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Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wang H, Sun X, Chen L, Zhou J. Animal Models of Chronic Migraine: From the Bench to Therapy. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:1123-1133. [PMID: 38954246 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01290-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] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Chronic migraine is a disabling progressive disorder without effective management approaches. Animal models have been developed and used in chronic migraine research. However, there are several problems with existing models. Therefore, we aimed to summarize and analyze existing animal models to facilitate translation from basic to clinical. RECENT FINDINGS The most commonly used models are the inflammatory soup induction model and the nitric oxide donor induction model. In addition, KATP openers have also been used in model induction. Based on the above models, some molecular targets have been identified, such as glutamate receptors. However, each model has its shortcomings and characteristics, and there are still some common problems that need to be solved, such as spontaneous headache, evaluation criteria after model establishment, and identification methods. In this review, we summarized and highlighted the advantages and limitations of the currently commonly used animal models of chronic migraine with a special focus on drug discovery and current therapeutic strategies, and discussed the directions that can be worked on in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 You Yi Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Han Wang
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 You Yi Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xuechun Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lixue Chen
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 You Yi Road, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Jiying Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Deng Y, Ma L, Du Z, Ma H, Xia Y, Ping L, Chen Z, Zhang Y. The Notch1/Hes1 pathway regulates Neuregulin 1/ErbB4 and participates in microglial activation in rats with VPA-induced autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110947. [PMID: 38242426 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
The core clinical characteristics of autism, which is a neurodevelopmental disease, involve repetitive behavior and impaired social interactions. Studies have shown that the Notch and Neuregulin1 (NRG1) signaling pathways are abnormally activated in autism, but the mechanism by which these two signaling pathways interact to contribute to the progression of autism has not been determined. Our results suggest that the levels of Notch1, Hes1, NRG1, and phosphorylated ErbB4 in the cerebellum (CB), hippocampus (HC), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were increased in rats with valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism compared to those in the Con group. However, 3, 5-difluorophenyl-L-alanyl-L-2-phenylglycine tert-butyl (DAPT), which is a Notch pathway inhibitor, ameliorated autism-like behavioral abnormalities and decreased the protein levels of NRG1 and phosphorylated ErbB4 in rats with VPA-induced autism; these results demonstrated that the Notch1/Hes1 pathway could participate in the pathogenesis of autism by regulating the NRG1/ErbB4 signaling pathway. Studies have shown that the Notch pathway regulates microglial differentiation and activation during the onset of neurological disorders and that microglia affect autism-like behavior via synaptic pruning. Therefore, we hypothesized that the Notch1/Hes1 pathway could regulate the NRG1/ErbB4 pathway and thus participate in the development of autism by regulating microglial functions. The present study showed that AG1478, which is an ErbB4 inhibitor, ameliorated the autism-like behaviors in a VPA-induced autism rat model, reduced abnormal microglial activation, and decreased NRG1 and Iba-1 colocalization; however, AG1478 did not alter Notch1/Hes1 activity. These results demonstrated that Notch1/Hes1 may participate in the microglial activation in autism by regulating NRG1/ErbB4, revealing a new mechanism underlying the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Deng
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Liping Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Ziwei Du
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Huixin Ma
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yuxi Xia
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Liran Ping
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Zhaoxing Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy & Histoembryology, School of Basic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China; Xinxiang Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, China.
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Al-Mazidi SH, El-Ansary A, Abualnaja A, AlZarroug A, Alharbi T, Al-Ayadhi LY. Exploring the Potential Role of ADAM 17 and ADAM 22 in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2023; 13:972. [PMID: 37371450 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13060972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a group of disorders characterized by difficulties with social interaction and repetitive behavior. The condition is supposed to originate from early shifts in brain development, while the underlying processes are unknown. Moreover, a considerable number of patients with ASD experience digestive difficulties. Metalloproteases (ADAMs) are a class of enzymes capable of cleaving membrane-bound proteins. Members of this family, ADAM17 and ADAM22, have the ability to cleave proteins like the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-ά and glutamate synaptic molecules, which are both engaged in neuro-inflammation and glutamate excitotoxicity as crucial etiological mechanisms in ASD. ADAM17 and ADAM22 may also have a role in ASD microbiota-gut-brain axis connections by regulating immunological and inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Using ELISA kits, the plasma levels of ADAM17 and ADAM22 were compared in 40 children with ASD and 40 typically developing children. All of the autistic participants' childhood autism rating scores (CARS), social responsiveness scales (SRS), and short sensory profiles (SSP) were evaluated as indicators of ASD severity. RESULTS Our results showed that plasma levels of ADAM17 were significantly lower in ASD children than in control children, while ADAM22 demonstrated non-significantly lower levels. Our data also indicate that while ADAM17 correlates significantly with age, ADAM22 correlates significantly with CARS as a marker of ASD severity. CONCLUSIONS Our interpreted data showed that alteration in ADAM17 and ADAM22 might be associated with glutamate excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and altered gut microbiota as etiological mechanisms of ASD and could be an indicator of the severity of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Al-Mazidi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Center, Lotus Holistic Alternative Medical Center, Abu Dhabi 110281, United Arab Emirates
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Abualnaja
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah AlZarroug
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki Alharbi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Imam Mohammed Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh 11432, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Centre, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
