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Ray NR, Kunkle BW, Hamilton-Nelson K, Kurup JT, Rajabli F, Qiao M, Vardarajan BN, Cosacak MI, Kizil C, Jean-Francois M, Cuccaro M, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Cantwell L, Kuzma A, Vance JM, Gao S, Hendrie HC, Baiyewu O, Ogunniyi A, Akinyemi RO, Lee WP, Martin ER, Wang LS, Beecham GW, Bush WS, Xu W, Jin F, Wang L, Farrer LA, Haines JL, Byrd GS, Schellenberg GD, Mayeux R, Pericak-Vance MA, Reitz C. Extended genome-wide association study employing the African genome resources panel identifies novel susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's disease in individuals of African ancestry. Alzheimers Dement 2024. [PMID: 38958117 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13880] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a two-fold risk, individuals of African ancestry have been underrepresented in Alzheimer's disease (AD) genomics efforts. METHODS Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of 2,903 AD cases and 6,265 controls of African ancestry. Within-dataset results were meta-analyzed, followed by functional genomics analyses. RESULTS A novel AD-risk locus was identified in MPDZ on chromosome (chr) 9p23 (rs141610415, MAF = 0.002, P = 3.68×10-9). Two additional novel common and nine rare loci were identified with suggestive associations (P < 9×10-7). Comparison of association and linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns between datasets with higher and lower degrees of African ancestry showed differential association patterns at chr12q23.2 (ASCL1), suggesting that this association is modulated by regional origin of local African ancestry. DISCUSSION These analyses identified novel AD-associated loci in individuals of African ancestry and suggest that degree of African ancestry modulates some associations. Increased sample sets covering as much African genetic diversity as possible will be critical to identify additional loci and deconvolute local genetic ancestry effects. HIGHLIGHTS Genetic ancestry significantly impacts risk of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Although individuals of African ancestry are twice as likely to develop AD, they are vastly underrepresented in AD genomics studies. The Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium has previously identified 16 common and rare genetic loci associated with AD in African American individuals. The current analyses significantly expand this effort by increasing the sample size and extending ancestral diversity by including populations from continental Africa. Single variant meta-analysis identified a novel genome-wide significant AD-risk locus in individuals of African ancestry at the MPDZ gene, and 11 additional novel loci with suggestive genome-wide significance at P < 9×10-7. Comparison of African American datasets with samples of higher degree of African ancestry demonstrated differing patterns of association and linkage disequilibrium at one of these loci, suggesting that degree and/or geographic origin of African ancestry modulates the effect at this locus. These findings illustrate the importance of increasing number and ancestral diversity of African ancestry samples in AD genomics studies to fully disentangle the genetic architecture underlying AD, and yield more effective ancestry-informed genetic screening tools and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R Ray
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brian W Kunkle
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kara Hamilton-Nelson
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Jiji T Kurup
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Farid Rajabli
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Min Qiao
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Badri N Vardarajan
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Caghan Kizil
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melissa Jean-Francois
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Michael Cuccaro
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Dolly Reyes-Dumeyer
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Laura Cantwell
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Amanda Kuzma
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jeffery M Vance
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Sujuan Gao
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Hugh C Hendrie
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | | | | | - Wan-Ping Lee
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eden R Martin
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Li-San Wang
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Gary W Beecham
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - William S Bush
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Biomedical Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Wanying Xu
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Biomedical Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Fulai Jin
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Biomedical Research, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Liyong Wang
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Lindsay A Farrer
- Department of Medicine, Biomedical Genetics Section, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences and Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Goldie S Byrd
- Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gerard D Schellenberg
- Penn Neurodegeneration Genomics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Richard Mayeux
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Epidemiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- The John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Dr. John T. MacDonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Christiane Reitz
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
- Epidemiology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Ray NR, Kunkle BW, Hamilton-Nelson K, Kurup JT, Rajabli F, Cosacak MI, Kizil C, Jean-Francois M, Cuccaro M, Reyes-Dumeyer D, Cantwell L, Kuzma A, Vance JM, Gao S, Hendrie HC, Baiyewu O, Ogunniyi A, Akinyemi RO, Lee WP, Martin ER, Wang LS, Beecham GW, Bush WS, Farrer LA, Haines JL, Byrd GS, Schellenberg GD, Mayeux R, Pericak-Vance MA, Reitz C. Extended genome-wide association study employing the African Genome Resources Panel identifies novel susceptibility loci for Alzheimer's Disease in individuals of African ancestry. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.29.23294774. [PMID: 37693582 PMCID: PMC10491365 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.29.23294774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite a two-fold increased risk, individuals of African ancestry have been significantly underrepresented in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) genomics efforts. METHODS GWAS of 2,903 AD cases and 6,265 cognitive controls of African ancestry. Within-dataset results were meta-analyzed, followed by gene-based and pathway analyses, and analysis of RNAseq and whole-genome sequencing data. RESULTS A novel AD risk locus was identified in MPDZ on chromosome 9p23 (rs141610415, MAF=.002, P =3.68×10 -9 ). Two additional novel common and nine novel rare loci approached genome-wide significance at P <9×10 -7 . Comparison of association and LD patterns between datasets with higher and lower degrees of African ancestry showed differential association patterns at chr12q23.2 ( ASCL1 ), suggesting that the association is modulated by regional origin of local African ancestry. DISCUSSION Increased sample sizes and sample sets from Africa covering as much African genetic diversity as possible will be critical to identify additional disease-associated loci and improve deconvolution of local genetic ancestry effects.
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Wang H, Yamahashi Y, Riedl M, Amano M, Kaibuchi K. The Evaluation of Rac1 Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11880. [PMID: 37569255 PMCID: PMC10418761 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Small GTPase Rac1 is critical for various fundamental cellular processes, including cognitive functions. The cyclical activation and inactivation of Rac1, mediated by Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RacGEFs) and Rac GTPase-activating proteins (RacGAPs), respectively, are essential for activating intracellular signaling pathways and controlling cellular processes. We have recently shown that the Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapeutic drug donepezil activates the Rac1-PAK pathway in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) for enhanced aversive learning. Also, PAK activation itself in the NAc enhances aversive learning. As aversive learning allows short-term preliminary AD drug screening, here we tested whether sustained Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition can be used as an AD therapeutic strategy for improving AD-learning deficits based on aversive learning. We found that the RacGAP domain of breakpoint cluster region protein (Bcr) (Bcr-GAP) efficiently inhibited Rac1 activity in a membrane ruffling assay. We also found that, in striatal/accumbal primary neurons, Bcr knockdown by microRNA mimic-expressing adeno-associated virus (AAV-miRNA mimic) activated Rac1-PAK signaling, while Bcr-GAP-expressing AAV inactivated it. Furthermore, conditional knockdown of Bcr in the NAc of wild-type adult mice enhanced aversive learning, while Bcr-GAP expression in the NAc inhibited it. The findings indicate that Rac1 activation by RacGAP inhibition enhances aversive learning, implying the AD therapeutic potential of Rac1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanhuan Wang
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Yukie Yamahashi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Marcel Riedl
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
| | - Mutsuki Amano
- Department of Cell Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, 65 Tsurumai, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan; (H.W.); (M.A.)
| | - Kozo Kaibuchi
- Division of Cell Biology, International Center for Brain Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan; (Y.Y.); (M.R.)
