Bidirectional regulation of dendritic voltage-gated potassium channels by the fragile X mental retardation protein

Reversal of electrophysiological and behavioral deficits mediated by 5-HT7 receptor upregulation following LP-211 treatment in an autistic-like rat model induced by prenatal valproic acid exposure

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by alterations and imbalances in multiple brain neurochemical systems, particularly the serotonergic neurotransmission. This includes changes in serotonin (5-HT) levels, aberrations in 5-HT transporter activity, and decreased synthesis and expression of 5-HT receptors (5-HT7Rs). The exact role of the brain 5-HT system in the development of ASD remains unclear, with conflicting evidence on its involvement. Recently, we have reported research has shown a significant decrease in serotonergic neurons originating from the raphe nuclei and projecting to the CA1 region of the dorsal hippocampus in autistic-like rats. Additionally, we have shown that chronic activation of 5-HT7Rs reverses the effects of autism induction on synaptic plasticity. However, the functional significance of 5-HT7Rs at the cellular level is still not fully understood. This study presents new evidence indicating an upregulation of 5-HT7R in the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus following the induction of autism. The present account also demonstrates that activation of 5-HT7R with its agonist LP-211 can reverse electrophysiological abnormalities in hippocampal pyramidal neurons in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to VPA. Additionally, in vivo administration of LP-211 resulted in improvements in motor coordination, novel object recognition, and a reduction in stereotypic behaviors in autistic-like offspring. The findings suggest that dysregulated expression of 5-HT7Rs may play a role in the pathophysiology of ASD, and that agonists like LP-211 could potentially be explored as a pharmacological treatment for autism spectrum disorder.

Kv7/M channel dysfunction produces hyperexcitability in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells of Fmr1 knockout mice

Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most frequent monogenic form of intellectual disability, is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene that could render neuronal hyperexcitability. Here we show that pyramidal cells (PCs) in the dorsal CA1 region of the hippocampus elicited a larger action potential (AP) number in response to suprathreshold stimulation in juvenile Fmr1 knockout (KO) than wild-type (WT) mice. Because Kv7/M channels modulate CA1 PC excitability in rats, we investigated if their dysfunction produces neuronal hyperexcitability in Fmr1 KO mice. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses showed no differences in the expression of Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channel subunits between genotypes; however, the current mediated by Kv7/M channels was reduced in Fmr1 KO mice. In both genotypes, bath application of XE991 (10 μM), a blocker of Kv7/M channels: produced an increased AP number, produced an increased input resistance, produced a decreased AP voltage threshold and shaped AP medium afterhyperpolarization by increasing mean velocities. Retigabine (10 μM), an opener of Kv7/M channels, produced opposite effects to XE991. Both XE991 and retigabine abolished differences in all these parameters found in control conditions between genotypes. Furthermore, a low concentration of retigabine (2.5 μM) normalized CA1 PC excitability of Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, ex vivo seizure-like events evoked by 4-aminopyiridine (200 μM) in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and were abolished by retigabine (5-10 μM). We conclude that CA1 PCs of Fmr1 KO mice exhibit hyperexcitability, caused by Kv7/M channel dysfunction, and increased epileptiform activity, which were abolished by retigabine. KEY POINTS: Dorsal pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice exhibit hyperexcitability. Kv7/M channel activity, but not expression, is reduced in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Kv7/M channel dysfunction causes hyperexcitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice by increasing input resistance, decreasing AP voltage threshold and shaping medium afterhyperpolarization. A Kv7/M channel opener normalizes neuronal excitability in pyramidal cells of the hippocampal CA1 region of Fmr1 knockout mice. Ex vivo seizure-like events evoked in the dorsal CA1 region were more frequent in Fmr1 KO mice, and such an epileptiform activity was abolished by a Kv7/M channel opener depending on drug concentration. Kv7/M channels may represent a therapeutic target for treating symptoms associated with hippocampal alterations in fragile X syndrome.

Cage effects on synaptic plasticity and its modulation in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by impairments in executive function including different types of learning and memory. Long-term potentiation (LTP), thought to underlie the formation of memories, has been studied in the Fmr1 mouse model of FXS. However, there have been many discrepancies in the literature with inconsistent use of littermate and non-littermate Fmr1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) control mice. Here, the influence of the breeding strategy (cage effect) on short-term potentiation (STP), LTP, contextual fear conditioning (CFC), expression of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits and the modulation of NMDARs, were examined. The largest deficits in STP, LTP and CFC were found in KO mice compared with non-littermate WT. However, the expression of NMDAR subunits was unchanged in this comparison. Rather, NMDAR subunit (GluN1, 2A, 2B) expression was sensitive to the cage effect, with decreased expression in both WT and KO littermates compared with non-littermates. Interestingly, an NMDAR-positive allosteric modulator, UBP714, was only effective in potentiating the induction of LTP in non-littermate KO mice and not the littermate KO mice. These results suggest that commonly studied phenotypes in Fmr1 KOs are sensitive to the cage effect and therefore the breeding strategy may contribute to discrepancies in the literature.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.

Astroglial Kir4.1 potassium channel deficit drives neuronal hyperexcitability and behavioral defects in Fragile X syndrome mouse model

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited form of intellectual disability caused by the loss of the mRNA-binding fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FXS is characterized by neuronal hyperexcitability and behavioral defects, however the mechanisms underlying these critical dysfunctions remain unclear. Here, using male Fmr1 knockout mouse model of FXS, we identify abnormal extracellular potassium homeostasis, along with impaired potassium channel Kir4.1 expression and function in astrocytes. Further, we reveal that Kir4.1 mRNA is a binding target of FMRP. Finally, we show that the deficit in astroglial Kir4.1 underlies neuronal hyperexcitability and several behavioral defects in Fmr1 knockout mice. Viral delivery of Kir4.1 channels specifically to hippocampal astrocytes from Fmr1 knockout mice indeed rescues normal astrocyte potassium uptake, neuronal excitability, and cognitive and social performance. Our findings uncover an important role for astrocyte dysfunction in the pathophysiology of FXS, and identify Kir4.1 channel as a potential therapeutic target for FXS.

Temporal Ablation of Primary Cilia Impairs Brainwave Patterns Implicated in Memory Formation

The primary cilium is a hair-like organelle that hosts molecular machinery for various developmental and homeostatic signaling pathways. Its alteration can cause severe ciliopathies such as the Bardet-Biedl and Joubert syndromes, but is also linked to Alzheimer's disease, clinical depression, and autism spectrum disorder. These afflictions are caused by disturbances in a variety of genes but a common phenotype amongst them is cognitive impairment. Cilia-mediated neural function has generally been examined in relation to these diseases or other developmental defects, but the role of cilia in brain function and memory consolidation is unknown. To elucidate the role of cilia in neural activity and cognitive function, we temporally ablated primary cilia in adult mice before performing electroencephalogram/electromyogram (EEG/EMG) recordings. We found that cilia deficient mice had altered sleep architecture, reduced EEG power, and attenuated phase-amplitude coupling, a process that underlies memory consolidation. These results highlight the growing significance of cilia, demonstrating that they are not only necessary in early neurodevelopment, but also regulate advanced neural functions in the adult brain.

Age-Dependent Regulation of Dendritic Spine Density and Protein Expression in Mir324 KO Mice

Dendritic spines are small, dynamic protrusions along the dendrite that comprise more than 90% of excitatory connections in the brain, making them essential sites for neuronal communication. These synaptic sites change throughout the process of development, reducing in density and shifting morphology as synapses are refined. One important class of dendritic spine regulators is microRNA (miRNA), small-noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Several studies suggest that miRNA-324-5p regulates dendritic spine formation. In addition, we have previously shown that miR-324-5p plays a role in seizure and long-term potentiation, both of which involve dendritic spine changes. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of miRNA-324-5p in developmental spine regulation by assessing the effect of Mir324 knockout (KO) on dendritic spine density and expression of a subset of dendritic proteins at select developmental time points. We show that miR-324-5p expression is developmentally regulated and peaks at 4 weeks of age. We demonstrate that loss of miR-324-5p expression leads to differential changes in both target protein expression and spine density at different time points during development, disrupting the pattern of spine density changes and leading to a premature loss of dendritic spines in KO mice, which is compensated later. Our findings indicate that miR-324-5p plays a role in synaptic refinement across development. Additionally, our data illustrate the importance of context in the study of miRNA, as regulation by and/or of miRNA can vary dramatically across development and in disease.