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Balbi M, Bonanno G, Bonifacino T, Milanese M. The Physio-Pathological Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Expressed by Microglia in Health and Disease with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:5240. [PMID: 36982315 PMCID: PMC10048889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065240] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They act as the first-line immune guardians of nervous tissue and central drivers of neuroinflammation. Any homeostatic alteration that can compromise neuron and tissue integrity could activate microglia. Once activated, microglia exhibit highly diverse phenotypes and functions related to either beneficial or harmful consequences. Microglia activation is associated with the release of protective or deleterious cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that can in turn determine defensive or pathological outcomes. This scenario is complicated by the pathology-related specific phenotypes that microglia can assume, thus leading to the so-called disease-associated microglia phenotypes. Microglia express several receptors that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory features, sometimes exerting opposite actions on microglial functions according to specific conditions. In this context, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are molecular structures that may contribute to the modulation of the reactive phenotype of microglia cells, and this is worthy of exploration. Here, we summarize the role of group I mGluRs in shaping microglia cells' phenotype in specific physio-pathological conditions, including some neurodegenerative disorders. A significant section of the review is specifically focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since it represents an entirely unexplored topic of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy (M.M.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Xiong Y, Chen J, Li Y. Microglia and astrocytes underlie neuroinflammation and synaptic susceptibility in autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1125428. [PMID: 37021129 PMCID: PMC10067592 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1125428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in childhood. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. In recent years, the role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD has received increasing attention. Microglia prune the synapses or respond to injury by sequestrating the injury site and expressing inflammatory cytokines. Astrocytes maintain homeostasis in the brain microenvironment through the uptake of ions and neurotransmitters. However, the molecular link between ASD and microglia and, or astrocytes remains unknown. Previous research has shown the significant role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD, with reports of increased numbers of reactive microglia and astrocytes in postmortem tissues and animal models of ASD. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in ASD is essential for developing effective therapies. This review aimed to summarize the functions of microglia and astrocytes and their contributions to ASD.
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Genetic ablation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in rats results in an autism-like behavioral phenotype. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0275937. [PMCID: PMC9668160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, and social skills, as well as repetitive and/or restrictive interests and behaviors. The severity of ASD varies from mild to severe, drastically interfering with the quality of life of affected individuals. The current occurrence of ASD in the United States is about 1 in 44 children. The precise pathophysiology of ASD is still unknown, but it is believed that ASD is heterogeneous and can arise due to genetic etiology. Although various genes have been implicated in predisposition to ASD, metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is one of the most common downstream targets, which may be involved in autism. mGluR5 signaling has been shown to play a crucial role in neurodevelopment and neural transmission making it a very attractive target for understanding the pathogenesis of ASD. In the present study, we determined the effect of genetic ablation of mGluR5 (Grm5) on an ASD-like phenotype using a rat model to better understand the role of mGluR5 signaling in behavior patterns and clinical manifestations of ASD. We observed that mGluR5 Ko rats exhibited exaggerated self-grooming and increased marble burying, as well as deficits in social novelty. Our results suggest that mGluR5 Ko rats demonstrate an ASD-like phenotype, specifically impaired social interaction as well as repetitive and anxiety-like behavior, which are correlates of behavior symptoms observed in individuals with ASD. The mGluR5 Ko rat model characterized in this study may be explored to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ASD and for developing effective therapeutic modalities.
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Characterization of a mGluR5 Knockout Rat Model with Hallmarks of Fragile X Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12091308. [PMID: 36143345 PMCID: PMC9504063 DOI: 10.3390/life12091308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The number of reported cases of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased significantly in the last few decades, but the etiology of these diseases remains poorly understood. There is evidence of a fundamental link between genetic abnormalities and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), and the most common monogenetic inheritable form of ASDs is Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). Previous studies indicate that FXS is linked to glutamate signaling regulation by the G-protein-coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5), which has been shown to have a regulatory role in neuroinflammation. We characterized the effect of knocking out mGluR5 in an organism known to have complex cognitive functions—the rat. The heterozygous phenotype is the most clinically relevant; therefore, we performed analysis in heterozygous pups. We showed developmental abnormalities in heterozygous mGluR5 knockout rats, as well as a significant increase in chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL) expression, a hallmark indicator of early onset inflammation. We quantified an increase in microglial density in the knockout pups and quantified morphological phenotypes representative of greater reactivity in the male vs. female and postnatal day 28 heterozygous pups compared to postnatal day 14 heterozygous pups. In response to injury, reactive microglia release matrix metalloproteases, contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, and are responsible for eradicating cellular and molecular debris. In our study, the changes in microglial density and reactivity correlated with abnormalities in the mRNA expression levels of ECM proteins and with the density of perineuronal nets. We saw atypical neuropsychiatric behavior in open field and elevated plus tests in heterozygous pups compared to wild-type litter and age-matched controls. These results demonstrate the pathological potential of the mGluR5 knockout in rats and further support the presence of neuroinflammatory roots in ASDs.
