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Zhou Z, Zhuo L, Fu X, Lv J, Zou Q, Qi R. Joint masking and self-supervised strategies for inferring small molecule-miRNA associations. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102103. [PMID: 38261851 PMCID: PMC10794920 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2023.102103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Inferring small molecule-miRNA associations (MMAs) is crucial for revealing the intricacies of biological processes and disease mechanisms. Deep learning, renowned for its exceptional speed and accuracy, is extensively used for predicting MMAs. However, given their heavy reliance on data, inaccuracies during data collection can make these methods susceptible to noise interference. To address this challenge, we introduce the joint masking and self-supervised (JMSS)-MMA model. This model synergizes graph autoencoders with a probability distribution-based masking strategy, effectively countering the impact of noisy data and enabling precise predictions of unknown MMAs. Operating in a self-supervised manner, it deeply encodes the relationship data of small molecules and miRNA through the graph autoencoder, delving into its latent information. Our masking strategy has successfully reduced data noise, enhancing prediction accuracy. To our knowledge, this is the pioneering integration of a masking strategy with graph autoencoders for MMA prediction. Furthermore, the JMSS-MMA model incorporates a node-degree-based decoder, deepening the understanding of the network's structure. Experiments on two mainstream datasets confirm the model's efficiency and precision, and ablation studies further attest to its robustness. We firmly believe that this model will revolutionize drug development, personalized medicine, and biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhecheng Zhou
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Linlin Zhuo
- School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Wenzhou University of Technology, Wenzhou 325027, China
| | - Xiangzheng Fu
- College of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410012, China
| | - Juan Lv
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha Medical University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Quan Zou
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611730, China
| | - Ren Qi
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou, Zhejiang, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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2
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Chen L, Fu Q, Du Y, Jiang ZY, Cheng Y. Transcriptome Analysis and Epigenetics Regulation in the Hippocampus and the Prefrontal Cortex of VPA-Induced Rat Model. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:167-174. [PMID: 37592184 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03560-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a highly heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by complex interaction between various genes and environmental factors. As the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are involved in social recognition, they are the regions of the brain implicated in autism. The effects of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) can induce an ASD phenotype in both humans and rats; this tool is commonly used to model the complexity of ASD symptoms in the laboratory. However, researchers rarely undertake epigenetic regulation of the brain regions using this model. The present study has addressed this gap by examining gene expression abnormalities in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in the VPA rat model of ASD. mRNA and miRNA sequencing was performed on samples from the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the VPA model of autism. According to the analysis, 3000 mRNAs in the hippocampus and 2187 mRNAs in the prefrontal cortex showed a significant difference in expression between the VPA and saline groups. In addition, there were 115 DE miRNAs in the hippocampus and 14 DE miRNAs in the prefrontal cortex. Further, the predicted and validated target mRNA of DE miRNA enriched pathways involved neurotransmitter uptake, long-term synaptic depression, and AMPA receptor complex (anti-GluA2-b) in the hippocampus; as well as the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and regulation of postsynaptic membrane potential in the prefrontal cortex. This revealed the negative regulation network of miRNAs-mRNAs in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, while filtering out key genes (miR-10a-5p and Grm3). Finally, the significant variable miR-10a-5p and its negative regulated genes (Grm3) were verified in both brain regions by QPCR. Importantly, the fact that miR-10a-5p downregulated Grm3 in both the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex may play a potentially significant role in the occurrence and development of autism. This study suggests that the VPA model has the potential to reproduce ASD-related hippocampus and prefrontal cortex abnormalities, at the epigenetic and transcriptional levels. Furthermore, the network of miRNAs-mRNAs was confirmed; this negative regulatory relationship may play a key role in determining the occurrence and development of autism. The study of this topic help better understand the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center On Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center On Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Zhong-Yong Jiang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Seventh People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center On Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
- Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
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Yin B, Li H, Zhao P, Zhao Y, Zheng R, Feng P, Xu C, Li E, Li L. GM1 Reduced the Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder by Suppressing α-Syn Through Activating Autophagy. J Mol Neurosci 2023; 73:287-296. [PMID: 37084025 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-023-02110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot be cured. The ASD rat model was developed in this study to demonstrate the role and mechanism of ganglioside GM1 (GM1). Rats were given valproic acid (VPA) to create the ASD rat model. The rats' behaviors were assessed using the Y-maze test, open-field test, three-chamber social interaction test, and Morris water maze test. Relative levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were quantitated using relative kits. Nissl, TUNEL, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemistry staining techniques were used. GM1 treatment improved the ASD model rats' behavior disorders, including locomotor activity and exploratory behavior, social interaction, learning and memory capacity, and repetitive behavior. Following GM1 injection, striatal neurons grew and apoptosis decreased. GM1 reduced the excessively elevated α-Syn in ASD by encouraging autophagy. The behavior disorder of ASD model rats was exacerbated by autophagy inhibition, which also increased α-Syn levels. By increasing autophagy, GM1 reduced α-Syn levels and, ultimately, improved behavioral abnormalities in ASD model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Yin
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Honglei Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengju Zhao
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yonghong Zhao
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruijuan Zheng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengya Feng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuixiang Xu
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, No.3 Rehabilitation Street, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
| | - Liguo Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhengzhou Health Vocational College, No. 69 Jingxiang Road, Zhengzhou, 450000, People's Republic of China.
