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Yang Y, Zheng T, Tang Q, Xiang B, Yang M, Zeng J, Zhou F, Xie X. Developmental dyslexia genes are selectively targeted by diverse environmental pollutants. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:509. [PMID: 39020327 PMCID: PMC11256705 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05952-4] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developmental dyslexia, a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, not only affects children's academic performance but is also associated with increased healthcare costs, lower employment rates, and reduced productivity. The pathogenesis of dyslexia remains unclear and it is generally considered to be caused by the overlap of genetic and environmental factors. Systematically exploring the close relationship between exposure to environmental compounds and susceptibility genes in the development of dyslexia is currently lacking but high necessary. METHODS In this study, we systematically compiled 131 publicly reported susceptibility genes for dyslexia sourced from DisGeNET, OMIM, and GeneCards databases. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database database was used to explore the overlap between susceptibility genes and 95 environmental compounds, including metals, persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides. Chemical bias towards the dyslexia risk genes was taken into account in the observation/expectation ratios > 1 and the corresponding P value obtained by hypergeometric probability test. RESULTS Our study found that the number of dyslexia risk genes targeted by each chemical varied from 1 to 109. A total of 35 chemicals were involved in chemical reactions with dyslexia-associated genes, with significant enrichment values (observed/expected dyslexia risk genes) ranging from 1.147 (Atrazine) to 66.901 (Dibenzo(a, h)pyrene). CONCLUSION The results indicated that dyslexia-associated genes were implicated in certain chemical reactions. However, these findings are exploratory, and further research involving animal or cellular experiments is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyang Yang
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Tingting Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Qidi Tang
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Bing Xiang
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Jing Zeng
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Feng Zhou
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China
| | - Xinyan Xie
- Research Center for Health Promotion in Women, Youth and Children, Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Occupational Hazard Identification and Control, School of Public Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, West Huangjiahu Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430065, China.
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Rodriguez JM, Abascal F, Cerdán-Vélez D, Gómez LM, Vázquez J, Tress ML. Evidence for widespread translation of 5' untranslated regions. Nucleic Acids Res 2024:gkae571. [PMID: 38953162 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Ribosome profiling experiments support the translation of a range of novel human open reading frames. By contrast, most peptides from large-scale proteomics experiments derive from just one source, 5' untranslated regions. Across the human genome we find evidence for 192 translated upstream regions, most of which would produce protein isoforms with extended N-terminal ends. Almost all of these N-terminal extensions are from highly abundant genes, which suggests that the novel regions we detect are just the tip of the iceberg. These upstream regions have characteristics that are not typical of coding exons. Their GC-content is remarkably high, even higher than 5' regions in other genes, and a large majority have non-canonical start codons. Although some novel upstream regions have cross-species conservation - five have orthologues in invertebrates for example - the reading frames of two thirds are not conserved beyond simians. These non-conserved regions also have no evidence of purifying selection, which suggests that much of this translation is not functional. In addition, non-conserved upstream regions have significantly more peptides in cancer cell lines than would be expected, a strong indication that an aberrant or noisy translation initiation process may play an important role in translation from upstream regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel Rodriguez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Federico Abascal
- Somatic Evolution Group, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA. UK
| | - Daniel Cerdán-Vélez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Martínez Gómez
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Vázquez
- Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Michael L Tress
- Bioinformatics Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Riggio S, Tolone M, Sottile G, Tumino S, Portolano B, Sutera AM, Sardina MT, Cesarani A, Mastrangelo S. A high-density genome-wide approach reveals novel genetic markers linked to small ruminant lentivirus susceptibility in sheep. Front Genet 2024; 15:1376883. [PMID: 38911298 PMCID: PMC11191640 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1376883] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Visna/Maedi virus (VMV) is lentiviral disease of sheep responsible for severe production losses. Multiple genomic regions associated with infection were reported indicating genetic complexity. In this study, a combined genome-wide approach using a high-density SNP array has been performed, comparing VMV-infected (n = 78) and non-infected (n = 66) individuals of the Valle del Belice breed. The serological tests showed a seroprevalence of 26%. The comparison among results from different approaches (GWAS, Fisher's exact test and the FST analysis) revealed two association signals: on OAR03 close to the GRIN2B gene and on OAR05 close to the TMEM232 gene. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no previous association between these genes and lentiviral infection in any species. The GRIN2B gene plays a role in pain response, synaptic transmission, and receptor clustering, while TMEM232 is involved in the development of immune-related disorders. The results highlighted new aspects of the genetic complexity related to the resistance/susceptibility to VMV in sheep, confirming that studies on different breeds can lead to different results. The ideal approach for validation of the markers identified in our study is to use samples from a population independent from the discovery population with the same phenotype used in the discovery stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Riggio
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marco Tolone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche, ed Ambientali, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Sottile
- Dipartimento Scienze Economiche, Aziendali e Statistiche, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Tumino
- Dipartimento di Agricoltura, Alimentazione e Ambiente, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Baldassare Portolano
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Sutera
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Biologiche, Farmaceutiche, ed Ambientali, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Sardina
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Cesarani
- Dipartimento di Agraria, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Salvatore Mastrangelo
- Dipartimento Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Forestali, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Hudac CM, Friedman NR, Ward VR, Estreicher RE, Dorsey GC, Bernier RA, Kurtz-Nelson EC, Earl RK, Eichler EE, Neuhaus E. Characterizing Sensory Phenotypes of Subgroups with a Known Genetic Etiology Pertaining to Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2386-2401. [PMID: 37031308 PMCID: PMC10083138 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05897-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/10/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify unique constellations of sensory phenotypes for genetic etiologies associated with diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Caregivers reported on sensory behaviors via the Sensory Profile for 290 participants (younger than 25 years of age) with ASD and/or ID diagnoses, of which ~ 70% have a known pathogenic genetic etiology. Caregivers endorsed poor registration (i.e., high sensory threshold, passive behaviors) for all genetic subgroups relative to an "idiopathic" comparison group with an ASD diagnosis and without a known genetic etiology. Genetic profiles indicated prominent sensory seeking in ADNP, CHD8, and DYRK1A, prominent sensory sensitivities in SCN2A, and fewer sensation avoidance behaviors in GRIN2B (relative to the idiopathic ASD comparison group).
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M Hudac
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, 1800 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA.
- Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
| | - Nicole R Friedman
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Victoria R Ward
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Rachel E Estreicher
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Grace C Dorsey
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Rachel K Earl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily Neuhaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
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5
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Xie X, Zhou R, Fang Z, Zhang Y, Wang Q, Liu X. Seeing beyond words: Visualizing autism spectrum disorder biomarker insights. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30420. [PMID: 38694128 PMCID: PMC11061761 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study employs bibliometric and visual analysis to elucidate global research trends in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) biomarkers, identify critical research focal points, and discuss the potential integration of diverse biomarker modalities for precise ASD assessment. Methods A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection database until December 31, 2022. Visualization tools, including R, VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and gCLUTO, were utilized to examine collaborative networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword associations among countries, institutions, authors, journals, documents, and keywords. Results ASD biomarker research emerged in 2004, accumulating a corpus of 4348 documents by December 31, 2022. The United States, with 1574 publications and an H-index of 213, emerged as the most prolific and influential country. The University of California, Davis, contributed significantly with 346 publications and an H-index of 69, making it the leading institution. Concerning journals, the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Autism Research, and PLOS ONE were the top three publishers of ASD biomarker-related articles among a total of 1140 academic journals. Co-citation and keyword analyses revealed research hotspots in genetics, imaging, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and eye tracking. Emerging topics included "DNA methylation," "eye tracking," "metabolomics," and "resting-state fMRI." Conclusion The field of ASD biomarker research is dynamically evolving. Future endeavors should prioritize individual stratification, methodological standardization, the harmonious integration of biomarker modalities, and longitudinal studies to advance the precision of ASD diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Rongyi Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Zihan Fang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Yongting Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Pediatrics Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Qirong Wang
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pediatrics, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
| | - Xiaomian Liu
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450046, China
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6
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Lee S, Jung WB, Moon H, Im GH, Noh YW, Shin W, Kim YG, Yi JH, Hong SJ, Jung Y, Ahn S, Kim SG, Kim E. Anterior cingulate cortex-related functional hyperconnectivity underlies sensory hypersensitivity in Grin2b-mutant mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02572-y. [PMID: 38704508 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02572-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Sensory abnormalities are observed in ~90% of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. GluN2B, an NMDA receptor subunit that regulates long-term depression and circuit refinement during brain development, has been strongly implicated in ASD, but whether GRIN2B mutations lead to sensory abnormalities remains unclear. Here, we report that Grin2b-mutant mice show behavioral sensory hypersensitivity and brain hyperconnectivity associated with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Grin2b-mutant mice with a patient-derived C456Y mutation (Grin2bC456Y/+) show sensory hypersensitivity to mechanical, thermal, and electrical stimuli through supraspinal mechanisms. c-fos and functional magnetic resonance imaging indicate that the ACC is hyperactive and hyperconnected with other brain regions under baseline and stimulation conditions. ACC pyramidal neurons show increased excitatory synaptic transmission. Chemogenetic inhibition of ACC pyramidal neurons normalizes ACC hyperconnectivity and sensory hypersensitivity. These results suggest that GluN2B critically regulates ASD-related cortical connectivity and sensory brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soowon Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, 13620, Korea
| | - Won Beom Jung
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
- Emotion, Cognition & Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI), Daegu, 41062, Korea
| | - Heera Moon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Geun Ho Im
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Young Woo Noh
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Wangyong Shin
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Yong Gyu Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Jee Hyun Yi
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Seok Jun Hong
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea
| | - Yongwhan Jung
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Korea
| | - Sunjoo Ahn
- Therapeutics and Biotechnology Division, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), Daejeon, 34114, Korea
| | - Seong-Gi Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
- Department of Intelligent Precision Healthcare Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Korea.
