1
|
Lee AS, Arefin TM, Gubanova A, Stephen DN, Liu Y, Lao Z, Krishnamurthy A, De Marco García NV, Heck DH, Zhang J, Rajadhyaksha AM, Joyner AL. Cerebellar output neurons impair non-motor behaviors by altering development of extracerebellar connectivity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602496. [PMID: 39026865 PMCID: PMC11257463 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The capacity of the brain to compensate for insults during development depends on the type of cell loss, whereas the consequences of genetic mutations in the same neurons are difficult to predict. We reveal powerful compensation from outside the cerebellum when the excitatory cerebellar output neurons are ablated embryonically and demonstrate that the minimum requirement for these neurons is for motor coordination and not learning and social behaviors. In contrast, loss of the homeobox transcription factors Engrailed1/2 (EN1/2) in the cerebellar excitatory lineage leads to additional deficits in adult learning and spatial working memory, despite half of the excitatory output neurons being intact. Diffusion MRI indicates increased thalamo-cortico-striatal connectivity in En1/2 mutants, showing that the remaining excitatory neurons lacking En1/2 exert adverse effects on extracerebellar circuits regulating motor learning and select non-motor behaviors. Thus, an absence of cerebellar output neurons is less disruptive than having cerebellar genetic mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Lee
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
| | - Tanzil M. Arefin
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, NY, USA
- Present Address: Center for Neurotechnology in Mental Health Research, Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA
| | - Alina Gubanova
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Daniel N. Stephen
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
- Center for Cerebellar Network Structure and Function in Health and Disease, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Zhimin Lao
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
| | - Anjana Krishnamurthy
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
| | - Natalia V. De Marco García
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
- Center for Neurogenetics, Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10021, NY 10021, USA
| | - Detlef H. Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
- Center for Cerebellar Network Structure and Function in Health and Disease, University of Minnesota, Duluth, MN 55812, USA
| | - Jiangyang Zhang
- Bernard and Irene Schwartz Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York 10016, NY, USA
| | - Anjali M. Rajadhyaksha
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
- Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10021, NY, USA
- Weill Cornell Autism Research Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York 10021, NY, USA
- Present address: Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA and Department of Neural Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Alexandra L. Joyner
- Developmental Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, New York 10065, NY, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
- Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York 10021, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kessi M, Chen B, Pang N, Yang L, Peng J, He F, Yin F. The genotype-phenotype correlations of the CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders: a small case series and literature reviews. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1222321. [PMID: 37555011 PMCID: PMC10406136 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1222321] [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: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genotype-phenotype correlations of the CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders such as global developmental delay (GDD)/intellectual disability (ID), epileptic encephalopathy (EE), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are unknown. We aimed to summarize genotype-phenotype correlations and potential treatment for CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS Six children diagnosed with CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from April 2018 to July 2021 were enrolled. The PubMed database was systematically searched for all reported patients with CACNA1A-related neurodevelopmental disorders until February 2023. Thereafter, we divided patients into several groups for comparison. RESULTS Six patients were recruited from our hospital. Three cases presented with epilepsy, five with GDD/ID, five with ataxia, and two with ASD. The variants included p.G701R, p.R279C, p.D1644N, p.Y62C, p.L1422Sfs*8, and p. R1664Q [two gain-of-function (GOF) and four loss-of-function (LOF) variants]. About 187 individuals with GDD/ID harboring 123 variants were found (case series plus data from literature). Of those 123 variants, p.A713T and p.R1664* were recurrent, 37 were LOF, and 7 were GOF. GOF variants were linked with severe-profound GDD/ID while LOF variants were associated with mild-moderate GDD/ID (p = 0.001). The p.A713T variant correlated with severe-profound GDD/ID (p = 0.003). A total of 130 epileptic patients harboring 83 variants were identified. The epileptic manifestations included status epilepticus (n = 64), provoked seizures (n = 49), focal seizures (n = 37), EE (n = 29), absence seizures (n = 26), and myoclonic seizures (n = 10). About 49 (42.20%) patients had controlled seizures while 67 (57.80%) individuals remained with refractory seizures. Status epilepticus correlated with variants located on S4, S5, and S6 (p = 0.000). Among the 83 epilepsy-related variants, 23 were recurrent, 32 were LOF, and 11 were GOF. Status epilepticus was linked with GOF variants (p = 0.000). LOF variants were associated with absence seizures (p = 0.000). Six patients died at an early age (3 months to ≤5 years). We found 18 children with ASD. Thirteen variants including recurrent ones were identified in those 18 cases. GOF changes were more linked to ASD. CONCLUSION The p.A713T variant is linked with severe-profound GDD/ID. More than half of CACNA1A-related epilepsy is refractory. The most common epileptic manifestation is status epilepticus, which correlates with variants located on S4, S5, and S6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Nan Pang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Pediatrics, Changsha, China
- Clinical Research Center for Children’s Neurodevelopmental Disabilities of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Harper KM, Nikolova VD, Conrad ME, Moy SS. Neonatal Behavioral Screen for Mouse Models of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2583:159-173. [PMID: 36418733 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2752-5_14] [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] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral phenotyping approaches for neonatal mice are important for investigating early alterations in brain development and function, relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders in humans. This chapter describes a behavioral screen that can provide an overall profile of function across the neonatal and preweaning period while also minimizing pup stress and disturbance of the maternal environment. Testing begins when mice are between 6 and 8 days in age, with additional evaluations at discrete time points until postnatal day (PD) 20-21, using tests for negative geotaxis, surface righting reflex, activity in an open field, acoustic startle responses and sensorimotor gating, and limb clasp.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Harper
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Monika E Conrad
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Der Heijden ME, Gill JS, Rey Hipolito AG, Salazar Leon LE, Sillitoe RV. Quantification of Behavioral Deficits in Developing Mice With Dystonic Behaviors. DYSTONIA 2022; 1:10494. [PMID: 36960404 PMCID: PMC10032351 DOI: 10.3389/dyst.2022.10494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence from structural imaging studies in patients, the function of dystonia-causing genes, and the comorbidity of neuronal and behavioral defects all suggest that pediatric-onset dystonia is a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, to fully appreciate the contribution of altered development to dystonia, a mechanistic understanding of how networks become dysfunctional is required for early-onset dystonia. One current hurdle is that many dystonia animal models are ideally suited for studying adult phenotypes, as the neurodevelopmental features can be subtle or are complicated by broad developmental deficits. Furthermore, most assays that are used to measure dystonia are not suited for developing postnatal mice. Here, we characterize the early-onset dystonia in Ptf1a Cre ;Vglut2 fl/fl mice, which is caused by the absence of neurotransmission from inferior olive neurons onto cerebellar Purkinje cells. We investigate motor control with two paradigms that examine how altered neural function impacts key neurodevelopmental milestones seen in postnatal pups (postnatal day 7-11). We find that Ptf1a Cre ;Vglut2 fl/fl mice have poor performance on the negative geotaxis assay and the surface righting reflex. Interestingly, we also find that Ptf1a Cre ;Vglut2 fl/fl mice make fewer ultrasonic calls when socially isolated from their nests. Ultrasonic calls are often impaired in rodent models of autism spectrum disorders, a condition that can be comorbid with dystonia. Together, we show that these assays can serve as useful quantitative tools for investigating how neural dysfunction during development influences neonatal behaviors in a dystonia mouse model. Our data implicate a shared cerebellar circuit mechanism underlying dystonia-related motor signs and social impairments in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E. Van Der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason S. Gill
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alejandro G. Rey Hipolito
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Luis E. Salazar Leon
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V. Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Correspondence: Roy V. Sillitoe,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