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Fricke AL, Mühlhäuser WWD, Reimann L, Zimmermann JP, Reichenbach C, Knapp B, Peikert CD, Heberle AM, Faessler E, Schäuble S, Hahn U, Thedieck K, Radziwill G, Warscheid B. Phosphoproteomics Profiling Defines a Target Landscape of the Basophilic Protein Kinases AKT, S6K, and RSK in Skeletal Myotubes. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:768-789. [PMID: 36763541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00505] [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] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction plays an important role in regulating the functions and fate of skeletal muscle cells. Central players in the phospho-signaling network are the protein kinases AKT, S6K, and RSK as part of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR-S6K and RAF-MEK-ERK-RSK pathways. However, despite their functional importance, knowledge about their specific targets is incomplete because these kinases share the same basophilic substrate motif RxRxxp[ST]. To address this, we performed a multifaceted quantitative phosphoproteomics study of skeletal myotubes following kinase inhibition. Our data corroborate a cross talk between AKT and RAF, a negative feedback loop of RSK on ERK, and a putative connection between RSK and PI3K signaling. Altogether, we report a kinase target landscape containing 49 so far unknown target sites. AKT, S6K, and RSK phosphorylate numerous proteins involved in muscle development, integrity, and functions, and signaling converges on factors that are central for the skeletal muscle cytoskeleton. Whereas AKT controls insulin signaling and impinges on GTPase signaling, nuclear signaling is characteristic for RSK. Our data further support a role of RSK in glucose metabolism. Shared targets have functions in RNA maturation, stability, and translation, which suggests that these basophilic kinases establish an intricate signaling network to orchestrate and regulate processes involved in translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Fricke
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Biochemistry II, Theodor Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wignand W D Mühlhäuser
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lena Reimann
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Johannes P Zimmermann
- Biochemistry II, Theodor Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Christa Reichenbach
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Knapp
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian D Peikert
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander M Heberle
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Erik Faessler
- Jena University Language & Information Engineering (JULIE) Lab, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Sascha Schäuble
- Jena University Language & Information Engineering (JULIE) Lab, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany.,Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Unit, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology─Leibniz-HKI, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Udo Hahn
- Jena University Language & Information Engineering (JULIE) Lab, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Kathrin Thedieck
- Institute of Biochemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria.,Department of Pediatrics, Section Systems Medicine of Metabolism and Signaling, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9700 RB, The Netherlands.,Department for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Gerald Radziwill
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bettina Warscheid
- Biochemistry and Functional Proteomics, Institute of Biology II, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Biochemistry II, Theodor Boveri-Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.,Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Vascular and Neuronal Network Formation Regulated by Growth Factors and Guidance Cues. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020283. [PMID: 36836641 PMCID: PMC9965086 DOI: 10.3390/life13020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels and nerves are distributed throughout the body and show a high degree of anatomical parallelism and functional crosstalk. These networks transport oxygen, nutrients, and information to maintain homeostasis. Thus, disruption of network formation can cause diseases. Nervous system development requires the navigation of the axons of neurons to their correct destination. Blood vessel formation occurs via vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. Vasculogenesis is the process of de novo blood vessel formation, and angiogenesis is the process whereby endothelial cells sprout from pre-existing vessels. Both developmental processes require guidance molecules to establish precise branching patterns of these systems in the vertebrate body. These network formations are regulated by growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor; and guidance cues, such as ephrin, netrin, semaphorin, and slit. Neuronal and vascular structures extend lamellipodia and filopodia, which sense guidance cues that are mediated by the Rho family and actin cytosol rearrangement, to migrate to the goal during development. Furthermore, endothelial cells regulate neuronal development and vice versa. In this review, we describe the guidance molecules that regulate neuronal and vascular network formation.
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Arslan A. Systematic Inspection of Genomic Tandem Repeats and Rearrangements in Autism Model. BRAIN DISORDERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dscb.2022.100059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Host genetic factors related to innate immunity, environmental sensing and cellular functions are associated with human skin microbiota. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6204. [PMID: 36261456 PMCID: PMC9582029 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33906-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increasing knowledge about factors shaping the human microbiome, the host genetic factors that modulate the skin-microbiome interactions are still largely understudied. This contrasts with recent efforts to characterize host genes that influence the gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effect of genetics on skin microbiota across three different skin microenvironments through meta-analyses of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of two population-based German cohorts. We identified 23 genome-wide significant loci harboring 30 candidate genes involved in innate immune signaling, environmental sensing, cell differentiation, proliferation and fibroblast activity. However, no locus passed the strict threshold for study-wide significance (P < 6.3 × 10-10 for 80 features included in the analysis). Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis indicated the influence of staphylococci on eczema/dermatitis and suggested modulating effects of the microbiota on other skin diseases. Finally, transcriptional profiles of keratinocytes significantly changed after in vitro co-culturing with Staphylococcus epidermidis, chosen as a representative of skin commensals. Seven candidate genes from the GWAS were found overlapping with differential expression in the co-culturing experiments, warranting further research of the skin commensal and host genetic makeup interaction.
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Zhang W, Wang H, Brandt DYC, Hu B, Sheng J, Wang M, Luo H, Li Y, Guo S, Sheng B, Zeng Q, Peng K, Zhao D, Jian S, Wu D, Wang J, Zhao G, Ren J, Shi W, van Esch JHM, Klingunga S, Nielsen R, Hong Y. The genetic architecture of phenotypic diversity in the Betta fish ( Betta splendens). SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4955. [PMID: 36129976 PMCID: PMC9491723 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The Betta fish displays a remarkable variety of phenotypes selected during domestication. However, the genetic basis underlying these traits remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and resequencing of 727 individuals representing diverse morphotypes of the Betta fish. We show that current breeds have a complex domestication history with extensive introgression with wild species. Using a genome-wide association study, we identify the genetic basis of multiple traits, including coloration patterns, the "Dumbo" phenotype with pectoral fin outgrowth, extraordinary enlargement of body size that we map to a major locus on chromosome 8, the sex determination locus that we map to dmrt1, and the long-fin phenotype that maps to the locus containing kcnj15. We also identify a polygenic signal related to aggression, involving multiple neural system-related genes such as esyt2, apbb2, and pank2. Our study provides a resource for developing the Betta fish as a genetic model for morphological and behavioral research in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanchang Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Hongru Wang
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Débora Y. C. Brandt
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Beijuan Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Junqing Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Mengnan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Haijiang Luo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Yahui Li
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Shujie Guo
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Bin Sheng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Qi Zeng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Kou Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Daxian Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Shaoqing Jian
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Di Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Junhua Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Guang Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
| | - Jun Ren
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Wentian Shi
- Faculty of Philosophy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen 72074, Germany
| | - Joep H. M. van Esch
- Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam 3015, Netherlands
| | - Sirawut Klingunga
- Aquatic Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology Research Team, National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
| | - Rasmus Nielsen
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Globe Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen DK-1165, Denmark
| | - Yijiang Hong
- School of Life Sciences, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Resources and Utilization, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China
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Derisoud E, Jouneau L, Dubois C, Archilla C, Jaszczyszyn Y, Legendre R, Daniel N, Peynot N, Dahirel M, Auclair-Ronzaud J, Wimel L, Duranthon V, Chavatte-Palmer P. Maternal age affects equine day 8 embryo gene expression both in trophoblast and inner cell mass. BMC Genomics 2022; 23:443. [PMID: 35705916 PMCID: PMC9199136 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08593-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breeding a mare until she is not fertile or even until her death is common in equine industry but the fertility decreases as the mare age increases. Embryo loss due to reduced embryo quality is partly accountable for this observation. Here, the effect of mare's age on blastocysts' gene expression was explored. Day 8 post-ovulation embryos were collected from multiparous young (YM, 6-year-old, N = 5) and older (OM, > 10-year-old, N = 6) non-nursing Saddlebred mares, inseminated with the semen of one stallion. Pure or inner cell mass (ICM) enriched trophoblast, obtained by embryo bisection, were RNA sequenced. Deconvolution algorithm was used to discriminate gene expression in the ICM from that in the trophoblast. Differential expression was analyzed with embryo sex and diameter as cofactors. Functional annotation and classification of differentially expressed genes and gene set enrichment analysis were also performed. RESULTS Maternal aging did not affect embryo recovery rate, embryo diameter nor total RNA quantity. In both compartments, the expression of genes involved in mitochondria and protein metabolism were disturbed by maternal age, although more genes were affected in the ICM. Mitosis, signaling and adhesion pathways and embryo development were decreased in the ICM of embryos from old mares. In trophoblast, ion movement pathways were affected. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that maternal age affects gene expression in the equine blastocyst, demonstrating significant effects as early as 10 years of age. These perturbations may affect further embryo development and contribute to decreased fertility due to aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Derisoud
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
| | - Luc Jouneau
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Cédric Dubois
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Catherine Archilla
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), UMR 9198 CNRS, CEA, Paris-Sud University F-91198, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rachel Legendre
- Institut Pasteur-Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub-Department of Computational Biology, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Daniel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Nathalie Peynot
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Michèle Dahirel
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | | | - Laurence Wimel
- IFCE, Plateau technique de Chamberet, 19370, Chamberet, France
| | - Véronique Duranthon
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Pascale Chavatte-Palmer
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, BREED, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, BREED, 94700, Maisons-Alfort, France.
