and loss of FMR protein (FMRP). Despite considerable progress in our understanding of FXS, safe, effective, and reliable treatments that either prevent or reduce the severity of the FXS phenotype have not been approved. While current FXS animal models contribute their own unique understanding to the molecular, cellular, physiological, and behavioral deficits associated with FXS, no single animal model is able to fully recreate the FXS phenotype. This review will describe the status and rationale in the development, validation, and utility of three emerging animal model systems for FXS, namely the nonhuman primate (NHP), Mongolian gerbil, and chicken. These developing animal models will provide a sophisticated resource in which the deficits in complex functions of perception, action, and cognition in the human disorder are accurately reflected and aid in the successful translation of novel therapeutics and interventions to the clinic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Curnow
- REI Division, Department of ObGyn, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Washington National Primate Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Yuan Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA
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Perche O, Lesne F, Patat A, Raab S, Twyman R, Ring RH, Briault S. Electroretinography and contrast sensitivity, complementary translational biomarkers of sensory deficits in the visual system of individuals with fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:45. [PMID: 34625026 PMCID: PMC8501595 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09375-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbances in sensory function are an important clinical feature of neurodevelopmental disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). Evidence also directly connects sensory abnormalities with the clinical expression of behavioral impairments in individuals with FXS; thus, positioning sensory function as a potential clinical target for the development of new therapeutics. Using electroretinography (ERG) and contrast sensitivity (CS), we previously reported the presence of sensory deficits in the visual system of the Fmr1-/y genetic mouse model of FXS. The goals of the current study were two-folds: (1) to assess the feasibility of measuring ERG and CS as a biomarker of sensory deficits in individuals with FXS, and (2) to investigate whether the deficits revealed by ERG and CS in Fmr1-/y mice translate to humans with FXS. METHODS Both ERG and CS were measured in a cohort of male individuals with FXS (n = 20, 18-45 years) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 20, 18-45 years). Under light-adapted conditions, and using both single flash and flicker (repeated train of flashes) stimulation protocols, retinal function was recorded from individual subjects using a portable, handheld, full-field flash ERG device (RETeval®, LKC Technologies Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA). CS was assessed in each subject using the LEA SYMBOLS® low-contrast test (Good-Lite, Elgin, IL, USA). RESULTS Data recording was successfully completed for ERG and assessment of CS in most individuals from both cohorts demonstrating the feasibility of these methods for use in the FXS population. Similar to previously reported findings from the Fmr1-/y genetic mouse model, individuals with FXS were found to exhibit reduced b-wave and flicker amplitude in ERG and an impaired ability to discriminate contrasts compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the feasibility of using ERG and CS for assessing visual deficits in FXS and establishes the translational validity of the Fmr1-/y mice phenotype to individuals with FXS. By including electrophysiological and functional readouts, the results of this study suggest the utility of both ERG and CS (ERG-CS) as complementary translational biomarkers for characterizing sensory abnormalities found in FXS, with potential applications to the clinical development of novel therapeutics that target sensory function abnormalities to treat core symptomatology in FXS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ID-RCB number 2019-A01015-52 registered on the 17 May 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
- UMR7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
| | | | - Alain Patat
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
| | | | | | - Robert H Ring
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.
- UMR7355, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Orléans, France.
- Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France.
- Kaerus Bioscience Ltd., London, EC1Y 4YX, UK.