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Li J, Xu X, Liu J, Zhang S, Tan X, Li Z, Zhang J, Wang Z. Decoding microRNAs in autism spectrum disorder. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2022; 30:535-546. [PMID: 36457702 PMCID: PMC9685394 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-a congenital mental disorder accompanied by social dysfunction and stereotyped behaviors-has attracted a great deal of attention worldwide. A combination of genetic and environmental factors may determine the pathogenesis of ASD. Recent research of multiple ASD models indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play a central role at the onset and progression of ASD by repressing the translation of key mRNAs in neural development and functions. As such, miRNAs show great potential to serve as biomarkers for ASD diagnosis or prognosis and therapeutic targets for the treatment of ASD. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms by which miRNAs influence ASD phenotypes through various in vivo and in vitro models, including necropsy specimens, animal models, cellular models, and, in particular, induced pluripotent stem cells derived from patients with ASD. We then discuss the potential of miRNA-based therapeutic strategies for ASD currently being evaluated in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohui Xu
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Jiane Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
| | - Sudan Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Xiaohua Tan
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University & the Biomedical Sciences Institute of Qingdao University, Qingdao Branch of SJTU Bio-X Institutes, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266003, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266071, China
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong 266000, China
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Dufour A, Dumon C, Gouty-Colomer LA, Eftekhari S, Ferrari DC, Ben-Ari Y. Prenatal reduction of E14.5 embryonically fate-mapped pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of autism. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:3875-3888. [PMID: 35636970 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although several observations suggest that the constitutive biological, genetic or physiological changes leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) start in utero, their early impact on the number and density of neurons in the brain remains unknown. Using genetic fate mapping associated with the iDISCO clearing method we identified and counted a selective population of neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the in utero valproate (VPA) mouse model of autism. We report that one day before birth the number of pyramidal neurons born at E14.5 in the neocortex and hippocampus of VPA-mice is smaller than in age-matched controls. VPA also induced a reduction of the neocortical -but not hippocampal- volume one day before birth. Interestingly, VPA-mice present an increase in both neocortical and hippocampal volumes 2 days after birth compared to controls. These results suggest that the VPA-exposed hippocampus and neocortex differ substantially from controls during the highly complex perinatal period, and specially one day before birth, reflecting the early pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Dufour
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | - Camille Dumon
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sanaz Eftekhari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | - Diana C Ferrari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
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7
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Zhao P, Fu H, Cheng H, Zheng R, Yuan D, Yang J, Li S, Li E, Li L. Acupuncture at ST36 Alleviates the Behavioral Disorder of Autistic Rats by Inhibiting TXNIP-Mediated Activation of NLRP3. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2022; 81:127-134. [PMID: 35015875 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlab132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that severely affects patients' quality of life. We aimed to investigate whether acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36) could alleviate the behavior disorder of autistic rats by inhibiting thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)-mediated activation of NLRP3. An autism model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of pregnant rats with valproic acid (VPA). The pups' behaviors were analyzed using hot plate, open field, Morris water maze, and 3-chamber social interaction tests. Nissl staining was used to visualize neurons in prefrontal cortex. Levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, interleukin (IL)-1β, and caspase were determined by Western blot or quantitative real-time PCR. After ST36 acupuncture, pain sensitivity, autonomous activity, sociability index, sociability preference index, and learning and memory were improved in the autism model rats. Levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, IL-1β, and caspase 1 were decreased after acupuncture. Interference with TXNIP alleviated the behavior disorders and inhibited NLRP3, caspase 1, and IL-1β levels. In summary, ST36 acupuncture reduced TXNIP expression, inhibited the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and alleviated the behavior disorder related to the prefrontal cortex of the autistic rats. These results point to a potential mechanism for acupuncture-induced improvement of autistic behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengju Zhao
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongguang Fu
- Institute of Health Engineering, Zhengzhou Health Vocational College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruijuan Zheng
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dan Yuan
- Institute of Health Engineering, Zhengzhou Health Vocational College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianquan Yang
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sheng Li
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Enyao Li
- Department of Children Rehabilitation, Key Laboratory of Rehabilitation Medicine in Henan, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Liguo Li
- Institute of Health Engineering, Zhengzhou Health Vocational College, Zhengzhou, China
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Dean DD, Agarwal S, Muthuswamy S, Asim A. Brain exosomes as minuscule information hub for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:1323-1331. [PMID: 34720032 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.2000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder initiating in the first three years of life. Early initiation of management therapies can significantly improve the health and quality of life of ASD subjects. Thus, indicating the need for suitable biomarkers for the early identification of ASD. Various biological domains were investigated in the quest for reliable biomarkers. However, most biomarkers are in the preliminary stage, and clinical validation is yet to be defined. Exosome based research gained momentum in various Central Nervous System disorders for biomarker identification. However, the utility and prospect of exosomes in ASD is still underexplored. AREAS COVERED In the present review, we summarized the biomarker discovery current status and the future of brain-specific exosomes in understanding pathophysiology and its potential as a biomarker. The studies reviewed herein were identified via systematic search (dated: June 2021) of PubMed using variations related to autism (ASD OR autism OR Autism spectrum disorder) AND exosomes AND/OR biomarkers. EXPERT OPINION As exosomess are highly relevant in brain disorders like ASD, direct access to brain tissue for molecular assessment is ethically impossible. Thus investigating the brain-derived exosomes would undoubtedly answer many unsolved aspects of the pathogenesis and provide reliable biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Delsa Dean
- Deptartment of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Sgpgims), Lucknow, India
| | - Sarita Agarwal
- Deptartment of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Sgpgims), Lucknow, India
| | | | - Ambreen Asim
- Deptartment of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (Sgpgims), Lucknow, India
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Kashif H, Shah D, Sukumari-Ramesh S. Dysregulation of microRNA and Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Roles in Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8115. [PMID: 34360881 PMCID: PMC8347974 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major public health problem and devastating subtype of stroke with high morbidity and mortality. Notably, there is no effective treatment for ICH. Neuroinflammation, a pathological hallmark of ICH, contributes to both brain injury and repair and hence, it is regarded as a potential target for therapeutic intervention. Recent studies document that microRNAs, small non-coding RNA molecules, can regulate inflammatory brain response after ICH and are viable molecular targets to alter brain function. Therefore, there is an escalating interest in studying the role of microRNAs in the pathophysiology of ICH. Herein, we provide, for the first time, an overview of the microRNAs that play roles in ICH-induced neuroinflammation and identify the critical knowledge gap in the field, as it would help design future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sangeetha Sukumari-Ramesh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA; (H.K.); (D.S.)
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Chiesa M, Rabiei H, Riffault B, Ferrari DC, Ben-Ari Y. Brain Volumes in Mice are Smaller at Birth After Term or Preterm Cesarean Section Delivery. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3579-3591. [PMID: 33754629 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of cesarean section (CS) delivery has steadily increased over the past decades despite epidemiological studies reporting higher risks of neonatal morbidity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Yet, little is known about the immediate impact of CS birth on the brain, hence the need of experimental studies to evaluate brain parameters following this mode of delivery. Using the solvent clearing method iDISCO and 3D imaging technique, we report that on the day of birth, whole-brain, hippocampus, and striatum volumes are reduced in CS-delivered as compared to vaginally-born mice, with a stronger effect observed in preterm CS pups. These results stress the impact of CS delivery, at term or preterm, during parturition and at birth. In contrast, cellular activity and apoptosis are reduced in mice born by CS preterm but not term, suggesting that these early-life processes are only impacted by the combination of preterm birth and CS delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgane Chiesa
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Hamed Rabiei
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Baptiste Riffault
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Diana Carolina Ferrari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
| | - Yehezkel Ben-Ari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Ben-Ari Institute of Neuroarcheology (IBEN), Marseille cedex 09, 13288, France
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11
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Expression Analysis of VDR-Related LncRNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2021; 71:1403-1409. [PMID: 34125396 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-021-01858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D receptor (VDR) signaling has been reported to affect neurodevelopment, thus participating in the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We have measured expression amounts of VDR, CYP27B1, and two related long non-coding RNAs, namely SNHG6 and LINC00511, in the circulation of ASD patients compared with normal controls. Expression of CYP27B1 was remarkably higher in ASD cases compared with controls (posterior beta = 2.38, SE = 0.46, adjusted P value < 0.0001, 95% credible interval (CrI) for beta = [1.49, 3.27]). Level of SNHG6 was lower in ASD cases compared with controls (posterior beta = - 0.791, SE = 0.24, adjusted P value = 0.029, 95% CrI for beta = [- 1.27, - 0.33]). Expression levels of VDR and LINC00511 were similar between ASD cases and controls (P values = 0.97 and 0.46, respectively). Expressions of VDR, CYP27B1, SNHG6, and LINC00511 were not correlated with age of children. However, significant correlations were perceived between expressions of CYP27B1 and LINC00511 (r = 0.47, P < 0.0001), VDR and CYP27B1 (r = 0.42, P < 0.0001), and VDR and SNHG6 (r = 0.32, P < 0.0001). Therefore, these results imply dysregulation of a number of VDR-related genes in ASD patients.