Age-dependent regulation of dendritic spine density and protein expression in Mir324 KO mice

Dendritic spines are small, dynamic protrusions along the dendrite that comprise more than 90% of excitatory connections in the brain, making them essential sites for neuronal communication. These synaptic sites change throughout the process of development, reducing in density and shifting morphology as synapses are refined. One important class of dendritic spine regulators is microRNA (miRNA), small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. Several studies suggest that miRNA-324-5p regulates dendritic spine formation. In addition, we have previously shown that miR-324-5p plays a role in seizure and long-term potentiation, both of which involve dendritic spine changes. In this study, we aimed to characterize the role of miRNA-324-5p in developmental spine regulation by assessing the effect of Mir324 knockout (KO) on dendritic spine density and expression of a subset of dendritic proteins at select developmental time points. We show that miR-324-5p expression is developmentally regulated and peaks at four weeks of age. We demonstrate that loss of miR-324-5p expression leads to differential changes in both target protein expression and spine density at different time points during development, disrupting the pattern of spine density changes and leading to a premature loss of dendritic spines in KO mice, which is compensated later. Our findings indicate that miR-324-5p plays a role in synaptic refinement across development. Additionally, our data illustrate the importance of context in the study of miRNA, as regulation by and/or of miRNA can vary dramatically across development and in disease.

Axonal and presynaptic FMRP: Localization, signal, and functional implications

Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) binds a selected set of mRNAs and proteins to guide neural circuit assembly and regulate synaptic plasticity. Loss of FMRP is responsible for Fragile X syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized with auditory processing problems and social difficulty. FMRP actions in synaptic formation, maturation, and plasticity are site-specific among the four compartments of a synapse: presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons, astrocytes, and extracellular matrix. This review summarizes advancements in understanding FMRP localization, signals, and functional roles in axons and presynaptic terminals.

Identification of Kv4.2 protein complex and modifications by tandem affinity purification-mass spectrometry in primary neurons

Proteins usually form complexes to fulfill variable physiological functions. In neurons, communication relies on synapses where receptors, channels, and anchoring proteins form complexes to precisely control signal transduction, synaptic integration, and action potential firing. Although there are many published protocols to isolate protein complexes in cell lines, isolation in neurons has not been well established. Here we introduce a method that combines lentiviral protein expression with tandem affinity purification followed by mass-spectrometry (TAP-MS) to identify protein complexes in neurons. This protocol can also be used to identify post-translational modifications (PTMs) of synaptic proteins. We used the A-type voltage-gated K⁺ channel subunit Kv4.2 as the target protein. Kv4.2 is highly expressed in the hippocampus where it contributes to learning and memory through its regulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. We tagged Kv4.2 with the calmodulin-binding-peptide (CBP) and streptavidin-binding-peptide (SBP) at its C-terminus and expressed it in neurons via lentivirus. Kv4.2 was purified by two-step TAP and samples were analyzed by MS. MS identified two prominently known Kv4.2 interacting proteins [dipeptidyl peptidase like (DPPs) and Kv channel-interacting proteins (KChIPs)] in addition to novel synaptic proteins including glutamate receptors, a calcium channel, and anchoring proteins. Co-immunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments validated the association of Kv4.2 with glutamate receptors. In addition to protein complex identification, we used TAP-MS to identify Kv4.2 phosphorylation sites. Several known and unknown phosphorylation sites were identified. These findings provide a novel path to identify protein-protein interactions and PTMs in neurons and shed light on mechanisms of neuronal signaling potentially involved in the pathology of neurological diseases.

The Primary Ciliary Deficits in Cerebellar Bergmann Glia of the Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Primary cilia are non-motile cilia that function as antennae for cells to sense signals. Deficits of primary cilia cause ciliopathies, leading to the pathogenesis of various developmental disorders; however, the contribution of primary cilia to neurodevelopmental disorders is largely unknown. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetically inherited disorder and is the most common known cause of autism spectrum disorders. FXS is caused by the silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene, which encodes for the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Here, we discovered a reduction in the number of primary cilia and the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in cerebellar Bergmann glia of Fmr1 KO mice. We further found reduced granule neuron precursor (GNP) proliferation and thickness of the external germinal layer (EGL) in Fmr1 KO mice, implicating that primary ciliary deficits in Bergmann glia may contribute to cerebellar developmental phenotypes in FXS, as Shh signaling through primary cilia in Bergmann glia is known to mediate proper GNP proliferation in the EGL. Taken together, our study demonstrates that FMRP loss leads to primary ciliary deficits in cerebellar Bergmann glia which may contribute to cerebellar deficits in FXS.

Agmatine relieves behavioral impairments in Fragile X mice model

BACKGROUND

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of neurodevelopmental disorder, which is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Despite the unceasing efforts to develop therapeutic agents against FXS based on the pathophysiological changes observed in animal models of FXS and human patients, therapeutic candidates including mGluR signaling modulators have failed to provide sufficient effects. Based on the recent successful demonstration of an endogenous polyamine, agmatine, to improve the autism-like symptoms in the valproic acid animal model of autism, we investigated the effects of agmatine against FXS symptoms using Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice.

METHODS

We used male Fmr1 KO mice for behavioral tests such as marble burying, open-field test, memory tasks, social interaction tests and startle response to confirm the symptoms of FXS. We also checked the electrophysiological profile of neural activity in agmatine-treated Fmr1 KO mice.

RESULTS

Agmatine reversed the compulsion, learning and memory deficits, hyperactivity, aberrant social interaction, and communication deficit in Fmr1 KO mice while it normalized the aberrant LTP and LTD in the hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

The results highlight the potential of agmatine's novel disease-ameliorating effects in FXS, which warrants further studies to ascertain whether these findings translate into clinical effects in FXS patients.

Mechanisms Driving the Emergence of Neuronal Hyperexcitability in Fragile X Syndrome

Hyperexcitability is a shared neurophysiological phenotype across various genetic neurodevelopmental disorders, including Fragile X syndrome (FXS). Several patient symptoms are associated with hyperexcitability, but a puzzling feature is that their onset is often delayed until their second and third year of life. It remains unclear how and why hyperexcitability emerges in neurodevelopmental disorders. FXS is caused by the loss of FMRP, an RNA-binding protein which has many critical roles including protein synthesis-dependent and independent regulation of ion channels and receptors, as well as global regulation of protein synthesis. Here, we discussed recent literature uncovering novel mechanisms that may drive the progressive onset of hyperexcitability in the FXS brain. We discussed in detail how recent publications have highlighted defects in homeostatic plasticity, providing new insight on the FXS brain and suggest pharmacotherapeutic strategies in FXS and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

The role of altered translation in intellectual disability and epilepsy

A very high proportion of cases of intellectual disability are genetic in origin and are associated with the occurrence of epileptic seizures during childhood. These two disorders together effect more than 5% of the world's population. One feature linking the two diseases is that learning and memory require the synthesis of new synaptic components and ion channels, while maintenance of overall excitability also requires synthesis of similar proteins in response to altered neuronal stimulation. Many of these disorders result from mutations in proteins that regulate mRNA processing, translation initiation, translation elongation, mRNA stability or upstream translation modulators. One theme that emerges on reviewing this field is that mutations in proteins that regulate changes in translation following neuronal stimulation are more likely to result in epilepsy with intellectual disability than general translation regulators with no known role in activity-dependent changes. This is consistent with the notion that activity-dependent translation in neurons differs from that in other cells types in that the changes in local cellular composition, morphology and connectivity that occur generally in response to stimuli are directly coupled to local synaptic activity and persist for months or years after the original stimulus.

