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Marotta N, Boland MJ, Prosser BL. Accelerating therapeutic development and clinical trial readiness for STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 disorders. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2024; 54:101576. [PMID: 38472035 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2024.101576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Gene-targeted therapies for genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are becoming a reality. The Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD) is currently focused on the development of therapeutics for STXBP1 and SYNGAP1 disorders. Here we review the known clinical features of these disorders, highlight the biological role of STXBP1 and SYNGAP1, and discuss our current understanding of pathogenic mechanisms and therapeutic development. Finally, we provide our perspective as scientists and parents of children with NDDs, and comment on the current challenges for both clinical and basic science endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Marotta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Physiology, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael J Boland
- Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Benjamin L Prosser
- Center for Epilepsy and Neurodevelopmental Disorders (ENDD), University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Physiology, Pennsylvania Muscle Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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2
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Fuchs C, ‘t Hoen PAC, Müller AR, Ehrhart F, Van Karnebeek CDM. Drug repurposing in Rett and Rett-like syndromes: a promising yet underrated opportunity? Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1425038. [PMID: 39135718 PMCID: PMC11317438 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1425038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and Rett-like syndromes [i.e., CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and FOXG1-syndrome] represent rare yet profoundly impactful neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The severity and complexity of symptoms associated with these disorders, including cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, seizures and other neurological features significantly affect the quality of life of patients and families. Despite ongoing research efforts to identify potential therapeutic targets and develop novel treatments, current therapeutic options remain limited. Here the potential of drug repurposing (DR) as a promising avenue for addressing the unmet medical needs of individuals with RTT and related disorders is explored. Leveraging existing drugs for new therapeutic purposes, DR presents an attractive strategy, particularly suited for neurological disorders given the complexities of the central nervous system (CNS) and the challenges in blood-brain barrier penetration. The current landscape of DR efforts in these syndromes is thoroughly examined, with partiuclar focus on shared molecular pathways and potential common drug targets across these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Peter A. C. ‘t Hoen
- Center for Molecular and Biomolecular Informatics, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Annelieke R. Müller
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Friederike Ehrhart
- Department of Bioinformatics – BiGCaT, Research Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Clara D. M. Van Karnebeek
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Human Genetics, Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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3
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Zhou C, Fu W, Wei X, Zhang Z, Wang B, Fang X. Association between early-life mosquito repellents exposure and ADHD-like behaviours. J Public Health (Oxf) 2024:fdae076. [PMID: 38841748 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdae076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research has explored the impact of mosquito repellents exposure during early life on ADHD symptoms. This study aimed to explore the associations of exposure to mosquito repellents from pregnancy to 3 years old and the prevalence of ADHD-like behaviours among children aged 3-9 years, and further identify the sensitive exposure period. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted, including 12 275 children in Hefei City, China. Exposure was self-reported via primary caregivers. ADHD-like behaviours were measured by the Swanson, Nolan and Pelham, version IV scale (SNAP-IV), and Conners' Parent Rating Scale (CPRS). Cross-over analysis, binary logistic regression and linear regression were employed. RESULTS After adjusting for confounding variables, early-life exposure to mosquito repellents was associated with a higher risk of ADHD-like behaviours (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.49-2.19). By comparing the strength of the association for each subgroup, we found exposure during 1-3 years old was a sensitive period (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.25-2.87) by the cross-over analysis. Furthermore, we found a dose-response relationship in which the likelihood of ADHD-like behaviours increased with children's early-life mosquito repellents exposure dose. CONCLUSIONS Early-life exposure to mosquito repellents is linked with an elevated risk of ADHD-like behaviours in children, with a sensitive period identified during 1-3 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weiwen Fu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xinyu Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zixing Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China
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4