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
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Moctezuma B, Santiago Á, Burguete-García A, Martínez-Barnetche J, Morales-Gómez C, Hernandez-Chavez C, Gil G, Peterson KE, Tellez-Rojo MM, Lamadrid-Figueroa H. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of ANKK1, DDR4, and GRIN2B genes predict behavior in a prospective cohort of Mexican children and adolescents. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 38530142 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10326] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have established associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various behavioral and neurodevelopmental conditions. This study explores the links between SNPs in candidate genes involved in central nervous system (CNS) physiology and their implications for the behavioral and emotional aspects in children and teenagers. A total of 590 participants, aged 7-15 years, from the Early Life Exposures In Mexico To Environmental Toxicants (ELEMENT) cohort study in Mexico City, underwent genotyping for at least one of 15 CNS gene-related SNPs at different timepoints. We employed multiple linear regression models to assess the potential impact of genetic variations on behavioral and cognitive traits, as measured by the Behavioral Assessment System for Children (BASC) and Conners parent rating scales. Significant associations were observed, including the rs1800497 TC genotype (ANKK1) with the Cognitive Problems/Inattention variable (p value = 0.003), the rs1800955 CT genotype (DDR4) with the Emotional Lability Global index variable (p value = 0.01), and the rs10492138 GA and rs7970177 TC genotypes (GRIN2B) with the Depression variable (p values 0.007 and 0.012, respectively). These finds suggest potential genetic profiles associated with "risk" and "protective" behaviors for these SNPs. Our results provide valuable insights into the role of genetic variations in neurobehavior and highlight the need for further research in the early identification and intervention in individuals at risk for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Moctezuma
- School of Public Health of Mexico, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ángel Santiago
- Department of Perinatal Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Ana Burguete-García
- Center for Population Health Research, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | | | - Claudia Morales-Gómez
- Epidemiologic Surveillance, Mexican Institute of Social Security-Bienestar, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carmen Hernandez-Chavez
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Gil
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Perinatology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karen E Peterson
- Nutritional Sciences Department, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martha M Tellez-Rojo
- Center for Research in Nutrition and Health, National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
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Mohtaj Khorassani Y, Moghimi A, Khakzad MR, Fereidoni M, Hassani D, Torbati Gah J. Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on autistic behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression in valproic acid-exposed rats. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1385189. [PMID: 38562305 PMCID: PMC10982371 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1385189] [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: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a potential treatment for autism, although its effects on behavior and gene expression are not well understood. The GRIN2B gene, known for its involvement in encoding a glutamate receptor subunit crucial for neuron communication and associated with autism, was a focus of this study. Methods Using a rat model induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid, we examined the impact of HBOT on autism-like behaviors and GRIN2B gene expression. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: control, VPA (valproic acid-exposed), VPA+HBOT [2 atmosphere absolute (ATA)], and VPA+HBOT (2.5 ATA). The rats underwent several behavioral tests to assess social behavior, anxiety, stereotype and exploratory behaviors, and learning. Following the behavioral tests, the HBOT groups received 15 sessions of HBOT at pressures of 2 and 2.5 (ATA), and their behaviors were re-evaluated. Subsequently, real-time PCR was employed to measure GRIN2B gene expression in the frontal lobe. Results Our results indicated that HBOT significantly increased social interaction and exploratory behaviors in VPA-exposed rats, alongside elevated GRIN2B gene expression in their frontal lobe. Discussion Our findings imply that HBOT might have a potential role in ameliorating autism-related behaviors in the VPA rat model of autism through potential modulation of GRIN2B gene expression. However, additional research is essential to fully comprehend the underlying mechanisms and refine the HBOT protocol for optimizing its effectiveness in improving autism-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalda Mohtaj Khorassani
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Moghimi
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Khakzad
- Innovative Medical Research Center and Department of Immunology, Mashhad Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Masoud Fereidoni
- Rayan Research Center for Neuroscience & Behavior, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Delaram Hassani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Torbati Gah
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mashhad Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
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9
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Kysilov B, Kuchtiak V, Hrcka Krausova B, Balik A, Korinek M, Fili K, Dobrovolski M, Abramova V, Chodounska H, Kudova E, Bozikova P, Cerny J, Smejkalova T, Vyklicky L. Disease-associated nonsense and frame-shift variants resulting in the truncation of the GluN2A or GluN2B C-terminal domain decrease NMDAR surface expression and reduce potentiating effects of neurosteroids. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:36. [PMID: 38214768 PMCID: PMC10786987 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05062-6] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in normal brain function, and variants in genes encoding NMDAR subunits have been described in individuals with various neuropsychiatric disorders. We have used whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy and in-silico modeling to explore the functional consequences of disease-associated nonsense and frame-shift variants resulting in the truncation of GluN2A or GluN2B C-terminal domain (CTD). This study characterizes variant NMDARs and shows their reduced surface expression and synaptic localization, altered agonist affinity, increased desensitization, and reduced probability of channel opening. We also show that naturally occurring and synthetic steroids pregnenolone sulfate and epipregnanolone butanoic acid, respectively, enhance NMDAR function in a way that is dependent on the length of the truncated CTD and, further, is steroid-specific, GluN2A/B subunit-specific, and GluN1 splice variant-specific. Adding to the previously described effects of disease-associated NMDAR variants on the receptor biogenesis and function, our results improve the understanding of the molecular consequences of NMDAR CTD truncations and provide an opportunity for the development of new therapeutic neurosteroid-based ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Kysilov
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Road, NY, 11794, USA
| | - Viktor Kuchtiak
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 2038, 12800, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrcka Krausova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Balik
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Miloslav Korinek
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Klevinda Fili
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Mark Dobrovolski
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Vera Abramova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruska 87, 10000, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nam. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo Nam. 2, 16610, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Paulina Bozikova
- Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, BIOCEV, Prumyslova 595, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Tereza Smejkalova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Ladislav Vyklicky
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14200, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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10
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Zoodsma JD, Gomes CI, Sirotkin HI, Wollmuth LP. Behavioral Assays Dissecting NMDA Receptor Function in Zebrafish. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2799:243-255. [PMID: 38727911 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3830-9_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Zebrafish are a powerful system to study brain development and to dissect the activity of complex circuits. One advantage is that they display complex behaviors, including prey capture, learning, responses to photic and acoustic stimuli, and social interaction (Dreosti et al., Front Neural Circuits 9:39, 2015; Bruckner et al., PLoS Biol 20:e3001838, 2022; Zoodsma et al., Mol Autism 13:38, 2022) that can be probed to assess brain function. Many of these behaviors are easily assayed at early larval stages, offering a noninvasive and high-throughput readout of nervous system function. Additionally, larval zebrafish readily uptake small molecules dissolved in water making them ideal for behavioral-based drug screens. Together, larval zebrafish and their behavioral repertoire offer a means to rapidly dissect brain circuitry and can serve as a template for high-throughput small molecule screens.NMDA receptor subunits are highly conserved in zebrafish compared to mammals (Zoodsma et al., Mol Autism 13:38, 2022; Cox et al., Dev Dyn 234:756-766, 2005; Zoodsma et al., J Neurosci 40:3631-3645, 2020). High amino acid and domain structure homology between humans and zebrafish underlie conserved functional similarities. Here we describe a set of behavioral assays that are useful to study the NMDA receptor activity in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah D Zoodsma
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Carly I Gomes
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Howard I Sirotkin
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Lonnie P Wollmuth
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
- Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA.
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11
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Weaver MG, Popescu GK. Estimating the Ca 2+ Permeability of NMDA Receptors with Whole-Cell Patch-Clamp Electrophysiology. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2799:177-200. [PMID: 38727908 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3830-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), fast excitatory transmission relies primarily on the ionic fluxes generated by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). Among iGluRs, NMDA receptors (NMDARs) are unique in their ability to pass large, Ca2+-rich currents. Importantly, their high Ca2+ permeability is essential for normal CNS function and is under physiological control. For this reason, the accurate measurement of NMDA receptor Ca2+ permeability represents a valuable experimental step in evaluating the mechanism by which these receptors contribute to a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. In this chapter, we provide a theoretical and practical overview of the common methods used to estimate the Ca2+ permeability of ion channels as they apply to NMDA receptors. Specifically, we describe the principles and methodology used to calculate relative permeability (PCa/PNa) and fractional permeability (Pf), along with the relationship between these two metrics. With increasing knowledge about the structural dynamics of ion channels and of the ongoing environmental fluctuations in which channels operate in vivo, the ability to quantify the Ca2+ entering cells through specific ion channels remains a tool essential to delineating the molecular mechanisms that support health and cause disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mae G Weaver
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Gabriela K Popescu
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNY, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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12
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den Hollander B, Rothuizen-Lindenschot M, Geertjens L, Vaz FM, Brands MM, Le HL, van Eeghen AM, van de Ven PM, Cornel MC, Jacobs BA, Bruining H, van Karnebeek CD. Effectiveness of L-serine supplementation in children with a GRIN2B loss-of-function mutation: Rationale and protocol for single patient (n-of-1) multiple cross-over trials. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 36:101233. [PMID: 38144875 PMCID: PMC10746402 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101233] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in GRIN2B result in neurologic abnormalities due to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) dysfunction. Affected persons present with various symptoms, including intellectual developmental disability (IDD), hypotonia, communication deficits, motor impairment, complex behavior, seizures, sleep disorders and gastrointestinal disturbance. Recently, in vitro experiments showed that D-serine mitigates function to GluN2B (mutation)-containing NMDARs. 11 previous case reports are published on (experimental) L-serine treatment of patients between 1.5 and 12 years old with GRIN2B missense or null mutations, some of whom showed notable improvement in motor and cognitive performance, communication, behavior and abnormalities on electro encephalography (EEG). Our objective is to further evaluate the effectiveness of L-serine for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder (GRIN2B-NDD), using an n-of-1 trial design, increasing the level of evidence. Methods/design These n-of-1 trials, consisting of 2 cycles of 6 months, will be performed to evaluate the effect of L-serine compared to placebo in 4 patients with a GRIN2B LoF mutation. The aggregation of multiple n-of-1 trials will provide an estimate of the average treatment effects.The primary outcome is the Perceive-Recall-Plan-Perform of Task Analysis, assessing developmental skills. Secondary outcomes include Goal Attainment Scaling, seizure log books, EEGs, sleep log books, the irritability subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist, the Bristol Stool Scale and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Conclusion This study employs an innovative methodological approach to evaluate the effectiveness of L-serine for patients with a GRIN2B LoF mutation. The results will establish a foundation for implementing L-serine as a disease-modifying treatment in GRIN2B-NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bibiche den Hollander
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lisa Geertjens
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, N=You Neurodevelopmental Precision Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frédéric M. Vaz
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Clinical Chemistry and Pediatrics, Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Emma Children's Hospital, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Core Facility Metabolomics, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marion M. Brands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hoang Lan Le
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Agnies M. van Eeghen
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Advisium, ‘s Heerlen Loo Zorggroep, Amersfoort, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Methodology and Mental Health and Personalized Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Child Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M. van de Ven
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Data Science and Biostatistics, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Martina C. Cornel
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart A.W. Jacobs
- Medicine for Society, Platform at Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Plesmanlaan 121, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hilgo Bruining
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychosocial Care, Emma Children's Hospital, Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, N=You Neurodevelopmental Precision Center, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Clara D. van Karnebeek
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Emma Personalized Medicine Center, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit van Amsterdam, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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13
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Moody G, Musco A, Bennett J, Wollmuth LP. An integrated approach to evaluate the functional effects of disease-associated NMDA receptor variants. Neuropharmacology 2023; 240:109703. [PMID: 37689262 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109703] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) is a ubiquitously expressed glutamate-gated ion channel that plays key roles in brain development and function. Not surprisingly, a variety of disease-associated variants have been identified in genes encoding NMDAR subunits. A critical first step to assess whether these variants contribute to their associated disorder is to characterize their effect on receptor function. However, the complexity of NMDAR function makes this challenging, with many variants typically altering multiple functional properties. At synapses, NMDARs encode pre- and postsynaptic activity to carry a charge transfer that alters membrane excitability and a Ca2+ influx that has both short- and long-term signaling actions. Here, we characterized epilepsy-associated variants in GluN1 and GluN2A subunits with various phenotypic severity in HEK293 cells. To capture the complexity of NMDAR gating, we applied 10 glutamate pulses at 10 Hz to derive a charge integral. This assay is advantageous since it incorporates multiple gating parameters - activation, deactivation, and desensitization - into a single value. We then integrated this gating parameter with Mg2+ block and Ca2+ influx using fractional Ca2+ currents to generate indices of charge transfer and Ca2+ transfer over wide voltage ranges. This approach yields consolidated parameters that can be used as a reference to normalize channel block and allosteric modulation to better define potential patient treatment. This is especially true for variants in the transmembrane domain that affect not only receptor gating but also often Mg2+ block and Ca2+ permeation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Moody
- Graduate Program in Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States
| | - Angela Musco
- Stony Brook Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States
| | - Joseph Bennett
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States
| | - Lonnie P Wollmuth
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States; Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States; Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-5230, United States.