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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Hu C, Chen C, Xia Y, Chen J, Yang W, Wang L, Chen DD, Wu YZ, Fan Q, Jia XX, Xiao K, Shi Q, Chen ZB, Dong XP. Different Aberrant Changes of mGluR5 and Its Downstream Signaling Pathways in the Scrapie-Infected Cell Line and the Brains of Scrapie-Infected Experimental Rodents. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:844378. [PMID: 35646890 PMCID: PMC9133610 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.844378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is a G-protein-coupled receptor found widely in the central nervous system. It has been involved in the development and progression of some neurodegenerative diseases, but its role in prion diseases is rarely described. In this study, the changes of mGluR5 and its downstream signaling pathways in prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 and the brains of scrapie-infected experimental rodents were evaluated by various methodologies. We found the levels of mGluR5 were significantly increased in a prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 and the cultured cells transiently express an abnormal form PrP (Cyto-PrP). Using immunoprecipitation tests and immunofluorescent assays (IFA), molecular interaction and morphological colocalization between PrP and mGluR5 were observed in the cultured cells. We identified that the (GPCRs)-IP3-IP3R-Ca2+ pathway was activated and the levels of the downstream kinases p38, ERK, and JNK were increased in SMB-S15 cells. After treated with mGluR5 antagonist (MTEP) or the removal of prion replication by resveratrol in SMB-S15 cells, the upregulations of mGluR5 and the downstream kinases were restored in a certain degree. Moreover, increased mGluR5 contributes to the cell damage in prion-infected cells. Contrarily, the levels of mGluR5 in the brains of several scrapie-infected rodent models were decreased at terminal stage. IFA of the brain sections of scrapie-infected rodents demonstrated that the signals of mGluR5 were preferentially colocalized with the NeuN-positive cells, accompanying with severe neuron losses in Nissl staining, which might be a reason for the decrease of mGluR5. Our data indicate the different aberrant alterations of mGluR5 and the downstream signaling pathways during prion infection in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Cao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Cao Chen, ; Xiao-Ping Dong,
| | - Ying Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Dong-Dong Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Zhang Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qin Fan
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Jia
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Kang Xiao
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Bao Chen
- College of Agricultural, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Dong
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, NHC Key Laboratory of Medical Virology and Viral Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases (Zhejiang University), National Institute for Viral Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosafety, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Cao Chen, ; Xiao-Ping Dong,
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Li D, He M, Tang Q, Tian S, Zhang J, Li Y, Wang D, Jin L, Ning C, Zhu W, Hu S, Long K, Ma J, Liu J, Zhang Z, Li M. Comparative 3D genome architecture in vertebrates. BMC Biol 2022; 20:99. [PMID: 35524220 PMCID: PMC9077971 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the genome has a highly ordered and hierarchical nature, which influences the regulation of essential nuclear processes at the basis of gene expression, such as gene transcription. While the hierarchical organization of heterochromatin and euchromatin can underlie differences in gene expression that determine evolutionary differences among species, the way 3D genome architecture is affected by evolutionary forces within major lineages remains unclear. Here, we report a comprehensive comparison of 3D genomes, using high resolution Hi-C data in fibroblast cells of fish, chickens, and 10 mammalian species. RESULTS This analysis shows a correlation between genome size and chromosome length that affects chromosome territory (CT) organization in the upper hierarchy of genome architecture, whereas lower hierarchical features, including local transcriptional availability of DNA, are selected through the evolution of vertebrates. Furthermore, conservation of topologically associating domains (TADs) appears strongly associated with the modularity of expression profiles across species. Additionally, LINE and SINE transposable elements likely contribute to heterochromatin and euchromatin organization, respectively, during the evolution of genome architecture. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis uncovers organizational features that appear to determine the conservation and transcriptional regulation of functional genes across species. These findings can guide ongoing investigations of genome evolution by extending our understanding of the mechanisms shaping genome architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diyan Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Mengnan He
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Qianzi Tang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Shilin Tian
- Department of Ecology, Tibetan Centre for Ecology and Conservation at WHU-TU, Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430072, China
- Novogene Bioinformatics Institute, Beijing, 100000, China
| | - Jiaman Zhang
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yan Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Danyang Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Long Jin
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chunyou Ning
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Silu Hu
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Keren Long
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jideng Ma
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Jing Liu
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Zhihua Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Mingzhou Li
- Institute of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, 611130, China.
