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St George-Hyslop F, Haneklaus M, Kivisild T, Livesey FJ. Loss of CNTNAP2 Alters Human Cortical Excitatory Neuron Differentiation and Neural Network Development. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:780-791. [PMID: 37001843 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function mutations in the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene are causal for neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. CNTNAP2 encodes CASPR2, a single-pass transmembrane protein that belongs to the neurexin family of cell adhesion molecules. These proteins have a variety of functions in developing neurons, including connecting presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, and mediating signaling across the synapse. METHODS To study the effect of loss of CNTNAP2 function on human cerebral cortex development, and how this contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, we generated human induced pluripotent stem cells from one neurotypical control donor null for full-length CNTNAP2, modeling cortical development from neurogenesis through to neural network formation in vitro. RESULTS CNTNAP2 is particularly highly expressed in the first two populations of early-born excitatory cortical neurons, and loss of CNTNAP2 shifted the relative proportions of these two neuronal types. Live imaging of excitatory neuronal growth showed that loss of CNTNAP2 reduced neurite branching and overall neuronal complexity. At the network level, developing cortical excitatory networks null for CNTNAP2 had complex changes in activity compared with isogenic controls: an initial period of relatively reduced activity compared with isogenic controls, followed by a lengthy period of hyperexcitability, and then a further switch to reduced activity. CONCLUSIONS Complete loss of CNTNAP2 contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders through complex changes in several aspects of human cerebral cortex excitatory neuron development that culminate in aberrant neural network formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances St George-Hyslop
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz Haneklaus
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Toomas Kivisild
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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2
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Kuś J, Saramowicz K, Czerniawska M, Wiese W, Siwecka N, Rozpędek-Kamińska W, Kucharska-Lusina A, Strzelecki D, Majsterek I. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying NMDARs Dysfunction and Their Role in ADHD Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12983. [PMID: 37629164 PMCID: PMC10454781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, although the aetiology of ADHD is not yet understood. One proposed theory for developing ADHD is N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) dysfunction. NMDARs are involved in regulating synaptic plasticity and memory function in the brain. Abnormal expression or polymorphism of some genes associated with ADHD results in NMDAR dysfunction. Correspondingly, NMDAR malfunction in animal models results in ADHD-like symptoms, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. Currently, there are no drugs for ADHD that specifically target NMDARs. However, NMDAR-stabilizing drugs have shown promise in improving ADHD symptoms with fewer side effects than the currently most widely used psychostimulant in ADHD treatment, methylphenidate. In this review, we outline the molecular and genetic basis of NMDAR malfunction and how it affects the course of ADHD. We also present new therapeutic options related to treating ADHD by targeting NMDAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Kuś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Kamil Saramowicz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Maria Czerniawska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Wojciech Wiese
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Natalia Siwecka
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Wioletta Rozpędek-Kamińska
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Aleksandra Kucharska-Lusina
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
| | - Dominik Strzelecki
- Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Ireneusz Majsterek
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, Mazowiecka 5, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.K.); (K.S.); (M.C.); (W.W.); (N.S.); (W.R.-K.); (A.K.-L.)