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10
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Messelodi D, Giuliani C, Cipriani F, Armuzzi S, di Palmo E, Garagnani P, Bertelli L, Astolfi A, Luiselli D, Ricci G, Pession A. C5 and SRGAP3 Polymorphisms Are Linked to Paediatric Allergic Asthma in the Italian Population. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020214. [PMID: 35205259 PMCID: PMC8871526 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a complex and heterogeneous disease, caused by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors with a predominant allergic background in children. The role of specific genes in asthmatic bronchial reactivity is still not clear, probably because of the many common pathways shared with other allergic disorders. This study is focused on 11 SNPs possibly related to asthma that were previously identified in a GWAS study. The genetic variability of these SNPs has been analysed in a population of 773 Italian healthy controls, and the presence of an association between the polymorphisms and the asthma onset was evaluated performing genotyping analysis on 108 children affected with asthma compared with the controls. Moreover, a pool of 171 patients with only allergic rhinoconjunctivitis has been included in the case–control analysis. The comparison of allele frequencies in asthmatic patients versus healthy controls identified two SNPs—rs1162394 (p = 0.019) and rs25681 (p = 0.044)—associated with the asthmatic condition, which were not differentially distributed in the rhinoconjunctivitis group. The rs25681 SNP, together with three other SNPs, also resulted in not being homogenously distributed in the Italian population. The significantly higher frequency of the rs25681 and rs1162394 SNPs (located, respectively, in the C5 and SRGAP3 genes) in the asthmatic population suggests an involvement of these genes in the asthmatic context, playing a role in increasing the inflammatory condition that may influence asthma onset and clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daria Messelodi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Cristina Giuliani
- Laboratory of Molecular Anthropology, Centre for Genome Biology, Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Francesca Cipriani
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (E.d.P.); (L.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Silvia Armuzzi
- Institute of Hematology “Seràgnoli”, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Emanuela di Palmo
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (E.d.P.); (L.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (P.G.); (A.A.)
| | - Luca Bertelli
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (E.d.P.); (L.B.); (A.P.)
| | - Annalisa Astolfi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (P.G.); (A.A.)
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Donata Luiselli
- Laboratory of Ancient DNA (aDNALab), Department of Cultural Heritage (DBC), Ravenna Campus, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Giampaolo Ricci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrea Pession
- Pediatric Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.C.); (E.d.P.); (L.B.); (A.P.)
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11
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Chatzi C, Westbrook GL. Revisiting I-BAR Proteins at Central Synapses. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 15:787436. [PMID: 34975417 PMCID: PMC8716821 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.787436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines, the distinctive postsynaptic feature of central nervous system (CNS) excitatory synapses, have been studied extensively as electrical and chemical compartments, as well as scaffolds for receptor cycling and positioning of signaling molecules. The dynamics of the shape, number, and molecular composition of spines, and how they are regulated by neural activity, are critically important in synaptic efficacy, synaptic plasticity, and ultimately learning and memory. Dendritic spines originate as outward protrusions of the cell membrane, but this aspect of spine formation and stabilization has not been a major focus of investigation compared to studies of membrane protrusions in non-neuronal cells. We review here one family of proteins involved in membrane curvature at synapses, the BAR (Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs) domain proteins. The subfamily of inverse BAR (I-BAR) proteins sense and introduce outward membrane curvature, and serve as bridges between the cell membrane and the cytoskeleton. We focus on three I-BAR domain proteins that are expressed in the central nervous system: Mtss2, MIM, and IRSp53 that promote negative, concave curvature based on their ability to self-associate. Recent studies suggest that each has distinct functions in synapse formation and synaptic plasticity. The action of I-BARs is also shaped by crosstalk with other signaling components, forming signaling platforms that can function in a circuit-dependent manner. We discuss another potentially important feature-the ability of some BAR domain proteins to impact the function of other family members by heterooligomerization. Understanding the spatiotemporal resolution of synaptic I-BAR protein expression and their interactions should provide insights into the interplay between activity-dependent neural plasticity and network rewiring in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Chatzi
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Gary L Westbrook
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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12
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Ying Z, Wu J, Jiang W, Zhang G, Zhu W, Li X, Pang X, Liu W. Expression of Slit and Robo during remodeling of corticospinal tract in cervical spinal cord in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7831-7839. [PMID: 34652618 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06803-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slits and Robos were associated with the generation of axons of corticospinal tract during the corticospinal tract (CST) remodeling after the cerebral ischemic stroke (CIS). However, little is known about the mechanism of CST remodeling. In this study, we detected the expression of Slits and Robos in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats to investigate the roles of Slits and Robos in the CIS. METHODS MCAO model was established using modified Zea Longa method. Beam walking test (BWT) was conducted to evaluate the motor function. The images of the track of cortical spinal cord beam on day 7, 14 and 21 were observed by anterograde CST tracing. Biopinylated dextan amine (BDA) was used to mark CST anterogradely. Expression of GAP-43 mRNA and GAP-43 protein in cervical spinal cord was detected by Real-Time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The expression of Slit1, Slit2 and Robo1 in cervical spinal cord was detected by immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS The scores in the model group were significantly reduced compared to sham-operation group on day 7 (P < 0.001), 14 (P < 0.001) and 21 (P < 0.001), respectively. There was no significant difference in the score on day 7, 14 and 21 of the sham-operation groups (P > 0.05). In contrast, significant increase was noticed in the scores in model group, presenting a time-dependent manner. More CST staining fibers could be observed at the degenerative side in the model group compared with that of the sham-operation group on day 21. GAP-43 mRNA expression in the model group showed significant increase compared to that of sham-operation group on day 14 (P = 0.015) and 21 days (P = 0.002). The expression of GAP-43 protein in model group showed significant increase compared to that of sham-operation group on day 14 (P = 0.022) and day 21 (P = 0.008), respectively. The expression of Slit1 and Slit2 showed increase on day 14 and day 21, while the expression of Robo1 showed significant decrease in MCAO rats. CONCLUSION Up-regulation of Slit1 and Slit2 and the downregulation of Robo1 may be related to the axons of CST midline crossing in spinal cord of MCAO rat during the spontaneous recovery of impaired motor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhao Ying
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Junxuan Wu
- School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Wenjun Jiang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Therapy of Ocular Diseases, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Guoli Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Shandong Tumor Hospital & Institute, Jinan, 250117, Shandong Province, China
| | - Weiming Zhu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Xin Li
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250011, China
| | - Xueyun Pang
- Juxian Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Rizhao, 276599, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250001, China.
