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Mohammad S, Gentreau M, Dubol M, Rukh G, Mwinyi J, Schiöth HB. Association of polygenic scores for autism with volumetric MRI phenotypes in cerebellum and brainstem in adults. Mol Autism 2024; 15:34. [PMID: 39113134 PMCID: PMC11304666 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00611-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research on autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have showed important volumetric alterations in the cerebellum and brainstem. Most of these studies are however limited to case-control studies with small clinical samples and including mainly children or adolescents. Herein, we aimed to explore the association between the cumulative genetic load (polygenic risk score, PRS) for ASD and volumetric alterations in the cerebellum and brainstem, as well as global brain tissue volumes of the brain among adults at the population level. We utilized the latest genome-wide association study of ASD by the Psychiatric Genetics Consortium (18,381 cases, 27,969 controls) and constructed the ASD PRS in an independent cohort, the UK Biobank. Regression analyses controlled for multiple comparisons with the false-discovery rate (FDR) at 5% were performed to investigate the association between ASD PRS and forty-four brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) phenotypes among ~ 31,000 participants. Primary analyses included sixteen MRI phenotypes: total volumes of the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), grey matter (GM), white matter (WM), GM of whole cerebellum, brainstem, and ten regions of the cerebellum (I_IV, V, VI, VIIb, VIIIa, VIIIb, IX, X, CrusI and CrusII). Secondary analyses included twenty-eight MRI phenotypes: the sub-regional volumes of cerebellum including the GM of the vermis and both left and right lobules of each cerebellar region. ASD PRS were significantly associated with the volumes of seven brain areas, whereby higher PRS were associated to reduced volumes of the whole brain, WM, brainstem, and cerebellar regions I-IV, IX, and X, and an increased volume of the CSF. Three sub-regional volumes including the left cerebellar lobule I-IV, cerebellar vermes VIIIb, and X were significantly and negatively associated with ASD PRS. The study highlights a substantial connection between susceptibility to ASD, its underlying genetic etiology, and neuroanatomical alterations of the adult brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salahuddin Mohammad
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mélissa Gentreau
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Manon Dubol
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gull Rukh
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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2
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Weaver O, Gano D, Zhou Y, Kim H, Tognatta R, Yan Z, Ryu JK, Brandt C, Basu T, Grana M, Cabriga B, Alzamora MDPS, Barkovich AJ, Akassoglou K, Petersen MA. Fibrinogen inhibits sonic hedgehog signaling and impairs neonatal cerebellar development after blood-brain barrier disruption. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2323050121. [PMID: 39042684 PMCID: PMC11295022 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2323050121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar injury in preterm infants with central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage results in lasting neurological deficits and an increased risk of autism. The impact of blood-induced pathways on cerebellar development remains largely unknown, so no specific treatments have been developed to counteract the harmful effects of blood after neurovascular damage in preterm infants. Here, we show that fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein, plays a central role in impairing neonatal cerebellar development. Longitudinal MRI of preterm infants revealed that cerebellar bleeds were the most critical factor associated with poor cerebellar growth. Using inflammatory and hemorrhagic mouse models of neonatal cerebellar injury, we found that fibrinogen increased innate immune activation and impeded neurogenesis in the developing cerebellum. Fibrinogen inhibited sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, the main mitogenic pathway in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs), and was sufficient to disrupt cerebellar growth. Genetic fibrinogen depletion attenuated neuroinflammation, promoted CGNP proliferation, and preserved normal cerebellar development after neurovascular damage. Our findings suggest that fibrinogen alters the balance of SHH signaling in the neurovascular niche and may serve as a therapeutic target to mitigate developmental brain injury after CNS hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Weaver
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Dawn Gano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Yungui Zhou
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Hosung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA90033
| | - Reshmi Tognatta
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Zhaoqi Yan
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Jae Kyu Ryu
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Caroline Brandt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Trisha Basu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Martin Grana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Belinda Cabriga
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Maria del Pilar S. Alzamora
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - A. James Barkovich
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94143
| | - Katerina Akassoglou
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Department of Neurology, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
| | - Mark A. Petersen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
- Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA94158
- Center for Neurovascular Brain Immunology at Gladstone Institutes and University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA94158
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3
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Xue R, Tang X, Tang J, Zhang S, Liao X, Chen X, Li L, Li X. Climbing Fiber Activation Induced by Footshock in the Cerebellar Vermis Lobule IV/V of Freely Moving Mice. Physiol Res 2024; 73:449-459. [PMID: 39027961 PMCID: PMC11299787 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.935203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Parallel fibers (PFs) in the cerebellar cortex are involved in a series of coordinated responses in the fear conditioning paradigm induced by footshock. However, whether footshock can activate cerebellar climbing fibers (CFs) remains unclear. In this study, we recorded calcium (Ca2+) activity in CFs by optical fiber photometry in the cerebellar vermis lobule IV/V of freely moving mice with footshock stimulation. We found that the activation of CFs in the lobule IV/V was highly correlated with footshock stimulation but not with the sound stimulation used as a control. This result suggests that afferent information from CFs might be associated with the motor initiation of fear-related behaviors or fear emotion itself. Thus, our results suggest that a characteristic CF signal in the cerebellar cortex might be related to fear processing or footshock-related behaviors (such as startle responses or pain sensation).