Hyperexcitability and Homeostasis in Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading inherited cause of autism and intellectual disability, resulting from a mutation in the FMR1 gene and subsequent loss of its protein product FMRP. Despite this simple genetic origin, FXS is a phenotypically complex disorder with a range of physical and neurocognitive disruptions. While numerous molecular and cellular pathways are affected by FMRP loss, there is growing evidence that circuit hyperexcitability may be a common convergence point that can account for many of the wide-ranging phenotypes seen in FXS. The mechanisms for hyperexcitability in FXS include alterations to excitatory synaptic function and connectivity, reduced inhibitory neuron activity, as well as changes to ion channel expression and conductance. However, understanding the impact of FMR1 mutation on circuit function is complicated by the inherent plasticity in neural circuits, which display an array of homeostatic mechanisms to maintain activity near set levels. FMRP is also an important regulator of activity-dependent plasticity in the brain, meaning that dysregulated plasticity can be both a cause and consequence of hyperexcitable networks in FXS. This makes it difficult to separate the direct effects of FMR1 mutation from the myriad and pleiotropic compensatory changes associated with it, both of which are likely to contribute to FXS pathophysiology. Here we will: (1) review evidence for hyperexcitability and homeostatic plasticity phenotypes in FXS models, focusing on similarities/differences across brain regions, cell-types, and developmental time points; (2) examine how excitability and plasticity disruptions interact with each other to ultimately contribute to circuit dysfunction in FXS; and (3) discuss how these synaptic and circuit deficits contribute to disease-relevant behavioral phenotypes like epilepsy and sensory hypersensitivity. Through this discussion of where the current field stands, we aim to introduce perspectives moving forward in FXS research.

Ionic Channels as Potential Targets for the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that directly affects brain functions and can culminate in delayed intellectual development, problems in verbal communication, difficulties in social interaction, and stereotyped behaviors. Its etiology reveals a genetic basis that can be strongly influenced by socio-environmental factors. Ion channels controlled by ligand voltage-activated calcium, sodium, and potassium channels may play important roles in modulating sensory and cognitive responses, and their dysfunctions may be closely associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. This is due to ionic flow, which is of paramount importance to maintaining physiological conditions in the central nervous system and triggers action potentials, gene expression, and cell signaling. However, since ASD is a multifactorial disease, treatment is directed only to secondary symptoms. Therefore, this research aims to gather evidence concerning the principal pathophysiological mechanisms involving ion channels in order to recognize their importance as therapeutic targets for the treatment of central and secondary ASD symptoms.

The association between gene polymorphisms in voltage-gated potassium channels Kv2.1 and Kv4.2 and susceptibility to autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable form of neurodevelopmental disorder that arises through synaptic dysfunction. Given the involvement of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, we aimed to explore the relationship between the genetic variants in the KCNB1 and KCND2 genes (encoding Kv2.1 and Kv4.2, respectively) and the risk of developing ASD.

METHODS

A total of 243 patients with ASD and 243 healthy controls were included in the present study. Sixty single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (35 in KCNB1 and 25 in KCND2) were genotyped using the Sequenom Mass Array.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the distribution of allele frequencies and genotype frequencies in KCNB1 between cases and controls. However, the differences were significant in the allelic distribution of KCND2 rs1990429 (p _Bonferroni < 0.005) and rs7793864 (p _Bonferroni < 0.005) between the two groups. KCND2 rs7800545 (p _FDR = 0.045) in the dominant model and rs1990429 (p _FDR < 0.001) and rs7793864 (p _FDR < 0.001) in the over-dominant model were associated with ASD risk. The G/A genotype of rs1990429 in the over-dominant model and the G/A-G/G genotype of rs7800545 in the dominant model were correlated with lower severity in the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) restricted repetitive behavior (RRB) domain.

CONCLUSION

Our results provide evidence that KCND2 gene polymorphism is strongly associated with ASD susceptibility and the severity of RRB.

FMRP regulates mRNAs encoding distinct functions in the cell body and dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons

Neurons rely on translation of synaptic mRNAs in order to generate activity-dependent changes in plasticity. Here, we develop a strategy combining compartment-specific crosslinking immunoprecipitation (CLIP) and translating ribosome affinity purification (TRAP) in conditionally tagged mice to precisely define the ribosome-bound dendritic transcriptome of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We identify CA1 dendritic transcripts with differentially localized mRNA isoforms generated by alternative polyadenylation and alternative splicing, including many that have altered protein-coding capacity. Among dendritic mRNAs, FMRP targets were found to be overrepresented. Cell-type-specific FMRP-CLIP and TRAP in microdissected CA1 neuropil revealed 383 dendritic FMRP targets and suggests that FMRP differentially regulates functionally distinct modules in CA1 dendrites and cell bodies. FMRP regulates ~15–20% of mRNAs encoding synaptic functions and 10% of chromatin modulators, in the dendrite and cell body, respectively. In the absence of FMRP, dendritic FMRP targets had increased ribosome association, consistent with a function for FMRP in synaptic translational repression. Conversely, downregulation of FMRP targets involved in chromatin regulation in cell bodies suggests a role for FMRP in stabilizing mRNAs containing stalled ribosomes in this compartment. Together, the data support a model in which FMRP regulates the translation and expression of synaptic and nuclear proteins within different compartments of a single neuronal cell type.

The brain has over 100 billion neurons that together form vast networks to relay electrical signals. A neuron receives electrical signals from other neurons via branch-like structures known as dendrites. The signals then travel into the cell body of the neuron. If their sum reaches a threshold, they fire a new signal through a single outgoing projection known as the axon, which is connected to the dendrites of other neurons.

A single neuron has thousands of dendrites that each receive inputs from different axons, and it is thought that the strengthening and weakening of these dendritic connections enables us to learn and store memories.

Dendrites are filled with molecules known as messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) that act as templates to make proteins. Axonal signals reaching the dendrites can trigger these mRNAs to make new proteins that strengthen or weaken the connections between the two neurons, which is believed to be necessary for generating long-term memories.

A protein called FMRP is found in both the cell body and dendrites and is able to bind to and regulate the ability of mRNAs to make proteins. A loss of the gene encoding FMRP is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism in humans, but it remains unclear precisely what role this protein plays in learning and memory.

Hale et al. used genetic and bioinformatics approaches to specifically study mRNAs in the dendrites and the cell body of a specific type of neuron involved in memory in mice. The experiments revealed that FMRP played different roles in the dendrites and cell body. In the dendrites, FMRP interacted with mRNAs encoding proteins that can change how the neuron responds to a signal from a neighboring neuron and may alter how strong the connections between the neurons are. On the other hand, FMRP in the cell body modulated the activities of mRNAs encoding proteins that in turn regulate the activities of genes.

These findings change the way we think about how memory may work by suggesting that groups of mRNAs encoding proteins with certain activities are found in distinct parts of a single neuron. These observations offer new ways to approach intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder.

Stable continual learning through structured multiscale plasticity manifolds

Biological plasticity is ubiquitous. How does the brain navigate this complex plasticity space, where any component can seemingly change, in adapting to an ever-changing environment? We build a systematic case that stable continuous learning is achieved by structured rules that enforce multiple, but not all, components to change together in specific directions. This rule-based low-dimensional plasticity manifold of permitted plasticity combinations emerges from cell type-specific molecular signaling and triggers cascading impacts that span multiple scales. These multiscale plasticity manifolds form the basis for behavioral learning and are dynamic entities that are altered by neuromodulation, metaplasticity, and pathology. We explore the strong links between heterogeneities, degeneracy, and plasticity manifolds and emphasize the need to incorporate plasticity manifolds into learning-theoretical frameworks and experimental designs.