- Department of Cerebral Disease, Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250001, China.
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13
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Lee CJ, Modave E, Boeckx B, Stacchiotti S, Rutkowski P, Blay JY, Debiec-Rychter M, Sciot R, Lambrechts D, Wozniak A, Schöffski P. Histopathological and Molecular Profiling of Clear Cell Sarcoma and Correlation with Response to Crizotinib: An Exploratory Study Related to EORTC 90101 "CREATE" Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236057. [PMID: 34885165 PMCID: PMC8657105 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Clear cell sarcoma (CCSA) is a rare subtype of soft tissue sarcoma characterized by EWSR1 rearrangement and subsequent MET upregulation. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer 90101 phase II trial evaluated the MET inhibitor crizotinib in CCSA but resulted in only sporadic responses. The aim of this exploratory study was to identify the molecular alterations potentially relevant for the treatment outcome by using archival CCSA samples and trial-related clinical data. We characterized MET signaling and revealed an infrequent activation of MET, which may explain the lack of response to crizotinib in the disease cohort. Based on sequencing analyses, we discovered copy number alterations, mutations and dysregulated pathways with potentially predictive or prognostic values for patients’ outcomes. This work describes the molecular heterogeneity in CCSA and provides deep insight into the biology of this ultra-rare malignancy, which may potentially lead to better therapeutic approaches. Abstract Clear cell sarcoma (CCSA) is characterized by a chromosomal translocation leading to EWSR1 rearrangement, resulting in aberrant transcription of multiple genes, including MET. The EORTC 90101 phase II trial evaluated the MET inhibitor crizotinib in CCSA but resulted in only sporadic responses. We performed an in-depth histopathological and molecular analysis of archival CCSA samples to identify alterations potentially relevant for the treatment outcome. Immunohistochemical characterization of MET signaling was performed using a tissue microarray constructed from 32 CCSA cases. The DNA from 24 available tumor specimens was analyzed by low-coverage whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing for the detection of recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs) and mutations. A pathway enrichment analysis was performed to identify the pathways relevant for CCSA tumorigenesis. Kaplan–Meier estimates and Fisher’s exact test were used to correlate the molecular findings with the clinical features related to crizotinib treatment, aiming to assess a potential association with the outcomes. The histopathological analysis showed the absence of a MET ligand and MET activation, with the presence of MET itself in most of cases. However, the expression/activation of MET downstream molecules was frequently observed, suggesting the role of other receptors in CCSA signal transduction. Using sequencing, we detected a number of CNAs at the chromosomal arm and region levels. The most common alteration was a gain of 8q24.21, observed in 83% of the cases. The loss of chromosomes 9q and 12q24 was associated with shorter survival. Based on exome sequencing, 40 cancer-associated genes were found to be mutated in more than one sample, with SRGAP3 and KMT2D as the most common alterations (each in four cases). The mutated genes encoded proteins were mainly involved in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, polymerase-II transcription, DNA damage repair, SUMOylation and chromatin organization. Disruption in chromatin organization was correlated with longer progression-free survival in patients receiving crizotinib. Conclusions: The infrequent activation of MET may explain the lack of response to crizotinib observed in the majority of cases in the clinical trial. Our work describes the molecular heterogeneity in CCSA and provides further insight into the biology of this ultra-rare malignancy, which may potentially lead to better therapeutic approaches for CCSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Che-Jui Lee
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.-J.L.); (A.W.)
| | - Elodie Modave
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB and Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.M.); (B.B.); (D.L.)
| | - Bram Boeckx
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB and Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.M.); (B.B.); (D.L.)
| | - Silvia Stacchiotti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, 120133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Piotr Rutkowski
- Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 00001 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Centre Léon Bérard & Université Claude Bernard Lyon I, 69008 Lyon, France;
| | - Maria Debiec-Rychter
- Department of Human Genetics, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Raf Sciot
- Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB and Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (E.M.); (B.B.); (D.L.)
| | - Agnieszka Wozniak
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.-J.L.); (A.W.)
| | - Patrick Schöffski
- Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (C.-J.L.); (A.W.)
- Department of General Medical Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-341019
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14
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Zhou H, Sun Y, Li X, Zhou Z, Ma K, Guo W, Liang Y, Xie X, Zhang J, Wang Q, Liu Y. A Transcriptomic Analysis of Gonads from the Low-Temperature-Induced Masculinization of Takifugu rubripes. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123419. [PMID: 34944196 PMCID: PMC8697924 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Our study analyzed the differentiation of transcriptomes in normal and sex-reverse Takifugu rubripes, and screened out 13 differentially expressed genes related to sex differentiation. This is the first report on the gonadal transcriptome of pseudo-males in Takifugu rubripes. Our results provide an important contribution to the molecular mechanism of masculinization in a cultured fish subject to low-temperature treatment. Abstract The phenotypic sex of fish is usually plastic. Low-temperature treatment induces the masculinization of Takifugu rubripes, resulting in pseudo-males (PM) with the physiological sex of a male (M) and genetic sex of a female (F). For a comparison of gonadal transcriptomes, we collected gonads from three groups of T. rubripes (F, M, and PM) for high-throughput transcriptome sequencing. The results provided 467,640,218 raw reads (70.15 Gb) and a total of 436,151,088 clean reads (65.43 Gb), with an average length of 150 bp. Only 79 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between F and PM, whereas 12,041 and 11,528 DEGs were identified between F and M, and PM and M, respectively. According to the functional annotation of DEGs, 13 DEGs related to gonadal development were screened (LOC101066759, dgat1, limk1, fbxl3, col6a3, fgfr3, dusp22b, svil, abhd17b, srgap3, tmem88b, bud4, and mustn10) which might participate in formating PM. A quantitative PCR of the DEGs confirmed the reliability of the RNA-seq. Our results provide an important contribution to the genome sequence resources for T. rubripes and insight into the molecular mechanism of masculinization in a cultured fish subject to low-temperature treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Ziyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Kexin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Yuting Liang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Xingyi Xie
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Jingxian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Marine Bio-Resources Sustainable Utilization in Liaoning Province’s University, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Key Lab of Sustainable Development of Marine Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture, Yellow Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Qingdao 266071, China
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Agriculture Ministry, PRC, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China; (H.Z.); (Y.S.); (X.L.); (Z.Z.); (K.M.); (W.G.); (Y.L.); (X.X.); (J.Z.)
- Correspondence: (Q.W.); (Y.L.)