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11
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Vakilzadeh G, Falcone C, Dufour B, Hong T, Noctor SC, Martínez-Cerdeño V. Decreased number and increased activation state of astrocytes in gray and white matter of the prefrontal cortex in autism. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:4902-4912. [PMID: 35212358 PMCID: PMC9627019 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebral cortex presents with alterations in the number of specific cell types in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Astrocytes have many functions in the brain including a role in higher cognitive functions and in inflammatory brain processes. Therefore, an alteration in number, function, and/or activation state of astrocytes, could be present in ASD. We quantified astrocyte number in the gray and white matter of the prefrontal cortex-BA9, BA46, and BA47-in 15 ASD and 15 age- and sex-matched control cases. We labeled astrocytes with antibodies against the protein GFAP and S100β, markers of astrocytes. We found a significant decrease in the number of astrocytes in the gray and white matter of all prefrontal areas of interest with both markers. We also found an increased state of activation of GFAP+ astrocytes in all areas. A reduced number of astrocytes in the cerebral cortex in ASD could lead to impaired synaptic function and disrupted connectivity. An increased astrocyte activation may indicate a chronic mild inflammatory state of the cerebral cortex in ASD. Overall, we found that astrocytes are disrupted in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelareh Vakilzadeh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Carmen Falcone
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Brett Dufour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Tiffany Hong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Stephen C Noctor
- MIND Institute, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño
- Address correspondence to Verónica Martínez-Cerdeño, 2425 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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12
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Paprocka J, Kaminiów K, Kozak S, Sztuba K, Emich-Widera E. Stem Cell Therapies for Cerebral Palsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder-A Systematic Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1606. [PMID: 34942908 PMCID: PMC8699362 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11121606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cerebral palsy (CP) are some of the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. They have multifactorial origin, which means that each case may manifest differently from the others. In patients with ASD, symptoms associated with deficits in social communication and characteristic, repetitive types of behaviors or interests are predominant, while in patients with CP, motor disability is diagnosed with accompanying cognitive impairment of various degrees. In order to minimize their adverse effects, it is necessary to promptly diagnose and incorporate appropriate management, which can significantly improve patient quality of life. One of the therapeutic possibilities is stem cell therapy, already known from other branches of medicine, with high hopes for safe and effective treatment of these diseases. Undoubtedly, in the future we will have to face the challenges that will arise due to the still existing gaps in knowledge and the heterogeneity of this group of patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to summarize briefly the latest achievements and advances in stem cell therapy for ASD and CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Paprocka
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kaminiów
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (S.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Sylwia Kozak
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (S.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Karolina Sztuba
- Students’ Scientific Society, Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (S.K.); (K.S.)
| | - Ewa Emich-Widera
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
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13
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McPartland JC, Lerner MD, Bhat A, Clarkson T, Jack A, Koohsari S, Matuskey D, McQuaid GA, Su WC, Trevisan DA. Looking Back at the Next 40 Years of ASD Neuroscience Research. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4333-4353. [PMID: 34043128 PMCID: PMC8542594 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During the last 40 years, neuroscience has become one of the most central and most productive approaches to investigating autism. In this commentary, we assemble a group of established investigators and trainees to review key advances and anticipated developments in neuroscience research across five modalities most commonly employed in autism research: magnetic resonance imaging, functional near infrared spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Broadly, neuroscience research has provided important insights into brain systems involved in autism but not yet mechanistic understanding. Methodological advancements are expected to proffer deeper understanding of neural circuitry associated with function and dysfunction during the next 40 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D Lerner
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Tessa Clarkson
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allison Jack
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sheida Koohsari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Goldie A McQuaid
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Wan-Chun Su
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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14
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Ahadullah, Yau SY, Lu HX, Lee TMC, Guo H, Chan CCH. PM 2.5 as a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder: Its possible link to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress and changes in gene expression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:534-548. [PMID: 34216652 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral deficits including impairments in social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Because the etiology of ASD is still largely unknown, there is no cure for ASD thus far. Although it has been established that genetic components play a vital role in ASD development, the influence of epigenetic regulation induced by environmental factors could also contribute to ASD susceptibility. Accumulated evidence has suggested that exposure to atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in polluted air could affect neurodevelopment, thus possibly leading to ASD. Particles with a size of 2.5 μm (PM2.5) or less have been shown to have negative effects on human health, and could be linked to ASD symptoms in children. This review summarizes evidence from clinical and animal studies to demonstrate the possible linkage between PM2.5 exposure and the incidence of ASD in children. An attempt was made to explore the possible mechanisms of this linkage, including changes of gene expression, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation induced by PM2.5 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahadullah
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Suk-Yu Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangzhou 510515, China.
| | - Hao-Xian Lu
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tatia M C Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Laboratory of Neuropsychology and Human Neuroscience, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hai Guo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Chetwyn C H Chan
- Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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15
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Brašić JR, Nandi A, Russell DS, Jennings D, Barret O, Martin SD, Slifer K, Sedlak T, Seibyl JP, Wong DF, Budimirovic DB. Cerebral Expression of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 5 in Idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome: A Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2863. [PMID: 33799851 PMCID: PMC7999711 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence suggest that dysfunction of the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) plays a role in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet animal and human investigations of mGluR5 expression provide conflicting findings about the nature of dysregulation of cerebral mGluR5 pathways in subtypes of ASD. The demonstration of reduced mGluR5 expression throughout the living brains of men with fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common known single-gene cause of ASD, provides a clue to examine mGluR5 expression in ASD. We aimed to (A) compare and contrast mGluR5 expression in idiopathic autism spectrum disorder (IASD), FXS, and typical development (TD) and (B) show the value of positron emission tomography (PET) for the application of precision medicine for the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with IASD, FXS, and related conditions. Two teams of investigators independently administered 3-[18F]fluoro-5-(2-pyridinylethynyl)benzonitrile ([18F]FPEB), a novel, specific mGluR5 PET ligand to quantitatively measure the density and the distribution of mGluR5s in the brain regions, to participants of both sexes with IASD and TD and men with FXS. In contrast to participants with TD, mGluR5 expression was significantly increased in the cortical regions of participants with IASD and significantly reduced in all regions of men with FXS. These results suggest the feasibility of this protocol as a valuable tool to measure mGluR5 expression in clinical trials of individuals with IASD and FXS and related conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Robert Brašić
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
| | - Ayon Nandi
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
| | - David S. Russell
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Danna Jennings
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Denali Therapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Olivier Barret
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Laboratoire des Maladies Neurodégénératives, Molecular Imaging Research Center (MIRCen), Institut de Biologie François Jacob, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Commissariat à l’Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives (CEA), Université Paris-Saclay, 92265 Fontenay-aux-Roses CEDEX, France
| | - Samuel D. Martin
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Keith Slifer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Behavioral Psychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thomas Sedlak
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-General Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - John P. Seibyl
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Disorders, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.S.R.); (D.J.); (O.B.); (J.P.S.)