Active Dendrites and Local Field Potentials: Biophysical Mechanisms and Computational Explorations

Neurons and glial cells are endowed with membranes that express a rich repertoire of ion channels, transporters, and receptors. The constant flux of ions across the neuronal and glial membranes results in voltage fluctuations that can be recorded from the extracellular matrix. The high frequency components of this voltage signal contain information about the spiking activity, reflecting the output from the neurons surrounding the recording location. The low frequency components of the signal, referred to as the local field potential (LFP), have been traditionally thought to provide information about the synaptic inputs that impinge on the large dendritic trees of various neurons. In this review, we discuss recent computational and experimental studies pointing to a critical role of several active dendritic mechanisms that can influence the genesis and the location-dependent spectro-temporal dynamics of LFPs, spanning different brain regions. We strongly emphasize the need to account for the several fast and slow dendritic events and associated active mechanisms - including gradients in their expression profiles, inter- and intra-cellular spatio-temporal interactions spanning neurons and glia, heterogeneities and degeneracy across scales, neuromodulatory influences, and activitydependent plasticity - towards gaining important insights about the origins of LFP under different behavioral states in health and disease. We provide simple but essential guidelines on how to model LFPs taking into account these dendritic mechanisms, with detailed methodology on how to account for various heterogeneities and electrophysiological properties of neurons and synapses while studying LFPs.

The Genetic Control of Stoichiometry Underlying Autism

Autism is a common and complex neurologic disorder whose scientific underpinnings have begun to be established in the past decade. The essence of this breakthrough has been a focus on families, where genetic analyses are strongest, versus large-scale, case-control studies. Autism genetics has progressed in parallel with technology, from analyses of copy number variation to whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Gene mutations causing complete loss of function account for perhaps one-third of cases, largely detected through WES. This limitation has increased interest in understanding the regulatory variants of genes that contribute in more subtle ways to the disorder. Strategies combining biochemical analysis of gene regulation, WGS analysis of the noncoding genome, and machine learning have begun to succeed. The emerging picture is that careful control of the amounts of transcription, mRNA, and proteins made by key brain genes-stoichiometry-plays a critical role in defining the clinical features of autism.

Altered A-Type Potassium Channel Function Impairs Dendritic Spike Initiation and Temporoammonic Long-Term Potentiation in Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenetic cause of cognitive impairment and autism spectrum disorder. Area CA1 of the hippocampus receives current information about the external world from the entorhinal cortex via the temporoammonic (TA) pathway. Given its role in learning and memory, it is surprising that little is known about TA long-term potentiation (TA-LTP) in FXS. We found that TA-LTP was impaired in male fmr1 KO mice. Although there were no significant differences in basal synaptic transmission, synaptically evoked dendritic calcium signals were smaller in KO neurons. Using dendritic recording, we found no difference in complex spikes or pharmacologically isolated Ca2+ spikes; however, the threshold for fast, Na+-dependent dendritic spikes was depolarized in fmr1 KO mice. Cell-attached patch-clamp recordings found no difference in Na+ channels between wild-type and fmr1 KO CA1 dendrites. Dendritic spike threshold and TA-LTP were restored by blocking A-type K+ channels with either 150 µm Ba2+ or the more specific toxin AmmTx3. The impairment of TA-LTP shown here, coupled with previously described enhanced Schaffer collateral LTP, may contribute to spatial memory alterations in FXS. Furthermore, as both of these LTP phenotypes are attributed to changes in A-type K+ channels in FXS, our findings provide a potential therapeutic target to treat cognitive impairments in FXS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Alterations in synaptic function and plasticity are likely contributors to learning and memory impairments in many neurologic disorders. Fragile X syndrome is marked by dysfunctional learning and memory and changes in synaptic structure and function. This study shows a lack of LTP at temporoammonic synapses in CA1 neurons associated with biophysical differences in A-type K+ channels in fmr1 KO CA1 neurons. Our results, along with previous findings on A-type K+ channel effects on Schaffer collateral LTP, reveal differential effects of a single ion channelopathy on LTP at the two major excitatory pathways of CA1 pyramidal neurons. These findings expand our understanding of memory deficits in FXS and provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of memory dysfunction in FXS.

Mechanisms regulating input-output function and plasticity of neurons in the absence of FMRP

The function of brain circuits relies on high-fidelity information transfer within neurons. Synaptic inputs arrive primarily at dendrites, where they undergo integration and summation throughout the somatodendritic domain, ultimately leading to the generation of precise patterns of action potentials. Emerging evidence suggests that the ability of neurons to transfer synaptic information and modulate their output is impaired in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders including Fragile X Syndrome. In this review we summarise recent findings that have revealed the pathophysiological and plasticity mechanisms that alter the ability of neurons in sensory and limbic circuits to reliably code information in the absence of FMRP. We examine which aspects of this transform may result directly from the loss of FMRP and those that a result from compensatory or homeostatic alterations to neuronal function. Dissection of the mechanisms leading to altered input-output function of neurons in the absence of FMRP and their effects on regulating neuronal plasticity throughout development could have important implications for potential therapies for Fragile X Syndrome, including directing the timing and duration of different treatment options.

Potassium channels and autism spectrum disorder: An overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. It had been demonstrated that potassium channels played a key role in regulating neuronal excitability, which was closely associated with neurological diseases including epilepsy, ataxia, myoclonus, and psychiatric disorders. In recent years, a growing body of evidence from whole-genome sequencing and whole-exome sequencing had identified several ASD susceptibility genes of potassium channels in ASD subjects. Genetically dysfunction of potassium channels may be involved in altered neuronal excitability and abnormal brain function in the pathogenesis of ASD. This review summarizes current findings on the features of ASD-risk genes (KCND2, KCNQ2, KCNQ3, KCNH5, KCNJ2, KCNJ10, and KCNMA1) and further expatiate their potential role in the pathogenicity of ASD.

Channelopathies in fragile X syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of intellectual disability and the leading monogenic cause of autism. The condition stems from loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which regulates a wide range of ion channels via translational control, protein-protein interactions and second messenger pathways. Rapidly increasing evidence demonstrates that loss of FMRP leads to numerous ion channel dysfunctions (that is, channelopathies), which in turn contribute significantly to FXS pathophysiology. Consistent with this, pharmacological or genetic interventions that target dysregulated ion channels effectively restore neuronal excitability, synaptic function and behavioural phenotypes in FXS animal models. Recent studies further support a role for direct and rapid FMRP-channel interactions in regulating ion channel function. This Review lays out the current state of knowledge in the field regarding channelopathies and the pathogenesis of FXS, including promising therapeutic implications.

Postsynaptic cell firing triggers bidirectional metaplasticity depending on the LTP induction protocol

Cell firing has been reported to variably upregulate or downregulate subsequently induced long-term potentiation (LTP). The aim of this study was to elucidate the parameters critical to driving each direction of the metaplasticity effect. The main focus was on the commonly used θ-burst stimulation (TBS) and high-frequency stimulation (HFS) protocols that are known to trigger distinct intracellular signaling cascades. To study action potential (AP)-induced metaplasticity, we used intracellular recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells of rat hippocampal slices. Somatic current injections were used to induce θ-burst firing (TBF) or high-frequency firing (HFF) for priming purposes, whereas LTP was induced 15 min later via TBS of Schaffer collaterals in stratum radiatum. TBS-LTP was inhibited by both priming protocols. Conversely, HFS-LTP was facilitated by HFF priming but not affected by TBF priming. Interestingly, both priming protocols reduced AP firing during TBS-LTP induction, and this effect correlated with the reduction of TBS-LTP. However, LTP was not rescued by restoring AP firing with somatic current injections during the TBS. Analysis of intrinsic properties revealed few changes, apart from a priming-induced increase in the medium afterhyperpolarization (HFF priming) and a decrease in the EPSP amplitude/slope ratio (TBF priming), which could in principle contribute to the inhibition of TBS-LTP by reducing depolarization and associated Ca²⁺ influx following synaptic activity or AP backpropagation. Overall, these data indicate that the more physiological TBS protocol for inducing LTP is particularly susceptible to homeostatic feedback inhibition by prior bouts of postsynaptic cell firing.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The induction of LTP in the hippocampus was bidirectionally regulated by prior postsynaptic cell firing, with θ-burst stimulation-induced LTP being consistently impaired by prior spiking, whereas high-frequency stimulation-induced LTP was either not changed or facilitated. Reductions in cell firing during LTP induction did not explain the LTP impairment. Overall, different patterns of postsynaptic firing induce distinct intracellular changes that can increase or decrease LTP depending on the induction protocol.