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15
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Shankar P, McClure RS, Waters KM, Tanguay RL. Gene co-expression network analysis in zebrafish reveals chemical class specific modules. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:658. [PMID: 34517816 PMCID: PMC8438978 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07940-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zebrafish is a popular animal model used for high-throughput screening of chemical hazards, however, investigations of transcriptomic mechanisms of toxicity are still needed. Here, our goal was to identify genes and biological pathways that Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor 2 (AHR2) Activators and flame retardant chemicals (FRCs) alter in developing zebrafish. Taking advantage of a compendium of phenotypically-anchored RNA sequencing data collected from 48-h post fertilization (hpf) zebrafish, we inferred a co-expression network that grouped genes based on their transcriptional response. RESULTS Genes responding to the FRCs and AHR2 Activators localized to distinct regions of the network, with FRCs inducing a broader response related to neurobehavior. AHR2 Activators centered in one region related to chemical stress responses. We also discovered several highly co-expressed genes in this module, including cyp1a, and we subsequently show that these genes are definitively within the AHR2 signaling pathway. Systematic removal of the two chemical types from the data, and analysis of network changes identified neurogenesis associated with FRCs, and regulation of vascular development associated with both chemical classes. We also identified highly connected genes responding specifically to each class that are potential biomarkers of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we created the first zebrafish chemical-specific gene co-expression network illuminating how chemicals alter the transcriptome relative to each other. In addition to our conclusions regarding FRCs and AHR2 Activators, our network can be leveraged by other studies investigating chemical mechanisms of toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthana Shankar
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Ryan S McClure
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific National Northwest Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Katrina M Waters
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.,Biological Sciences Division, Pacific National Northwest Laboratory, 902 Battelle Boulevard, P.O. Box 999, Richland, WA, 99352, USA
| | - Robyn L Tanguay
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Sinnhuber Aquatic Research Laboratory, 28645 East Highway 34, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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16
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Khanal P, Hotulainen P. Dendritic Spine Initiation in Brain Development, Learning and Diseases and Impact of BAR-Domain Proteins. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092392. [PMID: 34572042 PMCID: PMC8468246 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small, bulbous protrusions along neuronal dendrites where most of the excitatory synapses are located. Dendritic spine density in normal human brain increases rapidly before and after birth achieving the highest density around 2-8 years. Density decreases during adolescence, reaching a stable level in adulthood. The changes in dendritic spines are considered structural correlates for synaptic plasticity as well as the basis of experience-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits. Alterations in spine density correspond to aberrant brain function observed in various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Dendritic spine initiation affects spine density. In this review, we discuss the importance of spine initiation in brain development, learning, and potential complications resulting from altered spine initiation in neurological diseases. Current literature shows that two Bin Amphiphysin Rvs (BAR) domain-containing proteins, MIM/Mtss1 and SrGAP3, are involved in spine initiation. We review existing literature and open databases to discuss whether other BAR-domain proteins could also take part in spine initiation. Finally, we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms on how BAR-domain proteins could regulate spine initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpa Khanal
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- HiLIFE-Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirta Hotulainen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu 8, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- Correspondence:
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17
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Yap JKY, Pickard BS, Gan SY, Chan EWL. Genes associated with amyloid-beta-induced inflammasome-mediated neuronal death identified using functional gene trap mutagenesis approach. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2021; 136:106014. [PMID: 34022435 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2021.106014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease, which accounts for most dementia cases. Neuroinflammation is increasingly recognised for its roles in Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis which, in part, links amyloid-beta to neuronal death. Neuroinflammatory signalling can be exhibited by neurons themselves, potentially leading to widespread neuronal cell death, although neuroinflammation is commonly associated with glial cells. The presence of the inflammasomes such as nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors protein 1 in neurons accelerates amyloid-beta -induced neuroinflammation and has been shown to trigger neuronal pyroptosis in murine Alzheimer's disease models. However, the pathways involved in amyloid-beta activation of inflammasomes have yet to be elucidated. In this study, a gene trap mutagenesis approach was utilised to resolve the genes functionally involved in inflammasome signalling within neurons, and the mechanism behind amyloid-beta-induced neuronal death. The results indicate that amyloid-beta significantly accelerated neuroinflammatory cell death in the presence of a primed inflammasome (the NLR family pyrin domain-containing 1). The mutagenesis screen discovered the atypical mitochondrial Ras homolog family member T1 as a significant contributor to amyloid-beta-induced inflammasome -mediated neuronal death. The mutagenesis screen also identified two genes involved in transforming growth factor beta signalling, namely Transforming Growth Factor Beta Receptor 1 and SNW domain containing 1. Additionally, a gene associated with cytoskeletal reorganisation, SLIT-ROBO Rho GTPase Activating Protein 3 was found to be neuroprotective. In conclusion, these genes could play important roles in inflammasome signalling in neurons, which makes them promising therapeutic targets for future drug development against neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Kean Yi Yap
- School of Postgraduate Studies, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Benjamin Simon Pickard
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, G4 0RE, United Kingdom
| | - Sook Yee Gan
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Elaine Wan Ling Chan
- Institute for Research, Development and Innovation, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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18
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Benítez-Burraco A, Fernández-Urquiza M, Jiménez-Romero MS. Language Impairment with a Partial Duplication of DOCK8. Mol Syndromol 2021; 11:243-263. [PMID: 33510598 DOI: 10.1159/000511972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplications of the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 9 are rare, but are associated with learning disabilities and behavioral disturbances. We report in detail the cognitive and language features of a child with a duplication in the 9p24.3 region, arr[hg19] 9p24.3(266,045-459,076)×3. The proband exhibits marked expressive and receptive problems, which affect both structural and functional aspects of language. These problems might result from a severe underlying deficit in working memory. Regarding the molecular causes of the observed symptoms, they might result from the altered expression of selected genes involved in procedural learning, particularly some of components of the SLIT/ROBO/FOXP2 network, strongly related to the development and evolution of language. Dysregulation of specific components of this network can result in turn from an altered interaction between DOCK8, affected by the microduplication, and CDC42, acting as the hub component of the network encompassing language-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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19
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Rho GTPase Regulators and Effectors in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Animal Models and Insights for Therapeutics. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040835. [PMID: 32244264 PMCID: PMC7226772 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family GTPases are small G proteins that act as molecular switches shuttling between active and inactive forms. Rho GTPases are regulated by two classes of regulatory proteins, guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs). Rho GTPases transduce the upstream signals to downstream effectors, thus regulating diverse cellular processes, such as growth, migration, adhesion, and differentiation. In particular, Rho GTPases play essential roles in regulating neuronal morphology and function. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of Rho GTPase signaling contributes substantially to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been found that 20 genes encoding Rho GTPase regulators and effectors are listed as ASD risk genes by Simons foundation autism research initiative (SFARI). This review summarizes the clinical evidence, protein structure, and protein expression pattern of these 20 genes. Moreover, ASD-related behavioral phenotypes in animal models of these genes are reviewed, and the therapeutic approaches that show successful treatment effects in these animal models are discussed.