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Bucknor EMV, Johnson E, Efthymiou S, Alvi JR, Sultan T, Houlden H, Maroofian R, Karimiani EG, Finelli MJ, Oliver PL. Neuroinflammation and Lysosomal Abnormalities Characterise the Essential Role for Oxidation Resistance 1 in the Developing and Adult Cerebellum. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:685. [PMID: 38929124 PMCID: PMC11201099 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations in the TLDc family of proteins cause a range of severe childhood-onset neurological disorders with common clinical features that include cerebellar neurodegeneration, ataxia and epilepsy. Of these proteins, oxidation resistance 1 (OXR1) has been implicated in multiple cellular pathways related to antioxidant function, transcriptional regulation and cellular survival; yet how this relates to the specific neuropathological features in disease remains unclear. Here, we investigate a range of loss-of-function mouse model systems and reveal that constitutive deletion of Oxr1 leads to a rapid and striking neuroinflammatory response prior to neurodegeneration that is associated with lysosomal pathology. We go on to show that neuroinflammation and cell death in Oxr1 knockouts can be completely rescued by the neuronal expression of Oxr1, suggesting that the phenotype is driven by the cell-intrinsic defects of neuronal cells lacking the gene. Next, we generate a ubiquitous, adult inducible knockout of Oxr1 that surprisingly displays rapid-onset ataxia and cerebellar neurodegeneration, establishing for the first time that the distinctive pathology associated with the loss of Oxr1 occurs irrespective of developmental stage. Finally, we describe two new homozygous human pathogenic variants in OXR1 that cause neurodevelopmental delay, including a novel stop-gain mutation. We also compare functionally two missense human pathogenic mutations in OXR1, including one newly described here, that cause different clinical phenotypes but demonstrate partially retained neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress. Together, these data highlight the essential role of Oxr1 in modulating neuroinflammatory and lysosomal pathways in the mammalian brain and support the hypothesis that OXR1 protein dosage may be critical for pathological outcomes in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eboni M. V. Bucknor
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
| | - Errin Johnson
- The Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3RE, UK
| | - Stephanie Efthymiou
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1B 5EE, UK
| | - Javeria R. Alvi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore 54660, Pakistan
| | - Tipu Sultan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Children Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore 54660, Pakistan
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1B 5EE, UK
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1B 5EE, UK
| | - Ehsan G. Karimiani
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Institute, St. George’s University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW18 0RE, UK
- Department of Medical Genetics, Next Generation Genetic Polyclinic, Mashhad 009851, Iran
| | - Mattéa J. Finelli
- School of Medicine, Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Peter L. Oliver
- Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire OX11 0RD, UK
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Xiong GJ, Sheng ZH. Presynaptic perspective: Axonal transport defects in neurodevelopmental disorders. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202401145. [PMID: 38568173 PMCID: PMC10988239 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202401145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Disruption of synapse assembly and maturation leads to a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Presynaptic proteins are largely synthesized in the soma, where they are packaged into precursor vesicles and transported into distal axons to ensure precise assembly and maintenance of presynapses. Due to their morphological features, neurons face challenges in the delivery of presynaptic cargos to nascent boutons. Thus, targeted axonal transport is vital to build functional synapses. A growing number of mutations in genes encoding the transport machinery have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. Emerging lines of evidence have started to uncover presynaptic mechanisms underlying axonal transport defects, thus broadening the view of neurodevelopmental disorders beyond postsynaptic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss presynaptic perspectives of neurodevelopmental disorders by focusing on impaired axonal transport and disturbed assembly and maintenance of presynapses. We also discuss potential strategies for restoring axonal transport as an early therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Jing Xiong
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zu-Hang Sheng
- Synaptic Function Section, The Porter Neuroscience Research Center, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Ban Y, Yang X, Tan D, Gong C, Gao Y, Yuan J, Chen Y, Wang Y, Xu T. Sorbs2 regulates seizure activity by influencing AMPAR-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission in temporal lobe epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2024; 176:105727. [PMID: 38555055 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2024.105727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the most common type of drug-resistant epilepsy, severely affects quality of life. However, the underlying mechanism of TLE remains unclear and deserves further exploration. Sorbs2, a key synaptic regulatory protein, plays an important role in the regulation of synaptic transmission in the mammalian brain. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression pattern of Sorbs2 in a kainic acid (KA)-induced TLE mouse model and in patients with TLE to further determine whether Sorbs2 is involved in seizure activity and to explore the potential mechanism by which Sorbs2 affects seizures in this TLE mouse model. First, we found that the expression of Sorbs2 was obviously increased in the hippocampus and cortex of a TLE mouse model and in the temporal cortex of TLE patients, indicating an abnormal expression pattern of Sorbs2 in TLE. Importantly, subsequent behavioral analyses and local field potential (LFP) analyses of a TLE mouse model demonstrated that the downregulation of hippocampal Sorbs2 could prolong the latency to spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) and protect against SRSs. We also found that the knockdown of Sorbs2 in the hippocampus could decrease excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons (PNs) in the hippocampal CA1 region and reduce the expression levels of the AMPAR subunits GluA1 and GluA2. Thus, we speculated that Sorbs2 may promote epileptogenesis and the development of TLE by affecting AMPAR-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission in PNs in the CA1 region. Therefore, reducing the expression of hippocampal Sorbs2 could restrain epileptogenesis and the development of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuenan Ban
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Xiaolan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Dandan Tan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Chen Gong
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Jinxian Yuan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Yangmei Chen
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - You Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, China.