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14
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El Mouhi H, Abbassi M, Sayel H, Trhanint S, Natiq A, El Hejjioui B, Jalte M, Ahmadi Y, Chaouki S. Autosomal Dominant Intellectual Development Disorder-6 (MRD6) Without Seizures Linked to a De Novo Mutation in the grin2b Gene Revealed by Exome Sequencing: A Case Report of a Moroccan Child. Cureus 2023; 15:e46456. [PMID: 37927744 PMCID: PMC10623208 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46456] [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] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autosomal dominant intellectual development disorder-6 (MRD6) arises from a grin2b gene mutation, inducing neurodevelopmental issues. The effects of MRD6 encompass cognitive disabilities, seizures, muscle tone decline, and autism-like traits. Its severity ranges from mild impairment to severe epilepsy. The disorder's rarity is emphasized by roughly 100 reported GRIN2B-related cases, spotlighting the gene's significance in brain development. We present the case of a three-year-old Moroccan boy who was referred to a neuropediatric department for a molecular diagnosis. Initial genetic testing yielded inconclusive results, and subsequent tests for Angelman syndrome and metabolic diseases showed no abnormalities. Given the complexity of the disorder, exome sequencing was employed to identify the underlying genetic cause. Exome sequencing identified a nonsense (STOP) mutation c.3912C>G (p.Tyr1304Ter) in the grin2b gene in the heterozygous state known to be present in MRD6 (Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) 613970). The family segregation study shows that this is a de novo variant, which is confirmed by Sanger sequencing. This variant has not been previously reported in the GnomAD database. Based on current scientific knowledge, the variant is considered pathogenic (PVS1, PS2, PM2, PP3, PP5) according to the criteria of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). The mutation in the grin2b gene (p.Tyr1304Ter) was predicted to be deleterious through bioinformatics analysis tools. This study highlights the crucial role of the grin2b gene in normal brain development and communication within the nervous system. It also sheds light on the impact of a novel genetic mutation, identified through exome sequencing, on causing an intellectual developmental disorder in a child patient from Morocco.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinde El Mouhi
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Center for Doctoral Studies Engineering Sciences and Techniques, Faculty of Sciences and Technologies, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Meriame Abbassi
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Hanane Sayel
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Said Trhanint
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Abdelhafid Natiq
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, MAR
| | - Brahim El Hejjioui
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Merym Jalte
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Environment, Agri-food, and Health (LBEAH), Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Youssef Ahmadi
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics and Onco-genetics, Central Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, Fez, MAR
| | - Sana Chaouki
- Laboratory of Biomedical and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, MAR
- Department of Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Hassan II, FEZ, MAR
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15
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Ribasés M, Mitjans M, Hartman CA, Soler Artigas M, Demontis D, Larsson H, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Kuntsi J, Faraone SV, Børglum AD, Reif A, Franke B, Cormand B. Genetic architecture of ADHD and overlap with other psychiatric disorders and cognition-related phenotypes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105313. [PMID: 37451654 PMCID: PMC10789879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105313] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) co-occurs with many other psychiatric disorders and traits. In this review, we summarize and interpret the existing literature on the genetic architecture of these comorbidities based on hypothesis-generating approaches. Quantitative genetic studies indicate that genetic factors play a substantial role in the observed co-occurrence of ADHD with many different disorders and traits. Molecular genetic correlations derived from genome-wide association studies and results of studies based on polygenic risk scores confirm the general pattern but provide effect estimates that are smaller than those from twin studies. The identification of the specific genetic variants and biological pathways underlying co-occurrence using genome-wide approaches is still in its infancy. The first analyses of causal inference using genetic data support causal relationships between ADHD and comorbid disorders, although bidirectional effects identified in some instances point to complex relationships. While several issues in the methodology and inferences from the results are still to be overcome, this review shows that the co-occurrence of ADHD with many psychiatric disorders and traits is genetically interpretable.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ribasés
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Mitjans
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - C A Hartman
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion regulation (ICPE), University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Soler Artigas
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - D Demontis
- Department of Biomedicine/Human Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - H Larsson
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J A Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addiction, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Kuntsi
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK
| | - S V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, Norton College of Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - A D Børglum
- Department of Biomedicine/Human Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark; Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - A Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - B Franke
- Departments of Cognitive Neuroscience and Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - B Cormand
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology, and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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16
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Hongyao HE, Chun JI, Xiaoyan G, Fangfang L, Jing Z, Lin Z, Pengxiang Z, Zengchun L. Associative gene networks reveal novel candidates important for ADHD and dyslexia comorbidity. BMC Med Genomics 2023; 16:208. [PMID: 37667328 PMCID: PMC10478365 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-023-01502-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with developmental dyslexia (DD), which are both prevalent and complicated pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders that have a significant influence on children's learning and development. Clinically, the comorbidity incidence of DD and ADHD is between 25 and 48%. Children with DD and ADHD may have more severe cognitive deficiencies, a poorer level of schooling, and a higher risk of social and emotional management disorders. Furthermore, patients with this comorbidity are frequently treated for a single condition in clinical settings, and the therapeutic outcome is poor. The development of effective treatment approaches against these diseases is complicated by their comorbidity features. This is often a major problem in diagnosis and treatment. In this study, we developed bioinformatical methodology for the analysis of the comorbidity of these two diseases. As such, the search for candidate genes related to the comorbid conditions of ADHD and DD can help in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the comorbid condition, and can also be useful for genotyping and identifying new drug targets. RESULTS Using the ANDSystem tool, the reconstruction and analysis of gene networks associated with ADHD and dyslexia was carried out. The gene network of ADHD included 599 genes/proteins and 148,978 interactions, while that of dyslexia included 167 genes/proteins and 27,083 interactions. When the ANDSystem and GeneCards data were combined, a total of 213 genes/proteins for ADHD and dyslexia were found. An approach for ranking genes implicated in the comorbid condition of the two diseases was proposed. The approach is based on ten criteria for ranking genes by their importance, including relevance scores of association between disease and genes, standard methods of gene prioritization, as well as original criteria that take into account the characteristics of an associative gene network and the presence of known polymorphisms in the analyzed genes. Among the top 20 genes with the highest priority DRD2, DRD4, CNTNAP2 and GRIN2B are mentioned in the literature as directly linked with the comorbidity of ADHD and dyslexia. According to the proposed approach, the genes OPRM1, CHRNA4 and SNCA had the highest priority in the development of comorbidity of these two diseases. Additionally, it was revealed that the most relevant genes are involved in biological processes related to signal transduction, positive regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoters, chemical synaptic transmission, response to drugs, ion transmembrane transport, nervous system development, cell adhesion, and neuron migration. CONCLUSIONS The application of methods of reconstruction and analysis of gene networks is a powerful tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of comorbid conditions. The method put forth to rank genes by their importance for the comorbid condition of ADHD and dyslexia was employed to predict genes that play key roles in the development of the comorbid condition. The results can be utilized to plan experiments for the identification of novel candidate genes and search for novel pharmacological targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- H E Hongyao
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - J I Chun
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Gao Xiaoyan
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Liu Fangfang
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhang Jing
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhong Lin
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zuo Pengxiang
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
| | - Li Zengchun
- Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.
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17
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Song R, Zhang J, Perszyk RE, Camp CR, Tang W, Kannan V, Li J, Xu Y, Chen J, Li Y, Liang SH, Traynelis SF, Yuan H. Differential responses of disease-related GRIN variants located in pore-forming M2 domain of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor to FDA-approved inhibitors. J Neurochem 2023:10.1111/jnc.15942. [PMID: 37649269 PMCID: PMC10902181 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15942] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR), ionotropic glutamate receptors, mediate a slow component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and play a key role in normal brain function and development. Genetic variations in GRIN genes encoding NMDAR subunits that alter the receptor's functional characteristics are associated with a wide range of neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions. Pathological GRIN variants located in the M2 re-entrant loop lining the channel pore cause significant functional changes, the most consequential alteration being a reduction in voltage-dependent Mg2+ inhibition. Voltage-dependent Mg2+ block is a unique feature of NMDAR biology whereby channel activation requires both ligand binding and postsynaptic membrane depolarization. Thus, loss of NMDAR Mg2+ block will have a profound impact on synaptic function and plasticity. Here, we choose 11 missense variants within the GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIN2B genes that alter residues located in the M2 loop and significantly reduce Mg2+ inhibition. Each variant was evaluated for tolerance to genetic variation using the 3-dimensional structure and assessed for functional rescue pharmacology via electrophysiological recordings. Three FDA-approved NMDAR drugs-memantine, dextromethorphan, and ketamine-were chosen based on their ability to bind near the M2 re-entrant loop, potentially rectifying dysregulated NMDAR function by supplementing the reduced voltage-dependent Mg2+ block. These results provide insight of structural determinants of FDA-approved NMDAR drugs at their binding sites in the channel pore and may further define conditions necessary for the use of such agents as potential rescue pharmacology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Riley E Perszyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Chad R Camp
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Weiting Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Varun Kannan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jia Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yuchen Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jiahui Chen
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Yinlong Li
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Steven H Liang
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Emory Neurodegenerative Disease Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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18
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Wang X, Mei D, Gou L, Zhao S, Gao C, Guo J, Luo S, Guo B, Yang Z, Wang Q, Tan T, Zhang Y. Functional Evaluation of a Novel GRIN2B Missense Variant Associated with Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability. Neuroscience 2023; 526:107-120. [PMID: 37385334 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2023.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a neurological condition, is widely prevalent among individuals with intellectual disability (ID). It is well established that N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play an important role in both epilepsy and ID. Autosomal dominant mutations in the GRIN2B gene, which encodes the GluN2B subunit of the NMDA receptor, have been reported to be associated with epilepsy and ID. However, the underlying mechanism of this association is not well-understood. In this study, we identified a novel GRIN2B mutation (c.3272A > C, p.K1091T) in a patient with epilepsy and ID. The proband was a one year and ten months old girl. GRIN2B variant was inherited from her mother. We further investigated the functional consequences of this mutation. Our findings revealed that the p.K1091T mutation created a Casein kinase 2 phosphorylation site. Using recombinant NMDA receptors containing the GluN2B-K1091T along with GluN1 in HEK 293T cells, we observed significant defects in its interactions with postsynaptic density 95. It is accompanied by reduced delivery of the receptors to the cell membrane and a decrease in glutamate affinity. Moreover, primary neurons expressing GluN2B-K1091T also exhibited impaired surface expression of NMDA receptors, a reduction in dendritic spine number and excitatory synaptic transmission. In summary, our study reports a novel GRIN2B mutation and provides functional characteristics of this mutation in vitro, thereby contributing to the understanding of GRIN2B variants in epilepsy and ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Engineering Research Center of Childhood Neurodevelopment, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China.
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China
| | - Lingshan Gou
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital Affiliated to Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Engineering Research Center of Childhood Neurodevelopment, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China
| | - Jisheng Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yantai Campus of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Engineering Research Center of Childhood Neurodevelopment, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China
| | - Bin Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Zhigang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Tao Tan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Engineering Research Center of Childhood Neurodevelopment, Zhengzhou 450018, Henan, China.