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Affiliation(s)
- R Xue
- Center for Neurointelligence, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China. or
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Verpeut JL. Restoring cerebellar-dependent learning. eLife 2024; 13:e100251. [PMID: 39012692 PMCID: PMC11251719 DOI: 10.7554/elife.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions reverse defects associated with increased cerebellar long-term depression in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Verpeut
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State UniversityTempeUnited States
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5
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Kong Y, Roser M, Bègue I, Elandaloussi Y, Neu N, Grigis A, Duchesnay E, Leboyer M, Houenou J, Laidi C. Cerebellum and social abilities: A structural and functional connectivity study in a transdiagnostic sample. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26749. [PMID: 38989605 PMCID: PMC11237877 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has been involved in social abilities and autism. Given that the cerebellum is connected to the cortex via the cerebello-thalamo-cortical loop, the connectivity between the cerebellum and cortical regions involved in social interactions, that is, the right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ) has been studied in individuals with autism, who suffer from prototypical deficits in social abilities. However, existing studies with small samples of categorical, case-control comparisons have yielded inconsistent results due to the inherent heterogeneity of autism, suggesting that investigating how clinical dimensions are related to cerebellar-rTPJ functional connectivity might be more relevant. Therefore, our objective was to study the functional connectivity between the cerebellum and rTPJ, focusing on its association with social abilities from a dimensional perspective in a transdiagnostic sample. We analyzed structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional MRI (fMRI) scans obtained during naturalistic films watching from a large transdiagnostic dataset, the Healthy Brain Network (HBN), and examined the association between cerebellum-rTPJ functional connectivity and social abilities measured with the social responsiveness scale (SRS). We conducted univariate seed-to-voxel analysis, multivariate canonical correlation analysis (CCA), and predictive support vector regression (SVR). We included 1404 subjects in the structural analysis (age: 10.516 ± 3.034, range: 5.822-21.820, 506 females) and 414 subjects in the functional analysis (age: 11.260 ± 3.318 years, range: 6.020-21.820, 161 females). Our CCA model revealed a significant association between cerebellum-rTPJ functional connectivity, full-scale IQ (FSIQ) and SRS scores. However, this effect was primarily driven by FSIQ as suggested by SVR and univariate seed-to-voxel analysis. We also demonstrated the specificity of the rTPJ and the influence of structural anatomy in this association. Our results suggest that there is a complex relationship between cerebellum-rTPJ connectivity, social performance and IQ. This relationship is specific to the cerebellum-rTPJ connectivity, and is largely related to structural anatomy in these two regions. PRACTITIONER POINTS: We analyzed cerebellum-right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) connectivity in a pediatric transdiagnostic sample. We found a complex relationship between cerebellum and rTPJ connectivity, social performance and IQ. Cerebellum and rTPJ functional connectivity is related to structural anatomy in these two regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Kong
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
| | - Mathilde Roser
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
- Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
| | - Indrit Bègue
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical School and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Neuroimaging and Translational Psychiatry lab, Synapsy Center for Neuroscience and Mental Health Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yannis Elandaloussi
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
| | - Nathan Neu
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
| | - Antoine Grigis
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
| | | | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
| | - Josselin Houenou
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
- Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
| | - Charles Laidi
- INSERM U955, Institut Mondor de la Recherche Biomédicale (IMRB), Univ. Paris East Créteil, Team 15 Translational Neuropsychiatry, DMU IMPACT, Henri Mondor - AP-HP Paris University Hospitals, Créteil, France
- NeuroSpin, CEA, Paris-Saclay University, France, Saclay, France
- Fondation Fondamental, Créteil, France
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6
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Guerra M, Medici V, La Sala G, Farini D. Unravelling the Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Insights into Genetic Mechanisms and Developmental Pathways. Cells 2024; 13:1176. [PMID: 39056758 PMCID: PMC11275240 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviors. Although the etiology of ASD is multifactorial, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to its development, a strong genetic basis is widely recognized. Recent research has identified numerous genetic mutations and genomic rearrangements associated with ASD-characterizing genes involved in brain development. Alterations in developmental programs are particularly harmful during critical periods of brain development. Notably, studies have indicated that genetic disruptions occurring during the second trimester of pregnancy affect cortical development, while disturbances in the perinatal and early postnatal period affect cerebellar development. The developmental defects must be viewed in the context of the role of the cerebellum in cognitive processes, which is now well established. The present review emphasizes the genetic complexity and neuropathological mechanisms underlying ASD and aims to provide insights into the cerebellar involvement in the disorder, focusing on recent advances in the molecular landscape governing its development in humans. Furthermore, we highlight when and in which cerebellar neurons the ASD-associated genes may play a role in the development of cortico-cerebellar circuits. Finally, we discuss improvements in protocols for generating cerebellar organoids to recapitulate the long period of development and maturation of this organ. These models, if generated from patient-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), could provide a valuable approach to elucidate the contribution of defective genes to ASD pathology and inform diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Vanessa Medici
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Human Anatomy, Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth, 00168 Rome, Italy; (M.G.); (V.M.)
| | - Gina La Sala
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Italian National Research Council (CNR), 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Italy
| | - Donatella Farini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Collins JM, Keane JM, Deady C, Khashan AS, McCarthy FP, O'Keeffe GW, Clarke G, Cryan JF, Caputi V, O'Mahony SM. Prenatal stress impacts foetal neurodevelopment: Temporal windows of gestational vulnerability. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105793. [PMID: 38971516 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stressors ranging in severity from everyday occurrences/hassles to the experience of traumatic events negatively impact neurodevelopment, increasing the risk for the onset of psychopathology in the offspring. Notably, the timing of prenatal stress exposure plays a critical role in determining the nature and severity of subsequent neurodevelopmental outcomes. In this review, we evaluate the empirical evidence regarding temporal windows of heightened vulnerability to prenatal stress with respect to motor, cognitive, language, and behavioural development in both human and animal studies. We also explore potential temporal windows whereby several mechanisms may mediate prenatal stress-induced neurodevelopmental effects, namely, excessive hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, altered serotonin signalling and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system, changes in placental function, immune system dysregulation, and alterations of the gut microbiota. While broadly defined developmental windows are apparent for specific psychopathological outcomes, inconsistencies arise when more complex cognitive and behavioural outcomes are considered. Novel approaches to track molecular markers reflective of the underlying aetiologies throughout gestation to identify tractable biomolecular signatures corresponding to critical vulnerability periods are urgently required.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Collins