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12
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Wang J, Yang Z, Chen C, Xu Y, Wang H, Liu B, Zhang W, Jiang Y. Comprehensive circRNA Expression Profile and Construction of circRNAs-Related ceRNA Network in a Mouse Model of Autism. Front Genet 2021; 11:623584. [PMID: 33679870 PMCID: PMC7928284 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.623584] [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: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a common disease that seriously affects the quality of life. The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in autism remains largely unexplored. We aimed to detect the circRNA expression profile and construct a circRNA-based competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network in autism. Valproate acid was used to establish an in vivo model of autism in mice. A total of 1,059 differentially expressed circRNAs (477 upregulated and 582 downregulated) in autism group was identified by RNA sequencing. The expression of novel_circ_015779 and novel_circ_035247 were detected by real-time PCR. A ceRNA network based on altered circRNAs was established, with 9,715 nodes and 150,408 edges. Module analysis was conducted followed by GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The top three modules were all correlated with autism-related pathways involving “TGF-beta signaling pathway,” “Notch signaling pathway,” “MAPK signaling pathway,” “long term depression,” “thyroid hormone signaling pathway,” etc. The present study reveals a novel circRNA involved mechanisms in the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Wang
- Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yangzhou, China.,Harbin Children's Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Zhongxiu Yang
- Xuzhou Children's Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Canming Chen
- Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Hongguang Wang
- School of Civil Engineering, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China
| | - Yanan Jiang
- Translational Medicine Research and Cooperation Center of Northern China, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Harbin, China.,Department of Pharmacology (State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine- Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Emerging mechanisms of valproic acid-induced neurotoxic events in autism and its implications for pharmacological treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 137:111322. [PMID: 33761592 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a sort of mental disorder marked by deficits in cognitive and communication abilities. To date no effective cure for this pernicious disease has been available. Valproic acid (VPA) is a broad-spectrum, antiepileptic drug, and it is also a potent teratogen. Epidemiological studies have shown that children exposed to VPA are at higher risk for ASD during the first trimester of their gestational development. Several animal and human studies have demonstrated important behavioral impairments and morphological changes in the brain following VPA treatment. However, the mechanism of VPA exposure-induced ASD remains unclear. Several factors are involved in the pathological phase of ASD, including aberrant excitation/inhibition of synaptic transmission, neuroinflammation, diminished neurogenesis, oxidative stress, etc. In this review, we aim to outline the current knowledge of the critical pathophysiological mechanisms underlying VPA exposure-induced ASD. This review will give insight toward understanding the complex nature of VPA-induced neuronal toxicity and exploring a new path toward the development of novel pharmacological treatment against ASD.
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Cieślik M, Gassowska-Dobrowolska M, Zawadzka A, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Gewartowska M, Dominiak A, Czapski GA, Adamczyk A. The Synaptic Dysregulation in Adolescent Rats Exposed to Maternal Immune Activation. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:555290. [PMID: 33519375 PMCID: PMC7840660 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.555290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, but the pathomechanism is largely unknown. The aim of our study was to analyse the molecular mechanisms contributing to synaptic alterations in hippocampi of adolescent rats exposed prenatally to MIA. MIA was evoked in pregnant female rats by i.p. administration of lipopolysaccharide at gestation day 9.5. Hippocampi of offspring (52-53-days-old rats) were analysed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), qPCR and Western blotting. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential, activity of respiratory complexes, and changes in glutathione system were measured. It was found that MIA induced changes in hippocampi morphology, especially in the ultrastructure of synapses, including synaptic mitochondria, which were accompanied by impairment of mitochondrial electron transport chain and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. These phenomena were in agreement with increased generation of reactive oxygen species, which was evidenced by a decreased reduced/oxidised glutathione ratio and an increased level of dichlorofluorescein (DCF) oxidation. Activation of cyclin-dependent kinase 5, and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β on Ser9 occurred, leading to its inhibition and, accordingly, to hypophosphorylation of microtubule associated protein tau (MAPT). Abnormal phosphorylation and dysfunction of MAPT, the manager of the neuronal cytoskeleton, harmonised with changes in synaptic proteins. In conclusion, this is the first study demonstrating widespread synaptic changes in hippocampi of adolescent offspring prenatally exposed to MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Aleksandra Zawadzka
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Gewartowska
- Electron Microscopy Platform, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dominiak
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz A Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
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Zmyslowska A, Stanczak M, Nowicka Z, Waszczykowska A, Baranska D, Fendler W, Borowiec M, Młynarski W. Serum microRNA as indicators of Wolfram syndrome's progression in neuroimaging studies. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care 2020; 8:8/2/e001379. [PMID: 33132210 PMCID: PMC7607591 DOI: 10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with the ultra-rare Wolfram syndrome (WFS) develop insulin-dependent diabetes and progressive neurodegeneration. The aim of the study was to quantify microRNAs (miRNAs) in sera from patients with WFS, correlate their expression with neurological imaging over time and compare miRNA levels with those observed in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We quantified miRNA expression (Qiagen, Germany) in two groups of patients: with WFS at study entry (n=14) and after 2 years of follow-up and in 15 glycated hemoglobin-matched (p=0.72) patients with T1DM. RESULTS We observed dynamic changes in the expression of multiple miRNAs in patients with WFS parallel to disease progression and in comparison to the T1DM patients group. Among miRNAs that differed between baseline and follow-up WFS samples, the level of 5 increased over time (miR-375, miR-30d-5p, miR-30e-30, miR-145-5p and miR-193a-5p) and was inversely correlated with macular average thickness, while the expression of 2 (let-7g-5p and miR-22-3p) decreased and was directly correlated with neuroimaging indicators of neurodegeneration. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show for the first time that serum miRNAs can be used as easily accessible indicators of disease progression in patients with WFS, potentially facilitating clinical trials on mitigating neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcin Stanczak
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Nowicka
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Arleta Waszczykowska
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dobromila Baranska
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fendler
- Department of Biostatistics and Translational Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maciej Borowiec
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Wojciech Młynarski
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
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Chaliha D, Albrecht M, Vaccarezza M, Takechi R, Lam V, Al-Salami H, Mamo J. A Systematic Review of the Valproic-Acid-Induced Rodent Model of Autism. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:12-48. [DOI: 10.1159/000509109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Wu X, Li W, Zheng Y. Recent Progress on Relevant microRNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165904. [PMID: 32824515 PMCID: PMC7460584 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose pathogenesis is unclear and is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. The microRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of single-stranded non-coding RNA with 20-22 nucleotides, which normally inhibit their target mRNAs at a post-transcriptional level. miRNAs are involved in almost all biological processes and are closely related to ASD and many other diseases. In this review, we summarize relevant miRNAs in ASD, and analyze dysregulated miRNAs in brain tissues and body fluids of ASD patients, which may contribute to the pathogenesis and diagnosis of ASD.
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18
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Intracranial Self-Stimulation Modulates Levels of SIRT1 Protein and Neural Plasticity-Related microRNAs. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2551-2562. [PMID: 32219698 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01901-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of reward system brain areas, such as the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), by means of intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS), facilitates learning and memory in rodents. MFB-ICSS has been found capable of modifying different plasticity-related proteins, but its underlying molecular mechanisms require further elucidation. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and the longevity-associated SIRT1 protein have emerged as important regulatory molecules implicated in neural plasticity. Thus, we aimed to analyze the effects of MFB-ICSS on miRNAs expression and SIRT1 protein levels in hippocampal subfields and serum. We used OpenArray to select miRNA candidates differentially expressed in the dentate gyrus (DG) of ICSS-treated (3 sessions, 45' session/day) and sham rats. We further analyzed the expression of these miRNAs, together with candidates selected after bibliographic screening (miR-132-3p, miR-134-5p, miR-146a-5p, miR-181c-5p) in DG, CA1, and CA3, as well as in serum, by qRT-PCR. We also assessed tissue and serum SIRT1 protein levels by Western Blot and ELISA, respectively. Expression of miR-132-3p, miR-181c-5p, miR-495-3p, and SIRT1 protein was upregulated in DG of ICSS rats (P < 0.05). None of the analyzed molecules was regulated in CA3, while miR-132-3p was also increased in CA1 (P = 0.011) and serum (P = 0.048). This work shows for the first time that a DBS procedure, specifically MFB-ICSS, modulates the levels of plasticity-related miRNAs and SIRT1 in specific hippocampal subfields. The mechanistic role of these molecules could be key to the improvement of memory by MFB-ICSS. Moreover, regarding the proposed clinical applicability of DBS, serum miR-132 is suggested as a potential treatment biomarker.