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19
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Kuś J, Saramowicz K, Czerniawska M, Wiese W, Siwecka N, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Kucharska-Lusina A, Strzelecki D, Majsterek I. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying NMDARs Dysfunction and Their Role in ADHD Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12983. [PMID: 37629164 PMCID: PMC10454781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612983] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, although the aetiology of ADHD is not yet understood. One proposed theory for developing ADHD is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) dysfunction. NMDARs are involved in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory function in the brain. Abnormal expression or polymorphism of some genes associated with ADHD results in NMDAR dysfunction. Correspondingly, NMDAR malfunction in animal models results in ADHD-like symptoms, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Currently, there are no drugs for ADHD that specifically target NMDARs. However, NMDAR-stabilizing drugs have shown promise in improving ADHD symptoms with fewer side effects than the currently most widely used psychostimulant in ADHD treatment, methylphenidate. In this review, we outline the molecular and genetic basis of NMDAR malfunction and how it affects the course of ADHD. We also present new therapeutic options related to treating ADHD by targeting NMDAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Kuś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Kamil Saramowicz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Maria Czerniawska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Wojciech Wiese
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Natalia Siwecka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Wioletta Rozpędek-Kamińska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Aleksandra Kucharska-Lusina
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
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20
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Sebastian R, Jin K, Pavon N, Bansal R, Potter A, Song Y, Babu J, Gabriel R, Sun Y, Aronow B, Pak C. Schizophrenia-associated NRXN1 deletions induce developmental-timing- and cell-type-specific vulnerabilities in human brain organoids. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3770. [PMID: 37355690 PMCID: PMC10290702 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39420-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo mutations and copy number deletions in NRXN1 (2p16.3) pose a significant risk for schizophrenia (SCZ). It is unclear how NRXN1 deletions impact cortical development in a cell type-specific manner and disease background modulates these phenotypes. Here, we leveraged human pluripotent stem cell-derived forebrain organoid models carrying NRXN1 heterozygous deletions in isogenic and SCZ patient genetic backgrounds and conducted single-cell transcriptomic analysis over the course of brain organoid development from 3 weeks to 3.5 months. Intriguingly, while both deletions similarly impacted molecular pathways associated with ubiquitin-proteasome system, alternative splicing, and synaptic signaling in maturing glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, SCZ-NRXN1 deletions specifically perturbed developmental trajectories of early neural progenitors and accumulated disease-specific transcriptomic signatures. Using calcium imaging, we found that both deletions led to long-lasting changes in spontaneous and synchronous neuronal networks, implicating synaptic dysfunction. Our study reveals developmental-timing- and cell-type-dependent actions of NRXN1 deletions in unique genetic contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Sebastian
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience & Behavior, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Kang Jin
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Narciso Pavon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Ruby Bansal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Andrew Potter
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | - Yoonjae Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Juliana Babu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Rafael Gabriel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Yubing Sun
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Bruce Aronow
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45221, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati School of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45256, USA
| | - ChangHui Pak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UMass Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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21
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Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D, Kośla K, Płuciennik E, Bednarek AK. Delineating the glioblastoma stemness by genes involved in cytoskeletal rearrangements and metabolic alterations. World J Stem Cells 2023; 15:302-322. [PMID: 37342224 PMCID: PMC10277965 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v15.i5.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Literature data on glioblastoma ongoingly underline the link between metabolism and cancer stemness, the latter is one responsible for potentiating the resistance to treatment, inter alia due to increased invasiveness. In recent years, glioblastoma stemness research has bashfully introduced a key aspect of cytoskeletal rearrangements, whereas the impact of the cytoskeleton on invasiveness is well known. Although non-stem glioblastoma cells are less invasive than glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), these cells also acquire stemness with greater ease if characterized as invasive cells and not tumor core cells. This suggests that glioblastoma stemness should be further investigated for any phenomena related to the cytoskeleton and metabolism, as they may provide new invasion-related insights. Previously, we proved that interplay between metabolism and cytoskeleton existed in glioblastoma. Despite searching for cytoskeleton-related processes in which the investigated genes might have been involved, not only did we stumble across the relation to metabolism but also reported genes that were found to be implicated in stemness. Thus, dedicated research on these genes in GSCs seems justifiable and might reveal novel directions and/or biomarkers that could be utilized in the future. Herein, we review the previously identified cytoskeleton/metabolism-related genes through the prism of glioblastoma stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-136, Lodzkie, Poland
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-136, Lodzkie, Poland
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kośla
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Płuciennik
- Department of Functional Genomics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
| | - Andrzej K Bednarek
- Department of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 90-752, Lodzkie, Poland
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22
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Murakami Y, Imamura Y, Kasahara Y, Yoshida C, Momono Y, Fang K, Sakai D, Konishi Y, Nishiyama T. Maternal Inflammation with Elevated Kynurenine Metabolites Is Related to the Risk of Abnormal Brain Development and Behavioral Changes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071087. [PMID: 37048160 PMCID: PMC10093447 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies show that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the onset and progression of neurodevelopmental disorders. Maternal immune activation (MIA) during gestation is considered one of the major environmental factors driving this process. The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) catabolism in mammalian cells. Activation of the KP following neuro-inflammation can generate various endogenous neuroactive metabolites that may impact brain functions and behaviors. Additionally, neurotoxic metabolites and excitotoxicity cause long-term changes in the trophic support, glutamatergic system, and synaptic function following KP activation. Therefore, investigating the role of KP metabolites during neurodevelopment will likely promote further understanding of additional pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this review, we describe the changes in KP metabolism in the brain during pregnancy and represent how maternal inflammation and genetic factors influence the KP during development. We overview the patients with ASD clinical data and animal models designed to verify the role of perinatal KP elevation in long-lasting biochemical, neuropathological, and behavioral deficits later in life. Our review will help shed light on new therapeutic strategies and interventions targeting the KP for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Murakami
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Yukio Imamura
- Department of Architecture and Architectual Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto 615-8530, Japan
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine/Faculty of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Kasahara
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yoshida
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yuta Momono
- Department of Maternal and Fetal Therapeutics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Ke Fang
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
| | - Daisuke Sakai
- Department of Biology, Kanazawa Medical University, Kanazawa 920-0293, Japan
| | - Yukuo Konishi
- Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe 619-0225, Japan
- Healthcare and Medical Data Multi-Level Integration Platform Group, RIKEN Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program, Yokohama 230-0045, Japan
| | - Toshimasa Nishiyama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata 573-1010, Japan
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23
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den Hollander B, Veenvliet ARJ, Rothuizen-Lindenschot M, van Essen P, Peters G, Santos-Gómez A, Olivella M, Altafaj X, Brands MM, Jacobs BAW, van Karnebeek CD. Evidence for effect of l-serine, a novel therapy for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Mol Genet Metab 2023; 138:107523. [PMID: 36758276 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2023.107523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE To date, causal therapy is potentially available for GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) due to loss-of-function (LoF) variants in GRIN2B, resulting in dysfunction of the GluN2B subunit-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Recently, in vitro experiments showed that high doses of NMDAR co-agonist d-serine has the potential to boost the activity in GluN2B LoF variant-containing NMDARs. Initial reports of GRIN2B-NDD patients LoF variants, treated with l-serine using different regimens, showed varying effects on motor and cognitive performance, communication, behavior and EEG. Here, this novel treatment using a standardized protocol with an innovative developmental outcome measure is explored further in an open-label observational GRIN2B-NDD study. METHODS Initially, in vitro studies were conducted in order to functionally stratify two de novo GRIN2B variants present in two female patients (18 months and 4 years old). Functional studies showed that both variants are LoF, and thus the patients were treated experimentally according to an approved protocol with oral l-serine (500 mg/kg/day in 4 doses) for a period of 12 months. Both patients showed a heterogeneous clinical phenotype, however overlapping symptoms were present: intellectual developmental disability (IDD), behavioral abnormalities and hypotonia. Outcome measures included laboratory tests, quality of life, sleep, irritability, stool, and performance skills, measured by, among others, the Perceive-Recall-Plan-Perform System of Task Analysis (PRPP-Assessment). RESULTS Both patients tolerated l-serine without adverse effects. In one patient, improvement in psychomotor development and cognitive functioning was observed after 12 months (PRPP mastery score 10% at baseline, 78% at twelve months). In the most severe clinically affected patient no significant objective improvement in validated outcomes was observed. Caregivers of both patients reported subjective increase of alertness and improved communication skills. CONCLUSION Our observational study confirms that l-serine supplementation is safe in patients with GRIN2B-NDD associated with LoF variants, and may accelerate psychomotor development and ameliorate cognitive performance in some but not all patients. The PRPP-Assessment, a promising instrument to evaluate everyday activities and enhance personalized and value-based care, was not performed in the severely affected patient, meaning that possible positive results may have been missed. To generate stronger evidence for effect of l-serine in GRIN2B-NDD, we will perform placebo-controlled n-of-1 trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- B den Hollander
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, The Netherlands
| | - A R J Veenvliet
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, The Netherlands; Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M Rothuizen-Lindenschot
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; HAN University of Applied Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, Kapittelweg 33, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P van Essen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Amalia Children's Hospital, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G Peters
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Santos-Gómez
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Olivella
- Biosciences Department, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - X Altafaj
- Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; August Pi i Sunyer Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M M Brands
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, The Netherlands
| | - B A W Jacobs
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Pharmacy and Clinical Pharmacology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Medicine for Society, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C D van Karnebeek
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; United for Metabolic Diseases, The Netherlands; Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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24
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Sahin L, Keloglan Müsüroglu S, Selin Cevik O, Cevik K, Orekici Temel G. Hyperthyroidism leads learning and memory impairment possibly via GRIN2B expression alterations. Brain Res 2023; 1802:148209. [PMID: 36563833 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.148209] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hippocampus as an important structure for learning and memory functions contains a high level of thyroid hormone receptors. Although there are numerous studies investigating the effects of thyroid hormones on cognitive dysfunction and psychiatric symptoms, the underlying molecular processes of these disorders have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, 24 male adult rats (4 months) were divided into 3 groups: control group, sham group and hyperthyroid group. Hyperthyroid group and sham group were treated with l-thyroxine or saline for 21 days. Each group was exposed to Morris water maze testing (MWMT), measuring their performance in a hidden-platform spatial task. After learning and memory tests, intracardiac blood was taken from the rats for serum thyroxine levels. Following blood collection, the rats were decapitated to isolate hippocampal tissue. GRIN2A, GRIN2B, BDNF, cFOS, Cdk5, cdk5r1 (p35), and cdk5r2 (p39) gene expression were evaluated using quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. Serum thyroxine level was found to be higher in hyperthyroid rats than in the control and sham groups. According to our MWMT findings, the memory performance of the hyperthyroid group was significantly impaired compared to the control and sham groups (p < 0.05). In the hippocampus, the GRIN2A gene expression level was decreased in the sham group, and the GRIN2B gene expression level was decreased in the sham and hyperthyroid groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other genes (p > 0.05). Hyperthyroidism impaired hippocampus-dependent spatial memory. Hyperthyroidism caused decreased level of GRIN2B gene expression in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyla Sahin
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Mersin, Turkey.