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - James M Keane
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Clara Deady
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Ali S Khashan
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Fergus P McCarthy
- The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard W O'Keeffe
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; The Irish Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research (INFANT), Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Valentina Caputi
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Zhou D, Hua T, Tang H, Yang R, Huang L, Gong Y, Zhang L, Tang G. Gender and age related brain structural and functional alterations in children with autism spectrum disorder. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae283. [PMID: 38997211 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
To explore the effects of age and gender on the brain in children with autism spectrum disorder using magnetic resonance imaging. 185 patients with autism spectrum disorder and 110 typically developing children were enrolled. In terms of gender, boys with autism spectrum disorder had increased gray matter volumes in the insula and superior frontal gyrus and decreased gray matter volumes in the inferior frontal gyrus and thalamus. The brain regions with functional alterations are mainly distributed in the cerebellum, anterior cingulate gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and putamen. Girls with autism spectrum disorder only had increased gray matter volumes in the right cuneus and showed higher amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation in the paracentral lobule, higher regional homogeneity and degree centrality in the calcarine fissure, and greater right frontoparietal network-default mode network connectivity. In terms of age, preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder exhibited hypo-connectivity between and within auditory network, somatomotor network, and visual network. School-aged children with autism spectrum disorder showed increased gray matter volumes in the rectus gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, insula, and suboccipital gyrus, as well as increased amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation and regional homogeneity in the calcarine fissure and precentral gyrus and decreased in the cerebellum and anterior cingulate gyrus. The hyper-connectivity between somatomotor network and left frontoparietal network and within visual network was found. It is essential to consider the impact of age and gender on the neurophysiological alterations in autism spectrum disorder children when analyzing changes in brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Ting Hua
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Huan Tang
- Department of Radiology, Huadong Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Linsheng Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Yujiao Gong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
| | - Guangyu Tang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, China
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, Fudan University, Shanghai 201103, China
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9
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Mitoma H, Manto M, Shaikh AG. Alcohol Toxicity in the Developing Cerebellum. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1415. [PMID: 39001305 PMCID: PMC11241390 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14131415] [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: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The impact of ethanol on the fetus is a significant concern as an estimated 2-5% of live births may be affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. This exposure can lead to various functional and structural abnormalities in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, diencephalon, and cerebellum, resulting in region-specific symptoms. The deficits relate to the motor and cognitive domains, affecting, in particular, general intelligence, attention, executive functions, language, memory, visual perception, and social skills-collectively called the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Recent studies suggest that damage to the developing cerebellum (in form of alcohol exposure) can impair the cortical targets of the cerebello-thalamo-cortical tract. This malfunction in the cerebello-cerebral loop optimization may be due to disruptions in the formation of the foundational elements of the internal model within the developing cerebellum. Alcohol exposure targets multiple nodes in the reciprocal loops between the cerebellum and cerebral cortex. Here, we examine the possibility that prenatal alcohol exposure damages the developing cerebellum and disrupts the connectivity within the cerebello-cerebral neuronal circuits, exacerbating FASD-related cortical dysfunctions. We propose that malfunctions between cerebellar internal model (critically involved in predictions) and cerebral regions contribute to the deficits observed in FASD. Given the major role of the cerebellum in motor, cognitive, and affective functions, we suggest that therapies should target these malfunctions to mitigate the burden of FASD. We discuss the concept of therapies oriented towards malfunctioning cerebello-cerebral loops (TOMCCLs), emphasizing anti-inflammatory strategies and treatments aimed at modulating cerebellar myelination to restore optimal and predictive cerebello-cerebral functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Mario Manto
- Unité des Ataxies Cérébelleuses, Service de Neurologie, CHU-Charleroi, 6000 Charleroi, Belgium
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, 7000 Mons, Belgium
| | - Aasef G Shaikh
- Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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10
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Moppert S, Mercado E. Contributions of dysfunctional plasticity mechanisms to the development of atypical perceptual processing. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22504. [PMID: 38837411 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Experimental studies of sensory plasticity during development in birds and mammals have highlighted the importance of sensory experiences for the construction and refinement of functional neural circuits. We discuss how dysregulation of experience-dependent brain plasticity can lead to abnormal perceptual representations that may contribute to heterogeneous deficits symptomatic of several neurodevelopmental disorders. We focus on alterations of somatosensory processing and the dynamic reorganization of cortical synaptic networks that occurs during early perceptual development. We also discuss the idea that the heterogeneity of strengths and weaknesses observed in children with neurodevelopmental disorders may be a direct consequence of altered plasticity mechanisms during early development. Treating the heterogeneity of perceptual developmental trajectories as a phenomenon worthy of study rather than as an experimental confound that should be overcome may be key to developing interventions that better account for the complex developmental trajectories experienced by modern humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy Moppert
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Eduardo Mercado
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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11
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Biswas MS, Roy SK, Hasan R, PK MMU. The crucial role of the cerebellum in autism spectrum disorder: Neuroimaging, neurobiological, and anatomical insights. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2233. [PMID: 38966075 PMCID: PMC11222293 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2233] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and challenges. While ASD is primarily associated with atypical social and communicative behaviors, increasing research has pointed towards the involvement of various brain regions, including the cerebellum. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of cerebellar lobules in ASD, highlighting recent findings and potential therapeutic implications. Methods Using published articles found in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, we extracted pertinent data to complete this review work. We have searched for terms including anatomical insights, neuroimaging, neurobiological, and autism spectrum disorder. Results The intricate relationship between the cerebellum and other brain regions linked to ASD has been highlighted by neurobiological research, which has shown abnormalities in neurotransmitter systems and cerebellar circuitry. The relevance of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of ASD has been further highlighted by anatomical studies that have revealed evidence of cerebellar abnormalities, including changes in volume, morphology, and connectivity. Conclusion Thorough knowledge of the cerebellum's function in ASD may lead to new understandings of the underlying mechanisms of the condition and make it easier to create interventions and treatments that are more specifically targeted at treating cerebellar dysfunction in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shahangir Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyKhwaja Yunus Ali UniversitySirajganjBangladesh