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Cifuentes-Diaz C, Canali G, Garcia M, Druart M, Manett T, Savariradjane M, Guillaume C, Le Magueresse C, Goutebroze L. Differential impacts of Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity on axon and myelinated fiber development in mouse. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1100121. [PMID: 36793543 PMCID: PMC9922869 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1100121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, a large variety of alterations of the Contactin Associated Protein 2 (CNTNAP2) gene, encoding Caspr2, have been identified in several neuronal disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders and peripheral neuropathies. Some of these alterations are homozygous but most are heterozygous, and one of the current challenges is to estimate to what extent they could affect the functions of Caspr2 and contribute to the development of these pathologies. Notably, it is not known whether the disruption of a single CNTNAP2 allele could be sufficient to perturb the functions of Caspr2. To get insights into this issue, we questioned whether Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity in mice could both impact, either similarly or differentially, some specific functions of Caspr2 during development and in adulthood. We focused on yet poorly explored functions of Caspr2 in axon development and myelination, and performed a morphological study from embryonic day E17.5 to adulthood of two major brain interhemispheric myelinated tracts, the anterior commissure (AC) and the corpus callosum (CC), comparing wild-type (WT), Cntnap2 -/- and Cntnap2 +/- mice. We also looked for myelinated fiber abnormalities in the sciatic nerves of mutant mice. Our work revealed that Caspr2 controls the morphology of the CC and AC throughout development, axon diameter at early developmental stages, cortical neuron intrinsic excitability at the onset of myelination, and axon diameter and myelin thickness at later developmental stages. Changes in axon diameter, myelin thickness and node of Ranvier morphology were also detected in the sciatic nerves of the mutant mice. Importantly, most of the parameters analyzed were affected in Cntnap2 +/- mice, either specifically, more severely, or oppositely as compared to Cntnap2 -/- mice. In addition, Cntnap2 +/- mice, but not Cntnap2 -/- mice, showed motor/coordination deficits in the grid-walking test. Thus, our observations show that both Cntnap2 heterozygosity and Cntnap2 null homozygosity impact axon and central and peripheral myelinated fiber development, but in a differential manner. This is a first step indicating that CNTNAP2 alterations could lead to a multiplicity of phenotypes in humans, and raising the need to evaluate the impact of Cntnap2 heterozygosity on the other neurodevelopmental functions of Caspr2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Cifuentes-Diaz
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Giorgia Canali
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Marta Garcia
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Mélanie Druart
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Taylor Manett
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Mythili Savariradjane
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Camille Guillaume
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Corentin Le Magueresse
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Goutebroze
- Inserm, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S 1270, Paris, France,Faculté des Sciences et Ingénierie, Sorbonne University, Paris, France,Institut du Fer à Moulin, Paris, France,*Correspondence: Laurence Goutebroze,
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Whole-exome sequencing with targeted analysis and epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:896-902. [PMID: 33846556 PMCID: PMC9064802 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of pathogenic gene variants with development of epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures is not known. METHODS Case-control study of 20 trios in children with a history of acute symptomatic neonatal seizures: 10 with and 10 without post-neonatal epilepsy. We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and identified pathogenic de novo, transmitted, and non-transmitted variants from established and candidate epilepsy association genes and correlated prevalence of these variants with epilepsy outcomes. We performed a sensitivity analysis with genes associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). We analyzed variants throughout the exome to evaluate for differential enrichment of functional properties using exploratory KEGG searches. RESULTS Querying 200 established and candidate epilepsy genes, pathogenic variants were identified in 5 children with post-neonatal epilepsy yet in only 1 child without subsequent epilepsy. There was no difference in the number of trios with non-transmitted pathogenic variants in epilepsy or CAD genes. An exploratory KEGG analysis demonstrated a relative enrichment in cell death pathways in children without subsequent epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, children with epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures had a higher prevalence of coding variants with a targeted epilepsy gene sequencing analysis compared to those patients without subsequent epilepsy. IMPACT We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) in 20 trios, including 10 children with epilepsy and 10 without epilepsy, both after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures. Children with post-neonatal epilepsy had a higher burden of pathogenic variants in epilepsy-associated genes compared to those without post-neonatal epilepsy. Future studies evaluating this association may lead to a better understanding of the risk of epilepsy after acute symptomatic neonatal seizures and elucidate molecular pathways that are dysregulated after brain injury and implicated in epileptogenesis.