| | | | - Ozge Selin Cevik
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Physiology Department, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Kenan Cevik
- Mersin University, Health Science Institute, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Gulhan Orekici Temel
- Mersin University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Mersin, Turkey
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25
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Zhou L, Sun X, Duan J. NMDARs regulate the excitatory-inhibitory balance within neural circuits. BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2022.9050020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) balance is essential for normal neural development, behavior and cognition. E/I imbalance leads to a variety of neurological disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. NMDA receptors (NMDARs) regulate AMPAR-mediated excitatory and GABAAR-mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission, suggesting that NMDARs play an important role in the establishment and maintenance of the E/I balance. In this review, we briefly introduced NMDARs, AMPARs and GABAARs, summarized the current studies on E/I balance mediated by NMDARs, and discussed the current advances in NMDAR-mediated AMPAR and GABAAR development. Specifically, we analyzed the role of NMDAR subunits in the establishment and maintenance of E/I balance, which may provide new therapeutic strategies for the recovery of E/I imbalance in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohui Sun
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Duan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
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26
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Tang W, Beckley JT, Zhang J, Song R, Xu Y, Kim S, Quirk MC, Robichaud AJ, Diaz ES, Myers SJ, Doherty JJ, Ackley MA, Traynelis SF, Yuan H. Novel neuroactive steroids as positive allosteric modulators of NMDA receptors: mechanism, site of action, and rescue pharmacology on GRIN variants associated with neurological conditions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:42. [PMID: 36645496 PMCID: PMC10644378 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04667-7] [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: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play vital roles in normal brain functions (i.e., learning, memory, and neuronal development) and various neuropathological conditions, such as epilepsy, autism, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and traumatic brain injury. Endogenous neuroactive steroids such as 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-HC) have been shown to influence NMDAR activity, and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) derived from 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol scaffold can also enhance NMDAR function. This study describes the structural determinants and mechanism of action for 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol and two novel synthetic analogs (SGE-550 and SGE-301) on NMDAR function. We also show that these agents can mitigate the altered function caused by a set of loss-of-function missense variants in NMDAR GluN subunit-encoding GRIN genes associated with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. We anticipate that the evaluation of novel neuroactive steroid NMDAR PAMs may catalyze the development of new treatment strategies for GRIN-related neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiting Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | | | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
| | - Rui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchen Xu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, Zhejiang, China
| | - Sukhan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Eva Sarai Diaz
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Scott J Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | | | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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Ghanbarzehi A, Sepehrinezhad A, Hashemi N, Karimi M, Shahbazi A. Disclosing common biological signatures and predicting new therapeutic targets in schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder by integrated bioinformatics analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:40. [PMID: 36641432 PMCID: PMC9840830 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe mental illness mainly characterized by a number of psychiatric symptoms. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a long-lasting and devastating mental disorder. SCZ has high co-occurrence with OCD resulting in the emergence of a concept entitled "schizo-obsessive disorder" as a new specific clinical entity with more severe psychiatric symptoms. Many studies have been done on SCZ and OCD, but the common pathogenesis between them is not clear yet. Therefore, this study aimed to identify shared genetic basis, potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets between these two disorders. Gene sets were extracted from the Geneweaver and Harmonizome databases for each disorder. Interestingly, the combination of both sets revealed 89 common genes between SCZ and OCD, the most important of which were BDNF, SLC6A4, GAD1, HTR2A, GRIN2B, DRD2, SLC6A3, COMT, TH and DLG4. Then, we conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of the common genes. Receptor activity as the molecular functions, neuron projection and synapse as the cellular components as well as serotonergic synapse, dopaminergic synapse and alcoholism as the pathways were the most significant commonalities in enrichment analyses. In addition, transcription factor (TFs) analysis predicted significant TFs such as HMGA1, MAPK14, HINFP and TEAD2. Hsa-miR-3121-3p and hsa-miR-495-3p were the most important microRNAs (miRNAs) associated with both disorders. Finally, our study predicted 19 existing drugs (importantly, Haloperidol, Fluoxetine and Melatonin) that may have a potential influence on this co-occurrence. To summarize, this study may help us to better understand and handle the co-occurrence of SCZ and OCD by identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolhakim Ghanbarzehi
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Sepehrinezhad
- grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,grid.411583.a0000 0001 2198 6209Neuroscience Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran ,grid.411746.10000 0004 4911 7066Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nazanin Hashemi
- grid.37728.390000 0001 0730 3862Department of Biotechnology, Bangalore University, Bangalore, Karnataka India
| | - Minoo Karimi
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shahbazi
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sabo SL, Lahr JM, Offer M, Weekes ALA, Sceniak MP. GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder: current understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 14:1090865. [PMID: 36704660 PMCID: PMC9873235 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.1090865] [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: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder is a rare disease caused by mutations in the GRIN2B gene, which encodes the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors. Most individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder present with intellectual disability and developmental delay. Motor impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy are also common. A large number of pathogenic de novo mutations have been identified in GRIN2B. However, it is not yet known how these variants lead to the clinical symptoms of the disease. Recent research has begun to address this issue. Here, we describe key experimental approaches that have been used to better understand the pathophysiology of this disease. We discuss the impact of several distinct pathogenic GRIN2B variants on NMDA receptor properties. We then critically review pivotal studies examining the synaptic and neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed when disease-associated GluN2B variants are expressed in neurons. These data provide compelling evidence that various GluN2B mutants interfere with neuronal differentiation, dendrite morphogenesis, synaptogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Finally, we identify important open questions and considerations for future studies aimed at understanding this complex disease. Together, the existing data provide insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder and emphasize the importance of comparing the effects of individual, disease-associated variants. Understanding the molecular, cellular and circuit phenotypes produced by a wide range of GRIN2B variants should lead to the identification of core neurodevelopmental phenotypes that characterize the disease and lead to its symptoms. This information could help guide the development and application of effective therapeutic strategies for treating individuals with GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shasta L. Sabo
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States,Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States,Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States,*Correspondence: Shasta L. Sabo
| | - Jessica M. Lahr
- Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Madelyn Offer
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Anika LA Weekes
- Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Michael P. Sceniak
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
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Kolcheva M, Ladislav M, Netolicky J, Kortus S, Rehakova K, Krausova BH, Hemelikova K, Misiachna A, Kadkova A, Klima M, Chalupska D, Horak M. The pathogenic N650K variant in the GluN1 subunit regulates the trafficking, conductance, and pharmacological properties of NMDA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2023; 222:109297. [PMID: 36341805 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play an essential role in excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian brain, and their physiological importance is underscored by the large number of pathogenic mutations that have been identified in the receptor's GluN subunits and associated with a wide range of diseases and disorders. Here, we characterized the functional and pharmacological effects of the pathogenic N650K variant in the GluN1 subunit, which is associated with developmental delay and seizures. Our microscopy experiments showed that when expressed in HEK293 cells (from ATCC®), the GluN1-N650K subunit increases the surface expression of both GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B receptors, but not GluN1/GluN3A receptors, consistent with increased surface expression of the GluN1-N650K subunit expressed in hippocampal neurons (from embryonic day 18 of Wistar rats of both sexes). Using electrophysiology, we found that the GluN1-N650K variant increases the potency of GluN1/GluN2A receptors to both glutamate and glycine but decreases the receptor's conductance and open probability. In addition, the GluN1-N650K subunit does not form functional GluN1/GluN2B receptors but does form fully functional GluN1/GluN3A receptors. Moreover, in the presence of extracellular Mg2+, GluN1-N650K/GluN2A receptors have a similar and increased response to ketamine and memantine, respectively, while the effect of both drugs had markedly slower onset and offset compared to wild-type GluN1/GluN2A receptors. Finally, we found that expressing the GluN1-N650K subunit in hippocampal neurons reduces excitotoxicity, and memantine shows promising neuroprotective effects in neurons expressing either wild-type GluN1 or the GluN1-N650K subunit. This study provides the functional and pharmacological characterization of NMDARs containing the GluN1-N650K variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marharyta Kolcheva
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic; Laboratory of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Ladislav
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Netolicky
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 12843, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Stepan Kortus
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Kristyna Rehakova
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hrcka Krausova
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Katarina Hemelikova
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Misiachna
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Kadkova
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klima
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 542/2, P.O. Box:16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Dominika Chalupska
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo namesti 542/2, P.O. Box:16000, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic.