van der Heijden ME, Lackey EP, Perez R, Ișleyen FS, Brown AM, Donofrio SG, Lin T, Zoghbi HY, Sillitoe RV. Maturation of Purkinje cell firing properties relies on neurogenesis of excitatory neurons. eLife 2021; 10:e68045. [PMID: 34542409 PMCID: PMC8452305 DOI: 10.7554/elife.68045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Preterm infants that suffer cerebellar insults often develop motor disorders and cognitive difficulty. Excitatory granule cells, the most numerous neuron type in the brain, are especially vulnerable and likely instigate disease by impairing the function of their targets, the Purkinje cells. Here, we use regional genetic manipulations and in vivo electrophysiology to test whether excitatory neurons establish the firing properties of Purkinje cells during postnatal mouse development. We generated mutant mice that lack the majority of excitatory cerebellar neurons and tracked the structural and functional consequences on Purkinje cells. We reveal that Purkinje cells fail to acquire their typical morphology and connectivity, and that the concomitant transformation of Purkinje cell firing activity does not occur either. We also show that our mutant pups have impaired motor behaviors and vocal skills. These data argue that excitatory cerebellar neurons define the maturation time-window for postnatal Purkinje cell functions and refine cerebellar-dependent behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Elizabeth P Lackey
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Ross Perez
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Fatma S Ișleyen
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Amanda M Brown
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Sarah G Donofrio
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Tao Lin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s HospitalHoustonUnited States
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
- Development, Disease Models and Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of MedicineHoustonUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
van der Heijden ME, Sillitoe RV. Interactions Between Purkinje Cells and Granule Cells Coordinate the Development of Functional Cerebellar Circuits. Neuroscience 2021; 462:4-21. [PMID: 32554107 PMCID: PMC7736359 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar development has a remarkably protracted morphogenetic timeline that is coordinated by multiple cell types. Here, we discuss the intriguing cellular consequences of interactions between inhibitory Purkinje cells and excitatory granule cells during embryonic and postnatal development. Purkinje cells are central to all cerebellar circuits, they are the first cerebellar cortical neurons to be born, and based on their cellular and molecular signaling, they are considered the master regulators of cerebellar development. Although rudimentary Purkinje cell circuits are already present at birth, their connectivity is morphologically and functionally distinct from their mature counterparts. The establishment of the Purkinje cell circuit with its mature firing properties has a temporal dependence on cues provided by granule cells. Granule cells are the latest born, yet most populous, neuronal type in the cerebellar cortex. They provide a combination of mechanical, molecular and activity-based cues that shape the maturation of Purkinje cell structure, connectivity and function. We propose that the wiring of Purkinje cells for function falls into two developmental phases: an initial phase that is guided by intrinsic mechanisms and a later phase that is guided by dynamically-acting cues, some of which are provided by granule cells. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms that granule cells use to help establish the unique properties of Purkinje cell firing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Effects of corticosterone injections in mid-to-late mouse postnatal development on adult motor activity and coordination. Neurosci Res 2020; 164:22-32. [PMID: 32320709 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are involved in the developing brain but, in excessive amounts, may depress its growth and cause psychomotor development disorders. To test the long-term vulnerability of motor structures such as the cerebellum to supraphysiological corticosterone (CORT), the hormone was subcutaneously delivered at a dose of 20 mg/kg from postnatal day (P) 8 to P29 in C57BL/6 male mice evaluated for sensorimotor functions at P15, P22, P29, and 3 months. Relative to placebo, CORT increased motor activity in the open-field at P29 and 3 months as well as facilitating rotorod acquisition and visuomotor control necessary for swimming towards a visible goal without affecting spatial learning in the Morris water maze. CORT caused lobule-specific effects on cerebellar morphology by decreasing granule cell layer thickness in simplex lobule but increasing molecular and granule cell layer thickness in crus 2. The functional impact of these changes is indicated by significant correlations found between cerebellar size and activity levels or proficiency on the rotorod test of motor coordination.
Collapse
|
8
|