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8
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Cellular localization of the FMRP in rat retina. Biosci Rep 2020; 40:225004. [PMID: 32452512 PMCID: PMC7295639 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is a regulator of local translation through its mRNA targets in the neurons. Previous studies have demonstrated that FMRP may function in distinct ways during the development of different visual subcircuits. However, the localization of the FMRP in different types of retinal cells is unclear. In this work, the FMRP expression in rat retina was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence double labeling. Results showed that the FMRP expression could be detected in rat retina and that the FMRP had a strong immunoreaction (IR) in the ganglion cell (GC) layer, inner nucleus layer (INL), and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of rat retina. In the outer retina, the bipolar cells (BCs) labeled by homeobox protein ChX10 (ChX10) and the horizontal cells (HCs) labeled by calbindin (CB) were FMRP-positive. In the inner retina, GABAergic amacrine cells (ACs) labeled by glutamate decarbonylase colocalized with the FMRP. The dopaminergic ACs (tyrosine hydroxylase marker) and cholinergic ACs (choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) marker) were co-labeled with the FMRP. In most GCs (labeled by Brn3a) and melanopsin-positive intrinsically photosensitive retinal GCs (ipRGCs) were also FMRP-positive. The FMRP expression was observed in the cellular retinal binding protein-positive Müller cells. These results suggest that the FMRP could be involved in the visual pathway transmission.
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Felgerolle C, Hébert B, Ardourel M, Meyer-Dilhet G, Menuet A, Pinto-Morais K, Bizot JC, Pichon J, Briault S, Perche O. Visual Behavior Impairments as an Aberrant Sensory Processing in the Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:228. [PMID: 31680892 PMCID: PMC6797836 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited form of human intellectual disability (ID) associated with autistic-like behaviors, is characterized by dys-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, especially vision. In the absence of Fragile Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), both retinal and cerebral structures of the visual pathway are impaired, suggesting that perception and integration of visual stimuli are altered. However, behavioral consequences of these defects remain unknown. In this study, we used male Fmr1−/y mice to further define visual disturbances from a behavioral perspective by focusing on three traits characterizing visual modality: perception of depth, contrasts and movements. We performed specific tests (Optomotor Drum, Visual Cliff) to evaluate these visual modalities, their evolution from youth to adulthood, and to assess their involvement in a cognitive task. We show that Fmr1−/y mice exhibit alteration in their visual skills, displaying impaired perspective perception, a drop in their ability to understand a moving contrasted pattern, and a defect in contrasts discrimination. Interestingly, Fmr1−/y phenotypes remain stable over time from adolescence to late adulthood. Besides, we report that color and shape are meaningful for the achievement of a cognitive test involving object recognition. Altogether, these results underline the significance of visual behavior alterations in FXS conditions and relevance of assessing visual skills in neuropsychiatric models before performing behavioral tasks, such as cognitive assessments, that involve visual discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Felgerolle
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Betty Hébert
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Maryvonne Ardourel
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Géraldine Meyer-Dilhet
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Menuet
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Kimberley Pinto-Morais
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Jacques Pichon
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Department of Genetics, Regional Hospital, Orléans, France
| | - Olivier Perche
- UMR7355, CNRS, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France.,Department of Genetics, Regional Hospital, Orléans, France
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10
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Guimarães-Souza EM, Joselevitch C, Britto LRG, Chiavegatto S. Retinal alterations in a pre-clinical model of an autism spectrum disorder. Mol Autism 2019; 10:19. [PMID: 31011411 PMCID: PMC6466731 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect around 1.5% of people worldwide. Symptoms start around age 2, when children fail to maintain eye contact and to develop speech and other forms of communication. Disturbances in glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling that lead to synaptic changes and alter the balance between excitation and inhibition in the developing brain are consistently found in ASD. One of the hallmarks of these disorders is hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli; however, little is known about its underlying causes. Since the retina is the part of the CNS that converts light into a neuronal signal, we set out to study how it is affected in adolescent mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid (VPA), a useful tool to study ASD endophenotypes. Methods Pregnant female mice received VPA (600 mg/kg, ip) or saline at gestational day 11. Their male adolescent pups (P29–35) were behaviorally tested