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30
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Benítez-Burraco A, Jiménez-Romero MS, Fernández-Urquiza M. Delving into the Genetic Causes of Language Impairment in a Case of Partial Deletion of NRXN1. Mol Syndromol 2023; 13:496-510. [PMID: 36660026 PMCID: PMC9843585 DOI: 10.1159/000524710] [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: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Copy-number variations (CNVs) impacting on small DNA stretches and associated with language deficits provide a unique window to the role played by specific genes in language function. Methods We report in detail on the cognitive, language, and genetic features of a girl bearing a small deletion (0.186 Mb) in the 2p16.3 region, arr[hg19] 2p16.3(50761778_50947729)×1, affecting exons 3-7 of NRXN1, a neurexin-coding gene previously related to schizophrenia, autism (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorder, and intellectual disability (ID). Results The proband exhibits many of the features commonly found in subjects with deletions of NRXN1, like ASD-like traits (including ritualized behaviors, disordered sensory aspects, social disturbances, and impaired theory of mind), ADHD symptoms, moderate ID, and impaired speech and language. Regarding this latter aspect, we observed altered speech production, underdeveloped phonological awareness, minimal syntax, serious shortage of active vocabulary, impaired receptive language, and inappropriate pragmatic behavior (including lack of metapragmatic awareness and communicative use of gaze). Microarray analyses point to the dysregulation of several genes important for language function in the girl compared to her healthy parents. Discussion Although some basic cognitive deficit - such as the impairment of executive function - might contribute to the language problems exhibited by the proband, molecular evidence suggests that they might result, to a great extent, from the abnormal expression of genes directly related to language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), University of Seville, Seville, Spain,*Antonio Benítez-Burraco,
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Ma K, Taylor C, Williamson M, Newton SS, Qin L. Diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling differentially causes autism-like behavioral deficits in male and female mice. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182472. [PMID: 37205980 PMCID: PMC10189061 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with strong genetic heterogeneity and more prevalent in males than females. Recent human genetic studies have identified multiple high-risk genes for ASD, which produce similar phenotypes, indicating that diverse genetic factors converge to common molecular pathways. We and others have hypothesized that activity-dependent neural signaling is a convergent molecular pathway dysregulated in ASD. However, the causal link between diminished activity-dependent neural signaling and ASD remains unclear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key molecule mediating activity-dependent neural signaling. We therefore hypothesize that diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling could confer autism-like behavioral deficits. Here, we investigated the effect of diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling on autism-like behavioral deficits by using mice with genetic knock-in of a human BDNF methionine (Met) allele, which has decreased activity-dependent BDNF release without altering basal BDNF level. Compared with wild-type (WT) controls, diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling similarly induced anxiety-like behaviors in male and female mice. Notably, diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling differentially resulted in autism-like social deficits and increased self-grooming in male and female mice, and male mice were more severe than female mice. Again, sexually dimorphic spatial memory deficits were observed in female BDNF+/Met mice, but not in male BDNF+/Met mice. Our study not only reveals a causal link between diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling and ASD-like behavioral deficits, but also identifies previously underappreciated sex-specific effect of diminished activity-dependent BDNF signaling in ASD. These mice with genetic knock-in of the human BDNF Met variant provide a distinct mouse model for studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying diminished activity-dependent neural signaling, the common molecular pathway dysregulated in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaijie Ma
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Connie Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Mark Williamson
- Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design Core, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Samuel S. Newton
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
| | - Luye Qin
- Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, United States
- *Correspondence: Luye Qin,
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Ehtesham N, Mosallaei M, Beheshtian M, Khoshbakht S, Fadaee M, Vazehan R, Faraji Zonooz M, Karimzadeh P, Kahrizi K, Najmabadi H. Characterizing Genotypes and Phenotypes Associated with Dysfunction of Channel-Encoding Genes in a Cohort of Patients with Intellectual Disability. ARCHIVES OF IRANIAN MEDICINE 2022; 25:788-797. [PMID: 37543906 PMCID: PMC10685845 DOI: 10.34172/aim.2022.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ion channel dysfunction in the brain can lead to impairment of neuronal membranes and generate several neurological diseases, especially neurodevelopmental disorders. METHODS In this study, we set out to delineate the genotype and phenotype spectrums of 14 Iranian patients from 7 families with intellectual disability (ID) and/or developmental delay (DD) in whom genetic mutations were identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS) in 7 channel-encoding genes: KCNJ10, KCNQ3, KCNK6, CACNA1C, CACNA1G, SCN8A, and GRIN2B. Moreover, the data of 340 previously fully reported ID and/or DD cases with a mutation in any of these seven genes were combined with our patients to clarify the genotype and phenotype spectrum in this group. RESULTS In total, the most common phenotypes in 354 cases with ID/DD in whom mutation in any of these 7 channel-encoding genes was identified were as follows: ID (77.4%), seizure (69.8%), DD (59.8%), behavioral abnormality (29.9%), hypotonia (21.7%), speech disorder (21.5%), gait disturbance (20.9%), and ataxia (20.3%). Electroencephalography abnormality (33.9%) was the major brain imaging abnormality. CONCLUSION The results of this study broaden the molecular spectrum of channel pathogenic variants associated with different clinical presentations in individuals with ID and/or DD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeim Ehtesham
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meysam Mosallaei
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Beheshtian
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrouz Khoshbakht
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Fadaee
- Kariminejad – Najmabadi Pathology & Genetics Center, Tehran, Iran
| | - Raheleh Vazehan
- Kariminejad – Najmabadi Pathology & Genetics Center, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Parvaneh Karimzadeh
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine, Pediatric Neurology Research Center, Mofid Children’s Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Kahrizi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Najmabadi
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Kariminejad – Najmabadi Pathology & Genetics Center, Tehran, Iran
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Cluster Analysis of Short Sensory Profile Data Reveals Sensory-Based Subgroups in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113030. [PMID: 36361815 PMCID: PMC9655407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113030] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a common, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder lacking targeted treatments. Additional features include restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors and differences in sensory processing. We hypothesized that detailed sensory features including modality specific hyper- and hypo-sensitivity could be used to identify clinically recognizable subgroups with unique underlying gene variants. Participants included 378 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder who contributed Short Sensory Profile data assessing the frequency of sensory behaviors and whole genome sequencing results to the Autism Speaks' MSSNG database. Sensory phenotypes in this cohort were not randomly distributed with 10 patterns describing 43% (162/378) of participants. Cross comparison of two independent cluster analyses on sensory responses identified six distinct sensory-based subgroups. We then characterized subgroups by calculating the percent of patients in each subgroup who had variants with a Combined Annotation Dependent Depletion (CADD) score of 15 or greater in each of 24,896 genes. Each subgroup exhibited a unique pattern of genes with a high frequency of variants. These results support the use of sensory features to identify autism spectrum disorder subgroups with shared genetic variants.
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Zoodsma JD, Keegan EJ, Moody GR, Bhandiwad AA, Napoli AJ, Burgess HA, Wollmuth LP, Sirotkin HI. Disruption of grin2B, an ASD-associated gene, produces social deficits in zebrafish. Mol Autism 2022; 13:38. [PMID: 36138431 PMCID: PMC9502958 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00516-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), like many neurodevelopmental disorders, has complex and varied etiologies. Advances in genome sequencing have identified multiple candidate genes associated with ASD, including dozens of missense and nonsense mutations in the NMDAR subunit GluN2B, encoded by GRIN2B. NMDARs are glutamate-gated ion channels with key synaptic functions in excitatory neurotransmission. How alterations in these proteins impact neurodevelopment is poorly understood, in part because knockouts of GluN2B in rodents are lethal. METHODS Here, we use CRISPR-Cas9 to generate zebrafish lacking GluN2B (grin2B-/-). Using these fish, we run an array of behavioral tests and perform whole-brain larval imaging to assay developmental roles and functions of GluN2B. RESULTS We demonstrate that zebrafish GluN2B displays similar structural and functional properties to human GluN2B. Zebrafish lacking GluN2B (grin2B-/-) surprisingly survive into adulthood. Given the prevalence of social deficits in ASD, we assayed social preference in the grin2B-/- fish. Wild-type fish develop a strong social preference by 3 weeks post fertilization. In contrast, grin2B-/- fish at this age exhibit significantly reduced social preference. Notably, the lack of GluN2B does not result in a broad disruption of neurodevelopment, as grin2B-/- larvae do not show alterations in spontaneous or photic-evoked movements, are capable of prey capture, and exhibit learning. Whole-brain imaging of grin2B-/- larvae revealed reduction of an inhibitory neuron marker in the subpallium, a region linked to ASD in humans, but showed that overall brain size and E/I balance in grin2B-/- is comparable to wild type. LIMITATIONS Zebrafish lacking GluN2B, while useful in studying developmental roles of GluN2B, are unlikely to model nuanced functional alterations of human missense mutations that are not complete loss of function. Additionally, detailed mammalian homologies for larval zebrafish brain subdivisions at the age of whole-brain imaging are not fully resolved. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that zebrafish completely lacking the GluN2B subunit of the NMDAR, unlike rodent models, are viable into adulthood. Notably, they exhibit a highly specific deficit in social behavior. As such, this zebrafish model affords a unique opportunity to study the roles of GluN2B in ASD etiologies and establish a disease-relevant in vivo model for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josiah D. Zoodsma
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Emma J. Keegan
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Gabrielle R. Moody
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Ashwin A. Bhandiwad
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Amalia J. Napoli
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Harold A. Burgess
- grid.420089.70000 0000 9635 8082Division of Developmental Biology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Lonnie P. Wollmuth
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA ,grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Center for Nervous System Disorders, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
| | - Howard I. Sirotkin
- grid.36425.360000 0001 2216 9681Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5230 USA
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Chidambaram S, Manokaran RK. Favorable Response to "Memantine" in a Child with GRIN2B Epileptic Encephalopathy. Neuropediatrics 2022; 53:287-290. [PMID: 34844267 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1739130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
GRIN2B is a gene encoding GluN2B subunit under the family of N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which is responsible for neurogenesis and cognitive processes. The role of NMDA receptor antagonists like memantine is being explored for therapies in drug-resistant epilepsies. Here, we present a case of a 20-month-old boy who presented with refractory epileptic spasms. Upon failure of multiple antiepileptic drugs, he was started on oral memantine. There was a significant reduction in average seizure episodes by ∼80%. The use of memantine along with antiepileptic drug polytherapy has proved to be beneficial in our case. Our experience with memantine and favorable outcome opens up the scope of more research into the use of NMDA receptor antagonist as a drug option for refractory epilepsies with proven genetic mutation and hence improves the overall neurodevelopmental outcome and survival chance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sathya Chidambaram
- Department of Paediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
| | - Ranjith Kumar Manokaran
- Division of Paediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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Shah AA, Amjad M, Hassan JU, Ullah A, Mahmood A, Deng H, Ali Y, Gul F, Xia K. Molecular Insights into the Role of Pathogenic nsSNPs in GRIN2B Gene Provoking Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13081332. [PMID: 35893069 PMCID: PMC9394290 DOI: 10.3390/genes13081332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The GluN2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors plays an important role in the physiology of different neurodevelopmental diseases. Genetic variations in the GluN2B coding gene (GRIN2B) have consistently been linked to West syndrome, intellectual impairment with focal epilepsy, developmental delay, macrocephaly, corticogenesis, brain plasticity, as well as infantile spasms and Lennox–Gastaut syndrome. It is unknown, however, how GRIN2B genetic variation impacts protein function. We determined the cumulative pathogenic impact of GRIN2B variations on healthy participants using a computational approach. We looked at all of the known mutations and calculated the impact of single nucleotide polymorphisms on GRIN2B, which encodes the GluN2B protein. The pathogenic effect, functional impact, conservation analysis, post-translation alterations, their driving residues, and dynamic behaviors of deleterious nsSNPs on protein models were then examined. Four polymorphisms were identified as phylogenetically conserved PTM drivers and were related to structural and functional impact: rs869312669 (p.Thr685Pro), rs387906636 (p.Arg682Cys), rs672601377 (p.Asn615Ile), and rs1131691702 (p.Ser526Pro). The combined impact of protein function is accounted for by the calculated stability, compactness, and total globularity score. GluN2B hydrogen occupancy was positively associated with protein stability, and solvent-accessible surface area was positively related to globularity. Furthermore, there was a link between GluN2B protein folding, movement, and function, indicating that both putative high and low local movements were linked to protein function. Multiple GRIN2B genetic variations are linked to gene expression, phylogenetic conservation, PTMs, and protein instability behavior in neurodevelopmental diseases. These findings suggest the relevance of GRIN2B genetic variations in neurodevelopmental problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali Shah
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (A.A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Marryam Amjad
- District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Faisalabad 38000, Punjab, Pakistan;
| | | | - Asmat Ullah
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Arif Mahmood
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (A.A.S.); (A.M.)
| | - Huiyin Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410013, China;
| | - Yasir Ali
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (Y.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Fouzia Gul
- National Center for Bioinformatics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan; (Y.A.); (F.G.)
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China; (A.A.S.); (A.M.)
- Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421000, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligences Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200030, China
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-731-8480-5357
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Prediction of the cognitive impairment development in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. Endocr Regul 2022; 56:178-189. [DOI: 10.2478/enr-2022-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objective. The aim of the present work is to define the risk factors that can affect the presence of a cognitive impairment and analyze the associations of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphism (rs6265), vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism (rs2228570), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor gene polymorphism (rs4880213) with the cognitive impairment in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism in the Western Ukraine population and predict the development of cognitive disorders in these patients.
Methods. The study involved 153 patients with various forms of thyroid pathology (hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroiditis, elevated serum antibodies anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid peroxidase). Cognitive impairment in the examined patients was evaluated based on the results of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) test. BDNF, GRIN2B, and 25-OH Vitamin D levels in the serum of the patients and healthy individuals were quantified using highly sensitive commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Genotyping of the VDR (rs2228570), BDNF (rs6265), and NMDA receptor (rs4880213) gene polymorphism was performed using TaqMan probes and Taq-Man Genotyping Master Mix (4371355) on CFX96™Real-Time PCR Detection System. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for TaqMan genotyping was carried out according to the kit instructions.
Results. Strong direct relationship between the “Level GRIN2B” and cognitive impairments (p=0.006) was established after evaluating the complex model based on the values of the regression coefficient. An increase in the likelihood of cognitive impairment by 24.898-fold (p=0.012) was seen after assessing the effect of the CT rs6265 genotype. In addition, direct relationship between the influence of the TT rs6265 genotype and an increase in the likelihood of cognitive impairment by a factor of 21.734 (p=0.024) was also established.