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Dobrovolsky AP, Gedzun VR, Bogin VI, Ma D, Ichim TE, Sukhanova IA, Malyshev AV, Dubynin VA. Beneficial effects of xenon inhalation on behavioral changes in a valproic acid-induced model of autism in rats. J Transl Med 2019; 17:400. [PMID: 31796043 PMCID: PMC6891980 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-02161-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas that has been used for the last several decades as an anesthetic during surgery. Its antagonistic effect on glutamate subtype of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors resulted in evaluation of this gas for treatment of CNS pathologies, including psychoemotional disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the behavioral effects of acute inhalation of subanesthetic concentrations of Xe and to study the outcomes of Xe exposure in valproic acid (VPA)-induced rodent model of autism. METHODS We have conducted two series of experiments with a battery of behavioral tests aimed to evaluate locomotion, anxiety- and depression-like behavior, and social behavior in healthy, VPA-treated and Xe-exposed young rats. RESULTS We have shown that in healthy animals Xe exposure resulted in acute and delayed decrease of exploratory motivation, partial decrease in risk-taking and depressive-like behavior as well as improved sensorimotor integration during the negative geotaxis test. Acute inhalations of Xe in VPA-exposed animals led to improvement in social behavior, decrease in exploratory motivation, and normalization of behavior in forced-swim test. CONCLUSION Behavioral modulatory effects of Xe are probably related to its generalized action on excitatory/inhibitory balance within the CNS. Our data suggest that subanesthetic short-term exposures to Xe have beneficial effect on several behavioral modalities and deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Dobrovolsky
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovitianov str. 1, Moscow, 117997, Russia.
| | - V R Gedzun
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - V I Bogin
- Nobilis Therapeutics Inc, Portland, OR, USA
| | - D Ma
- Anaesthetics, Pain Medicine & Intensive Care, Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - T E Ichim
- Nobilis Therapeutics Inc, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Iu A Sukhanova
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A V Malyshev
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - V A Dubynin
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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20
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Autism Spectrum Disorder and miRNA: An Overview of Experimental Models. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9100265. [PMID: 31623367 PMCID: PMC6827020 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9100265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, language, and in a limited repertoire of activities and interests. The etiology of ASD is very complex. Genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors contribute to the onset of ASD. Researchers have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could be one of the possible causes associated with ASD. miRNAs are small noncoding mRNAs that regulate gene expression, and they are often linked to biological processes and implicated in neurodevelopment. This review aims to provide an overview of the animal models and the role of the different miRNAs involved in ASD. Therefore, the use of animal models that reproduce the ASD and the identification of miRNAs could be a useful predictive tool to study this disorder.
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21
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Bludau A, Royer M, Meister G, Neumann ID, Menon R. Epigenetic Regulation of the Social Brain. Trends Neurosci 2019; 42:471-484. [PMID: 31103351 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior, a highly adaptive and crucial component of mammalian life, is regulated by particularly sensitive regulatory brain mechanisms. Substantial evidence implicates classical epigenetic mechanisms including histone modifications, DNA methylation, and nucleosome remodeling as well as nonclassical mechanisms mediated by noncoding RNA in the regulation of social behavior. These mechanisms collectively form the 'epigenetic network' that orchestrates genomic integration of salient and transient social experiences. Consequently, its dysregulation has been linked to behavioral deficits and psychopathologies. This review focuses on the role of the epigenetic network in regulating the enduring effects of social experiences during early-life, adolescence, and adulthood. We discuss research in animal models, primarily rodents, and associations between dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms and human psychopathologies, specifically autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bludau
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Royer
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory of RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Gunter Meister
- Biochemistry Center Regensburg (BZR), Laboratory of RNA Biology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, Regensburg Center of Neuroscience, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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22
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Sunwoo JS, Jeon D, Lee ST, Moon J, Yu JS, Park DK, Bae JY, Lee DY, Kim S, Jung KH, Park KI, Jung KY, Kim M, Lee SK, Chu K. Maternal immune activation alters brain microRNA expression in mouse offspring. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2018; 5:1264-1276. [PMID: 30349861 PMCID: PMC6186947 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Maternal immune activation (MIA) is associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Herein, we investigate the altered expression of microRNAs (miRNA), and that of their target genes, in the brains of MIA mouse offspring. Methods To generate MIA model mice, pregnant mice were injected with polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid on embryonic day 12.5. We performed miRNA microarray and mRNA sequencing in order to determine the differential expression of miRNA and mRNA between MIA mice and controls, at 3 weeks of age. We further identified predicted target genes of dysregulated miRNAs, and miRNA‐target interactions, based on the inverse correlation of their expression levels. Results Mice prenatally subjected to MIA exhibited behavioral abnormalities typical of ASD, such as a lack of preference for social novelty and reduced prepulse inhibition. We found 29 differentially expressed miRNAs (8 upregulated and 21 downregulated) and 758 differentially expressed mRNAs (542 upregulated and 216 downregulated) in MIA offspring compared to controls. Based on expression levels of the predicted target genes, 18 downregulated miRNAs (340 target genes) and three upregulated miRNAs (60 target genes) were found to be significantly enriched among the differentially expressed genes. miRNA and target gene interactions were most significant between mmu‐miR‐466i‐3p and Hfm1 (ATP‐dependent DNA helicase homolog), and between mmu‐miR‐877‐3p and Aqp6 (aquaporin 6). Interpretation Our results provide novel information regarding miRNA expression changes and their putative targets in the early postnatal period of brain development. Further studies will be needed to evaluate potential pathogenic roles of the dysregulated miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Sang Sunwoo
- Department of Neurology Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | | | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Jangsup Moon
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea.,Department of Neurosurgery Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Jung-Suk Yu
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Park
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Bae
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Doo Young Lee
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kim
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea
| | - Keun-Hwa Jung
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Kyung-Il Park
- Department of Neurology Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center Seoul South Korea
| | - Ki-Young Jung
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Manho Kim
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea.,Protein Metabolism Medical Research Center Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Sang Kun Lee
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Laboratory for Neurotherapeutics Department of Neurology Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Biomedical Research Institute Seoul National University Hospital Seoul South Korea.,Program in Neuroscience Seoul National University College of Medicine Seoul South Korea
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Higuchi Y, Soga T, Parhar IS. Potential Roles of microRNAs in the Regulation of Monoamine Oxidase A in the Brain. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:339. [PMID: 30271325 PMCID: PMC6149293 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00339] [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: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) is an enzyme that regulates the levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine and it has been used as a therapeutic target for depression. However, MAO-A inhibitors, which directly acts on MAO-A protein, have limited use due to their adverse effects. microRNAs (miRNAs) are 18-22 nucleotide long, small non-coding RNAs, which have recently emerged as regulators of protein levels that could potentially be new therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders. This review article aims to discuss the current status of the treatment for depression with MAO-A inhibitors and the regulatory factors of MAO-A. Further, the review also proposes possible regulatory mechanisms of MAO-A by miRNAs, which leads to better understanding of the pathology of depressive disorders and their potential use as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ishwar S. Parhar