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20
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Clarke J, Panwar B, Madrigal A, Singh D, Gujar R, Wood O, Chee SJ, Eschweiler S, King EV, Awad AS, Hanley CJ, McCann KJ, Bhattacharyya S, Woo E, Alzetani A, Seumois G, Thomas GJ, Ganesan AP, Friedmann PS, Sanchez-Elsner T, Ay F, Ottensmeier CH, Vijayanand P. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of tissue-resident memory T cells in human lung cancer. J Exp Med 2019; 216:2128-2149. [PMID: 31227543 PMCID: PMC6719422 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20190249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
High numbers of tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells are associated with better clinical outcomes in cancer patients. However, the molecular characteristics that drive their efficient immune response to tumors are poorly understood. Here, single-cell and bulk transcriptomic analysis of TRM and non-TRM cells present in tumor and normal lung tissue from patients with lung cancer revealed that PD-1-expressing TRM cells in tumors were clonally expanded and enriched for transcripts linked to cell proliferation and cytotoxicity when compared with PD-1-expressing non-TRM cells. This feature was more prominent in the TRM cell subset coexpressing PD-1 and TIM-3, and it was validated by functional assays ex vivo and also reflected in their chromatin accessibility profile. This PD-1+TIM-3+ TRM cell subset was enriched in responders to PD-1 inhibitors and in tumors with a greater magnitude of CTL responses. These data highlight that not all CTLs expressing PD-1 are dysfunctional; on the contrary, TRM cells with PD-1 expression were enriched for features suggestive of superior functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Clarke
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | - Divya Singh
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Oliver Wood
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Serena J Chee
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Emma V King
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Otolaryngology, Poole Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, Poole, Dorset, UK
| | - Amiera S Awad
- Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute for Health Research Southampton, Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher J Hanley
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Katy J McCann
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Edwin Woo
- Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Aiman Alzetani
- Southampton University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Gareth J Thomas
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Peter S Friedmann
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute for Health Research Southampton, Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Tilman Sanchez-Elsner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute for Health Research Southampton, Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Ferhat Ay
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA
| | - Christian H Ottensmeier
- National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK Southampton Experimental Cancer Medicine Center, National Institute for Health Research Southampton Biomedical Research Center, Cancer Sciences Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Pandurangan Vijayanand
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, National Institute for Health Research Southampton, Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit, University of Southampton, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
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21
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Yan J, Pan Y, Zheng X, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Shi G, Yao L, Chen Y, Xu N. Comparative Study of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in Hippocampal Spine Formation and Synaptic Function. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:649-660. [PMID: 30826947 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are serine-threonine protein kinases that act downstream of small Rho GTPases to regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Two ROCK isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2) are expressed in the mammalian central nervous system. Although ROCK activity has been implicated in synapse formation, whether the distinct ROCK isoforms have different roles in synapse formation and function in vivo is not clear. Here, we used a genetic approach to address this long-standing question. Both Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- mice had impaired glutamatergic transmission, reduced spine density, and fewer excitatory synapses in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, both Rock1+/- and Rock2+/- mice showed deficits in long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses and were impaired in spatial learning and memory based on the water maze and contextual fear conditioning tests. However, the spine morphology of CA1 pyramidal neurons was altered only in Rock2+/- but not Rock1+/- mice. In this study we compared the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in synapse formation and function in vivo for the first time. Our results provide a better understanding of the functions of distinct ROCK isoforms in synapse formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinglan Yan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Youcan Pan
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.,Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chuanan Zhu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guoqi Shi
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Lin Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongjun Chen
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Nenggui Xu
- South China Research Center for Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Medical College of Acu-Moxi and Rehabilitation, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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22
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Two novel genomic regions associated with fearfulness in dogs overlap human neuropsychiatric loci. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:18. [PMID: 30655508 PMCID: PMC6336819 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0361-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are among the leading health issues in human medicine. The complex phenotypic and allelic nature of these traits as well as the challenge of establishing reliable measures of the heritable component of behaviour from the associated environmental factors hampers progress in their molecular aetiology. Dogs exhibit large natural variation in fearful and anxious behaviour and could facilitate progress in the molecular aetiology due to their unique genetic architecture. We have performed a genome-wide association study with a canine high-density SNP array in a cohort of 330 German Shepherds for two phenotypes, fear of loud noises (noise sensitivity) and fear of strangers or in novel situations. Genome-widely significant loci were discovered for the traits on chromosomes 20 and 7, respectively. The regions overlap human neuropsychiatric loci, including 18p11.2, with physiologically relevant candidate genes that contribute to glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. In addition, the noise-sensitivity locus includes hearing-related candidate genes. These results indicate a genetic contribution for canine fear and suggest a shared molecular aetiology of anxiety across species. Further characterisation of the identified loci will pave the way to molecular understanding of the conditions as a prerequisite for improved therapy.
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23
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BAR domain proteins-a linkage between cellular membranes, signaling pathways, and the actin cytoskeleton. Biophys Rev 2018; 10:1587-1604. [PMID: 30456600 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-018-0467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Actin filament assembly typically occurs in association with cellular membranes. A large number of proteins sit at the interface between actin networks and membranes, playing diverse roles such as initiation of actin polymerization, modulation of membrane curvature, and signaling. Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain proteins have been implicated in all of these functions. The BAR domain family of proteins comprises a diverse group of multi-functional effectors, characterized by their modular architecture. In addition to the membrane-curvature sensing/inducing BAR domain module, which also mediates antiparallel dimerization, most contain auxiliary domains implicated in protein-protein and/or protein-membrane interactions, including SH3, PX, PH, RhoGEF, and RhoGAP domains. The shape of the BAR domain itself varies, resulting in three major subfamilies: the classical crescent-shaped BAR, the more extended and less curved F-BAR, and the inverse curvature I-BAR subfamilies. Most members of this family have been implicated in cellular functions that require dynamic remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, such as endocytosis, organelle trafficking, cell motility, and T-tubule biogenesis in muscle cells. Here, we review the structure and function of mammalian BAR domain proteins and the many ways in which they are interconnected with the actin cytoskeleton.
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24
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Hlushchenko I, Khanal P, Abouelezz A, Paavilainen VO, Hotulainen P. ASD-Associated De Novo Mutations in Five Actin Regulators Show Both Shared and Distinct Defects in Dendritic Spines and Inhibitory Synapses in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:217. [PMID: 30123108 PMCID: PMC6085419 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many actin cytoskeleton-regulating proteins control dendritic spine morphology and density, which are cellular features often altered in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent studies using animal models show that autism-related behavior can be rescued by either manipulating actin regulators or by reversing dendritic spine density or morphology. Based on these studies, the actin cytoskeleton is a potential target pathway for developing new ASD treatments. Thus, it is important to understand how different ASD-associated actin regulators contribute to the regulation of dendritic spines and how ASD-associated mutations modulate this regulation. For this study, we selected five genes encoding different actin-regulating proteins and induced ASD-associated de novo missense mutations in these proteins. We assessed the functionality of the wild-type and mutated proteins by analyzing their subcellular localization, and by analyzing the dendritic spine phenotypes induced by the expression of these proteins. As the imbalance between excitation and inhibition has been suggested to have a central role in ASD, we additionally evaluated the density, size and subcellular localization of inhibitory synapses. Common for all the proteins studied was the enrichment in dendritic spines. ASD-associated mutations induced changes in the localization of α-actinin-4, which localized less to dendritic spines, and for SWAP-70 and SrGAP3, which localized more to dendritic spines. Among the wild-type proteins studied, only α-actinin-4 expression caused a significant change in dendritic spine morphology by increasing the mushroom spine density and decreasing thin spine density. We hypothesized that mutations associated with ASD shift dendritic spine morphology from mushroom to thin spines. An M554V mutation in α-actinin-4 (ACTN4) resulted in the expected shift in dendritic spine morphology by increasing the density of thin spines. In addition, we observed a trend toward higher thin spine density with mutations in myosin IXb and SWAP-70. Myosin IIb and myosin IXb expression increased the proportion of inhibitory synapses in spines. The expression of mutated myosin IIb (Y265C), SrGAP3 (E469K), and SWAP-70 (L544F) induced variable changes in inhibitory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iryna Hlushchenko
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pushpa Khanal
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Amr Abouelezz
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland.,HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ville O Paavilainen
- HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirta Hotulainen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
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25
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Joensuu M, Lanoue V, Hotulainen P. Dendritic spine actin cytoskeleton in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:362-381. [PMID: 28870634 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small actin-rich protrusions from neuronal dendrites that form the postsynaptic part of most excitatory synapses. Changes in the shape and size of dendritic spines correlate with the functional changes in excitatory synapses and are heavily dependent on the remodeling of the underlying actin cytoskeleton. Recent evidence implicates synapses at dendritic spines as important substrates of pathogenesis in neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although synaptic perturbations are not the only alterations relevant for these diseases, understanding the molecular underpinnings of the spine and synapse pathology may provide insight into their etiologies and could reveal new drug targets. In this review, we will discuss recent findings of defective actin regulation in dendritic spines associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja Joensuu
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Vanessa Lanoue
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Pirta Hotulainen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
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26
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Hyperactivity of Rac1-GTPase pathway impairs neuritogenesis of cortical neurons by altering actin dynamics. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7254. [PMID: 29740022 PMCID: PMC5940682 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The small-GTPase Rac1 is a key molecular regulator linking extracellular signals to actin cytoskeleton dynamics. Loss-of-function mutations in RAC1 and other genes of the Rac signaling pathway have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Intellectual Disability (ID). The Rac1 activity is negatively controlled by GAP proteins, however the effect of Rac1 hyperactivity on neuronal networking in vivo has been poorly studied. ArhGAP15 is a Rac-specific negative regulator, expressed in the main subtypes of pyramidal cortical neurons. In the absence of ArhGAP15, cortical pyramidal neurons show defective neuritogenesis, delayed axonal elongation, reduced dendritic branching, both in vitro and in vivo. These phenotypes are associated with altered actin dynamics at the growth cone due to increased activity of the PAK-LIMK pathway and hyperphosphorylation of ADF/cofilin. These results can be explained by shootin1 hypo-phosphorylation and uncoupling with the adhesion system. Functionally, ArhGAP15−/− mice exhibit decreased synaptic density, altered electroencephalographic rhythms and cognitive deficits. These data suggest that both hypo- and hyperactivation of the Rac pathway due to mutations in Rac1 regulators can result in conditions of ID, and that a tight regulation of Rac1 activity is required to attain the full complexity of the cortical networks.