Conclusion. The present data indicate that the BDNF, TSH, fT4, and vitamin D levels prognostically belong to the significant indicators of the cognitive impairment development.
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Liu Y, Tian X, Ke P, Gu J, Ma Y, Guo Y, Xu X, Chen Y, Yang M, Wang X, Xiao F. KIF17 Modulates Epileptic Seizures and Membrane Expression of the NMDA Receptor Subunit NR2B. Neurosci Bull 2022; 38:841-856. [PMID: 35678994 PMCID: PMC9352834 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00888-9] [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: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and severe brain disease affecting >65 million people worldwide. Recent studies have shown that kinesin superfamily motor protein 17 (KIF17) is expressed in neurons and is involved in regulating the dendrite-targeted transport of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B (NR2B). However, the effect of KIF17 on epileptic seizures remains to be explored. We found that KIF17 was mainly expressed in neurons and that its expression was increased in epileptic brain tissue. In the kainic acid (KA)-induced epilepsy mouse model, KIF17 overexpression increased the severity of epileptic activity, whereas KIF17 knockdown had the opposite effect. In electrophysiological tests, KIF17 regulated excitatory synaptic transmission, potentially due to KIF17-mediated NR2B membrane expression. In addition, this report provides the first demonstration that KIF17 is modified by SUMOylation (SUMO, small ubiquitin-like modifier), which plays a vital role in the stabilization and maintenance of KIF17 in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Pingyang Ke
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Juan Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanlin Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Min Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Sugasawa T, Komine R, Manevich L, Tamai S, Takekoshi K, Kanki Y. Gene Expression Profile Provides Novel Insights of Fasting-Refeeding Response in Zebrafish Skeletal Muscle. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112239. [PMID: 35684038 PMCID: PMC9182819 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, fasting has been spotlighted from a healthcare perspective. However, the de-tailed biological mechanisms and significance by which the effects of fasting confer health benefits are not yet clear. Due to certain advantages of the zebrafish as a vertebrate model, it is widely utilized in biological studies. However, the biological responses to nutrient metabolism within zebrafish skeletal muscles have not yet been amply reported. Therefore, we aimed to reveal a gene expression profile in zebrafish skeletal muscles in response to fasting-refeeding. Accordingly, mRNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed to examine comprehensive gene expression changes in skeletal muscle tissues during fasting-refeeding. Our results produced a novel set of nutrition-related genes under a fasting-refeeding protocol. Moreover, we found that five genes were dramatically upregulated in each fasting (for 24 h) and refeeding (after 3 h), exhibiting a rapid response to the provided conditional changes. The assessment of the gene length revealed that the gene set whose expression was elevated only after 3 h of refeeding had a shorter length, suggesting that nutrition-related gene function is associated with gene length. Taken together, our results from the bioinformatics analyses provide new insights into biological mechanisms induced by fasting-refeeding conditions within zebrafish skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehito Sugasawa
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
| | - Ritsuko Komine
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Lev Manevich
- Experimental Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Doctoral Program in Biomedical Sciences, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Tamai
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sport Science and Research, Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, 3-15-1 Nishigaoka, Kita-ku, Tokyo 115-0056, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takekoshi
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (Y.K.); Tel.: +81-29-853-3209 (K.T. & Y.K.)
| | - Yasuharu Kanki
- Laboratory of Clinical Examination and Sports Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan; (T.S.); (S.T.)
- Department of Sports Medicine Analysis, Open Facility Network Office, Organization for Open Facility Initiatives, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba 305-8577, Ibaraki, Japan;
- Correspondence: (K.T.); (Y.K.); Tel.: +81-29-853-3209 (K.T. & Y.K.)
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Bertini V, Milone R, Cristofani P, Cambi F, Bosetti C, Barbieri F, Bertelloni S, Cioni G, Valetto A, Battini R. Enhancing DLG2 Implications in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Analysis of a Cohort of Eight Patients with 11q14.1 Imbalances. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13050859. [PMID: 35627244 PMCID: PMC9140951 DOI: 10.3390/genes13050859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are considered synaptopathies, as they are due to anomalies in neuronal connectivity during development. DLG2 is a gene involved insynaptic function; the phenotypic effect of itsalterations in NDDs has been underestimated since few cases have been thoroughly described.We report on eight patients with 11q14.1 imbalances involving DLG2, underlining its potential effects on clinical presentation and its contribution to NDD comorbidity by accurate neuropsychiatric data collection. DLG2 is a very large gene in 11q14.1, extending over 2.172 Mb, with alternative splicing that gives rise to numerous isoforms differentially expressed in brain tissues. A thorough bioinformatic analysis of the altered transcripts was conducted for each patient. The different expression profiles of the isoforms of this gene and their influence on the excitatory–inhibitory balance in crucial brain structures could contribute to the phenotypic variability related to DLG2 alterations. Further studies on patients would be helpful to enrich clinical and neurodevelopmental findings and elucidate the molecular mechanisms subtended to NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Bertini
- Cytogenetic Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Roberta Milone
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56125 Pisa, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (C.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Paola Cristofani
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56125 Pisa, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (C.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Francesca Cambi
- Cytogenetic Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (F.C.)
| | - Chiara Bosetti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56125 Pisa, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (C.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Filippo Barbieri
- Mental Health Department, ASL Toscana Nordovest, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Silvano Bertelloni
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56125 Pisa, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (C.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Valetto
- Cytogenetic Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero-Univeristaria Pisana, Via Roma 57, 56100 Pisa, Italy; (V.B.); (F.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56125 Pisa, Italy; (R.M.); (P.C.); (C.B.); (G.C.); (R.B.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
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Mangano GD, Riva A, Fontana A, Salpietro V, Mangano GR, Nobile G, Orsini A, Iacomino M, Battini R, Astrea G, Striano P, Nardello R. De novo GRIN2A variants associated with epilepsy and autism and literature review. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108604. [PMID: 35217385 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are di- or tri-heterotetrameric ligand-gated ion channels composed of two obligate glycine-binding GluN1 subunits and two glutamate-binding GluN2 or GluN3 subunits, encoded by GRIN1, GRIN2A-D, and GRIN3A-B receptor genes respectively. Each NMDA receptor subtype has different temporal and spatial expression patterns in the brain and varies in the cell types and subcellular localization resulting in different functions. They play a crucial role in mediating the excitatory neurotransmission, but are also involved in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity, essential for learning, memory, and high cognitive functions. Among genes coding NMDAR subunits, GRIN2B is predominantly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, developmental delay, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and, further, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease. The GRIN2A seems to be predominantly associated with a more definite phenotype including an epileptic spectrum ranging from Landau-Kleffner syndrome to benign childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes, speech or language impairment, intellectual disability/developmental delay often in comorbidity. On the contrary, the occurrence of autism spectrum disorders, unlike GRIN2B-associated disorders, is questionable. To contribute to elucidate the latter issue and to better define the genotype/phenotype correlation, we report the clinical and neuropsychological profile of two patients featuring autism disorder, intellectual disability, language impairment, and focal epilepsy, associated with previously unreported heterozygous de novo GRIN2A pathogenic variants. We hypothesize that the unusual phenotype may be the result of interactions of tri-heterotetrameric 2GluN1/GluN2A-D/GluN3A-B subunits with mutated GluN2A subunit and/or the dysfunction may be influenced by other unknown modifier genes and/or environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Donato Mangano
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa 16147, Italy
| | - Antonina Fontana
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa 16147, Italy; Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Giuseppa Renata Mangano
- Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Giulia Nobile
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa 16147, Italy
| | - Alessandro Orsini
- Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Guja Astrea
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa 16147, Italy; Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Department, Santa Chiara University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Nardello
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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Han W, Yuan H, Allen JP, Kim S, Shaulsky GH, Perszyk RE, Traynelis SF, Myers SJ. Opportunities for Precision Treatment of GRIN2A and GRIN2B Gain-of-Function Variants in Triheteromeric N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2022; 381:54-66. [PMID: 35110392 PMCID: PMC11046977 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.001000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are tetrameric assemblies of two glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits, GluN1 and two GluN2, that mediate excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Four genes (GRIN2A-D) encode four distinct GluN2 subunits (GluN2A-D). Thus, NMDARs can be diheteromeric assemblies of two GluN1 plus two identical GluN2 subunits, or triheteromeric assemblies of two GluN1 subunits plus two different GluN2 subunits. An increasing number of de novo GRIN variants have been identified in patients with neurologic conditions and with GRIN2A and GRIN2B harboring the vast majority (> 80%) of variants in these cases. These variants produce a wide range of effects on NMDAR function depending upon its subunit subdomain location and additionally on the subunit composition of diheteromeric versus triheteromeric NMDARs. Increasing evidence implicates triheteromeric GluN1/GluN2A/GluN2B receptors as a major component of the NMDAR pool in the adult cortex and hippocampus. Here, we explore the ability of GluN2A- and GluN2B-selective inhibitors to reduce excess current flow through triheteromeric GluN1/GluN2A/GluN2B receptors that contain one copy of GRIN2A or GRIN2B gain-of-function variants. Our data reveal a broad range of sensitivities for variant-containing triheteromeric receptors to subunit-selective inhibitors, with some variants still showing strong sensitivity to inhibitors, whereas others are relatively insensitive. Most variants, however, retain sensitivity to non-selective channel blockers and the competitive antagonist D-(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. These results suggest that with comprehensive analysis, certain disease-related GRIN2A and GRIN2B variants can be identified as potential targets for subunit-selective modulation and potential therapeutic gain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Triheteromeric NMDA receptors that contain one copy each of the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits show intermediate sensitivity to GluN2A- and GluN2B-selective inhibitors, making these compounds candidates for attenuating overactive, GRIN variant-containing NMDA receptors associated with neurological conditions. We show that functional evaluation of variant properties with inhibitor pharmacology can support selection of a subset of variants for which GluN2 subunit-selective agents remain effective inhibitors of variant-containing triheteromeric NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Han
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - James P Allen
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Sukhan Kim
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Gil H Shaulsky
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Riley E Perszyk
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
| | - Scott J Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., R.E.P., S.F.T., S.J.M.) and Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants (CFERV), Emory University School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (W.H., H.Y., J.P.A., S.K., G.H.S., S.F.T., S.J.M.)