Missense mutation of Fmr1 results in impaired AMPAR-mediated plasticity and socio-cognitive deficits in mice

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and the best-described monogenic cause of autism. CGG-repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene leads to FMR1 silencing, loss-of-expression of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), and is a common cause of FXS. Missense mutations in the FMR1 gene were also identified in FXS patients, including the recurrent FMRP-R138Q mutation. To investigate the mechanisms underlying FXS caused by this mutation, we generated a knock-in mouse model (Fmr1R138Q) expressing the FMRP-R138Q protein. We demonstrate that, in the hippocampus of the Fmr1R138Q mice, neurons show an increased spine density associated with synaptic ultrastructural defects and increased AMPA receptor-surface expression. Combining biochemical assays, high-resolution imaging, electrophysiological recordings, and behavioural testing, we also show that the R138Q mutation results in impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and socio-cognitive deficits in mice. These findings reveal the functional impact of the FMRP-R138Q mutation in a mouse model of FXS.

The potassium channel Kv4.2 regulates dendritic spine morphology, electroencephalographic characteristics and seizure susceptibility in mice

The voltage-gated potassium channel Kv4.2 is a critical regulator of dendritic excitability in the hippocampus and is crucial for dendritic signal integration. Kv4.2 mRNA and protein expression as well as function are reduced in several genetic and pharmacologically induced rodent models of epilepsy and autism. It is not known, however, whether reduced Kv4.2 is just an epiphenomenon or a disease-contributing cause of neuronal hyperexcitability and behavioral impairments in these neurological disorders. To address this question, we used male and female mice heterozygous for a Kv.2 deletion and adult-onset manipulation of hippocampal Kv4.2 expression in male mice to assess the role of Kv4.2 in regulating neuronal network excitability, morphology and anxiety-related behaviors. We observed a reduction in dendritic spine density and reduced proportions of thin and stubby spines but no changes in anxiety, overall activity, or retention of conditioned freezing memory in Kv4.2 heterozygous mice compared with wildtype littermates. Using EEG analyses, we showed elevated theta power and increased spike frequency in Kv4.2 heterozygous mice under basal conditions. In addition, the latency to onset of kainic acid-induced seizures was significantly shortened in Kv4.2 heterozygous mice compared with wildtype littermates, which was accompanied by a significant increase in theta power. By contrast, overexpressing Kv4.2 in wildtype mice through intrahippocampal injection of Kv4.2-expressing lentivirus delayed seizure onset and reduced EEG power. These results suggest that Kv4.2 is an important regulator of neuronal network excitability and dendritic spine morphology, but not anxiety-related behaviors. In the future, manipulation of Kv4.2 expression could be used to alter seizure susceptibility in epilepsy.

Fragile X mental retardation protein modulates somatic D-type K+ channels and action potential threshold in the mouse prefrontal cortex

Axo-somatic K⁺ channels control action potential output in part by acting in concert with voltage-gated Na⁺ channels to set action potential threshold. Slowly inactivating, D-type K⁺ channels are enriched at the axo-somatic region of cortical pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex, where they regulate action potential firing. We previously demonstrated that D-type K⁺ channels are downregulated in extratelencephalic-projecting (ET) L5 neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the Fmr1-knockout mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FX mice), resulting in a hyperpolarized action potential threshold. To test whether K⁺ channel alterations are regulated in a cell-autonomous manner in FXS, we used a virus-mediated approach to restore expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in a small population of prefrontal neurons in male FX mice. Outside-out voltage-clamp recordings revealed a higher D-type K⁺ conductance in FMRP-positive ET neurons compared with nearby FMRP-negative ET neurons. FMRP did not affect either rapidly inactivating A-type or noninactivating K⁺ conductance. ET neuron patches recorded with FMRP_1-298, a truncated form of FMRP that lacks mRNA binding domains, included in the pipette solution had larger D-type K⁺ conductance compared with heat-inactivated controls. Viral expression of FMRP in FX mice depolarized action potential threshold to near-wild-type levels in ET neurons. These results suggest that FMRP influences the excitability of ET neurons in the mPFC by regulating somatic D-type K⁺ channels in a cell-autonomous, protein-protein-dependent manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrate that fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which is absent in fragile X syndrome (FXS), regulates D-type potassium channels in prefrontal cortex L5 pyramidal neurons with subcerebral projections but not in neighboring pyramidal neurons without subcerebral projections. FMRP regulates D-type potassium channels in a protein-protein-dependent manner and rescues action potential threshold in a mouse model of FXS. These findings have implications for how changes in voltage-gated channels contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

Neuronal Differentiation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Schizophrenia Patients in Two-Dimensional and in Three-Dimensional Cultures Reveals Increased Expression of the Kv4.2 Subunit DPP6 That Contributes to Decreased Neuronal Activity

Although the molecular underpinnings of schizophrenia (SZ) are still incompletely understood, deficits in synaptic activity and neuronal connectivity have been identified as core pathomechanisms of SZ and other neuropsychiatric disorders. In this study, we generated induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines from skin fibroblasts from healthy donors and patients diagnosed with idiopathic SZ. We differentiated the human iPSC into cortical neurons both as adherent monolayers and as three-dimensional spheroids. RNA sequencing revealed little overlap in differentially expressed genes between 2D and 3D neuron cultures from SZ iPSC compared with controls. Notably, mRNA transcripts encoding dipeptidyl peptidase-like protein 6 (DPP6), an accessory subunit of Kv4.2 voltage-gated potassium channels, were massively increased in cortical neurons from SZ iPSC in the 2D and 3D model. Consistently, multielectrode array recordings and calcium imaging showed significantly decreased neuronal activity both in 2D and in 3D cultures from SZ neurons. To show a causal relationship, we treated iPSC-derived neurons in 2D cultures with lentiviral DPP6 shRNA vectors and the Kv4.2 channel blocker AmmTx3, respectively. Both treatments successfully reversed neuronal hypoexcitability and hypoactivity in cortical neurons from SZ iPSC. Our data highlight a contribution of DPP6 and Kv4.2 to the deficit in neurotransmission in an iPSC model for SZ, which may be of therapeutic relevance for a subset of SZ patients.

Primary Ciliary Deficits in the Dentate Gyrus of Fragile X Syndrome

The primary cilium is the non-motile cilium present in most mammalian cell types and functions as an antenna for cells to sense signals. Ablating primary cilia in postnatal newborn neurons of the dentate gyrus (DG) results in both reduced dendritic arborization and synaptic strength, leading to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory deficits. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a common form of inheritance for intellectual disabilities with a high risk for autism spectrum disorders, and Fmr1 KO mice, a mouse model for FXS, demonstrate deficits in newborn neuron differentiation, dendritic morphology, and memory formation in the DG. Here, we found that the number of primary cilia in Fmr1 KO mice is reduced, specifically in the DG of the hippocampus. Moreover, this cilia loss was observed postnatally mainly in newborn neurons generated from the DG, implicating that these primary ciliary deficits may possibly contribute to the pathophysiology of FXS.

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Primary cilia are significantly reduced in the DG of Fmr1 KO mice

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Fmr1 KO mice show age-dependent primary cilia deficits

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Neuronal ciliogenesis defects are shown in the DG of Fmr1 KO mice

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Primary cilia deficits are observed in newborn neurons from SGZ, but not from DNe

Homeostatic Intrinsic Plasticity Is Functionally Altered in Fmr1 KO Cortical Neurons

Cortical hyperexcitability is a hallmark of fragile X syndrome (FXS). In the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS, cortical hyperexcitability is linked to sensory hypersensitivity and seizure susceptibility. It remains unclear why homeostatic mechanisms fail to prevent such activity. Homeostatic intrinsic plasticity (HIP) adjusts membrane excitability through regulation of ion channels to maintain activity levels following activity perturbation. Despite the critical role of HIP in the maturation of excitability, it has not been examined in FXS. Here, we demonstrate that HIP does not operate normally in a disease model, FXS. HIP was either lost or exaggerated in two distinct neuronal populations from Fmr1 KO cortical cultures. In addition, we have identified a mechanism for homeostatic intrinsic plasticity. Compromising HIP function during development could leave cortical neurons in the FXS nervous system vulnerable to hyperexcitability.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is characterized by cortical hyperexcitability, but the mechanisms driving hyperexcitability are poorly understood. Homeostatic intrinsic plasticity (HIP) regulates ion channel function to maintain appropriate activity levels. Bülow et al. show that HIP is functionally altered in FXS neurons, which may leave cortical neurons vulnerable to hyperexcitability.