for anxiety and social interaction. Proteins known to be related with ASD were quantified and visualized in their retinas by immunoassays, and retinal function was assessed by full-field scotopic electroretinograms (ERGs). Results Early adolescent mice prenatally exposed to VPA displayed impaired social interest and increased anxiety-like behaviors consistent with an ASD phenotype. The expression of GABA, GAD, synapsin-1, and FMRP proteins were reduced in their retinas, while mGluR5 was increased. The a-wave amplitudes of VPA-exposed were smaller than those of CTR animals, whereas the b-wave and oscillatory potentials were normal. Conclusions This study establishes that adolescent male mice of the VPA-induced ASD model have alterations in retinal function and protein expression compatible with those found in several brain areas of other autism models. These results support the view that synaptic disturbances with excitatory/inhibitory imbalance early in life are associated with ASD and point to the retina as a window to understand their subjacent mechanisms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-019-0270-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maria Guimarães-Souza
- 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
| | - Christina Joselevitch
- 2Department of Experimental Psychology, Psychology Institute, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 1721, São Paulo, SP 05508-030 Brazil
| | - Luiz Roberto G Britto
- 1Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil
| | - Silvana Chiavegatto
- 3Department of Pharmacology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 1524, São Paulo, SP 05508-000 Brazil.,4Department and Institute of Psychiatry, Clinics Hospital (HCFMUSP), University of São Paulo Medical School, Rua Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos, 785, São Paulo, SP 05403-903 Brazil
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11
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Kay RB, Gabreski NA, Triplett JW. Visual subcircuit-specific dysfunction and input-specific mispatterning in the superior colliculus of fragile X mice. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:23. [PMID: 29950161 PMCID: PMC6022700 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-018-9241-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory processing deficits are frequently co-morbid with neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS), caused by a silencing of the FMR1 gene, exhibit impairments in visual function specific to the dorsal system, which processes motion information. However, the developmental and circuit mechanisms underlying this deficit remain unclear. Recently, the superior colliculus (SC), a midbrain structure regulating head and eye movements, has emerged as a model for dissecting visual circuit development and function. Previous studies have demonstrated a critical role for activity-dependent processes in the development of visual circuitry in the SC. Based on the known role of the FMR1 gene product in activity-dependent synaptic plasticity, we explored the function and organization of visual circuits in the SC of a mouse model of FXS (Fmr1-/y). METHODS We utilized in vivo extracellular electrophysiology in combination with computer-controlled visual stimuli to determine the receptive field properties of visual neurons in the SC of control and Fmr1-/y mice. In addition, we utilized anatomical tracing methods to assess the organization of visual inputs to the SC and along the retinogeniculocortical pathway. RESULTS Receptive fields of visual neurons in the SC of Fmr1-/y mice were significantly larger than those found in control animals, though their shape and structure were unaffected. Further, selectivity for direction of movement was decreased, while selectivity to axis of movement was unchanged. Interestingly, axis-selective (AS) neurons exhibited a specific hyperexcitability in comparison to AS neurons in control SC and to direction-selective (DS) neurons in both control and Fmr1-/y SC. Anatomical tracings revealed that retinocollicular, retinogeniculate, and geniculocortical projections were normally organized in the absence of Fmr1. However, projections from primary visual cortex (V1) to the SC were poorly refined. CONCLUSIONS Fmr1 is required for the proper development of visual circuit organization and function in the SC. We find that visual dysfunction is heterogeneously manifested in a subcircuit-specific manner in Fmr1-/y mice, consistent with previous studies in human FXS patients. Further, we show a specific alteration of inputs to the SC from V1, but not the retina. Together, these data suggest that Fmr1 may function in distinct ways during the development of different visual subcircuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel B Kay
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nicole A Gabreski
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jason W Triplett