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5
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St George-Hyslop F, Kivisild T, Livesey FJ. The role of contactin-associated protein-like 2 in neurodevelopmental disease and human cerebral cortex evolution. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1017144. [PMID: 36340692 PMCID: PMC9630569 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1017144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene is associated with multiple neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and specific language impairment (SLI). Experimental work has shown that CNTNAP2 is important for neuronal development and synapse formation. There is also accumulating evidence for the differential use of CNTNAP2 in the human cerebral cortex compared with other primates. Here, we review the current literature on CNTNAP2, including what is known about its expression, disease associations, and molecular/cellular functions. We also review the evidence for its role in human brain evolution, such as the presence of eight human accelerated regions (HARs) within the introns of the gene. While progress has been made in understanding the function(s) of CNTNAP2, more work is needed to clarify the precise mechanisms through which CNTNAP2 acts. Such information will be crucial for developing effective treatments for CNTNAP2 patients. It may also shed light on the longstanding question of what makes us human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances St George-Hyslop
- Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.,Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Toomas Kivisild
- Estonian Biocentre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederick J Livesey
- Zayed Centre for Research Into Rare Disease in Children, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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6
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Lu P, Wang F, Zhou S, Huang X, Sun H, Zhang YW, Yao Y, Zheng H. A Novel CNTNAP2 Mutation Results in Abnormal Neuronal E/I Balance. Front Neurol 2021; 12:712773. [PMID: 34737720 PMCID: PMC8562072 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.712773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CNTNAP2 (coding for protein Caspr2), a member of the neurexin family, plays an important role in the balance of excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic currents (E/I balance). Here, we describe a novel pathogenic missense mutation in an infant with spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) and intellectual disability. Genetic testing revealed a missense mutation, c.2329 C>G (p. R777G), in the CNTNAP2 gene. To explore the effect of this novel mutation, primary cultured neurons were transfected with wild type homo CNTNAP2 or R777G mutation and the morphology and function of neurons were evaluated. When compared with the vehicle control group or wild type group, the neurites and the membrane currents, including spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic currents (sEPSCs) and inhibitory post-synaptic currents (sIPSCs), in CNTNAP2 R777G mutation group were all decreased or weakened. Moreover, the action potentials (APs) were also impaired in CNTNAP2 R777G group. Therefore, CNTNAP2 R777G may lead to the imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory post-synaptic currents in neural network contributing to SRSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Jiangsu Province Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengpeng Wang
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shuixiu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Xiamen University Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hao Sun
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yi Yao
- Department of Functional Neurosurgery, Xiamen Humanity Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Xiamen, China
| | - Honghua Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, Xiamen University, Shenzhen, China
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7
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CASK related disorder: Epilepsy and developmental outcome. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2021; 31:61-69. [PMID: 33640666 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE CASK pathogenic variants are associated with variable features, as intellectual disability, optic atrophy, brainstem/cerebellar hypoplasia, and epileptic encephalopathy. Few studies describe the electroclinical features of epilepsy in patients with CASK pathogenic variants and their relationship with developmental delay. METHODS this national multicentre cohort included genetically confirmed patients with different CASK pathogenic variants. Our findings were compared with cohorts reported in the literature. RESULTS we collected 34 patients (29 females) showing from moderate (4 patients) to severe (22) and profound (8) developmental delay; all showed pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia, all except three with microcephaly. Seventeen out of 34 patients (50%) suffered from epileptic seizures, including spasms (11 patients, 32.3%), generalized (5) or focal seizures (1). In 8/17 individuals (47.1%), epilepsy started at or beyond the age of 24 months. Seven (3 males) out of the 11 children with spasms showed EEG features and a course supporting the diagnosis of a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). Drug resistance was frequent in our cohort (52.9% of patients with epilepsy). EEG abnormalities included poorly organized background activity with diffuse or multifocal epileptiform abnormalities and sleep-activation, with possible appearance over the follow-up period. Developmental delay degree was not statistically different among patients with or without seizures but feeding difficulties were more frequent in patients with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS epilepsy is a frequent comorbidity with a high incidence of spasms and drug resistance. Overall developmental disability does not seem to be more severe in the group of patients with epilepsy nor to be linked to specific epilepsy/EEG characteristics. A childhood onset of epilepsy is frequent, with possible worsening over time, so that serial and systematic monitoring is mandatory.