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Kysilov B, Hrcka Krausova B, Vyklicky V, Smejkalova T, Korinek M, Horak M, Chodounska H, Kudova E, Cerny J, Vyklicky L. Pregnane-based steroids are novel positive NMDA receptor modulators that may compensate for the effect of loss-of-function disease-associated GRIN mutations. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:3970-3990. [PMID: 35318645 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play a critical role in synaptic plasticity, and mutations in human genes encoding NMDAR subunits have been described in individuals with various neuropsychiatric disorders. Compounds with a positive allosteric effect are thought to compensate for reduced receptor function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We have used whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology on recombinant rat NMDARs and human variants found in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, in combination with in silico modelling, to explore the site of action of novel epipregnanolone-based NMDAR modulators. KEY RESULTS Analysis of the action of 4-(20-oxo-5β-pregnan-3β-yl) butanoic acid (EPA-But) at the NMDAR indicates that the effect of this steroid with a "bent" structure is different from that of cholesterol and oxysterols and shares a disuse-dependent mechanism of NMDAR potentiation with the "planar" steroid 20-oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl sulfate (PE-S). The potentiating effects of EPA-But and PE-S are additive. Alanine scan mutagenesis identified residues that reduce the potentiating effect of EPA-But. No correlation was found between the effects of EPA-But and PE-S at mutated receptors that were less sensitive to either steroid. The relative degree of potentiation induced by the two steroids also differed in human NMDARs carrying rare variants of hGluN1 or hGluN2B subunits found in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders, including intellectual disability, epilepsy, developmental delay, and autism spectrum disorder. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our results show novel sites of action for pregnanolones at the NMDAR and provide an opportunity for the development of new therapeutic neurosteroid-based ligands to treat diseases associated with glutamatergic system hypofunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohdan Kysilov
- Institute of Physiology CAS, Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin Horak
- Institute of Physiology CAS, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Chodounska
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Kudova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry CAS, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Cerny
- Institute of Physiology CAS, Prague 4, Czech Republic
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Wang X, Guo Z, Mei D, Zhang Y, Zhao S, Hu S, Luo S, Wang Q, Gao C. The GluN2B-Trp373 NMDA Receptor Variant is Associated with Autism-, Epilepsy-Related Phenotypes and Reduces NMDA Receptor Currents in Rats. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1588-1597. [PMID: 35181828 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03554-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with core clinical features of abnormal communication, social interactions, atypical intelligence, and a higher risk of epilepsy. Prior work has suggested that de novo heterozygous mutations in the GRIN2B gene that encodes the GluN2B subunit of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors are likely linked to ASD. However, whether GLuN2B-Trp373 mutation derived from autistic individuals causes ASD-like behavioral aberrations in rats remains to be determined. Here, through in utero electroporation and in vivo studies, we conducted a battery of tests to examine ASD-associated behaviors, cognitive impairments, and susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures. Whole-cell patch recording was utilized to determine whether the GluN2B-Trp373 mutation influences GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor currents in rats. Results show that, behaviorally, GLuN2B-Trp373 mutant rats exhibited core behavioral manifestations of ASD, such as social interaction deficits, increases in stereotyped behaviors and anxiety stereotyped/repetitive, impaired spatial memory, and enhanced risk of pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, consistent with many of the hallmarks of low-functioning ASD in humans. Functionally, the GluN2B-Trp373 mutation results in reduced GluN2B surface protein expression together with decreased hippocampal NMDA receptor currents. Collectively, our findings highlight that GluN2B-Trp373 mutations can drive the manifestation of ASD-associated symptoms via the suppression of NMDA receptor currents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 33 Longhu Outer Circle Dong Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China.
| | - Zhiyue Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 33 Longhu Outer Circle Dong Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 33 Longhu Outer Circle Dong Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Shunan Hu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 33 Longhu Outer Circle Dong Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Shuying Luo
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, 33 Longhu Outer Circle Dong Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Dongqing Road, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, China.
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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45
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Keith RE, Ogoe RH, Dumas TC. Behind the scenes: Are latent memories supported by calcium independent plasticity? Hippocampus 2022; 32:73-88. [PMID: 33905147 PMCID: PMC8548406 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23332] [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: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) can be considered to be the de facto "plasticity" receptors in the brain due to their central role in the activity-dependent modification of neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission. Since the 1980s, research on NMDARs has focused on the second messenger properties of calcium and the downstream signaling pathways that mediate alterations in neural form and function. Recently, NMDARs were shown to drive activity-dependent synaptic plasticity without calcium influx. How this "nonionotropic" plasticity occurs in vitro is becoming clearer, but research on its involvement in behavior and cognition is in its infancy. There is a partial overlap in the downstream signaling molecules that are involved in ionotropic and nonionotropic NMDAR-dependent plasticity. Given this, and prior studies of the cognitive impacts of ionotropic NMDAR plasticity, a preliminary model explaining how NMDAR nonionotropic plasticity affects learning and memory can be established. We hypothesize that nonionotropic NMDAR plasticity takes part in latent memory encoding in immature rodents through nonassociative depression of synaptic efficacy, and possibly shrinking of dendritic spines. Further, the late postnatal alteration in NMDAR composition in the hippocampus appears to reduce nonionotropic signaling and remove a restriction on memory retrieval. This framework substantially alters the canonical model of NMDAR involvement in spatial cognition and hippocampal maturation and provides novel and exciting inroads for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Keith
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Richard H. Ogoe
- Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
| | - Theodore C. Dumas
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, College of Science, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia,Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
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46
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Lipina T, Blundell M. From atypical senses to autism: towards new therapeutic targets and improved diagnostics. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 212:173312. [PMID: 34883136 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Lipina
- University of Toronto, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Matisse Blundell
- University of Toronto, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 1A8, Canada
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47
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Nadeem MS, Hosawi S, Alshehri S, Ghoneim MM, Imam SS, Murtaza BN, Kazmi I. Symptomatic, Genetic, and Mechanistic Overlaps between Autism and Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1635. [PMID: 34827633 PMCID: PMC8615882 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders affecting two opposite ends of life span, i.e., childhood and old age. Both disorders pose a cumulative threat to human health, with the rate of incidences increasing considerably worldwide. In the context of recent developments, we aimed to review correlated symptoms and genetics, and overlapping aspects in the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ASD and AD. Dementia, insomnia, and weak neuromuscular interaction, as well as communicative and cognitive impairments, are shared symptoms. A number of genes and proteins linked with both disorders have been tabulated, including MECP2, ADNP, SCN2A, NLGN, SHANK, PTEN, RELN, and FMR1. Theories about the role of neuron development, processing, connectivity, and levels of neurotransmitters in both disorders have been discussed. Based on the recent literature, the roles of FMRP (Fragile X mental retardation protein), hnRNPC (heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein-C), IRP (Iron regulatory proteins), miRNAs (MicroRNAs), and α-, β0, and γ-secretases in the posttranscriptional regulation of cellular synthesis and processing of APP (amyloid-β precursor protein) have been elaborated to describe the parallel and overlapping routes and mechanisms of ASD and AD pathogenesis. However, the interactive role of genetic and environmental factors, oxidative and metal ion stress, mutations in the associated genes, and alterations in the related cellular pathways in the development of ASD and AD needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad 22310, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
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48
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Benke TA, Park K, Krey I, Camp CR, Song R, Ramsey AJ, Yuan H, Traynelis SF, Lemke J. Clinical and therapeutic significance of genetic variation in the GRIN gene family encoding NMDARs. Neuropharmacology 2021; 199:108805. [PMID: 34560056 PMCID: PMC8525401 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Considerable genetic variation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) has recently become apparent, with many hundreds of de novo variants identified through widely available clinical genetic testing. Individuals with GRIN variants present with neurological conditions such as epilepsy, autism, intellectual disability (ID), movement disorders, schizophrenia and behavioral disorders. Determination of the functional consequence of genetic variation for NMDARs should lead to precision therapeutics. Furthermore, genetic animal models harboring human variants have the potential to reveal mechanisms that are shared among different neurological conditions, providing strategies that may allow treatment of individuals who are refractory to therapy. Preclinical studies in animal models and small open label trials in humans support this idea. However, additional functional data for variants and animal models corresponding to multiple individuals with the same genotype are needed to validate this approach and to lead to thoughtfully designed, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, which could provide data in order to determine safety and efficacy of potential precision therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim A Benke
- Departments of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Neurology, and Otolaryngology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, United States.
| | - Kristen Park
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children's Hospital Colorado, United States
| | - Ilona Krey
- Institute of Human Genetics, Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chad R Camp
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and the Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and the Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Amy J Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hongjie Yuan
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and the Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology and the Center for Functional Evaluation of Rare Variants, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Johannes Lemke
- Institute of Human Genetics, Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
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49
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Engdahl E, Svensson K, Lin PID, Alavian-Ghavanini A, Lindh C, Rüegg J, Bornehag CG. DNA methylation at GRIN2B partially mediates the association between prenatal bisphenol F exposure and cognitive functions in 7-year-old children in the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106617. [PMID: 34015668 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal chemical exposure triggers epigenetic modifications that could influence health outcomes later in life. In this study, we investigated whether DNA methylation (DNAm) levels at the glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B) gene underlies the association between prenatal exposure to an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), bisphenol F (BPF), and lower cognitive functions in 7-year-old children. METHODS Data from 799 children participating in the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal Mother and child Asthma and allergy (SELMA) pregnancy cohort was analyzed. Prenatal BPF exposure was assessed by measuring BPF levels in maternal urine. At age 7, DNAm of three CpG sites in a regulatory region of the GRIN2B gene was analyzed from buccal swabs using bisulfite-Pyrosequencing. Cognitive functions, including full-scale IQ and four subscales, were evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV). Associations between prenatal BPF exposure and GRIN2B DNAm, as well as between GRIN2B DNAm and cognitive functions, were determined using regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Generalized structural equation models (gSEM) were used to evaluate if GRIN2B DNAm mediates the association between prenatal BPF exposure and cognitive functions at 7 years of age. RESULTS Prenatal BPF exposure was positively associated with GRIN2B DNAm levels at the third CpG site (CpG3), while CpG3 methylation was inversely associated with cognitive test scores. Mediation analyses showed that CpG3 methylation exerted 6-9% of the association between BPF exposure and full-scale IQ, as well as verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning in boys, while not significant in girls. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to identify locus-specific DNAm as a mediating factor underlying an epidemiological association between prenatal EDC exposure and cognitive functions in childhood. It also confirms previous findings, that GRIN2B DNAm is responsive to environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Engdahl
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Katherine Svensson
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ping-I Daniel Lin
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Ali Alavian-Ghavanini
- Karolinska Institutet, Swetox, Unit of Toxicology Sciences, 151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Lund University, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 223 81 Lund, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden; Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Karlstad University, Department of Health Sciences, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden; Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, NY 10029, USA
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50
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Frewer V, Gilchrist CP, Collins SE, Williams K, Seal ML, Leventer RJ, Amor DJ. A systematic review of brain MRI findings in monogenic disorders strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:1339-1352. [PMID: 34426966 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorder (autism) can inform our understanding of genetic contributions to the autism phenotype; yet, there is much to be learned about the pathways from gene to brain structure to behavior. This systematic review summarizes and evaluates research on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in monogenic conditions that have strong association with autism. This will improve understanding of the impact of genetic variability on brain structure and related behavioral traits in autism. METHODS The search strategy for this systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Risk of bias (ROB) assessment was completed on included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. RESULTS Of 4,287 studies screened, 69 were included pertaining to 13 of the top 20 genes with the strongest association with autism. The greatest number of studies related to individuals with PTEN variants and autism. Brain MRI abnormalities were reported for 12 of the 13 genes studied, and in 51.7% of participants across all 13 genes, including 100% of participants with ARID1B variants. Specific MRI findings were highly variable, with no clear patterns emerging within or between the 13 genes, although white matter abnormalities were the most common. Few studies reported specific details about methods for acquisition and processing of brain MRI, and descriptors for brain abnormalities were variable. ROB assessment indicated high ROB for all studies, largely due to small sample sizes and lack of comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS Brain abnormalities are common in this population of individuals, in particular, children; however, a range of different brain abnormalities were reported within and between genes. Directions for future neuroimaging research in monogenic autism are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Frewer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Courtney P Gilchrist
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Neurodevelopment in Health and Disease, RMIT University, Bundoora, Vic., Australia
| | - Simonne E Collins
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain & Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Monash Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Marc L Seal
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Richard J Leventer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - David J Amor
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.,Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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