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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24
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Klemann CJHM, Xicoy H, Poelmans G, Bloem BR, Martens GJM, Visser JE. Physical Exercise Modulates L-DOPA-Regulated Molecular Pathways in the MPTP Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:5639-5657. [PMID: 29019056 PMCID: PMC5994219 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0775-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc), resulting in motor and non-motor dysfunction. Physical exercise improves these symptoms in PD patients. To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical exercise, we exposed 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidine (MPTP)-treated mice to a four-week physical exercise regimen, and subsequently explored their motor performance and the transcriptome of multiple PD-linked brain areas. MPTP reduced the number of DA neurons in the SNpc, whereas physical exercise improved beam walking, rotarod performance, and motor behavior in the open field. Further, enrichment analyses of the RNA-sequencing data revealed that in the MPTP-treated mice physical exercise predominantly modulated signaling cascades that are regulated by the top upstream regulators L-DOPA, RICTOR, CREB1, or bicuculline/dalfampridine, associated with movement disorders, mitochondrial dysfunction, and epilepsy-related processes. To elucidate the molecular pathways underlying these cascades, we integrated the proteins encoded by the exercise-induced differentially expressed mRNAs for each of the upstream regulators into a molecular landscape, for multiple key brain areas. Most notable was the opposite effect of physical exercise compared to previously reported effects of L-DOPA on the expression of mRNAs in the SN and the ventromedial striatum that are involved in-among other processes-circadian rhythm and signaling involving DA, neuropeptides, and endocannabinoids. Altogether, our findings suggest that physical exercise can improve motor function in PD and may, at the same time, counteract L-DOPA-mediated molecular mechanisms. Further, we hypothesize that physical exercise has the potential to improve non-motor symptoms of PD, some of which may be the result of (chronic) L-DOPA use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius J H M Klemann
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Helena Xicoy
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Poelmans
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bas R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J M Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper E Visser
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Neurology, Amphia Hospital, Breda, The Netherlands.
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25
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Berni TR, Morgan CL, Berni ER, Rees DA. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated With Adverse Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2018; 103:2116-2125. [PMID: 29648599 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2017-02667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and subfertility, but the effects on mental health and child neurodevelopment are unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine if (1) there is an association between PCOS and psychiatric outcomes and (2) whether rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are higher in children of mothers with PCOS. DESIGN Data were extracted from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. Patients with PCOS were matched to two control sets (1:1) by age, body mass index, and primary care practice. Control set 2 was additionally matched on prior mental health status. Primary outcomes were the incidence of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. Secondary outcomes were the prevalence of ADHD or ASD in the children. RESULTS Eligible patients (16,986) were identified; 16,938 and 16,355 were matched to control sets 1 and 2, respectively. Compared with control set 1, baseline prevalence was 23.1% vs 19.3% for depression, 11.5% vs 9.3% for anxiety, and 3.2% vs 1.5% for bipolar disorder (P < 0.001). The hazard ratio for time to each endpoint was 1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.32), 1.20 (1.11 to 1.29), and 1.21 (1.03 to 1.42) for set 1 and 1.38 (1.30 to 1.45), 1.39 (1.29 to 1.51), and 1.44 (1.21 to 1.71) for set 2. The odds ratios for ASD and ADHD in children were 1.54 (1.12 to 2.11) and 1.64 (1.16 to 2.33) for set 1 and 1.76 (1.27 to 2.46) and 1.34 (0.96 to 1.89) for set 2. CONCLUSIONS PCOS is associated with psychiatric morbidity and increased risk of ADHD and ASD in their children. Screening for mental health disorders should be considered during assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Berni
- Pharmatelligence, Cardiff Medicentre, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher L Morgan
- Pharmatelligence, Cardiff Medicentre, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Institute of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen R Berni
- Pharmatelligence, Cardiff Medicentre, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - D Aled Rees
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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The microbiome regulates amygdala-dependent fear recall. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:1134-1144. [PMID: 28507320 PMCID: PMC5984090 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The amygdala is a key brain region that is critically involved in the processing and expression of anxiety and fear-related signals. In parallel, a growing number of preclinical and human studies have implicated the microbiome-gut-brain in regulating anxiety and stress-related responses. However, the role of the microbiome in fear-related behaviours is unclear. To this end we investigated the importance of the host microbiome on amygdala-dependent behavioural readouts using the cued fear conditioning paradigm. We also assessed changes in neuronal transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in the amygdala of naive and stimulated germ-free (GF) mice, using a genome-wide transcriptome profiling approach. Our results reveal that GF mice display reduced freezing during the cued memory retention test. Moreover, we demonstrate that under baseline conditions, GF mice display altered transcriptional profile with a marked increase in immediate-early genes (for example, Fos, Egr2, Fosb, Arc) as well as genes implicated in neural activity, synaptic transmission and nervous system development. We also found a predicted interaction between mRNA and specific microRNAs that are differentially regulated in GF mice. Interestingly, colonized GF mice (ex-GF) were behaviourally comparable to conventionally raised (CON) mice. Together, our data demonstrates a unique transcriptional response in GF animals, likely because of already elevated levels of immediate-early gene expression and the potentially underlying neuronal hyperactivity that in turn primes the amygdala for a different transcriptional response. Thus, we demonstrate for what is to our knowledge the first time that the presence of the host microbiome is crucial for the appropriate behavioural response during amygdala-dependent memory retention.
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Gillet V, Hunting DJ, Takser L. Turing Revisited: Decoding the microRNA Messages in Brain Extracellular Vesicles for Early Detection of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Curr Environ Health Rep 2018; 3:188-201. [PMID: 27301443 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-016-0093-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevention of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) of prenatal origin suffers from the lack of objective tools for early detection of susceptible individuals and the long time lag, usually in years, between the neurotoxic exposure and the diagnosis of mental dysfunction. Human data on the effects of alcohol, lead, and mercury and experimental data from animals on developmental neurotoxins and their long-term behavioral effects have achieved a critical mass, leading to the concept of the Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD). However, there is currently no way to evaluate the degree of brain damage early after birth. We propose that extracellular vesicles (EVs) and particularly exosomes, released by brain cells into the fetal blood, may offer us a non-invasive means of assessing brain damage by neurotoxins. We are inspired by the strategy applied by Alan Turing (a cryptanalyst working for the British government), who created a first computer to decrypt German intelligence communications during World War II. Given the growing evidence that microRNAs (miRNAs), which are among the molecules carried by EVs, are involved in cell-cell communication, we propose that decrypting messages from EVs can allow us to detect damage thus offering an opportunity to cure, reverse, or prevent the development of NDD. This review summarizes recent findings on miRNAs associated with selected environmental toxicants known to be involved in the pathophysiology of NDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginie Gillet
- Département Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé de l'Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12ème avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1H 5N4
| | - Darel John Hunting
- Département Radiobiologie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé de l'Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12ème avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1H 5N4
| | - Larissa Takser
- Département Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine et Sciences de la Santé de l'Université de Sherbrooke, 3001, 12ème avenue Nord, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada, J1H 5N4.