- Research Clinic, Invicro, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Dean F. Wong
- Section of High Resolution Brain Positron Emission Tomography Imaging, Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; (A.N.); (S.D.M.); (T.S.); (D.F.W.)
- Laboratory of Central Nervous System (CNS) Neuropsychopharmacology and Multimodal Imaging (CNAMI), Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Dejan B. Budimirovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences-Child Psychiatry, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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16
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Microglia mediated neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:167-176. [PMID: 32823050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the precise pathophysiologies underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has not yet been fully clarified, growing evidence supports the involvement of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of this disorder, with microglia being particular relevance in the pathophysiologic processes. OBJECTIVE The present review aimed to systematically characterize existing literature regarding the role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the etiology of ASD. METHODS A systematic search was conducted for records indexed within Pubmed, EMBASE, or Web of Science to identify potentially eligible publications. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two authors, and the discrepancies in each step were settled through discussions. RESULTS A total of 14 studies comprising 1007 subjects met the eligibility criteria for this review, including 8 immunohistochemistry (IHC) studies, 5 genetic analysis studies, and 1 positron emission tomography (PET) studies. Although small in quantity, the included studies collectively pointed to a role of microglia mediated neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD. CONCLUSION Findings generated from this review consistently supported the involvement of neuroinflammation in the development of ASD, confirmed by the activation of microglia in different brain regions, involving increased cell number or cell density, morphological alterations, and phenotypic shifts.
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17
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Dawson G, Sun JM, Baker J, Carpenter K, Compton S, Deaver M, Franz L, Heilbron N, Herold B, Horrigan J, Howard J, Kosinski A, Major S, Murias M, Page K, Prasad VK, Sabatos-DeVito M, Sanfilippo F, Sikich L, Simmons R, Song A, Vermeer S, Waters-Pick B, Troy J, Kurtzberg J. A Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of the Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Umbilical Cord Blood Infusion for Treatment of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pediatr 2020; 222:164-173.e5. [PMID: 32444220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether umbilical cord blood (CB) infusion is safe and associated with improved social and communication abilities in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). STUDY DESIGN This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study included 180 children with ASD, aged 2-7 years, who received a single intravenous autologous (n = 56) or allogeneic (n = 63) CB infusion vs placebo (n = 61) and were evaluated at 6 months postinfusion. RESULTS CB infusion was safe and well tolerated. Analysis of the entire sample showed no evidence that CB was associated with improvements in the primary outcome, social communication (Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-3 [VABS-3] Socialization Domain), or the secondary outcomes, autism symptoms (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory) and vocabulary (Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test). There was also no overall evidence of differential effects by type of CB infused. In a subanalysis of children without intellectual disability (ID), allogeneic, but not autologous, CB was associated with improvement in a larger percentage of children on the clinician-rated Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale, but the OR for improvement was not significant. Children without ID treated with CB showed significant improvements in communication skills (VABS-3 Communication Domain), and exploratory measures including attention to toys and sustained attention (eye-tracking) and increased alpha and beta electroencephalographic power. CONCLUSIONS Overall, a single infusion of CB was not associated with improved socialization skills or reduced autism symptoms. More research is warranted to determine whether CB infusion is an effective treatment for some children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Dawson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
| | - Jessica M Sun
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jennifer Baker
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Kimberly Carpenter
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Scott Compton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Megan Deaver
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Lauren Franz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Nicole Heilbron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Brianna Herold
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Joseph Horrigan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jill Howard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Andrzej Kosinski
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Samantha Major
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Michael Murias
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Kristin Page
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Vinod K Prasad
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Maura Sabatos-DeVito
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Ryan Simmons
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Allen Song
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Duke Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Saritha Vermeer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Barbara Waters-Pick
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Jesse Troy
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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18
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Sun JM, Dawson G, Franz L, Howard J, McLaughlin C, Kistler B, Waters-Pick B, Meadows N, Troy J, Kurtzberg J. Infusion of human umbilical cord tissue mesenchymal stromal cells in children with autism spectrum disorder. Stem Cells Transl Med 2020; 9:1137-1146. [PMID: 32531111 PMCID: PMC7519773 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.19-0434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing neuroinflammation may contribute to symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in at least a portion of affected individuals. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated the capacity to modulate neuroinflammation, but safety and feasibility of MSC administration in children with ASD have not been well established. In this open-label, phase I study, 12 children with ASD between 4 and 9 years of age were treated with intravenous (IV) infusions of human cord tissue mesenchymal stromal cells (hCT-MSCs), a third-party MSC product manufactured from unrelated donor umbilical cord tissue. Children received one, two, or three doses of 2 × 106 cells per kilogram at 2-month intervals. Clinical and laboratory evaluations were performed in person at baseline and 6 months and remotely at 12 months after the final infusion. Aside from agitation during the IV placement and infusion in some participants, hCT-MSCs were well tolerated. Five participants developed new class I anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies, associated with a specific lot of hCT-MSCs or with a partial HLA match between donor and recipient. These antibodies were clinically silent and not associated with any clinical manifestations to date. Six of 12 participants demonstrated improvement in at least two ASD-specific measures. Manufacturing and administration of hCT-MSCs appear to be safe and feasible in young children with ASD. Efficacy will be evaluated in a subsequent phase II randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica M Sun