Sathyanesan A, Gallo V. Cerebellar contribution to locomotor behavior: A neurodevelopmental perspective. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 165:106861. [PMID: 29723669 PMCID: PMC7303045 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2018.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The developmental trajectory of the formation of cerebellar circuitry has significant implications for locomotor plasticity and adaptive learning at later stages. While there is a wealth of knowledge on the development of locomotor behavior in human infants, children, and adolescents, pre-clinical animal models have fallen behind on the study of the emergence of behavioral motifs in locomotor function across postnatal development. Since cerebellar development is protracted, it is subject to higher risk of genetic or environmental disruption, potentially leading to abnormal behavioral development. This highlights the need for more sophisticated and specific functional analyses of adaptive cerebellar behavior within the context of whole-body locomotion across the entire span of postnatal development. Here we review evidence on cerebellar contribution to adaptive locomotor behavior, highlighting methodologies employed to quantify and categorize behavior at different developmental stages, with the ultimate goal of following the course of early behavioral alterations in neurodevelopmental disorders. Since experimental paradigms used to study cerebellar behavior are lacking in both specificity and applicability to locomotor contexts, we highlight the use of the Erasmus Ladder - an advanced, computerized, fully automated system to quantify adaptive cerebellar learning in conjunction with locomotor function. Finally, we emphasize the need to develop objective, quantitative, behavioral tasks which can track changes in developmental trajectories rather than endpoint measurement at the adult stage of behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA; George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Miquel M, Nicola SM, Gil-Miravet I, Guarque-Chabrera J, Sanchez-Hernandez A. A Working Hypothesis for the Role of the Cerebellum in Impulsivity and Compulsivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:99. [PMID: 31133834 PMCID: PMC6513968 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence associates cerebellar abnormalities with several neuropsychiatric disorders in which compulsive symptomatology and impulsivity are part of the disease pattern. Symptomatology of autism, addiction, obsessive-compulsive (OCD), and attention deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) disorders transcends the sphere of motor dysfunction and essentially entails integrative processes under control of prefrontal-thalamic-cerebellar loops. Patients with brain lesions affecting the cortico-striatum thalamic circuitry and the cerebellum indeed exhibit compulsive symptoms. Specifically, lesions of the posterior cerebellar vermis cause affective dysregulation and deficits in executive function. These deficits may be due to impairment of one of the main functions of the cerebellum, implementation of forward internal models of the environment. Actions that are independent of internal models may not be guided by predictive relationships or a mental representation of the goal. In this review article, we explain how this deficit might affect executive functions. Additionally, regionalized cerebellar lesions have been demonstrated to impair other brain functions such as the emergence of habits and behavioral inhibition, which are also altered in compulsive disorders. Similar to the infralimbic cortex, clinical studies and research in animal models suggest that the cerebellum is not required for learning goal-directed behaviors, but it is critical for habit formation. Despite this accumulating data, the role of the cerebellum in compulsive symptomatology and impulsivity is still a matter of discussion. Overall, findings point to a modulatory function of the cerebellum in terminating or initiating actions through regulation of the prefrontal cortices. Specifically, the cerebellum may be crucial for restraining ongoing actions when environmental conditions change by adjusting prefrontal activity in response to the new external and internal stimuli, thereby promoting flexible behavioral control. We elaborate on this explanatory framework and propose a working hypothesis for the involvement of the cerebellum in compulsive and impulsive endophenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Miquel
- Área de Psicobiología, School of Health Science, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Saleem M Nicola
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Isis Gil-Miravet
- Área de Psicobiología, School of Health Science, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Julian Guarque-Chabrera
- Área de Psicobiología, School of Health Science, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| | - Aitor Sanchez-Hernandez
- Área de Psicobiología, School of Health Science, Universitat Jaume I, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This survey takes into consideration the most recent advances in both human degenerative ataxias, disorders with a well established cerebellar origin, and discoveries from dystonia rodent models aimed at discussing the pathogenesis of dystonia. RECENT FINDINGS One common recurrent term that emerges when describing dystonia is heterogeneity. Indeed, dystonia encompasses a wide group of 'hyperkinetic' movement disorders, with heterogeneous causes, classification, anatomical and physiological substrates. In addition, the clinical heterogeneity of age at onset, symptom distribution and appearance of non-motor symptoms has supported the concept of dystonia as 'network' disorder. Pathophysiological alterations are thought to arise from dysfunction at cortico-thalamic-basal ganglia level, whereas, more recently, a role for cerebellar pathways emerged. Results from human and animal studies thus fuel the evolving concept of the network disorder. SUMMARY Current evidence suggests the involvement of multiple brain regions and cellular mechanisms, as part of the neural dysfunction observed at system level in dystonia.