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Fang C, Li Q, Min G, Liu M, Cui J, Sun J, Li L. MicroRNA-181c Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 54:8370-8385. [PMID: 27933582 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) characterized by global cerebral ischemia is an important risk factor contributing to the development of dementia. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the cellular adaptation to long-term ischemia/hypoxia by turning off or on the expression of target genes. MiR-181c is widely expressed in the nervous system, and tripartite motif 2 (TRIM2) is one of its target genes. In this work, we had identified that progressive spatial memory deficiency was induced in the bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) rat models. Meanwhile, inhibition of miR-181c expression and upregulation of TRIM2 in the hippocampus of 2-VO rats were found accompanying with reduction in the dendritic branching and dendrite spine density of the hippocampal neurons. Viral vector-mediated miR-181c delivery might improve the cognitive deficiency via TRIM2 on neurofilament light (NF-L) ubiquitination resulting in remodeling of the hippocampal neurons as well as increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 (NR1) subunit cell surface expression. Meanwhile, miR-181c might rescue the cellular activity from ischemia/hypoxia. These results indicated a novel miRNA-mediated mechanism involving miR-181c and TRIM2 in the cognitive impairment induced by CCH and provided a rationale for the development of miRNA-based strategies for prevention of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Fang
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Guowen Min
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, 10 Xi Tou Tiao, You An Men street, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Varghese M, Keshav N, Jacot-Descombes S, Warda T, Wicinski B, Dickstein DL, Harony-Nicolas H, De Rubeis S, Drapeau E, Buxbaum JD, Hof PR. Autism spectrum disorder: neuropathology and animal models. Acta Neuropathol 2017; 134:537-566. [PMID: 28584888 PMCID: PMC5693718 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-017-1736-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on the development and social integration of affected individuals and is the most heritable of psychiatric disorders. An increase in the incidence of ASD cases has prompted a surge in research efforts on the underlying neuropathologic processes. We present an overview of current findings in neuropathology studies of ASD using two investigational approaches, postmortem human brains and ASD animal models, and discuss the overlap, limitations, and significance of each. Postmortem examination of ASD brains has revealed global changes including disorganized gray and white matter, increased number of neurons, decreased volume of neuronal soma, and increased neuropil, the last reflecting changes in densities of dendritic spines, cerebral vasculature and glia. Both cortical and non-cortical areas show region-specific abnormalities in neuronal morphology and cytoarchitectural organization, with consistent findings reported from the prefrontal cortex, fusiform gyrus, frontoinsular cortex, cingulate cortex, hippocampus, amygdala, cerebellum and brainstem. The paucity of postmortem human studies linking neuropathology to the underlying etiology has been partly addressed using animal models to explore the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors clinically relevant for the ASD phenotype. Genetically modified models include those based on well-studied monogenic ASD genes (NLGN3, NLGN4, NRXN1, CNTNAP2, SHANK3, MECP2, FMR1, TSC1/2), emerging risk genes (CHD8, SCN2A, SYNGAP1, ARID1B, GRIN2B, DSCAM, TBR1), and copy number variants (15q11-q13 deletion, 15q13.3 microdeletion, 15q11-13 duplication, 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, 22q11.2 deletion). Models of idiopathic ASD include inbred rodent strains that mimic ASD behaviors as well as models developed by environmental interventions such as prenatal exposure to sodium valproate, maternal autoantibodies, and maternal immune activation. In addition to replicating some of the neuropathologic features seen in postmortem studies, a common finding in several animal models of ASD is altered density of dendritic spines, with the direction of the change depending on the specific genetic modification, age and brain region. Overall, postmortem neuropathologic studies with larger sample sizes representative of the various ASD risk genes and diverse clinical phenotypes are warranted to clarify putative etiopathogenic pathways further and to promote the emergence of clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In addition, as genetic alterations may render certain individuals more vulnerable to developing the pathological changes at the synapse underlying the behavioral manifestations of ASD, neuropathologic investigation using genetically modified animal models will help to improve our understanding of the disease mechanisms and enhance the development of targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merina Varghese
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Neha Keshav
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Sarah Jacot-Descombes
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Children and Teenagers, University Hospitals and School of Medicine, Geneva, CH-1205, Switzerland
| | - Tahia Warda
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bridget Wicinski
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Dara L Dickstein
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Hala Harony-Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Box 1639, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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Bridging Autism Spectrum Disorders and Schizophrenia through inflammation and biomarkers - pre-clinical and clinical investigations. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:179. [PMID: 28870209 PMCID: PMC5584030 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0938-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, evidence supporting a link between inflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders has been mounting. Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia share some clinical similarities which we hypothesize might reflect the same biological basis, namely, in terms of inflammation. However, the diagnosis of ASD and schizophrenia relies solely on clinical symptoms, and to date, there is no clinically useful biomarker to diagnose or monitor the course of such illnesses. The focus of this review is the central role that inflammation plays in ASD and schizophrenia. It spans from pre-clinical animal models to clinical research and excludes in vitro studies. Four major areas are covered: (1) microglia, the inflammatory brain resident myeloid cells, (2) biomarkers, including circulating cytokines, oxidative stress markers, and microRNA players, known to influence cellular processes at brain and immune levels, (3) effect of anti-psychotics on biomarkers and other predictors of response, and (4) impact of gender on response to immune activation, biomarkers, and response to anti-psychotic treatments.
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31
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Hoban AE, Stilling RM, M Moloney G, Moloney RD, Shanahan F, Dinan TG, Cryan JF, Clarke G. Microbial regulation of microRNA expression in the amygdala and prefrontal cortex. MICROBIOME 2017; 5:102. [PMID: 28838324 PMCID: PMC5571609 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-017-0321-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing evidence for a role of the gut microbiome in shaping behaviour relevant to many psychiatric and neurological disorders. Preclinical studies using germ-free (GF) animals have been essential in contributing to our current understanding of the potential importance of the host microbiome for neurodevelopment and behaviour. In particular, it has been repeatedly demonstrated that manipulation of the gut microbiome modulates anxiety-like behaviours. The neural circuits that underlie anxiety- and fear-related behaviours are complex and heavily depend on functional communication between the amygdala and prefrontal cortex (PFC). Previously, we have shown that the transcriptional networks within the amygdala and PFC of GF mice are altered. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act through translational repression to control gene translation and have also been implicated in anxiety-like behaviours. However, it is unknown whether these features of host post-transcriptional machinery are also recruited by the gut microbiome to exert control over CNS transcriptional networks. RESULTS We conducted Illumina® next-generation sequencing (NGS) in the amygdala and PFC of conventional, GF and germ-free colonized mice (exGF). We found a large proportion of miRNAs to be dysregulated in GF animals in both brain regions (103 in the amygdala and 31 in the PFC). Additionally, colonization of GF mice normalized some of the noted alterations. Next, we used a complementary approach to GF by manipulating the adult rat microbiome with an antibiotic cocktail to deplete the gut microbiota and found that this strategy also impacted the expression of relevant miRNAs. CONCLUSION These results suggest that the microbiome is necessary for appropriate regulation of miRNA expression in brain regions implicated in anxiety-like behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan E Hoban
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Roman M Stilling
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Gerard M Moloney
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Rachel D Moloney
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Room 1.15, College Road, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Fergus Shanahan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Room 1.15, College Road, Cork City, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork City, Ireland.
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Room 1.15, College Road, Cork City, Ireland.