- Department of Public HealthDaffodil International UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Suronjit Kumar Roy
- Department of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyKhwaja Yunus Ali UniversitySirajganjBangladesh
| | - Rubait Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and BiotechnologyKhwaja Yunus Ali UniversitySirajganjBangladesh
| | - Md Moyen Uddin PK
- Institute of Biological ScienceRajshahi UniversityMotihar, RajshahiBangladesh
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12
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Guo BQ, Li HB, Zhai DS, Yang LQ. Prevalence of autism spectrum disorder diagnosis by birth weight, gestational age, and size for gestational age: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:2035-2049. [PMID: 36066648 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02078-4] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to comprehensively pool the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis by birth weight, gestational age, and size for gestational age. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched up to December 22, 2021. We pooled data using the random-effects model and quantified heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Of 66 643 records initially identified, 75 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence estimates of ASD diagnosis are as follows: very-low-birth weight, 3.1% (912 ASD/66,445 individuals); low-birth weight, 2.3% (5672 ASD/593,927 individuals); normal-birth weight, 0.5% (17,361 ASD/2,378,933 individuals); high-birth weight, 0.6% (4505 ASD/430,699 individuals); very preterm, 2.8% (2113 ASD/128,513 individuals); preterm, 2.1% (19 672 ASD/1 725 244 individuals); term, 0.6% (113,261 ASD/15,297,259 individuals); postterm, 0.6% (9419 ASD/1,138,215 individuals); small-for-gestational-age, 1.9% (6314 ASD/796,550 individuals); appropriate-for-gestational-age, 0.7% (21,026 ASD/5,936,704 individuals); and large-for-gestational-age, 0.6% (2607 ASD/635,666 individuals). Compared with the reference prevalence (those in normal-birth weight, term, and appropriate-for-gestational-age individuals), the prevalence estimates of ASD diagnosis in very-low-birth weight, low-birth weight, very preterm, preterm, and small-for-gestational-age individuals increased significantly, while those in high-birth weight, postterm, and large-for-gestational-age individuals did not change significantly. There were geographical differences in the prevalence estimates. This meta-analysis provided reliable estimates of the prevalence of ASD diagnosis by birth weight, gestational age, and size for gestational age, and suggested that low-birth weight (especially very-low-birth weight), preterm (especially very preterm), and small-for-gestational-age births, rather than high-birth weight, postterm, and large-for-gestational-age births, were associated with increased risk of ASD diagnosis. However, in view of marked between-study heterogeneity in most conditions, unknown effects of certain important confounders associated with ASD due to limited information in original articles, and included studies from a relatively small number of countries, the findings of this study should be interpreted with caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Qiang Guo
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China.
| | - Hong-Bin Li
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - De-Sheng Zhai
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
| | - Li-Qiang Yang
- School of Public Health, Xinxiang Medical University, 601 Jinsui Road, Xinxiang, Henan, 453003, China
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13
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Mu C, Dang X, Luo XJ. Mendelian randomization analyses reveal causal relationships between brain functional networks and risk of psychiatric disorders. Nat Hum Behav 2024; 8:1417-1428. [PMID: 38724650 DOI: 10.1038/s41562-024-01879-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Dysfunction of brain resting-state functional networks has been widely reported in psychiatric disorders. However, the causal relationships between brain resting-state functional networks and psychiatric disorders remain largely unclear. Here we perform bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to investigate the causalities between 191 resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) phenotypes (n = 34,691 individuals) and 12 psychiatric disorders (n = 14,307 to 698,672 individuals). Forward MR identified 8 rsfMRI phenotypes causally associated with the risk of psychiatric disorders. For example, the increase in the connectivity of motor, subcortical-cerebellum and limbic network was associated with lower risk of autism spectrum disorder. In adddition, increased connectivity in the default mode and central executive network was associated with lower risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Reverse MR analysis revealed significant associations between 4 psychiatric disorders and 6 rsfMRI phenotypes. For instance, the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder increases the connectivity of the attention, salience, motor and subcortical-cerebellum network. The risk of schizophrenia mainly increases the connectivity of the default mode and central executive network and decreases the connectivity of the attention network. In summary, our findings reveal causal relationships between brain functional networks and psychiatric disorders, providing important interventional and therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders at the brain functional network level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changgai Mu
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinglun Dang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiong-Jian Luo
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Advanced Institute for Life and Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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14
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Inutsuka A, Hattori A, Yoshida M, Takayanagi Y, Onaka T. Cerebellar damage with inflammation upregulates oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann Glia. Mol Brain 2024; 17:41. [PMID: 38943193 PMCID: PMC11214225 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-024-01114-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum plays an important role in cognitive and social functioning. Childhood damage in the cerebellum increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder. Cerebellar inflammation induces social avoidance in mice. Oxytocin regulates social relationship and expression pattern of the oxytocin receptor in the brain is related to social behaviors. However, the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum remain controversial. Here, we report that the expression patterns of the oxytocin receptor in the cerebellum are highly variable among knock-in transgenic lines. We used Oxtr-Cre knock-in mice combined with a fluorescent reporter line and found that oxytocin receptor expression in Bergmann glia was more variable than that in Purkinje cells. We found that physical damage with inflammation induced the selective upregulation of the oxytocin receptor in Bergmann glia. Our findings indicate high variability in oxytocin receptor expression in the cerebellum and suggest that the oxytocin receptor can affect neural processing in pathological conditions, such as inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Inutsuka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
| | - Aisa Hattori
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Masahide Yoshida
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Yuki Takayanagi
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan
| | - Tatsushi Onaka
- Department of Physiology, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke, 323-0498, Japan.