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lauren Franz
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jill Howard
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Colleen McLaughlin
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bethany Kistler
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Barbara Waters-Pick
- Stem Cell Transplant Laboratory, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Norin Meadows
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jesse Troy
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joanne Kurtzberg
- The Marcus Center for Cellular Cures, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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19
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Shaffer JJ, Mani M, Schmitz SL, Xu J, Owusu N, Wu D, Magnotta VA, Wemmie JA. Proton Exchange Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Current and Future Applications in Psychiatric Research. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:532606. [PMID: 33192650 PMCID: PMC7542226 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.532606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton exchange provides a powerful contrast mechanism for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI techniques sensitive to proton exchange provide new opportunities to map, with high spatial and temporal resolution, compounds important for brain metabolism and function. Two such techniques, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and T1 relaxation in the rotating frame (T1ρ), are emerging as promising tools in the study of neurological and psychiatric illnesses to study brain metabolism. This review describes proton exchange for non-experts, highlights the current status of proton-exchange MRI, and presents advantages and drawbacks of these techniques compared to more traditional methods of imaging brain metabolism, including positron emission tomography (PET) and MR spectroscopy (MRS). Finally, this review highlights new frontiers for the use of CEST and T1ρ in brain research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Shaffer
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Merry Mani
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Samantha L Schmitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jia Xu
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Nana Owusu
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Dee Wu
- Department of Radiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Vincent A Magnotta
- Department of Radiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - John A Wemmie
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Pappajohn Biomedical Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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20
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Nagayach A, Singh A, Geller AI. Separate Gene Transfers into Pre- and Postsynaptic Neocortical Neurons Connected by mGluR5-Containing Synapses. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 68:549-564. [PMID: 30972540 PMCID: PMC6615967 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01317-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
mGluR5-containing synapses have essential roles in synaptic plasticity, circuit physiology, and learning, and dysfunction at these synapses is implicated in specific neurological disorders. As mGluR5-containing synapses are embedded in large and complex distributed circuits containing many neuron and synapse types, it is challenging to elucidate the roles of these synapses and to develop treatments for the associated disorders. Thus, it would be advantageous to deliver different genes into pre- and postsynaptic neurons connected by a mGluR5-containing synapse. Here, we develop this capability: The first gene transfer, into the presynaptic neurons, uses standard techniques to deliver a vector that expresses a synthetic peptide neurotransmitter. This peptide neurotransmitter has three domains: a dense core vesicle sorting domain, a mGluR5-binding domain composed of a single-chain variable fragment anti-mGluR5, and the His tag. Upon release, this peptide neurotransmitter binds to mGluR5, predominately located on the postsynaptic neurons. Selective gene transfer into these neurons uses antibody-mediated, targeted gene transfer and anti-His tag antibodies, as the synthetic peptide neurotransmitter contains the His tag. For the model system, we studied the connection between neurons in two neocortical areas: postrhinal and perirhinal cortices. Targeted gene transfer was over 80% specific for mGluR5-containing synapses, but untargeted gene transfer was only ~ 15% specific for these synapses. This technology may enable studies on the roles of mGluR5-containing neurons and synapses in circuit physiology and learning and support gene therapy treatments for specific disorders that involve dysfunction at these synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Nagayach
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Anshuman Singh
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Alfred I Geller
- Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA.
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21
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Alterations in the MicroRNA of the Blood of Autism Spectrum Disorder Patients: Effects on Epigenetic Regulation and Potential Biomarkers. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:bs8080075. [PMID: 30111726 PMCID: PMC6115946 DOI: 10.3390/bs8080075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of heterogeneous brain-based neurodevelopmental disorders with different levels of symptom severity. Given the challenges, the clinical diagnosis of ASD is based on information gained from interviews with patients’ parents. The heterogeneous pathogenesis of this disorder appears to be driven by genetic and environmental interactions, which also plays a vital role in predisposing individuals to ASD with different commitment levels. In recent years, it has been proposed that epigenetic modifications directly contribute to the pathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD. The microRNAs (miRNAs) comprises a species of short noncoding RNA that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and have an essential functional role in the brain, particularly in neuronal plasticity and neuronal development, and could be involved in ASD pathophysiology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the expression of blood miRNA in correlation with clinical findings in patients with ASD, and to find possible biomarkers for the disorder. Results: From a total of 26 miRNA studied, seven were significantly altered in ASD patients, when compared to the control group: miR34c-5p, miR92a-2-5p, miR-145-5p and miR199a-5p were up-regulated and miR27a-3p, miR19-b-1-5p and miR193a-5p were down-regulated in ASD patients. Discussion: The main targets of these miRNAs are involved in immunological developmental, immune response and protein synthesis at transcriptional and translational levels. The up-regulation of both miR-199a-5p and miR92a-2a and down-regulation of miR-193a and miR-27a was observed in AD patients, and may in turn affect the SIRT1, HDAC2, and PI3K/Akt-TSC:mTOR signaling pathways. Furthermore, MeCP2 is a target of miR-199a-5p, and is involved in Rett Syndrome (RTT), which possibly explains the autistic phenotype in male patients with this syndrome.