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Dai X, Yin Y, Qin L. Valproic acid exposure decreases the mRNA stability of Bcl-2 via up-regulating miR-34a in the cerebellum of rat. Neurosci Lett 2017; 657:159-165. [PMID: 28803955 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, limited verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have shown that the level of Bcl-2 in the brain tissues of ASD patients is significantly decreased. However, the mechanisms underlie the down-regulation of Bcl-2 in ASD is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the alteration of Bcl-2 level and associated mechanisms in valproic acid (VPA) exposed ASD rats. VPA exposure resulted in ASD-like behaviors in rats, such as repetitive behavior and social interaction impairment. VPA exposure also down-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 both at mRNA and protein levels, either in cerebellar cortex or primary cerebellar cortical neuronal cells. Furthermore, VPA treatment decreased the mRNA stability of Bcl-2 instead of down-regulating its transcriptional activity. Meanwhile, VPA exposure up-regulated the expression of miR-34a in cerebellar cortex and primary cerebellar cortical neuronal cells. The mimics of miR-34a directly inhibited the expression of Bcl-2 and its antagonist blocked the down-regulation effect of VPA on Bcl-2 in primary cerebellar cortical neuronal cells. Our study implies that VPA may influence ASD through sequential up-regulating miR-34a and therefore down-regulating Bcl-2 in the brain tissues of rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xufang Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Psychological Diagnosis and Educational Technology for Children with Special Needs, Chongqing, 400047, China; College of Education Science, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, 400047, China.
| | - Yunhou Yin
- Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Liyan Qin
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Southwest Hospital of Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
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Loohuis NFMO, Martens GJM, van Bokhoven H, Kaplan BB, Homberg JR, Aschrafi A. Altered expression of circadian rhythm and extracellular matrix genes in the medial prefrontal cortex of a valproic acid rat model of autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 77:128-132. [PMID: 28408291 PMCID: PMC5502527 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a highly heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders caused by complex interplay between various genes and environmental factors during embryonic development. Changes at the molecular, cellular and neuroanatomical levels are especially evident in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of ASD patients and are particularly contributing to social impairments. In the present study we tested the hypothesis that altered neuronal development and plasticity, as seen in the mPFC of ASD individuals, may result from aberrant expression of functionally connected genes. Towards this end, we combined transcriptome sequencing and computational gene ontology analysis to identify the molecular networks impaired in the mPFC of a valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. This investigation identified two subsets of genes differentially expressed in the mPFC of VPA rats: one group of genes being functionally involved in the regulation of the circadian rhythm, while the second group encompasses a set of differentially expressed collagen genes acting within the extracellular matrix. Ultimately, our integrated transcriptome analysis identified a distinct subset of altered gene networks in the mPFC of VPA rats, contributing to our understanding of autism at the molecular level, thus providing novel insight into the genetic alterations associated with this neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikkie FM Olde Loohuis
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard JM Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barry B Kaplan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, USA
| | - Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Armaz Aschrafi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Stadelmaier R, Nasri H, Deutsch CK, Bauman M, Hunt A, Stodgell CJ, Adams J, Holmes LB. Exposure to Sodium Valproate during Pregnancy: Facial Features and Signs of Autism. Birth Defects Res 2017. [PMID: 28635121 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valproic acid (VPA) is the most teratogenic anticonvulsant drug in clinical use today. Children exposed prenatally to VPA have previously been shown to have dysmorphic craniofacial features, identified subjectively but not by anthropometric methods. Exposure to VPA has also been associated with an increased frequency of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). An increased cephalic index (the ratio of the cranial lateral width to the cranial anterior-posterior length) has been observed in children with ASD. METHODS Forty-seven children exposed to VPA during the first trimester of pregnancy were evaluated for dysmorphic facial features, identified subjectively and by measurements. Each VPA-exposed child was evaluated for ASD using the Social Communication Questionnaire, Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The same physical examination was carried out on an unexposed comparison group of 126 children. The unexposed children also had testing for cognitive performance by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. RESULTS Several dysmorphic craniofacial features, including telecanthus, wide philtrum, and increased length of the upper lip were identified subjectively. Anthropometric measurements confirmed the increased intercanthal distance and documented additional findings, including an increased cephalic index and decreased head circumference/height index. There were no differences between the craniofacial features of VPA-exposed children with and without ASD. CONCLUSION An increased frequency of dysmorphic craniofacial features was identified in children exposed to VPA during the first trimester of pregnancy. The most consistent finding was a larger cephalic index, which indicates a disproportion of increased width of the skull relative to the shortened anterior-posterior length. Birth Defects Research 109:1134-1143, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Stadelmaier
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York.,The Medical Genetics Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Hanah Nasri
- The Medical Genetics Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Curtis K Deutsch
- The Psychobiology Program at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center and Departments of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
| | - Margaret Bauman
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Hunt
- Hunt Consulting Associates, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Christopher J Stodgell
- Department of OB/GYN, University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Jane Adams
- Department of Psychology, UMass-Boston, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Lewis B Holmes
- The Medical Genetics Unit, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Luczynski P, Whelan SO, O'Sullivan C, Clarke G, Shanahan F, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Adult microbiota-deficient mice have distinct dendritic morphological changes: differential effects in the amygdala and hippocampus. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:2654-2666. [PMID: 27256072 PMCID: PMC5113767 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 216] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence implicates the microbiota in the regulation of brain and behaviour. Germ-free mice (GF; microbiota deficient from birth) exhibit altered stress hormone signalling and anxiety-like behaviours as well as deficits in social cognition. Although the mechanisms underlying the ability of the gut microbiota to influence stress responsivity and behaviour remain unknown, many lines of evidence point to the amygdala and hippocampus as likely targets. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine if the volume and dendritic morphology of the amygdala and hippocampus differ in GF versus conventionally colonized (CC) mice. Volumetric estimates revealed significant amygdalar and hippocampal expansion in GF compared to CC mice. We also studied the effect of GF status on the level of single neurons in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and ventral hippocampus. In the BLA, the aspiny interneurons and pyramidal neurons of GF mice exhibited dendritic hypertrophy. The BLA pyramidal neurons of GF mice had more thin, stubby and mushroom spines. In contrast, the ventral hippocampal pyramidal neurons of GF mice were shorter, less branched and had less stubby and mushroom spines. When compared to controls, dentate granule cells of GF mice were less branched but did not differ in spine density. These findings suggest that the microbiota is required for the normal gross morphology and ultrastructure of the amygdala and hippocampus and that this neural remodelling may contribute to the maladaptive stress responsivity and behavioural profile observed in GF mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Luczynski
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Room 3.86, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Seán O Whelan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colette O'Sullivan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Room 3.86, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Fergus Shanahan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Room 3.86, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Room 3.86, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Room 3.86, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland.
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and the risk of autism spectrum disorders in the offspring: a population-based nationwide study in Sweden. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1441-8. [PMID: 26643539 PMCID: PMC5030459 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although many studies indicate the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), our limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms hampers the development of effective ways of detecting and preventing the disorder. Recent studies support the hypothesis that prenatal androgen exposure contributes to the development of ASD. This would suggest that maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition associated with excess androgens, would increase the risk of ASD in the offspring. We conducted a matched case-control study nested within the total population of Sweden (children aged 4-17 who were born in Sweden from 1984 to 2007). The sample consisted of 23 748 ASD cases and 208 796 controls, matched by birth month and year, sex and region of birth. PCOS and ASD were defined from ICD codes through linkage to health-care registers. Maternal PCOS increased the odds of ASD in the offspring by 59%, after adjustment for confounders (odds ratio (OR) 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.88). The odds of offspring ASD were further increased among mothers with both PCOS and obesity, a condition common to PCOS that is related to more severe hyperandrogenemia (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.46-3.10). Risk estimates did not differ between sexes. In conclusion, children of women with PCOS appear to have a higher risk of developing ASD. This finding awaits confirmation, and exploration of potentially underlying mechanisms, including the role of sex steroids in the etiology of ASD.