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27
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Hamilton AM, Lambert JT, Parajuli LK, Vivas O, Park DK, Stein IS, Jahncke JN, Greenberg ME, Margolis SS, Zito K. A dual role for the RhoGEF Ephexin5 in regulation of dendritic spine outgrowth. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 80:66-74. [PMID: 28185854 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The outgrowth of new dendritic spines is closely linked to the formation of new synapses, and is thought to be a vital component of the experience-dependent circuit plasticity that supports learning. Here, we examined the role of the RhoGEF Ephexin5 in driving activity-dependent spine outgrowth. We found that reducing Ephexin5 levels increased spine outgrowth, and increasing Ephexin5 levels decreased spine outgrowth in a GEF-dependent manner, suggesting that Ephexin5 acts as an inhibitor of spine outgrowth. Notably, we found that increased neural activity led to a proteasome-dependent reduction in the levels of Ephexin5 in neuronal dendrites, which could facilitate the enhanced spine outgrowth observed following increased neural activity. Surprisingly, we also found that Ephexin5-GFP levels were elevated on the dendrite at sites of future new spines, prior to new spine outgrowth. Moreover, lowering neuronal Ephexin5 levels inhibited new spine outgrowth in response to both global increases in neural activity and local glutamatergic stimulation of the dendrite, suggesting that Ephexin5 is necessary for activity-dependent spine outgrowth. Our data support a model in which Ephexin5 serves a dual role in spinogenesis, acting both as a brake on overall spine outgrowth and as a necessary component in the site-specific formation of new spines.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Hamilton
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - J T Lambert
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - L K Parajuli
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - O Vivas
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - D K Park
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - I S Stein
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - J N Jahncke
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA
| | - M E Greenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - S S Margolis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - K Zito
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95618, USA.
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28
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Huang GH, Sun ZL, Li HJ, Feng DF. Rho GTPase-activating proteins: Regulators of Rho GTPase activity in neuronal development and CNS diseases. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 80:18-31. [PMID: 28163190 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Rho family of small GTPases was considered as molecular switches in regulating multiple cellular events, including cytoskeleton reorganization. The Rho GTPase-activating proteins (RhoGAPs) are one of the major families of Rho GTPase regulators. RhoGAPs were initially considered negative mediators of Rho signaling pathways via their GAP domain. Recent studies have demonstrated that RhoGAPs also regulate numerous aspects of neuronal development and are related to various neurodegenerative diseases in GAP-dependent and GAP-independent manners. Moreover, RhoGAPs are regulated through various mechanisms, such as phosphorylation. To date, approximately 70 RhoGAPs have been identified; however, only a small portion has been thoroughly investigated. Thus, the characterization of important RhoGAPs in the central nervous system is crucial to understand their spatiotemporal role during different stages of neuronal development. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of RhoGAPs in the brain with an emphasis on their molecular function, regulation mechanism and disease implications in the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Hui Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Zhao-Liang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Hong-Jiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
| | - Dong-Fu Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China; Institute of Traumatic Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China.
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29
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Jin X, Shin YJ, Riew TR, Choi JH, Lee MY. Increased Expression of Slit2 and its Robo Receptors During Astroglial Scar Formation After Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats. Neurochem Res 2016; 41:3373-3385. [PMID: 27686659 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2072-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Slit2, a secreted glycoprotein, has recently been implicated in the post-ischemic astroglial reaction. The objective of this study was to investigate the temporal changes and cellular localization of Slit2 and its receptors, Robo1, Robo2, and Robo4, in a rat transient focal ischemia model induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. We used double- and triple-immunolabeling to determine the cell-specific changes in Slit2 and its receptors during a 10-week post-ischemia period. The expression profiles of Slit2 and the Robo receptors shared overlapping expression patterns in sham-operated and ischemic striatum. Constitutive expression of Slit2 and Robo receptors was observed in striatal neurons with weak intensity, whereas in rats reperfused after ischemic insults, these immunoreactivities were increased in reactive astrocytes. Astroglial induction of Slit2 and Robo in the peri-infarct region was distinct on days 7-14 after reperfusion and thereafter increased progressively throughout the 10-week experimental period. Slit2 and Robo were prominently expressed in the perinuclear cytoplasm and main processes of reactive astrocytes forming the astroglial scar. This observation was confirmed by quantification of the mean fluorescence intensity of Slit2 and Robo receptors over reactive astrocytes localized at the edge of the infarct area. However, activated microglia/macrophages in the peri-infarct area were devoid of any specific labeling for Slit2 and Robo. Thus, our data revealed a selective and sustained induction of Slit2 and Robo in astrocytes localized throughout the astroglial scar after ischemic stroke, suggesting that Slit2/Robo signaling participates in glial scar formation and brain remodeling following ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyan Jin
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, South Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, South Korea
| | - Tae-Ryong Riew
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Heon Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, South Korea
| | - Mun-Yong Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Socho-gu, Seoul, 137-701, South Korea.