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. .,Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology & Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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Perche O, Felgerolle C, Ardourel M, Bazinet A, Pâris A, Rossignol R, Meyer-Dilhet G, Mausset-Bonnefont AL, Hébert B, Laurenceau D, Montécot-Dubourg C, Menuet A, Bizot JC, Pichon J, Ranchon-Cole I, Briault S. Early Retinal Defects in Fmr1-/y Mice: Toward a Critical Role of Visual Dys-Sensitivity in the Fragile X Syndrome Phenotype? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:96. [PMID: 29681800 PMCID: PMC5897671 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is caused by a deficiency in Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) leading to global sensorial abnormalities, among which visual defects represent a critical part. These visual defects are associated with cerebral neuron immaturity especially in the primary visual cortex. However, we recently demonstrated that retinas of adult Fmr1−/y mice, the FXS murine model, present molecular, cellular and functional alterations. However, no data are currently available on the evolution pattern of such defects. As retinal stimulation through Eye Opening (EO) is a crucial signal for the cerebral visual system maturation, we questioned the precocity of molecular and functional retinal phenotype. To answer this question, we studied the retinal molecular phenotype of Fmr1−/y mice before EO until adult age and the consequences of the retinal loss of Fmrp on retinal function in young and adult mice. We showed that retinal molecular defects are present before EO and remain stable at adult age, leading to electrophysiological impairments without any underlying structural changes. We underlined that loss of Fmrp leads to a wide range of defects in the retina, settled even before EO. Our work demonstrates a critical role of the sensorial dysfunction in the Fmr1−/y mice overall phenotype, and provides evidence that altered peripheral perception is a component of the sensory processing defect in FXS conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Perche
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.,UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Chloé Felgerolle
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Maryvonne Ardourel
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Audrey Bazinet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Pâris
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Rafaëlle Rossignol
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Géraldine Meyer-Dilhet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Betty Hébert
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - David Laurenceau
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Céline Montécot-Dubourg
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Arnaud Menuet
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | - Jacques Pichon
- UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Isabelle Ranchon-Cole
- Laboratory of Sensorial Biophysical, INSERM UMR1107 Equipe Biophysique Neurosensorielle, University of Clermont 1, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Sylvain Briault
- Genetic Department, Centre Hospitalier Régional d'Orléans, Orléans, France.,UMR7355, Immunologie et Neurogénétique Expérimentales et Moléculaires (INEM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Orléans, France.,Experimental and Molecular Immunology and Neurogenetics, University of Orléans, Orléans, France
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Dash S, Siddam AD, Barnum CE, Janga SC, Lachke SA. RNA-binding proteins in eye development and disease: implication of conserved RNA granule components. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-RNA 2016; 7:527-57. [PMID: 27133484 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The molecular biology of metazoan eye development is an area of intense investigation. These efforts have led to the surprising recognition that although insect and vertebrate eyes have dramatically different structures, the orthologs or family members of several conserved transcription and signaling regulators such as Pax6, Six3, Prox1, and Bmp4 are commonly required for their development. In contrast, our understanding of posttranscriptional regulation in eye development and disease, particularly regarding the function of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), is limited. We examine the present knowledge of RBPs in eye development in the insect model Drosophila as well as several vertebrate models such as fish, frog, chicken, and mouse. Interestingly, of the 42 RBPs that have been investigated for their expression or function in vertebrate eye development, 24 (~60%) are recognized in eukaryotic cells as components of RNA granules such as processing bodies, stress granules, or other specialized ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. We discuss the distinct developmental and cellular events that may necessitate potential RBP/RNA granule-associated RNA regulon models to facilitate posttranscriptional control of gene expression in eye morphogenesis. In support of these hypotheses, three RBPs and RNP/RNA granule components Tdrd7, Caprin2, and Stau2 are linked to ocular developmental defects such as congenital cataract, Peters anomaly, and microphthalmia in human patients or animal models. We conclude by discussing the utility of interdisciplinary approaches such as the bioinformatics tool iSyTE (integrated Systems Tool for Eye gene discovery) to prioritize RBPs for deriving posttranscriptional regulatory networks in eye development and disease. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:527-557. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1355 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soma Dash
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Archana D Siddam
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Carrie E Barnum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Sarath Chandra Janga
- Department of Biohealth Informatics, School of Informatics and Computing, Indiana University & Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Salil A Lachke
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.,Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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