Collapse
|
11
|
Goncalves TM, Southey BR, Rodriguez-Zas SL. Interplay Between Amphetamine and Activity Level in Gene Networks of the Mouse Striatum. Bioinform Biol Insights 2018; 12:1177932218815152. [PMID: 30559594 PMCID: PMC6291885 DOI: 10.1177/1177932218815152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychostimulant amphetamine can be prescribed to ameliorate the symptoms of narcolepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and to facilitate weight loss. This stimulant can also have negative effects including toxicity and addiction risk. The impact of amphetamine on gene networks is partially understood and this study addresses this gap in consideration of the physical activity. The striata of mice exposed to either amphetamine or saline treatment were compared in a mouse line selected for home cage physical overactivity, a phenotype that can be mitigated with amphetamine, and in a contemporary control line using RNA-seq. Genes presenting opposite expression patterns between treatments across lines included a pseudogene of coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 2 gene (Chchd2), ribonuclease P RNA component H1 (Rpph1), short stature homeobox 2 (Shox2), transient receptor potential melastatin 6 (Trpm6), and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 9 (Tnfrsf9). Genes presenting consistent treatment patterns across lines, albeit at different levels of significance included cholecystokinin (Cck), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (Vip), arginine vasopressin (Avp), oxytocin/neurophysin (Oxt), thyrotropin releasing hormone (Trh), neurotensin (Nts), angiotensinogen (Agt), galanin (Gal), prolactin receptor (Prlr), and calcitonin receptor (Calcr). Potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 6 (Kcnj6), and retinoic acid-related (RAR)-related orphan receptor alpha (Rora) were similarly differentially expressed between treatments across lines. Functional categories enriched among the genes presenting line-dependent amphetamine effect included genes coding for neuropeptides and associated with memory and neuroplasticity and synaptic signaling, energy, and redox processes. A line-dependent association between amphetamine exposure and the synaptic signaling genes neurogranin (Nrgn) and synaptic membrane exocytosis 1(Rims1) was highlighted in the gene networks. Our findings advance the understanding of molecular players and networks affected by amphetamine in support of the development of activity-targeted therapies that may capitalize on the benefits of this psychostimulant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tassia M Goncalves
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Bruce R Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jaber M. [The cerebellum as a major player in motor disturbances related to Autistic Syndrome Disorders]. Encephale 2016; 43:170-175. [PMID: 27616580 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders associated with disturbances in communication, social interactions, cognition and affect. ASD are also accompanied by complex movement disorders, including ataxia. A special focus of recent research in this area is made on the striatum and the cerebellum, two structures known not only to control movement but also to be involved in cognitive functions such as memory and language. Dysfunction within the motor system may be associated with abnormal movements in ASD that are translated into ataxia, abnormal pattern of righting, gait sequencing, development of walking, and hand positioning. This line of study may generate new knowledge and understanding of motor symptoms associated with ASD and aims to deliver fresh perspectives for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies against ASD. AIMS OF THE REVIEW Despite the relative paucity of research in this area (compared to the social, linguistic, and behavioural disturbances in ASD), there is evidence that the frontostriatal motor system and/or the cerebellar motor systems may be the site of dysfunction in ASD. Indeed, the cerebellum seems to be essential in the development of basic social capabilities, communication, repetitive/restrictive behaviors, and motor and cognitive behaviors that are all impaired in ASD. Cerebellar neuropathology including cerebellar hypoplasia and reduced cerebellar Purkinje cell numbers are the most consistent neuropathologies linked to ASD. The functional state of the cerebellum and its impact on brain function in ASD is the focus of this review. This review starts by recapitulating historical findings pointing towards an implication of the cerebellum, and to a lesser extent the basal ganglia structures, in TSA. We then detail the structure/function of the cerebellum at the regional and cellular levels before describing human and animal findings indicating a role of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in ASD. HUMAN AND ANIMAL FINDINGS Several studies have attempted to identify the nature of the motor system dysfunction in ASD, and it became apparent that the motor fronto-striatal and cerebellar systems are major sites of dysfunction in this psychiatric illness. Anomalies in these structures have been revealed both at the anatomical and functional levels in human patients as well as in animal models. These models are obtained by manipulation of genes that are often implicated in glutamate transmission, by lesions of brain structures among which the cerebellum, by pharmacological treatment with drugs such as the Valproate or by maternal infections with bacterial membrane extracts of double stranded RNA mimicking a viral infection. CONCLUSION The "cognitive approach" has dominated ASD research for three decades and led to the design of interventional strategies, which have yielded satisfactory results. Nevertheless, new approaches and alternative hypotheses on the aetiology and diagnosis of ASD are needed. Research focused on motor rather than psychiatric symptoms may have a greater potential to elucidate the neurobiological basis of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Jaber
- Inserm U-1084, laboratoire de neurosciences expérimentales et cliniques, LNEC, université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, bâtiment B36, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, BP 633, TSA 51106, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Cifuentes-Mendiola S, Pérez-Martínez I, Muñoz-Saavedra Á, Torres-Contreras J, García-Hernández A. Clinical applications of molecular basis for Craniosynostosis. A narrative review. JOURNAL OF ORAL RESEARCH 2016. [DOI: 10.17126/joralres.2016.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|