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Mychasiuk R, Rho JM. Genetic modifications associated with ketogenic diet treatment in the BTBR T+Tf/J mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2016; 10:456-471. [PMID: 27529337 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hallmark behavioral features. The spectrum of disorders that fall within the ASD umbrella encompass a distinct but overlapping symptom complex that likely results from an array of molecular and genetic aberrations rather than a single genetic mutation. The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat low-carbohydrate anti-seizure and neuroprotective diet that has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of ASD-like behaviors in animal and human studies. METHODS We investigated changes in mRNA and gene expression in the BTBR mouse model of ASD that may contribute to the behavioral phenotype. In addition, we sought to examine changes in gene expression following KD treatment in BTBR mice. RESULTS Despite significant behavioral abnormalities, expression changes in BTBR mice did not differ substantially from controls; only 33 genes were differentially expressed in the temporal cortex, and 48 in the hippocampus. Examination of these differentially expressed genes suggested deficits in the stress response and in neuronal signaling/communication. After treatment with the KD, both brain regions demonstrated improvements in ASD deficits associated with myelin formation and white matter development. CONCLUSIONS Although our study supports many of the previously known impairments associated with ASD, such as excessive myelin formation and impaired GABAergic transmission, the RNAseq data and pathway analysis utilized here identified new therapeutic targets for analysis, such as Vitamin D pathways and cAMP signaling. Autism Res 2017, 10: 456-471. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle Mychasiuk
- Departments of Psychology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jong M Rho
- Departments of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Clinical Neurosciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Morphological and behavioral characterization of adult mice deficient for SrGAP3. Cell Tissue Res 2016; 366:1-11. [PMID: 27184948 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-016-2413-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
SrGAP3 belongs to the family of Rho GTPase proteins. These proteins are thought to play essential roles in development and in the plasticity of the nervous system. SrGAP3-deficient mice have recently been created and approximately 10 % of these mice developed a hydrocephalus and died shortly after birth. The others survived into adulthood, but displayed neuroanatomical alteration, including increased ventricular size. We now show that SrGAP3-deficient mice display increased brain weight together with increased hippocampal volume. This increase was accompanied by an increase of the thickness of the stratum oriens of area CA1 as well as of the thickness of the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus (DG). Concerning hippocampal adult neurogenesis, we observed no significant change in the number of proliferating cells. The density of doublecortin-positive cells also did not vary between SrGAP3-deficient mice and controls. By analyzing Golgi-impregnated material, we found that, in SrGAP3-deficient mice, the morphology and number of dendritic spines was not altered in the DG. Likewise, a Sholl-analysis revealed no significant changes concerning dendritic complexity as compared to controls. Despite the distinct morphological alterations in the hippocampus, SrGAP3-deficient mice were relatively inconspicuous in their behavior, not only in the open-field, nest building but also in the Morris water-maze. However, the SrGAP3-deficient mice showed little to no interest in burying marbles; a behavior that is seen in some animal models related to autism, supporting the view that SrGAP3 plays a role in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Park JH, Pak HJ, Riew TR, Shin YJ, Lee MY. Increased expression of Slit2 and its receptors Robo1 and Robo4 in reactive astrocytes of the rat hippocampus after transient forebrain ischemia. Brain Res 2016; 1634:45-56. [PMID: 26764532 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.12.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Revised: 12/26/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Slit2 is a secreted glycoprotein that was originally identified as a chemorepulsive factor in the developing brain; however, it was recently reported that Slit2 is associated with adult neuronal function including a variety of pathophysiological processes. To elucidate whether Slit2 is implicated in the pathophysiology of ischemic injury, we investigated the temporal changes and cellular localization of Slit2 and its predominant receptors, Robo1 and Robo4, for 28 days after transient forebrain ischemia. Slit2 and its receptors had similar overall expression patterns in the control and ischemic hippocampi. The ligand and receptors were constitutively expressed in hippocampal neurons in control animals; however, in animals with ischemic injury, their upregulation was detected in reactive astrocytes, but not in neurons or activated microglia, in the CA1 region. Astroglial induction of Slit2 and its receptors occurred by day 3 after reperfusion, and appeared to increase progressively until the final time point on day 28. Their temporal expression patterns overlapped with the time period in which reactive astrocytes undergo dynamic structural changes and appear hypertrophic in the ischemic hippocampus. The immunohistochemical data were consistent with the results of the immunoblot analyses, indicating that the expression of Slit2 and Robo increased progressively over the relatively long period of 28 days examined here. Collectively, these results suggest that Slit2/Robo signaling may be involved in regulating the astroglial reaction via autocrine or paracrine mechanisms in post-ischemic processes. Moreover, this may contribute to the dynamic morphological changes that occur in astrocytes in response to ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Hee Park
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-701 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Jin Pak
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-701 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Ryong Riew
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-701 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Shin
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-701 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mun-Yong Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Catholic Neuroscience Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 137-701 Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Benítez-Burraco A, Boeckx C. Possible functional links among brain- and skull-related genes selected in modern humans. Front Psychol 2015; 6:794. [PMID: 26136701 PMCID: PMC4468360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequencing of the genomes from extinct hominins has revealed that changes in some brain-related genes have been selected after the split between anatomically-modern humans and Neanderthals/Denisovans. To date, no coherent view of these changes has been provided. Following a line of research we initiated in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014a), we hypothesize functional links among most of these genes and their products, based on the existing literature for each of the gene discussed. The genes we focus on are found mutated in different cognitive disorders affecting modern populations and their products are involved in skull and brain morphology, and neural connectivity. If our hypothesis turns out to be on the right track, it means that the changes affecting most of these proteins resulted in a more globular brain and ultimately brought about modern cognition, with its characteristic generativity and capacity to form and exploit cross-modular concepts, properties most clearly manifested in language.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies , Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
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De Filippis B, Romano E, Laviola G. Aberrant Rho GTPases signaling and cognitive dysfunction: in vivo evidence for a compelling molecular relationship. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 2:285-301. [PMID: 24971827 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Rho GTPases are key intracellular signaling molecules that coordinate dynamic changes in the actin cytoskeleton, thereby stimulating a variety of processes, including morphogenesis, migration, neuronal development, cell division and adhesion. Deviations from normal Rho GTPases activation state have been proposed to disrupt cognition and synaptic plasticity. This review focuses on the functional consequences of genetic ablation of upstream and downstream Rho GTPases molecules on cognitive function and neuronal morphology and connectivity. Available information on this issue is described and compared to that gained from mice carrying mutations in the most studied Rho GTPases and from pharmacological in vivo studies in which brain Rho GTPases signaling was modulated. Results from reviewed literature provide definitive evidence of a compelling link between Rho GTPases signaling and cognitive function, thus supporting the notion that Rho GTPases and their downstream effectors may represent important therapeutic targets for disorders associated with cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca De Filippis
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy.
| | - Emilia Romano
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy; Bambino Gesù, Children Hospital, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Sect. Behavioural Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology & Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Roma, Italy
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A link between the nuclear-localized srGAP3 and the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler Brg1. Mol Cell Neurosci 2014; 60:10-25. [PMID: 24561795 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Slit-Robo GTPase activating protein 3 (srGAP3) is an important modulator of actin cytoskeletal dynamics and has an important influence on a variety of neurodevelopmental processes. Mutations in the SRGAP3 gene on chromosome 3p25 have been found in patients with intellectual disability. Genome-wide association studies and behavioral assays of knockout mice had also revealed SRGAP3 as a risk gene for schizophrenia. We have recently shown that srGAP3 protein undergoes regulated shuttling between the cytoplasm and the nucleus during neuronal development. It is shown here that nuclear-localized srGAP3 interacts with the SWI/SNF remodeling factor Brg1. This interaction is mediated by the C-terminal of srGAP3 and the ATPase motif of Brg1. In the primary cultured rat cortical neurons, the levels of nuclear-localized srGAP3 and its interaction with Brg1 have a significant impact on dendrite complexity. Furthermore, the interaction between srGAP3 and Brg1 was also involved in valproic acid (VPA) -induced neuronal differentiation of Neuro2a cells. We then show that GTP-bound Rac1 and GAP-43 may be potential mediators of nuclear srGAP3 and Brg1. Our results not only indicate a novel signaling pathway that contributes to neuronal differentiation and dendrite morphology, but also implicate a novel molecular mechanism underlying srGAP3 regulation of gene expression.
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