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15
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Skye J, Bruss J, Toescu S, Aquilina K, Grafft A, Bardi Lola G, Boes AD. Neuroanatomy of cerebellar mutism syndrome: the role of lesion location. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae197. [PMID: 39015767 PMCID: PMC11250198 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 25% of paediatric patients who undergo cerebellar tumour resection develop cerebellar mutism syndrome. Our group recently showed that damage to the cerebellar deep nuclei and superior cerebellar peduncles, which we refer to as the cerebellar outflow pathway, is associated with an increased risk of cerebellar mutism syndrome. Here, we tested whether these findings replicate in an independent cohort. We evaluated the relationship between lesion location and the development of cerebellar mutism syndrome in an observational study of 56 paediatric patients ranging from five months to 14 years of age who underwent cerebellar tumour resection. We hypothesized that individuals who developed cerebellar mutism syndrome after surgery, relative to those who did not, would have lesions that preferentially intersect with: (i) the cerebellar outflow pathway and (ii) a previously generated 'lesion-symptom map' of cerebellar mutism syndrome. Analyses were conducted in accordance with pre-registered hypotheses and analytic methods (https://osf.io/r8yjv/). We found supporting evidence for both hypotheses. Compared to patients who did not develop cerebellar mutism syndrome, patients with cerebellar mutism syndrome (n = 10) had lesions with greater overlap with the cerebellar outflow pathway (Cohen's d = 0.73, P = 0.05), and the cerebellar mutism syndrome lesion-symptom map (Cohen's d = 1.1, P = 0.004). These results strengthen the association of lesion location with the risk of developing cerebellar mutism syndrome and demonstrate generalizability across cohorts. These findings may help to inform the optimal surgical approach to paediatric cerebellar tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jax Skye
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Joel Bruss
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Sebastian Toescu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Developmental Imaging and Biophysics Section, UCL-GOS Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Kristian Aquilina
- Department of Neurosurgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Amanda Grafft
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Gino Bardi Lola
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Aaron D Boes
- Department of Neurology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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16
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Klaus J, Stoodley CJ, Schutter DJLG. Neurodevelopmental trajectories of cerebellar grey matter associated with verbal abilities in males with autism spectrum disorder. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101379. [PMID: 38615557 PMCID: PMC11026694 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with structural cerebellar abnormalities. Whether cerebellar grey matter volumes (GMV) are linked to verbal impairments remains controversial. Here, the association between cerebellar GMV and verbal abilities in ASD was examined across the lifespan. Lobular segmentation of the cerebellum was performed on structural MRI scans from the ABIDE I dataset in male individuals with ASD (N=144, age: 8.5-64.0 years) and neurotypical controls (N=188; age: 8.0-56.2 years). Stepwise linear mixed effects modeling including group (ASD vs. neurotypical controls), lobule-wise GMV, and age was performed to identify cerebellar lobules which best predicted verbal abilities as measured by verbal IQ (VIQ). An age-specific association between VIQ and GMV of bilateral Crus II was found in ASD relative to neurotypical controls. In children with ASD, higher VIQ was associated with larger GMV of left Crus II but smaller GMV of right Crus II. By contrast, in adults with ASD, higher VIQ was associated with smaller GMV of left Crus II and larger GMV of right Crus II. These findings indicate that relative to the contralateral hemisphere, an initial reliance on the language-nonspecific left cerebellar hemisphere is offset by more typical right-lateralization in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Klaus
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Dennis J L G Schutter
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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17
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van der Heijden ME. Converging and Diverging Cerebellar Pathways for Motor and Social Behaviors in Mice. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-024-01706-w. [PMID: 38780757 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-024-01706-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Evidence from clinical and preclinical studies has shown that the cerebellum contributes to cognitive functions, including social behaviors. Now that the cerebellum's role in a wider range of behaviors has been confirmed, the question arises whether the cerebellum contributes to social behaviors via the same mechanisms with which it modulates movements. This review seeks to answer whether the cerebellum guides motor and social behaviors through identical pathways. It focuses on studies in which cerebellar cells, synapses, or genes are manipulated in a cell-type specific manner followed by testing of the effects on social and motor behaviors. These studies show that both anatomically restricted and cerebellar cortex-wide manipulations can lead to social impairments without abnormal motor control, and vice versa. These studies suggest that the cerebellum employs different cellular, synaptic, and molecular pathways for social and motor behaviors. Future studies warrant a focus on the diverging mechanisms by which the cerebellum contributes to a wide range of neural functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike E van der Heijden
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- Center for Neurobiology Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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18
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Boerwinkle VL, Sussman BL, de Lima Xavier L, Wyckoff SN, Reuther W, Kruer MC, Arhin M, Fine JM. Motor network dynamic resting state fMRI connectivity of neurotypical children in regions affected by cerebral palsy. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1339324. [PMID: 38835646 PMCID: PMC11148452 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1339324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Normative childhood motor network resting-state fMRI effective connectivity is undefined, yet necessary for translatable dynamic resting-state-network-informed evaluation in pediatric cerebral palsy. Methods Cross-spectral dynamic causal modeling of resting-state-fMRI was investigated in 50 neurotypically developing 5- to 13-year-old children. Fully connected six-node network models per hemisphere included primary motor cortex, striatum, subthalamic nucleus, globus pallidus internus, thalamus, and contralateral cerebellum. Parametric Empirical Bayes with exhaustive Bayesian model reduction and Bayesian modeling averaging informed the model; Purdue Pegboard Test scores of hand motor behavior were the covariate at the group level to determine the effective-connectivity-functional behavior relationship. Results Although both hemispheres exhibited similar effective connectivity of motor cortico-basal ganglia-cerebellar networks, magnitudes were slightly greater on the right, except for left-sided connections of the striatum which were more numerous and of opposite polarity. Inter-nodal motor network effective connectivity remained consistent and robust across subjects. Age had a greater impact on connections to the contralateral cerebellum, bilaterally. Motor behavior, however, affected different connections in each hemisphere, exerting a more prominent effect on the left modulatory connections to the subthalamic nucleus, contralateral cerebellum, primary motor cortex, and thalamus. Discussion This study revealed a consistent pattern of directed resting-state effective connectivity in healthy children aged 5-13 years within the motor network, encompassing cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar regions, correlated with motor skill proficiency. Both hemispheres exhibited similar effective connectivity within motor cortico-basal ganglia-cerebellar networks reflecting inter-nodal signal direction predicted by other modalities, mainly differing from task-dependent studies due to network differences at rest. Notably, age-related changes were more pronounced in connections to the contralateral cerebellum. Conversely, motor behavior distinctly impacted connections in each hemisphere, emphasizing its role in modulating left sided connections to the subthalamic nucleus, contralateral cerebellum, primary motor cortex, and thalamus. Motor network effective connectivity was correlated with motor behavior, validating its physiological significance. This study is the first to evaluate a normative effective connectivity model for the pediatric motor network using resting-state functional MRI correlating with behavior and serves as a foundation for identifying abnormal findings and optimizing targeted interventions like deep brain stimulation, potentially influencing future therapeutic approaches for children with movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varina L Boerwinkle