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7
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Breunig S, Lawrence JM, Foote IF, Gebhardt HJ, Willcutt EG, Grotzinger AD. Examining Differences in the Genetic and Functional Architecture of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnosed in Childhood and Adulthood. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100307. [PMID: 38633226 PMCID: PMC11021367 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with diagnostic criteria requiring symptoms to begin in childhood. We investigated whether individuals diagnosed as children differ from those diagnosed in adulthood with respect to shared and unique architecture at the genome-wide and gene expression level of analysis. Methods We used genomic structural equation modeling (SEM) to investigate differences in genetic correlations (rg) of childhood-diagnosed (ncases = 14,878) and adulthood-diagnosed (ncases = 6961) ADHD with 98 behavioral, psychiatric, cognitive, and health outcomes. We went on to apply transcriptome-wide SEM to identify functional annotations and patterns of gene expression associated with genetic risk sharing or divergence across the ADHD subgroups. Results Compared with the childhood subgroup, adulthood-diagnosed ADHD exhibited a significantly larger negative rg with educational attainment, the noncognitive skills of educational attainment, and age at first sexual intercourse. We observed a larger positive rg for adulthood-diagnosed ADHD with major depression, suicidal ideation, and a latent internalizing factor. At the gene expression level, transcriptome-wide SEM analyses revealed 22 genes that were significantly associated with shared genetic risk across the subtypes that reflected a mixture of coding and noncoding genes and included 15 novel genes relative to the ADHD subgroups. Conclusions This study demonstrated that ADHD diagnosed later in life shows much stronger genetic overlap with internalizing disorders and related traits. This may indicate the potential clinical relevance of distinguishing these subgroups or increased misdiagnosis for those diagnosed later in life. Top transcriptome-wide SEM results implicated genes related to neuronal function and clinical characteristics (e.g., sleep).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Breunig
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Jeremy M. Lawrence
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Isabelle F. Foote
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Hannah J. Gebhardt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Erik G. Willcutt
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Andrew D. Grotzinger
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
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8
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Mu Y, Li J, Zhang S, Zhong F, Zhang X, Song J, Yuan H, Tian T, Hu Y. Role of LncMALAT1-miR-141-3p/200a-3p-NRXN1 Axis in the Impairment of Learning and Memory Capacity in ADHD. Physiol Res 2023; 72:645-656. [PMID: 38015763 PMCID: PMC10751048 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
As a prevalent neurodevelopmental disease, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) impairs the learning and memory capacity, and so far, there has been no available treatment option for long-term efficacy. Alterations in gene regulation and synapse-related proteins influence learning and memory capacity; nevertheless, the regulatory mechanism of synapse-related protein synthesis is still unclear in ADHD. LncRNAs have been found participating in regulating genes in multiple disorders. For instance, lncRNA Metastasis Associated Lung Adenocarcinoma Transcript 1 (MALAT1) has an essential regulatory function in numerous psychiatric diseases. However, how MALAT1 influences synapse-related protein synthesis in ADHD remains largely unknown. Here, our study found that MALAT1 decreased in the hippocampus tissue of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared to the standard controls, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats. Subsequent experiments revealed that MALAT1 enhanced the expression of neurexin 1 (NRXN1), which