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22
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Mechanisms of signalling and biased agonism in G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2018; 19:638-653. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-018-0049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 323] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Cell therapy for diverse central nervous system disorders: inherited metabolic diseases and autism. Pediatr Res 2018; 83:364-371. [PMID: 28985203 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The concept of utilizing human cells for the treatment of medical conditions is not new. In its simplest form, blood product transfusion as treatment of severe hemorrhage has been practiced since the 1800s. The advent of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) began with the development of bone marrow transplantation for hematological malignancies in the mid-1900s and is now the standard of care for many hematological disorders. In the past few decades, HSCT has expanded to additional sources of donor cells, a wider range of indications, and the development of novel cell products. This trajectory has sparked a rapidly growing interest in the pursuit of innovative cell therapies to treat presently incurable diseases, including neurological conditions. HSCT is currently an established therapy for certain neurologically devastating inherited metabolic diseases, in which engrafting donor cells provide lifelong enzyme replacement that prevents neurological deterioration and significantly extends the lives of affected children. Knowledge gained from the treatment of these rare conditions has led to refinement of the indications and timing of HSCT, the study of additional cellular products and techniques to address its limitations, and the investigation of cellular therapies without transplantation to treat more common neurological conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder.
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24
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Lee TT, Skafidas E, Dottori M, Zantomio D, Pantelis C, Everall I, Chana G. No preliminary evidence of differences in astrocyte density within the white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in autism. Mol Autism 2017; 8:64. [PMID: 29234492 PMCID: PMC5721546 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0181-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While evidence for white matter and astrocytic abnormalities exist in autism, a detailed investigation of astrocytes has not been conducted. Such an investigation is further warranted by an increasing role for neuroinflammation in autism pathogenesis, with astrocytes being key players in this process. We present the first study of astrocyte density and morphology within the white matter of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in individuals with autism. Methods DLPFC formalin-fixed sections containing white matter from individuals with autism (n = 8, age = 4-51 years) and age-matched controls (n = 7, age = 4-46 years) were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Density of astrocytes and other glia were estimated via the optical fractionator, astrocyte somal size estimated via the nucleator, and astrocyte process length via the spaceballs probe. Results We found no evidence for alteration in astrocyte density within DLPFC white matter of individuals with autism versus controls, together with no differences in astrocyte somal size and process length. Conclusion Our results suggest that astrocyte abnormalities within the white matter in the DLPFC in autism may be less pronounced than previously thought. However, astrocytic dysregulation may still exist in autism, even in the absence of gross morphological changes. Our lack of evidence for astrocyte abnormalities could have been confounded to an extent by having a small sample size and wide age range, with pathological features potentially restricted to early stages of autism. Nonetheless, future investigations would benefit from assessing functional markers of astrocytes in light of the underlying pathophysiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Ting Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Efstratios Skafidas
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Mirella Dottori
- Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Daniela Zantomio
- Department of Clinical Haematology, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Christos Pantelis
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, The University of Melbourne & Melbourne Health, Parkville, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ian Everall
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Gursharan Chana
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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25
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Abstract
As the immune-competent cells of the brain, microglia play an increasingly important role in maintaining normal brain function. They invade the brain early in development, transform into a highly ramified phenotype, and constantly screen their environment. Microglia are activated by any type of pathologic event or change in brain homeostasis. This activation process is highly diverse and depends on the context and type of the stressor or pathology. Microglia can strongly influence the pathologic outcome or response to a stressor due to the release of a plethora of substances, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. They are the professional phagocytes of the brain and help orchestrate the immunological response by interacting with infiltrating immune cells. We describe here the diversity of microglia phenotypes and their responses in health, aging, and disease. We also review the current literature about the impact of lifestyle on microglia responses and discuss treatment options that modulate microglial phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne A Wolf
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13092, Germany;
| | - H W G M Boddeke
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen 9713, The Netherlands
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max Delbrück Centre for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin 13092, Germany;
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26