Activity-dependent isomerization of Kv4.2 by Pin1 regulates cognitive flexibility

Voltage-gated K+ channels function in macromolecular complexes with accessory subunits to regulate brain function. Here, we describe a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (Pin1)-dependent mechanism that regulates the association of the A-type K+ channel subunit Kv4.2 with its auxiliary subunit dipeptidyl peptidase 6 (DPP6), and thereby modulates neuronal excitability and cognitive flexibility. We show that activity-induced Kv4.2 phosphorylation triggers Pin1 binding to, and isomerization of, Kv4.2 at the pThr607-Pro motif, leading to the dissociation of the Kv4.2-DPP6 complex. We generated a novel mouse line harboring a knock-in Thr607 to Ala (Kv4.2TA) mutation that abolished dynamic Pin1 binding to Kv4.2. CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus from these mice exhibited altered Kv4.2-DPP6 interaction, increased A-type K+ current, and reduced neuronal excitability. Behaviorally, Kv4.2TA mice displayed normal initial learning but improved reversal learning in both Morris water maze and lever press paradigms. These findings reveal a Pin1-mediated mechanism regulating reversal learning and provide potential targets for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive inflexibility.

Enhancing cognition through pharmacological and environmental interventions: Examples from preclinical models of neurodevelopmental disorders

In this review we discuss the role of environmental and pharmacological treatments to enhance cognition with special regards to neurodevelopmental related disorders and aging. How the environment influences brain structure and function, and the interactions between rearing conditions and gene expression, are fundamental questions that are still poorly understood. We propose a model that can explain some of the discrepancies in findings for effects of environmental enrichment on outcome measures. Evidence of a direct causal correlation of nootropics and treatments that enhanced cognition also will be presented, and possible molecular mechanisms that include neurotrophin signaling and downstream pathways underlying these processes are discussed. Finally we review recent findings achieved with a wide set of behavioral and cognitive tasks that have translational validity to humans, and should be useful for future work on devising appropriate therapies. As will be discussed, the collective findings suggest that a combinational therapeutic approach of environmental enrichment and nootropics could be particularly successful for improving learning and memory in both developmental disorders and normal aging.

Synaptic GluN2A-Containing NMDA Receptors: From Physiology to Pathological Synaptic Plasticity

N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate-gated receptors. NMDARs are tetramers composed by several homologous subunits of GluN1-, GluN2-, or GluN3-type, leading to the existence in the central nervous system of a high variety of receptor subtypes with different pharmacological and signaling properties. NMDAR subunit composition is strictly regulated during development and by activity-dependent synaptic plasticity. Given the differences between GluN2 regulatory subunits of NMDAR in several functions, here we will focus on the synaptic pool of NMDARs containing the GluN2A subunit, addressing its role in both physiology and pathological synaptic plasticity as well as the contribution in these events of different types of GluN2A-interacting proteins.

Loss of fragile X mental retardation protein precedes Lewy pathology in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder and is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the gradual appearance of α-synuclein (α-syn)-containing neuronal protein aggregates. Although the exact mechanism of α-syn-mediated cell death remains elusive, recent research suggests that α-syn-induced alterations in neuronal excitability contribute to cell death in PD. Because the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) controls the expression and function of numerous neuronal genes related to neuronal excitability and synaptic function, we here investigated the role of FMRP in α-syn-associated pathological changes in cell culture and mouse models of PD as well as in post-mortem human brain tissue from PD patients. We found FMRP to be decreased in cultured DA neurons and in the mouse brain in response to α-syn overexpression. FMRP was, furthermore, lost in the SNc of PD patients and in patients with early stages of incidental Lewy body disease (iLBD). Unlike fragile X syndrome (FXS), FMR1 expression in response to α-syn was regulated by a mechanism involving Protein Kinase C (PKC) and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Reminiscent of FXS neurons, α-syn-overexpressing cells exhibited an increase in membrane N-type calcium channels, increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2, eIF4E and S6, increased overall protein synthesis, and increased expression of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). FMRP affected neuronal function in a PD animal model, because FMRP-KO mice were resistant to the effect of α-syn on striatal dopamine release. In summary, our results thus reveal a new role of FMRP in PD and support the examination of FMRP-regulated genes in PD disease progression.

A TrkB agonist and ampakine rescue synaptic plasticity and multiple forms of memory in a mouse model of intellectual disability

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is associated with deficits in various types of learning, including those that require the hippocampus. Relatedly, hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is impaired in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. Prior research found that infusion of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rescues LTP in the KOs. Here, we tested if, in Fmr1 KO mice, up-regulating BDNF production or treatment with an agonist for BDNF's TrkB receptor restores synaptic plasticity and improves learning. In hippocampal slices, bath infusion of the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) completely restored otherwise impaired hippocampal field CA1 LTP of Fmr1 KOs without effect in wild types (WTs). Similarly, acute, semi-chronic, or chronic treatments with 7,8-DHF rescued a simple hippocampus-dependent form of spatial learning (object location memory: OLM) in Fmr1 KOs without effect in WTs. The agonist also restored object recognition memory, which depends on cortical regions. Semi-chronic, but not acute, treatment with the ampakine CX929, which up-regulates BDNF expression, lowered the training threshold for OLM in WT mice and rescued learning in the KOs. Positive results were also obtained in a test for social recognition. An mGluR5 antagonist did not improve learning. Quantification of synaptic immunolabeling demonstrated that 7,8-DHF and CX929 increase levels of activated TrkB at excitatory synapses. Moreover, CX929 induced a robust synaptic activation of the TrkB effector ERK1/2. These results suggest that enhanced synaptic BDNF signaling constitutes a plausible strategy for treating certain aspects of the cognitive disabilities associated with FXS.

Impaired Reliability and Precision of Spiking in Adults But Not Juveniles in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common source of intellectual disability and autism. Extensive studies have been performed on the network and behavioral correlates of the syndrome, but our knowledge about intrinsic conductance changes is still limited. In this study, we show a differential effect of FMRP knockout in different subsections of hippocampus using whole-cell patch clamp in mouse hippocampal slices. We observed no significant change in spike numbers in the CA1 region of hippocampus, but a significant increase in CA3, in juvenile mice. However, in adult mice we see a reduction in spike number in the CA1 with no significant difference in CA3. In addition, we see increased variability in spike numbers in CA1 cells following a variety of steady and modulated current step protocols. This effect emerges in adult mice (8 weeks) but not juvenile mice (4 weeks). This increased spiking variability was correlated with reduced spike number and with elevated AHP. The increased AHP arose from elevated SK currents (small conductance calcium-activated potassium channels), but other currents involved in medium AHP, such as I_h and M, were not significantly different. We obtained a partial rescue of the cellular variability phenotype when we blocked SK current using the specific blocker apamin. Our observations provide a single-cell correlate of the network observations of response variability and loss of synchronization, and suggest that the elevation of SK currents in FXS may provide a partial mechanistic explanation for this difference.

Neuronal deletion of phosphatase and tensin homolog results in cerebellar motor learning dysfunction and alterations in intracellular signaling

The purpose of this investigation was to examine cerebellar levels of several molecular signaling pathways, including PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and markers of neuronal migration, following loss of the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene in a subset of neurons, as well as the accompanying behavior phenotype in mice. Motor coordination and learning were measured by the sticker removal task and the accelerating rotarod. Western blots were conducted on cerebellar tissue samples. We demonstrated that neuron subset-specific deletion of PTEN in mice led to deficits in motor coordination. These changes were accompanied by alterations in many different proteins, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, FMRP, glutamate receptors, and neuronal migration markers. These data firstly support a role for hyperactivation of mTOR in the cerebellum following the loss of PTEN, accompanied by behavioral deficits. Moreover, the results of the current study support a broader role for PTEN signaling in early neuronal migration and organization of the cerebellum, and point to a putative role for PTEN in many neuropsychiatric conditions.