promoted the synapse-related genes (SYN1, PSD95, and GAP43) expression. Then, the bioinformatic analyses predicted that miR-141-3p and miR-200a-3p, microRNAs belonging to miR-200 family and sharing same seed sequence, could interact with MALAT1 and NRXN1 mRNA, which were further confirmed by luciferase report assays. Finally, rescue experiments indicated that MALAT1 influenced the expression of NRXN1 by sponging miR-141-3p/200a-3p. All data verified our hypothesis that MALAT1 regulated synapse-related proteins (SYN1, PSD95, and GAP43) through the MALAT1-miR-141-3p/200a-3p-NRXN1 axis in ADHD. Our research underscored a novel role of MALAT1 in the pathogenesis of impaired learning and memory capacity in ADHD and may shed more light on developing diagnostic biomarkers and more effective therapeutic interventions for individuals with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Mu
- The First Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Children's Health Care, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China. ,
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9
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Salamon I, Park Y, Miškić T, Kopić J, Matteson P, Page NF, Roque A, McAuliffe GW, Favate J, Garcia-Forn M, Shah P, Judaš M, Millonig JH, Kostović I, De Rubeis S, Hart RP, Krsnik Ž, Rasin MR. Celf4 controls mRNA translation underlying synaptic development in the prenatal mammalian neocortex. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6025. [PMID: 37758766 PMCID: PMC10533865 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41730-8] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormalities in neocortical and synaptic development are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms governing initial synapse formation in the prenatal neocortex remain poorly understood. Using polysome profiling coupled with snRNAseq on human cortical samples at various fetal phases, we identify human mRNAs, including those encoding synaptic proteins, with finely controlled translation in distinct cell populations of developing frontal neocortices. Examination of murine and human neocortex reveals that the RNA binding protein and translational regulator, CELF4, is expressed in compartments enriched in initial synaptogenesis: the marginal zone and the subplate. We also find that Celf4/CELF4-target mRNAs are encoded by risk genes for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes translating into synaptic proteins. Surprisingly, deleting Celf4 in the forebrain disrupts the balance of subplate synapses in a sex-specific fashion. This highlights the significance of RNA binding proteins and mRNA translation in evolutionarily advanced synaptic development, potentially contributing to sex differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Salamon
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
- Rutgers University, School of Graduate Studies, New Brunswick, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Yongkyu Park
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Terezija Miškić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Janja Kopić
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - Paul Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas F Page
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Alfonso Roque
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Geoffrey W McAuliffe
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - John Favate
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Forn
- 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
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Premal Shah
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Miloš Judaš
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - James H Millonig
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Ivica Kostović
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia
| | - 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
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Željka Krsnik
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, Center of Research Excellence for Basic, Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, 10000, Croatia.