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Bethany L Sussman
- Division of Neurosciences, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Division of Neonatology, Center for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura de Lima Xavier
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sarah N Wyckoff
- Division of Neurosciences, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Brainbox Inc., Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - William Reuther
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Michael C Kruer
- Division of Neurosciences, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- Departments of Child Health, Neurology, Genetics and Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Martin Arhin
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Justin M Fine
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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19
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Hoffman LJ, Foley JM, Leong JK, Sullivan-Toole H, Elliott BL, Olson IR. An in vivo Dissection, and Analysis of Socio-Affective Symptoms related to Cerebellum-Midbrain Reward Circuitry in Humans. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.29.560239. [PMID: 38798382 PMCID: PMC11118266 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.29.560239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Emerging research in non-human animals implicates cerebellar projections to the ventral tegmental area (VTA) in appetitive behaviors, but these circuits have not been characterized in humans. Here, we mapped cerebello-VTA white-matter connectivity in humans using probabilistic tractography on diffusion imaging data from the Human Connectome Project. We uncovered the topographical organization of these connections by separately tracking from parcels of cerebellar lobule VI, crus I/II, vermis, paravermis, and cerebrocerebellum. Results revealed that connections from the cerebellum to the VTA predominantly originate in the right hemisphere, interposed nucleus, and paravermal cortex, and terminate mostly ipsilaterally. Paravermal crus I sends the most connections to the VTA compared to other lobules. We discovered a medial-to-lateral gradient of connectivity, such that the medial cerebellum has the highest connectivity with the VTA. Individual differences in microstructure were associated with measures of negative affect and social functioning. By splitting the tracts into quarters, we found that the socio-affective effects were driven by the third quarter of the tract, corresponding to the point at which the fibers leave the deep nuclei. Taken together, we produced detailed maps of cerebello-VTA structural connectivity for the first time in humans and established their relevance for trait differences in socio-affective regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda J. Hoffman
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julia M. Foley
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Josiah K. Leong
- University of Arkansas, Department of Psychological Science, Fayetteville, AR, USA
| | - Holly Sullivan-Toole
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Blake L. Elliott
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ingrid R. Olson
- Temple University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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Sefik E, Duan K, Li Y, Sholar B, Evans L, Pincus J, Ammar Z, Murphy MM, Klaiman C, Saulnier CA, Pulver SL, Goldman-Yassen AE, Guo Y, Walker EF, Li L, Mulle JG, Shultz S. Structural deviations of the posterior fossa and the cerebellum and their cognitive links in a neurodevelopmental deletion syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02584-8. [PMID: 38744992 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02584-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
High-impact genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders provide biologically-defined entry points for mechanistic investigation. The 3q29 deletion (3q29Del) is one such variant, conferring a 40-100-fold increased risk for schizophrenia, as well as high risk for autism and intellectual disability. However, the mechanisms leading to neurodevelopmental disability remain largely unknown. Here, we report the first in vivo quantitative neuroimaging study in individuals with 3q29Del (N = 24) and neurotypical controls (N = 1608) using structural MRI. Given prior radiology reports of posterior fossa abnormalities in 3q29Del, we focused our investigation on the cerebellum and its tissue-types and lobules. Additionally, we compared the prevalence of cystic/cyst-like malformations of the posterior fossa between 3q29Del and controls and examined the association between neuroanatomical findings and quantitative traits to probe gene-brain-behavior relationships. 3q29Del participants had smaller cerebellar cortex volumes than controls, before and after correction for intracranial volume (ICV). An anterior-posterior gradient emerged in finer grained lobule-based and voxel-wise analyses. 3q29Del participants also had larger cerebellar white matter volumes than controls following ICV-correction and displayed elevated rates of posterior fossa arachnoid cysts and mega cisterna magna findings independent of cerebellar volume. Cerebellar white matter and subregional gray matter volumes were associated with visual-perception and visual-motor integration skills as well as IQ, while cystic/cyst-like malformations yielded no behavioral link. In summary, we find that abnormal development of cerebellar structures may represent neuroimaging-based biomarkers of cognitive and sensorimotor function in 3q29Del, adding to the growing evidence identifying cerebellar pathology as an intersection point between syndromic and idiopathic forms of neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Sefik
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kuaikuai Duan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Tri-institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yiheng Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brittney Sholar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lindsey Evans
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jordan Pincus
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zeena Ammar
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa M Murphy
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cheryl Klaiman
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Celine A Saulnier
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Consulting Services, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stormi L Pulver
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam E Goldman-Yassen
- Department of Radiology, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ying Guo
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elaine F Walker
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Longchuan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jennifer G Mulle
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Sarah Shultz
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Marcus Autism Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Faris P, Pischedda D, Palesi F, D’Angelo E. New clues for the role of cerebellum in schizophrenia and the associated cognitive impairment. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1386583. [PMID: 38799988 PMCID: PMC11116653 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1386583] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder associated with severe cognitive dysfunction. Although research has mainly focused on forebrain abnormalities, emerging results support the involvement of the cerebellum in SZ physiopathology, particularly in Cognitive Impairment Associated with SZ (CIAS). Besides its role in motor learning and control, the cerebellum is implicated in cognition and emotion. Recent research suggests that structural and functional changes in the cerebellum are linked to deficits in various cognitive domains including attention, working memory, and decision-making. Moreover, cerebellar dysfunction is related to altered cerebellar circuit activities and connectivity with brain regions associated with cognitive processing. This review delves into the role of the cerebellum in CIAS. We initially consider the major forebrain alterations in CIAS, addressing impairments in neurotransmitter systems, synaptic plasticity, and connectivity. We then focus on recent findings showing that several mechanisms are also altered in the cerebellum and that cerebellar communication with the forebrain is impaired. This evidence implicates the cerebellum as a key component of circuits underpinning CIAS physiopathology. Further studies addressing cerebellar involvement in SZ and CIAS are warranted and might open new perspectives toward understanding the physiopathology and effective treatment of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Faris