Disruption of GpI mGluR-Dependent Cav2.3 Translation in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited intellectual impairment that results from the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an mRNA binding protein that regulates mRNA translation at synapses. The absence of FMRP leads to neuronal and circuit-level hyperexcitability that is thought to arise from the aberrant expression and activity of voltage-gated ion channels, although the identification and characterization of these ion channels have been limited. Here, we show that FMRP binds the mRNA of the R-type voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3 in mouse brain synaptoneurosomes and represses Cav2.3 translation under basal conditions. Consequently, in hippocampal neurons from male and female FMRP KO mice, we find enhanced Cav2.3 protein expression by western blotting and abnormally large R currents in whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings. In agreement with previous studies showing that FMRP couples Group I metabotropic glutamate receptor (GpI mGluR) signaling to protein translation, we find that GpI mGluR stimulation results in increased Cav2.3 translation and R current in hippocampal neurons which is disrupted in FMRP KO mice. Thus, FMRP serves as a key translational regulator of Cav2.3 expression under basal conditions and in response to GpI mGluR stimulation. Loss of regulated Cav2.3 expression could underlie the neuronal hyperactivity and aberrant calcium spiking in FMRP KO mice and contribute to FXS, potentially serving as a novel target for future therapeutic strategies.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Patients with fragile X syndrome (FXS) exhibit signs of neuronal and circuit hyperexcitability, including anxiety and hyperactive behavior, attention deficit disorder, and seizures. FXS is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an mRNA binding protein, and the neuronal hyperexcitability observed in the absence of FMRP likely results from its ability to regulate the expression and activity of voltage-gated ion channels. Here we find that FMRP serves as a key translational regulator of the voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3 under basal conditions and following activity. Cav2.3 impacts cellular excitability and calcium signaling, and the alterations in channel translation and expression observed in the absence of FMRP could contribute to the neuronal hyperactivity that underlies FXS.

Transient Potassium Channels: Therapeutic Targets for Brain Disorders

Transient potassium current channels (I_A channels), which are expressed in most brain areas, have a central role in modulating feedforward and feedback inhibition along the dendroaxonic axis. Loss of the modulatory channels is tightly associated with a number of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, fragile X syndrome (FXS), Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, tinnitus, and ataxia. However, the functional significance of I_A channels in these diseases has so far been underestimated. In this review, we discuss the distribution and function of I_A channels. Particularly, we posit that downregulation of I_A channels results in neuronal (mostly dendritic) hyperexcitability accompanied by the imbalanced excitation and inhibition ratio in the brain’s networks, eventually causing the brain diseases. Finally, we propose a potential therapeutic target: the enhanced action of I_A channels to counteract Ca²⁺-permeable channels including NMDA receptors could be harnessed to restore dendritic excitability, leading to a balanced neuronal state.

Kinase pathway inhibition restores PSD95 induction in neurons lacking fragile X mental retardation protein

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of autism and intellectual disability. FXS is caused by loss of expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein that regulates translation of numerous mRNA targets, some of which are present at synapses. While protein synthesis deficits have long been postulated as an etiology of FXS, how FMRP loss affects distributions of newly synthesized proteins is unknown. Here we investigated the role of FMRP in regulating expression of new copies of the synaptic protein PSD95 in an in vitro model of synaptic plasticity. We find that local BDNF application promotes persistent accumulation of new PSD95 at stimulated synapses and dendrites of cultured neurons, and that this accumulation is absent in FMRP-deficient mouse neurons. New PSD95 accumulation at sites of BDNF stimulation does not require known mechanisms regulating FMRP-mRNA interactions but instead requires the PI3K-mTORC1-S6K1 pathway. Surprisingly, in FMRP-deficient neurons, BDNF induction of new PSD95 accumulation can be restored by mTORC1-S6K1 blockade, suggesting that constitutively high mTORC1-S6K1 activity occludes PSD95 regulation by BDNF and that alternative pathways exist to mediate induction when mTORC1-S6K1 is inhibited. This study provides direct evidence for deficits in local protein synthesis and accumulation of newly synthesized protein in response to local stimulation in FXS, and supports mTORC1-S6K1 pathway inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for FXS.

Voltage-Independent SK-Channel Dysfunction Causes Neuronal Hyperexcitability in the Hippocampus of Fmr1 Knock-Out Mice

Neuronal hyperexcitability is one of the major characteristics of fragile X syndrome (FXS), yet the molecular mechanisms of this critical dysfunction remain poorly understood. Here we report a major role of voltage-independent potassium (K⁺)-channel dysfunction in hyperexcitability of CA3 pyramidal neurons in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice. We observed a reduction of voltage-independent small conductance calcium (Ca²⁺)-activated K⁺ (SK) currents in both male and female mice, leading to decreased action potential (AP) threshold and reduced medium afterhyperpolarization. These SK-channel-dependent deficits led to markedly increased AP firing and abnormal input-output signal transmission of CA3 pyramidal neurons. The SK-current defect was mediated, at least in part, by loss of FMRP interaction with the SK channels (specifically the SK2 isoform), without changes in channel expression. Intracellular application of selective SK-channel openers or a genetic reintroduction of an N-terminal FMRP fragment lacking the ability to associate with polyribosomes normalized all observed excitability defects in CA3 pyramidal neurons of Fmr1 KO mice. These results suggest that dysfunction of voltage-independent SK channels is the primary cause of CA3 neuronal hyperexcitability in Fmr1 KO mice and support the critical translation-independent role for the fragile X mental retardation protein as a regulator of neural excitability. Our findings may thus provide a new avenue to ameliorate hippocampal excitability defects in FXS.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Despite two decades of research, no effective treatment is currently available for fragile X syndrome (FXS). Neuronal hyperexcitability is widely considered one of the hallmarks of FXS. Excitability research in the FXS field has thus far focused primarily on voltage-gated ion channels, while contributions from voltage-independent channels have been largely overlooked. Here we report that voltage-independent small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK)-channel dysfunction causes hippocampal neuron hyperexcitability in the FXS mouse model. Our results support the idea that translation-independent function of fragile X mental retardation protein has a major role in regulating ion-channel activity, specifically the SK channels, in hyperexcitability defects in FXS. Our findings may thus open a new direction to ameliorate hippocampal excitability defects in FXS.

Inhibition of GluN2A NMDA receptors ameliorates synaptic plasticity deficits in the Fmr1-/y mouse model

KEY POINTS

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a genetic condition that is the most common form of inherited intellectual impairment and causes a range of neurodevelopmental complications including learning disabilities and intellectual disability and shares many characteristics with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In the FXS mouse model, Fmr1^-/y , impaired synaptic plasticity was restored by pharmacologically inhibiting GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors but not GluN2B-containing receptors. Similar results were obtained by crossing Fmr1^-/y with GluN2A knock-out (Grin2A^-/- ) mice. These results suggest that dampening the elevated levels of GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors in Fmr1^-/y mice has the potential to restore hyperexcitability of the neural circuitry to (a more) normal-like level of brain activity.

ABSTRACT

NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play important roles in synaptic plasticity at central excitatory synapses, and dysregulation of their function may lead to severe disorders such Fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is caused by transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene followed by lack of the encoding protein. Here we examined the effects of pharmacological and genetic manipulation of hippocampal NMDAR functions in long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). We found impaired NMDAR-dependent LTP in the Fmr1-deficient mice, which could be fully restored when GluN2A-containing NMDARs was pharmacological inhibited. Interestingly, similar LTP effects were observed when the GluN2A gene (Grin2a) was deleted in Fmr1^-/y mice (Fmr1^-/y /Grin2a^-/- double knockout). In addition, GluN2A inhibition improved elevated mGluR5-dependent LTD to normal level in the Fmr1^-/y mouse. These findings suggest that GluN2A is a promising target in FXS research that could help us better understand the disorder.