| | - Mladen-Roko Rasin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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10
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Harper KM, Harp SJ, Moy SS. Prenatal stress unmasks behavioral phenotypes in genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1271225. [PMID: 37809038 PMCID: PMC10556231 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1271225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex conditions characterized by heterogeneous clinical profiles and symptoms that arise in infancy and childhood. NDDs are often attributed to a complicated interaction between genetic risk and environmental factors, suggesting a need for preclinical models reflecting the combined impact of heritable susceptibility and environmental effects. A notable advantage of "two-hit" models is the power to reveal underlying vulnerability that may not be detected in studies employing only genetic or environmental alterations. In this review, we summarize existing literature that investigates detrimental interactions between prenatal stress (PNS) and genes associated with NDDs, with a focus on behavioral phenotyping approaches in mouse models. A challenge in determining the overall role of PNS exposure in genetic models is the diversity of approaches for inducing stress, variability in developmental timepoints for exposure, and differences in phenotyping regimens across laboratories. Identification of optimal stress protocols and critical windows for developmental effects would greatly improve the use of PNS in gene × environment mouse models of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Harper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Samuel J. Harp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sheryl S. Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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11
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Fertan E, Wong AA, Montbrun TSGD, Purdon MK, Roddick KM, Yamamoto T, Brown RE. Early postnatal development of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of synaptic dysfunction. Behav Brain Res 2023; 452:114590. [PMID: 37499910 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Synaptic dysfunction underlies many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The membrane-associated mucin domain-containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor proteins (MDGAs) regulate synaptic development by modulating neurexin-neuroligin complex formation. Since understanding the neurodevelopmental profile and the sex-based differences in the manifestation of the symptoms of NDDs is important for their early diagnosis, we tested a mouse model haploinsufficient for MDGA2 (MDGA2+/-) on a neurodevelopmental test battery, containing sensory, motor, and cognitive measures, as well as ultrasonic vocalizations. When male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 J mice were examined from 2 to 23 days of age using this test battery, genotype and sex differences in body weight, sensory-motor processes, and ultrasonic vocalizations were observed. The auditory startle reflex appeared earlier in the MDGA2+/- than in WT mice and the MDGA2+/- mice produced fewer ultrasonic vocalizations. The MDGA2+/- mice showed reduced locomotion and rearing than WT mice in the open field after 17 days of age and spent less time investigating a novel object than WT mice at 21 days of age. Female MDGA2+/- mice weighed less than WT females and showed lower grip strength, indicating a delay in sensory-motor development in MDGA2+/- mice, which appears to be more pronounced in females than males. The behavioural phenotypes resulting from MDGA2 haploinsufficiency suggests that it shows delayed development of motor behaviour, grip strength and exploratory behaviour, non-social phenotypes of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Kyle M Roddick
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Tohru Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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12
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Bahia RK, Hao X, Hassam R, Cseh O, Bozek DA, Luchman HA, Weiss S. Epigenetic and molecular coordination between HDAC2 and SMAD3-SKI regulates essential brain tumour stem cell characteristics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5051. [PMID: 37598220 PMCID: PMC10439933 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Histone deacetylases are important epigenetic regulators that have been reported to play essential roles in cancer stem cell functions and are promising therapeutic targets in many cancers including glioblastoma. However, the functionally relevant roles of specific histone deacetylases, in the maintenance of key self-renewal and growth characteristics of brain tumour stem cell (BTSC) sub-populations of glioblastoma, remain to be fully resolved. Here, using pharmacological inhibition and genetic loss and gain of function approaches, we identify HDAC2 as the most relevant histone deacetylase for re-organization of chromatin accessibility resulting in maintenance of BTSC growth and self-renewal properties. Furthermore, its specific interaction with the transforming growth factor-β pathway related proteins, SMAD3 and SKI, is crucial for the maintenance of tumorigenic potential in BTSCs in vitro and in orthotopic xenograft models. Inhibition of HDAC2 activity and disruption of the coordinated mechanisms regulated by the HDAC2-SMAD3-SKI axis are thus promising therapeutic approaches for targeting BTSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinder K Bahia
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Xiaoguang Hao
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rozina Hassam
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Orsolya Cseh
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Danielle A Bozek
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - H Artee Luchman
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Samuel Weiss
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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13