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Doris Pischedda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fulvia Palesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Digital Neuroscience Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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22
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Suresh H, Morgan BR, Mithani K, Warsi NM, Yan H, Germann J, Boutet A, Loh A, Gouveia FV, Young J, Quon J, Morgado F, Lerch J, Lozano AM, Al-Fatly B, Kühn AA, Laughlin S, Dewan MC, Mabbott D, Gorodetsky C, Bartels U, Huang A, Tabori U, Rutka JT, Drake JM, Kulkarni AV, Dirks P, Taylor MD, Ramaswamy V, Ibrahim GM. Postoperative cerebellar mutism syndrome is an acquired autism-like network disturbance. Neuro Oncol 2024; 26:950-964. [PMID: 38079480 PMCID: PMC11066932 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) is a common and debilitating complication of posterior fossa tumor surgery in children. Affected children exhibit communication and social impairments that overlap phenomenologically with subsets of deficits exhibited by children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although both CMS and ASD are thought to involve disrupted cerebro-cerebellar circuitry, they are considered independent conditions due to an incomplete understanding of their shared neural substrates. METHODS In this study, we analyzed postoperative cerebellar lesions from 90 children undergoing posterior fossa resection of medulloblastoma, 30 of whom developed CMS. Lesion locations were mapped to a standard atlas, and the networks functionally connected to each lesion were computed in normative adult and pediatric datasets. Generalizability to ASD was assessed using an independent cohort of children with ASD and matched controls (n = 427). RESULTS Lesions in children who developed CMS involved the vermis and inferomedial cerebellar lobules. They engaged large-scale cerebellothalamocortical circuits with a preponderance for the prefrontal and parietal cortices in the pediatric and adult connectomes, respectively. Moreover, with increasing connectomic age, CMS-associated lesions demonstrated stronger connectivity to the midbrain/red nuclei, thalami and inferior parietal lobules and weaker connectivity to the prefrontal cortex. Importantly, the CMS-associated lesion network was independently reproduced in ASD and correlated with communication and social deficits, but not repetitive behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that CMS-associated lesions may result in an ASD-like network disturbance that occurs during sensitive windows of brain development. A common network disturbance between CMS and ASD may inform improved treatment strategies for affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hrishikesh Suresh
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin R Morgan
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karim Mithani
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nebras M Warsi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Han Yan
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jürgen Germann
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boutet
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron Loh
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Program in Neuroscience and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Young
- Department of Psychology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Quon
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Felipe Morgado
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Lerch
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andres M Lozano
- Division of Neurosurgery, University Health Network, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Krembil Brain Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bassam Al-Fatly
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea A Kühn
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Movement Disorders and Neuromodulation Unit, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Exzellenzcluster NeuroCure, Charité, Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Suzanne Laughlin
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael C Dewan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Donald Mabbott
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolina Gorodetsky
- Division of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ute Bartels
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Annie Huang
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James T Rutka
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James M Drake
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Abhaya V Kulkarni
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Peter Dirks
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael D Taylor
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- Division of Neuro-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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23
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Baizer JS. Neuroanatomy of autism: what is the role of the cerebellum? Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:94-103. [PMID: 38696597 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism (or autism spectrum disorder) was initially defined as a psychiatric disorder, with the likely cause maternal behavior (the very destructive "refrigerator mother" theory). It took several decades for research into brain mechanisms to become established. Both neuropathological and imaging studies found differences in the cerebellum in autism spectrum disorder, the most widely documented being a decreased density of Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex. The popular interpretation of these results is that cerebellar neuropathology is a critical cause of autism spectrum disorder. We challenge that view by arguing that if fewer Purkinje cells are critical for autism spectrum disorder, then any condition that causes the loss of Purkinje cells should also cause autism spectrum disorder. We will review data on damage to the cerebellum from cerebellar lesions, tumors, and several syndromes (Joubert syndrome, Fragile X, and tuberous sclerosis). Collectively, these studies raise the question of whether the cerebellum really has a role in autism spectrum disorder. Autism spectrum disorder is now recognized as a genetically caused developmental disorder. A better understanding of the genes that underlie the differences in brain development that result in autism spectrum disorder is likely to show that these genes affect the development of the cerebellum in parallel with the development of the structures that do underlie autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan S Baizer
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, 123 Sherman Hall, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States
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24
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Asano Y, Sasaki D, Ikoma Y, Matsui K. Glial tone of aggression. Neurosci Res 2024; 202:39-51. [PMID: 38007191 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Anger transition is often abrupt. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms responsible for switching and modulating aggression levels. The cerebellum is considered a center for motor coordination and learning; however, its connection to social behavior has long been observed. Here, we used the resident-intruder paradigm in male mice and examined local field potential (LFP) changes, glial cytosolic ion fluctuations, and vascular dynamics in the cerebellar vermis throughout various phases of a combat sequence. Notably, we observed the emergence of theta band oscillations in the LFP and sustained elevations in glial Ca2+ levels during combat breakups. When astrocytes, including Bergmann glial cells, were photoactivated using channelrhodopsin-2, the theta band emerged and an early combat breakup occurred. Within a single combat sequence, rapid alteration of offensive (fight) and passive (flight) responses were observed, which roughly correlated with decreases and increases in glial Ca2+, respectively. Neuron-glial interactions in the cerebellar vermis may play a role in adjusting Purkinje cell excitability and setting the tone of aggression. Future anger management strategies and clinical control of excessive aggression and violent behavior may be realized by developing a therapeutic strategy that adjusts glial activity in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Asano
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 Japan
| | - Daichi Sasaki
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 Japan
| | - Yoko Ikoma
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 Japan
| | - Ko Matsui
- Super-network Brain Physiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8577 Japan.