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Jaber M. [The cerebellum as a major player in motor disturbances related to Autistic Syndrome Disorders]. Encephale 2016; 43:170-175. [PMID: 27616580 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders associated with disturbances in communication, social interactions, cognition and affect. ASD are also accompanied by complex movement disorders, including ataxia. A special focus of recent research in this area is made on the striatum and the cerebellum, two structures known not only to control movement but also to be involved in cognitive functions such as memory and language. Dysfunction within the motor system may be associated with abnormal movements in ASD that are translated into ataxia, abnormal pattern of righting, gait sequencing, development of walking, and hand positioning. This line of study may generate new knowledge and understanding of motor symptoms associated with ASD and aims to deliver fresh perspectives for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies against ASD. AIMS OF THE REVIEW Despite the relative paucity of research in this area (compared to the social, linguistic, and behavioural disturbances in ASD), there is evidence that the frontostriatal motor system and/or the cerebellar motor systems may be the site of dysfunction in ASD. Indeed, the cerebellum seems to be essential in the development of basic social capabilities, communication, repetitive/restrictive behaviors, and motor and cognitive behaviors that are all impaired in ASD. Cerebellar neuropathology including cerebellar hypoplasia and reduced cerebellar Purkinje cell numbers are the most consistent neuropathologies linked to ASD. The functional state of the cerebellum and its impact on brain function in ASD is the focus of this review. This review starts by recapitulating historical findings pointing towards an implication of the cerebellum, and to a lesser extent the basal ganglia structures, in TSA. We then detail the structure/function of the cerebellum at the regional and cellular levels before describing human and animal findings indicating a role of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in ASD. HUMAN AND ANIMAL FINDINGS Several studies have attempted to identify the nature of the motor system dysfunction in ASD, and it became apparent that the motor fronto-striatal and cerebellar systems are major sites of dysfunction in this psychiatric illness. Anomalies in these structures have been revealed both at the anatomical and functional levels in human patients as well as in animal models. These models are obtained by manipulation of genes that are often implicated in glutamate transmission, by lesions of brain structures among which the cerebellum, by pharmacological treatment with drugs such as the Valproate or by maternal infections with bacterial membrane extracts of double stranded RNA mimicking a viral infection. CONCLUSION The "cognitive approach" has dominated ASD research for three decades and led to the design of interventional strategies, which have yielded satisfactory results. Nevertheless, new approaches and alternative hypotheses on the aetiology and diagnosis of ASD are needed. Research focused on motor rather than psychiatric symptoms may have a greater potential to elucidate the neurobiological basis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jaber
- Inserm U-1084, laboratoire de neurosciences expérimentales et cliniques, LNEC, université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, bâtiment B36, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, BP 633, TSA 51106, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France.
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27
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Kosten L, Verhaeghe J, Verkerk R, Thomae D, De Picker L, Wyffels L, Van Eetveldt A, Dedeurwaerdere S, Stroobants S, Staelens S. Multiprobe molecular imaging of an NMDA receptor hypofunction rat model for glutamatergic dysfunction. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2016; 248:1-11. [PMID: 26803479 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2016.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There are many indications of a connection between abnormal glutamate transmission through N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hypofunction and the occurrence of schizophrenia. The importance of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) became generally recognized due to its physical link through anchor proteins with NMDAR. Neuroinflammation as well as the kynurenine (tryptophan catabolite; TRYCAT) pathway are equally considered as major contributors to the pathology. We aimed to investigate this interplay between glutamate release, neuronal activation and inflammatory markers, by using small-animal positron emission tomography (PET) in a rat model known to induce schizophrenia-like symptoms. Daily intraperitoneal injection of MK801 or saline were administered to induce the model together with N-Acetyl-cysteine (NAc) or saline as the treatment in 24 male Sprague Dawley rats for one month. Biweekly in vivo [(11)C]-ABP688 microPET was performed together with mGluR5 immunohistochemistry. Simultaneously, weekly in vivo [(18)F]-FDG microPET imaging data for glucose metabolism was acquired and microglial activation was investigated with biweekly in vivo [(18)F]-PBR111 scans versus OX42 immunohistochemistry. Finally, plasma samples were analyzed for TRYCAT metabolites. We show that chronic MK801 administration (and thus elevated endogenous glutamate) causes significant tissue loss in rat brain, enhances neuroinflammatory pathways and may upregulate mGluR5 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Kosten
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Verhaeghe
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robert Verkerk
- Laboratory of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - David Thomae
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Livia De Picker
- Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Leonie Wyffels
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | | | - Sigrid Stroobants
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium; Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.
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Miladinovic T, Nashed MG, Singh G. Overview of Glutamatergic Dysregulation in Central Pathologies. Biomolecules 2015; 5:3112-41. [PMID: 26569330 PMCID: PMC4693272 DOI: 10.3390/biom5043112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
As the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, glutamate plays a key role in many central pathologies, including gliomas, psychiatric, neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative disorders. Post-mortem and serological studies have implicated glutamatergic dysregulation in these pathologies, and pharmacological modulation of glutamate receptors and transporters has provided further validation for the involvement of glutamate. Furthermore, efforts from genetic, in vitro, and animal studies are actively elucidating the specific glutamatergic mechanisms that contribute to the aetiology of central pathologies. However, details regarding specific mechanisms remain sparse and progress in effectively modulating glutamate to alleviate symptoms or inhibit disease states has been relatively slow. In this report, we review what is currently known about glutamate signalling in central pathologies. We also discuss glutamate's mediating role in comorbidities, specifically cancer-induced bone pain and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Miladinovic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Mina G Nashed
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
| | - Gurmit Singh
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada.
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