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Dobrigna M, Poëa-Guyon S, Rousseau V, Vincent A, Toutain A, Barnier JV. The molecular basis of p21-activated kinase-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: From genotype to phenotype. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1123784. [PMID: 36937657 PMCID: PMC10017488 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1123784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the identification of numerous genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has reshaped our understanding of their etiology, there are still major obstacles in the way of developing therapeutic solutions for intellectual disability (ID) and other NDDs. These include extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity, rarity of recurrent pathogenic variants, and comorbidity with other psychiatric traits. Moreover, a large intragenic mutational landscape is at play in some NDDs, leading to a broad range of clinical symptoms. Such diversity of symptoms is due to the different effects DNA variations have on protein functions and their impacts on downstream biological processes. The type of functional alterations, such as loss or gain of function, and interference with signaling pathways, has yet to be correlated with clinical symptoms for most genes. This review aims at discussing our current understanding of how the molecular changes of group I p21-activated kinases (PAK1, 2 and 3), which are essential actors of brain development and function; contribute to a broad clinical spectrum of NDDs. Identifying differences in PAK structure, regulation and spatio-temporal expression may help understanding the specific functions of each group I PAK. Deciphering how each variation type affects these parameters will help uncover the mechanisms underlying mutation pathogenicity. This is a prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dobrigna
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Sandrine Poëa-Guyon
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Véronique Rousseau
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Aline Vincent
- Department of Genetics, EA7450 BioTARGen, University Hospital of Caen, Caen, France
| | - Annick Toutain
- Department of Genetics, University Hospital of Tours, UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
- *Correspondence: Jean-Vianney Barnier,
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14
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Clapcote SJ. How can we obtain truly translational mouse models to improve clinical outcomes in schizophrenia? Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:dmm049970. [PMID: 36441105 PMCID: PMC10655820 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness affecting 0.7% of the world's population. Despite over 50 years of schizophrenia drug identification and development, there have been no fundamental advances in the treatment of schizophrenia since the 1980s. Complex genetic aetiology and elusive pathomechanisms have made it difficult for researchers to develop models that sufficiently reflect pathophysiology to support effective drug discovery. However, recent large-scale, well-powered genomic studies have identified risk genes that represent tractable entry points to decipher disease mechanisms in heterogeneous patient populations and develop targeted treatments. Replicating schizophrenia-associated gene variants in mouse models is an important strategy to start understanding their pathogenicity and role in disease biology. Furthermore, longitudinal studies in a wide range of genetic mouse models from early postnatal life are required to assess the progression of this disease through developmental stages to improve early diagnostic strategies and enable preventative measures. By expanding and refining our approach to schizophrenia research, we can improve prevention strategies and treatment of this debilitating disease.
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15
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Moschetta M, Ravasenga T, De Fusco A, Maragliano L, Aprile D, Orlando M, Sacchetti S, Casagrande S, Lignani G, Fassio A, Baldelli P, Benfenati F. Ca 2+ binding to synapsin I regulates resting Ca 2+ and recovery from synaptic depression in nerve terminals. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:600. [PMID: 36409372 PMCID: PMC9678998 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04631-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Synapsin I (SynI) is a synaptic vesicle (SV)-associated phosphoprotein that modulates neurotransmission by controlling SV trafficking. The SynI C-domain contains a highly conserved ATP binding site mediating SynI oligomerization and SV clustering and an adjacent main Ca2+ binding site, whose physiological role is unexplored. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the E373K point mutation irreversibly deletes Ca2+ binding to SynI, still allowing ATP binding, but inducing a destabilization of the SynI oligomerization interface. Here, we analyzed the effects of this mutation on neurotransmitter release and short-term plasticity in excitatory and inhibitory synapses from primary hippocampal neurons. Patch-clamp recordings showed an increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that was totally occluded by exogenous Ca2+ chelators and associated with a constitutive increase in resting terminal Ca2+ concentrations. Evoked EPSC amplitude was also reduced, due to a decreased readily releasable pool (RRP) size. Moreover, in both excitatory and inhibitory synapses, we observed a marked impaired recovery from synaptic depression, associated with impaired RRP refilling and depletion of the recycling pool of SVs. Our study identifies SynI as a novel Ca2+ buffer in excitatory terminals. Blocking Ca2+ binding to SynI results in higher constitutive Ca2+ levels that increase the probability of spontaneous release and disperse SVs. This causes a decreased size of the RRP and an impaired recovery from depression due to the failure of SV reclustering after sustained high-frequency stimulation. The results indicate a physiological role of Ca2+ binding to SynI in the regulation of SV clustering and trafficking in nerve terminals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Moschetta
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Ravasenga
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonio De Fusco
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Maragliano
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Davide Aprile
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: High-Definition Disease Modelling Lab, Campus IFOM-IEO, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Orlando
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: Charitè Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvio Sacchetti
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,Present Address: Queens Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Anna Fassio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 3, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Istituto Italiano Di Tecnologia, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy ,IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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