Targeted Reactivation of FMR1 Transcription in Fragile X Syndrome Embryonic Stem Cells

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. It results from expansion of a CGG nucleotide repeat in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of FMR1. Large expansions elicit repeat and promoter hyper-methylation, heterochromatin formation, FMR1 transcriptional silencing and loss of the Fragile X protein, FMRP. Efforts aimed at correcting the sequelae resultant from FMRP loss have thus far proven insufficient, perhaps because of FMRP’s pleiotropic functions. As the repeats do not disrupt the FMRP coding sequence, reactivation of endogenous FMR1 gene expression could correct the proximal event in FXS pathogenesis. Here we utilize the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats/deficient CRISPR associated protein 9 (CRISPR/dCas9) system to selectively re-activate transcription from the silenced FMR1 locus. Fusion of the transcriptional activator VP192 to dCas9 robustly enhances FMR1 transcription and increases FMRP levels when targeted directly to the CGG repeat in human cells. Using a previously uncharacterized FXS human embryonic stem cell (hESC) line which acquires transcriptional silencing with serial passaging, we achieved locus-specific transcriptional re-activation of FMR1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression despite promoter and repeat methylation. However, these changes at the transcript level were not coupled with a significant elevation in FMRP protein expression in FXS cells. These studies demonstrate that directing a transcriptional activator to CGG repeats is sufficient to selectively reactivate FMR1 mRNA expression in Fragile X patient stem cells.

Imbalance of synaptic actin dynamics as a key to fragile X syndrome?

Our experiences and memories define who we are, and evidence has accumulated that memory formation is dependent on functional and structural adaptations of synaptic structures in our brain. Especially dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartments of synapses show a strong structure-to-function relationship and a high degree of structural plasticity. Although the molecular mechanisms are not completely understood, it is known that these modifications are highly dependent on the actin cytoskeleton, the major cytoskeletal component of the spine. Given the crucial involvement of actin in these mechanisms, dysregulations of spine actin dynamics (reflected by alterations in dendritic spine morphology) can be found in a variety of neurological disorders ranging from schizophrenia to several forms of autism spectrum disorders such as fragile X syndrome (FXS). FXS is caused by a single mutation leading to an inactivation of the X-linked fragile X mental retardation 1 gene and loss of its gene product, the RNA-binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein 1 (FMRP), which normally can be found both pre- and postsynaptically. FMRP is involved in mRNA transport as well as regulation of local translation at the synapse, and although hundreds of FMRP-target mRNAs could be identified only a very few interactions between FMRP and actin-regulating proteins have been reported and validated. In this review we give an overview of recent work by our lab and others providing evidence that dysregulated actin dynamics might indeed be at the very base of a deeper understanding of neurological disorders ranging from cognitive impairment to the autism spectrum.

Nanoparticle delivery of CRISPR into the brain rescues a mouse model of fragile X syndrome from exaggerated repetitive behaviours

Technologies that can safely edit genes in the brains of adult animals may revolutionize the treatment of neurological diseases and the understanding of brain function. Here, we demonstrate that intracranial injection of CRISPR-Gold, a nonviral delivery vehicle for the CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein, can edit genes in the brains of adult mice in multiple mouse models. CRISPR-Gold can deliver both Cas9 and Cpf1 ribonucleoproteins, and can edit all of the major cell types in the brain, including neurons, astrocytes and microglia, with undetectable levels of toxicity at the doses used. We also show that CRISPR-Gold designed to target the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) gene can efficiently reduce local mGluR5 levels in the striatum after an intracranial injection. The effect can also rescue mice from the exaggerated repetitive behaviours caused by fragile X syndrome, a common single-gene form of autism spectrum disorders. CRISPR-Gold may significantly accelerate the development of brain-targeted therapeutics and enable the rapid development of focal brain-knockout animal models.

Pharmacological Modulation of AMPAR Rescues Intellectual Disability-Like Phenotype in Tm4sf2-/y Mice

Intellectual disability affects 2–3% of the world's population and typically begins during childhood, causing impairments in social skills and cognitive abilities. Mutations in the TM4SF2 gene, which encodes the TSPAN7 protein, cause a severe form of intellectual disability, and currently, no therapy is able to ameliorate this cognitive impairment. We previously reported that, in cultured neurons, shRNA-mediated down-regulation of TSPAN7 affects AMPAR trafficking by enhancing PICK1–GluA2 interaction, thereby increasing the intracellular retention of AMPAR. Here, we found that loss of TSPAN7 function in mice causes alterations in hippocampal excitatory synapse structure and functionality as well as cognitive impairment. These changes occurred along with alterations in AMPAR expression levels. We also found that interfering with PICK1–GluA2 binding restored synaptic function in Tm4sf2^−/y mice. Moreover, potentiation of AMPAR activity via the administration of the ampakine CX516 reverted the neurological phenotype observed in Tm4sf2^−/y mice, suggesting that pharmacological modulation of AMPAR may represent a new approach for treating patients affected by TM4SF2 mutations and intellectual disability.

Development-related aberrations in Kv1.1 α-subunit exert disruptive effects on bioelectrical activities of neurons in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Kv1.1, a Shaker homologue potassium channel, plays a critical role in homeostatic regulation of neuronal excitability. Aberrations in the functional properties of Kv1.1 have been implicated in several neurological disorders featured by neuronal hyperexcitability. Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited mental retardation, is characterized by hyperexcitability in neural network and intrinsic membrane properties. The Kv1.1 channel provides an intriguing mechanistic candidate for FXS. We investigated the development-related expression pattern of the Kv1.1 α-subunit by using a Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS. Markedly decreased protein expression of Kv1.1 was found in neonatal and adult stages when compared to age-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Immunohistochemical investigations supported the delayed development-related increases in Kv1.1 expression, especially in CA3 pyramidal neurons. By applying a Kv1.1-specific blocker, dendrotoxin-κ (DTX-κ), we isolated the Kv1.1-mediated currents in the CA3 pyramidal neurons. The isolated DTX-κ-sensitive current of neurons from KO mice exhibited decreased amplitude, lower threshold of activation, and faster recovery from inactivation. The equivalent reduction in potassium current in the WT neurons following application of the appropriate amount of DTX-κ reproduced the enhanced firing abilities of KO neurons, suggesting the Kv1.1 channel as a critical contributor to the hyperexcitability of KO neurons. The role of Kv1.1 in controlling neuronal discharges was further supported by the parallel developmental trajectories of Kv1.1 expression, current amplitude, and discharge impacts, with a significant correlation between the amplitude of Kv1.1-mediated currents and Kv1.1-blocking-induced firing enhancement. These data suggest that the expression of the Kv1.1 α-subunit has a profound pathological relevance to hyperexcitability in FXS, as well as implications for normal development, maintenance, and control of neuronal activities.

Abnormal Sleep Architecture and Hippocampal Circuit Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable cause of intellectual disability and single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. The Fmr1 null mouse models much of the human disease including hyperarousal, sensory hypersensitivity, seizure activity, and hippocampus-dependent cognitive impairment. Sleep architecture is disorganized in FXS patients, but has not been examined in Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. Hippocampal neural activity during sleep, which is implicated in memory processing, also remains uninvestigated in Fmr1-KO mice. We performed in vivo electrophysiological studies of freely behaving Fmr1-KO mice to assess neural activity, in the form of single-unit spiking and local field potential (LFP), within the hippocampal CA1 region during multiple differentiated sleep and wake states. Here, we demonstrate that Fmr1-KO mice exhibited a deficit in rapid eye movement sleep (REM) due to a reduction in the frequency of bouts of REM, consistent with sleep architecture abnormalities of FXS patients. Fmr1-KO CA1 pyramidal cells (CA1-PCs) were hyperactive in all sleep and wake states. Increased low gamma power in CA1 suggests that this hyperactivity was related to increased input to CA1 from CA3. By contrast, slower sharp-wave ripple events (SWRs) in Fmr1-KO mice exhibited longer event duration, slower oscillation frequency, with reduced CA1-PC firing rates during SWRs, yet the incidence rate of SWRs remained intact. These results suggest abnormal neuronal activity in the Fmr1-KO mouse during SWRs, and hyperactivity during other wake and sleep states, with likely adverse consequences for memory processes.