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Gandhi T, Lee CC. Neural Mechanisms Underlying Repetitive Behaviors in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:592710. [PMID: 33519379 PMCID: PMC7840495 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.592710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is comprised of several conditions characterized by alterations in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the heterogeneous development of ASD behaviors. Several rodent models display ASD-like phenotypes, including repetitive behaviors. In this review article, we discuss the potential neural mechanisms involved in repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD and related neuropsychiatric disorders. We review signaling pathways, neural circuits, and anatomical alterations in rodent models that display robust stereotypic behaviors. Understanding the mechanisms and circuit alterations underlying repetitive behaviors in rodent models of ASD will inform translational research and provide useful insight into therapeutic strategies for the treatment of repetitive behaviors in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya Gandhi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
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Gandawijaya J, Bamford RA, Burbach JPH, Oguro-Ando A. Cell Adhesion Molecules Involved in Neurodevelopmental Pathways Implicated in 3p-Deletion Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 14:611379. [PMID: 33519384 PMCID: PMC7838543 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.611379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social interaction, language delay and repetitive or restrictive behaviors. With increasing prevalence, ASD is currently estimated to affect 0.5–2.0% of the global population. However, its etiology remains unclear due to high genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Copy number variations (CNVs) are implicated in several forms of syndromic ASD and have been demonstrated to contribute toward ASD development by altering gene dosage and expression. Increasing evidence points toward the p-arm of chromosome 3 (chromosome 3p) as an ASD risk locus. Deletions occurring at chromosome 3p result in 3p-deletion syndrome (Del3p), a rare genetic disorder characterized by developmental delay, intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms and often, ASD or ASD-associated behaviors. Therefore, we hypothesize that overlapping molecular mechanisms underlie the pathogenesis of Del3p and ASD. To investigate which genes encoded in chromosome 3p could contribute toward Del3p and ASD, we performed a comprehensive literature review and collated reports investigating the phenotypes of individuals with chromosome 3p CNVs. We observe that high frequencies of CNVs occur in the 3p26.3 region, the terminal cytoband of chromosome 3p. This suggests that CNVs disrupting genes encoded within the 3p26.3 region are likely to contribute toward the neurodevelopmental phenotypes observed in individuals affected by Del3p. The 3p26.3 region contains three consecutive genes encoding closely related neuronal immunoglobulin cell adhesion molecules (IgCAMs): Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1), Contactin-6 (CNTN6), and Contactin-4 (CNTN4). CNVs disrupting these neuronal IgCAMs may contribute toward ASD phenotypes as they have been associated with key roles in neurodevelopment. CHL1, CNTN6, and CNTN4 have been observed to promote neurogenesis and neuronal survival, and regulate neuritogenesis and synaptic function. Furthermore, there is evidence that these neuronal IgCAMs possess overlapping interactomes and participate in common signaling pathways regulating axon guidance. Notably, mouse models deficient for these neuronal IgCAMs do not display strong deficits in axonal migration or behavioral phenotypes, which is in contrast to the pronounced defects in neuritogenesis and axon guidance observed in vitro. This suggests that when CHL1, CNTN6, or CNTN4 function is disrupted by CNVs, other neuronal IgCAMs may suppress behavioral phenotypes by compensating for the loss of function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josan Gandawijaya
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary A Bamford
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - J Peter H Burbach
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht and Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Asami Oguro-Ando
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
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Beiranvandi F, Akouchekian M, Javadi GR, Darvish H. The association of CNTNAP2 rs2710102 and ENGRAILED-2 rs1861972 genes polymorphism and autism in Iranian population. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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11
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Zaccard CR, Shapiro L, Martin-de-Saavedra MD, Pratt C, Myczek K, Song A, Forrest MP, Penzes P. Rapid 3D Enhanced Resolution Microscopy Reveals Diversity in Dendritic Spinule Dynamics, Regulation, and Function. Neuron 2020; 107:522-537.e6. [PMID: 32464088 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic spinules are thin protrusions, formed by neuronal spines, not adequately resolved by diffraction-limited light microscopy, which has limited our understanding of their behavior. Here we performed rapid structured illumination microscopy and enhanced resolution confocal microscopy to study spatiotemporal spinule dynamics in cortical pyramidal neurons. Spinules recurred at the same locations on mushroom spine heads. Most were short-lived, dynamic, exploratory, and originated near simple PSDs, whereas a subset was long-lived, elongated, and associated with complex PSDs. These subtypes were differentially regulated by Ca2+ transients. Furthermore, the postsynaptic Rac1-GEF kalirin-7 regulated spinule formation, elongation, and recurrence. Long-lived spinules often contained PSD fragments, contacted distal presynaptic terminals, and formed secondary synapses. NMDAR activation increased spinule number, length, and contact with distal presynaptic elements. Spinule subsets, dynamics, and recurrence were validated in cortical neurons of acute brain slices. Thus, we identified unique properties, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of spinule subtypes, supporting roles in neuronal connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen R Zaccard
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lauren Shapiro
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Christopher Pratt
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Kristoffer Myczek
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Amy Song
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Marc P Forrest
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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The Interaction Between Contactin and Amyloid Precursor Protein and Its Role in Alzheimer’s Disease. Neuroscience 2020; 424:184-202. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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