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Ergaz Z, Weinstein-Fudim L, Ornoy A. Genetic and non-genetic animal models for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Reprod Toxicol 2016; 64:116-40. [PMID: 27142188 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated, in addition to complex genetic factors, with a variety of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal etiologies. We discuss the known animal models, mostly in mice and rats, of ASD that helps us to understand the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of human ASD. We describe only models where behavioral testing has shown autistic like behaviors. Some genetic models mimic known human syndromes like fragile X where ASD is part of the clinical picture, and others are without defined human syndromes. Among the environmentally induced ASD models in rodents, the most common model is the one induced by valproic acid (VPA) either prenatally or early postnatally. VPA induces autism-like behaviors following single exposure during different phases of brain development, implying that the mechanism of action is via a general biological mechanism like epigenetic changes. Maternal infection and inflammation are also associated with ASD in man and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zivanit Ergaz
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asher Ornoy
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Kos A, Olde Loohuis N, Meinhardt J, van Bokhoven H, Kaplan BB, Martens GJ, Aschrafi A. MicroRNA-181 promotes synaptogenesis and attenuates axonal outgrowth in cortical neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:3555-67. [PMID: 27017280 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2179-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 02/13/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) are non-coding gene transcripts abundantly expressed in both the developing and adult mammalian brain. They act as important modulators of complex gene regulatory networks during neuronal development and plasticity. miR-181c is highly abundant in cerebellar cortex and its expression is increased in autism patients as well as in an animal model of autism. To systematically identify putative targets of miR-181c, we repressed this miR in growing cortical neurons and found over 70 differentially expressed target genes using transcriptome profiling. Pathway analysis showed that the miR-181c-modulated genes converge on signaling cascades relevant to neurite and synapse developmental processes. To experimentally examine the significance of these data, we inhibited miR-181c during rat cortical neuronal maturation in vitro; this loss-of miR-181c function resulted in enhanced neurite sprouting and reduced synaptogenesis. Collectively, our findings suggest that miR-181c is a modulator of gene networks associated with cortical neuronal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aron Kos
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nikkie Olde Loohuis
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Julia Meinhardt
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barry B Kaplan
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Gerard J Martens
- Department of Molecular Animal Physiology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Armaz Aschrafi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Centre for Neuroscience, 6525 AJ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Rätsep MT, Paolozza A, Hickman AF, Maser B, Kay VR, Mohammad S, Pudwell J, Smith GN, Brien D, Stroman PW, Adams MA, Reynolds JN, Croy BA, Forkert ND. Brain Structural and Vascular Anatomy Is Altered in Offspring of Pre-Eclamptic Pregnancies: A Pilot Study. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2015; 37:939-45. [PMID: 26721772 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a4640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Pre-eclampsia is a serious clinical gestational disorder occurring in 3%-5% of all human pregnancies and characterized by endothelial dysfunction and vascular complications. Offspring born of pre-eclamptic pregnancies are reported to exhibit deficits in cognitive function, higher incidence of depression, and increased susceptibility to stroke. However, no brain imaging reports exist on these offspring. We aimed to assess brain structural and vascular anatomy in 7- to 10-year-old offspring of pre-eclamptic pregnancies compared with matched controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS Offspring of pre-eclamptic pregnancies and matched controls (n = 10 per group) were recruited from an established longitudinal cohort examining the effects of pre-eclampsia. Children underwent MR imaging to identify brain structural and vascular anatomic differences. Maternal plasma samples collected at birth were assayed for angiogenic factors by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Offspring of pre-eclamptic pregnancies exhibited enlarged brain regional volumes of the cerebellum, temporal lobe, brain stem, and right and left amygdalae. These offspring displayed reduced cerebral vessel radii in the occipital and parietal lobes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis revealed underexpression of the placental growth factor among the maternal plasma samples from women who experienced pre-eclampsia. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to report brain structural and vascular anatomic alterations in the population of offspring of pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Brain structural alterations shared similarities with those seen in autism. Vascular alterations may have preceded these structural alterations. This pilot study requires further validation with a larger population to provide stronger estimates of brain structural and vascular outcomes among the offspring of pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Rätsep
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - A Paolozza
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies (A.P., D.B., P.W.S., M.A.A., J.N.R.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - A F Hickman
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - B Maser
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - V R Kay
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - S Mohammad
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - J Pudwell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.P., G.N.S.), Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - G N Smith
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.) Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.P., G.N.S.), Kingston General Hospital, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - D Brien
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies (A.P., D.B., P.W.S., M.A.A., J.N.R.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - P W Stroman
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies (A.P., D.B., P.W.S., M.A.A., J.N.R.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - M A Adams
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies (A.P., D.B., P.W.S., M.A.A., J.N.R.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - J N Reynolds
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.) Centre for Neuroscience Studies (A.P., D.B., P.W.S., M.A.A., J.N.R.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - B A Croy
- From the Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences (M.T.R., A.F.H., B.M., V.R.K., S.M., G.N.S., J.N.R., B.A.C.)
| | - N D Forkert
- Department of Radiology and Hotchkiss Brain Institute (N.D.F.), University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Gottfried C, Bambini-Junior V, Francis F, Riesgo R, Savino W. The Impact of Neuroimmune Alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:121. [PMID: 26441683 PMCID: PMC4563148 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves a complex interplay of both genetic and environmental risk factors, with immune alterations and synaptic connection deficiency in early life. In the past decade, studies of ASD have substantially increased, in both humans and animal models. Immunological imbalance (including autoimmunity) has been proposed as a major etiological component in ASD, taking into account increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines observed in postmortem brain from patients, as well as autoantibody production. Also, epidemiological studies have established a correlation of ASD with family history of autoimmune diseases; associations with major histocompatibility complex haplotypes and abnormal levels of immunological markers in the blood. Moreover, the use of animal models to study ASD is providing increasing information on the relationship between the immune system and the pathophysiology of ASD. Herein, we will discuss the accumulating literature for ASD, giving special attention to the relevant aspects of factors that may be related to the neuroimmune interface in the development of ASD, including changes in neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder (GETTEA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Research Group in Neuroglial Plasticity, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder (GETTEA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Research Group in Neuroglial Plasticity, Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fiona Francis
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR-S 839, Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Rudimar Riesgo
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorder (GETTEA), Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Child Neurology Unit, Clinical Hospital of Porto Alegre, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Wilson Savino
- Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Perinatal Influences of Valproate on Brain and Behaviour: An Animal Model for Autism. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2015; 29:363-386. [PMID: 26510739 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid or valproate (VPA) is an anti-convulsant and mood stabiliser effective in treating epilepsy and bipolar disorders. Although in adults VPA is well tolerated and safe, there is convincing evidence that it has teratogenic properties, ranging from mild neurodevelopmental changes to severe congenital malformations. In particular, studies involving humans and other animals have shown that prenatal exposure to VPA can induce developmental abnormalities reminiscent of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this chapter, we discuss the connection between VPA and ASD, evaluate the VPA animal model of ASD, and describe the possible molecular mechanisms underlying VPA's teratogenic properties.
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