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25
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Yang Y, Chen D, Cai K, Zhu L, Shi Y, Dong X, Sun Z, Qiao Z, Yang Y, Zhang W, Mao H, Chen A. Effects of mini-basketball training program on social communication impairments and regional homogeneity of brain functions in preschool children with autism spectrum disorder. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2024; 16:92. [PMID: 38659073 PMCID: PMC11040976 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-024-00885-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social communication impairments (SCI) is a core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is marked by challenges in social interaction. Although physical exercise has been shown to improve SCI, this finding has not been supported by comprehensive scientific evidence. Existing research has established a strong link between the SCI in children with ASD and abnormalities in regional homogeneity (ReHo). Therefore, investigating the effects of physical exercise on SCI and Reho in patients with ASD may help to elucidate the neurological mechanisms involved. METHODS The present study included 30 preschool children diagnosed with ASD, with 15 participants in each group (experimental and control). The experimental group underwent a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) based on routine behavioral rehabilitation, while the control group only received routine behavioral rehabilitation. The Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2) was employed to assess SCI in both groups. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging technology was used to evaluate ReHo in both groups. RESULTS After 12-week of MBTP, significant group × time interactions were observed between the experimental and control groups in total SRS-2 scores (F = 14.514, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.341), as well as in the domains of social cognition (F = 15.620, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.358), social communication (F = 12.460, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.308), and autistic mannerisms (F = 9.970, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.263). No statistical difference was found in the scores for the social awareness subscale and social motivation subscale in the group × time interaction (all p > 0.05). The experimental group exhibited increased ReHo in the right Cerebellum_Crus1 and right parahippocampal gyrus, coupled with decreased ReHo in the left middle frontal gyrus (orbital part), left superior frontal gyrus (dorsolateral), left postcentral gyrus, and right superior parietal gyrus. Furthermore, a decrease in ReHo in the left postcentral gyrus positively correlated with changes in social communication scores in SCI behaviors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study underscores the effectiveness of a 12-week MBTP in ameliorating SCI and abnormalities in ReHo among preschool children with ASD. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is retrospectively registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024973; August 5, 2019).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dandan Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kelong Cai
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lina Zhu
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifan Shi
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Dong
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Sun
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyuan Qiao
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yahui Yang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weike Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haiyong Mao
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aiguo Chen
- College of Physical Education, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Nanjing Sport Institute, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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26
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Wu B, Post L, Lin Z, Schonewille M. PP2B-Dependent Cerebellar Plasticity Sets the Amplitude of the Vestibulo-ocular Reflex during Juvenile Development. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1211232024. [PMID: 38527808 PMCID: PMC11044099 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1211-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Throughout life, the cerebellum plays a central role in the coordination and optimization of movements, using cellular plasticity to adapt a range of behaviors. Whether these plasticity processes establish a fixed setpoint during development, or continuously adjust behaviors throughout life, is currently unclear. Here, by spatiotemporally manipulating the activity of protein phosphatase 2B (PP2B), an enzyme critical for cerebellar plasticity in male and female mice, we examined the consequences of disrupted plasticity on the performance and adaptation of the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). We find that, in contrast to Purkinje cell (PC)-specific deletion starting early postnatally, acute pharmacological as well as adult-onset genetic deletion of PP2B affects all forms of VOR adaptation but not the level of VOR itself. Next, we show that PC-specific genetic deletion of PP2B in juvenile mice leads to a progressive loss of the protein PP2B and a concurrent change in the VOR, in addition to the loss of adaptive abilities. Finally, re-expressing PP2B in adult mice that lack PP2B expression from early development rescues VOR adaptation but does not affect the performance of the reflex. Together, our results indicate that chronic or acute, genetic, or pharmacological block of PP2B disrupts the adaptation of the VOR. In contrast, only the absence of plasticity during cerebellar development affects the setpoint of VOR, an effect that cannot be corrected after maturation of the cerebellum. These findings suggest that PP2B-dependent cerebellar plasticity is required during a specific period to achieve the correct setpoint of the VOR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wu
- Department of Neurology & National Clinical Research Center for Aging and Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015CN, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Post
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015CN, The Netherlands
| | - Zhanmin Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam 3015CN, The Netherlands
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27
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Ciceri T, Casartelli L, Montano F, Conte S, Squarcina L, Bertoldo A, Agarwal N, Brambilla P, Peruzzo D. Fetal brain MRI atlases and datasets: A review. Neuroimage 2024; 292:120603. [PMID: 38588833 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal brain development is a complex process involving different stages of growth and organization which are crucial for the development of brain circuits and neural connections. Fetal atlases and labeled datasets are promising tools to investigate prenatal brain development. They support the identification of atypical brain patterns, providing insights into potential early signs of clinical conditions. In a nutshell, prenatal brain imaging and post-processing via modern tools are a cutting-edge field that will significantly contribute to the advancement of our understanding of fetal development. In this work, we first provide terminological clarification for specific terms (i.e., "brain template" and "brain atlas"), highlighting potentially misleading interpretations related to inconsistent use of terms in the literature. We discuss the major structures and neurodevelopmental milestones characterizing fetal brain ontogenesis. Our main contribution is the systematic review of 18 prenatal brain atlases and 3 datasets. We also tangentially focus on clinical, research, and ethical implications of prenatal neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Ciceri
- NeuroImaging Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy; Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Casartelli
- Theoretical and Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Florian Montano
- Diagnostic Imaging and Neuroradiology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Stefania Conte
- Psychology Department, State University of New York at Binghamton, New York, USA
| | - Letizia Squarcina
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bertoldo
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nivedita Agarwal
- Diagnostic Imaging and Neuroradiology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Denis Peruzzo
- NeuroImaging Lab, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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28
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Morgado F, Vandewouw MM, Hammill C, Kelley E, Crosbie J, Schachar R, Ayub M, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Arnold P, Iaboni A, Kushki A, Taylor MJ, Anagnostou E, Lerch JP. Behaviour-correlated profiles of cerebellar-cerebral functional connectivity observed in independent neurodevelopmental disorder cohorts. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:173. [PMID: 38570480 PMCID: PMC10991387 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02857-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum, through its connectivity with the cerebral cortex, plays an integral role in regulating cognitive and affective processes, and its dysregulation can result in neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD)-related behavioural deficits. Identifying cerebellar-cerebral functional connectivity (FC) profiles in children with NDDs can provide insight into common connectivity profiles and their correlation to NDD-related behaviours. 479 participants from the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) network (typically developing = 93, Autism Spectrum Disorder = 172, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder = 161, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder = 53, mean age = 12.2) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and behaviour testing (Social Communication Questionnaire, Toronto Obsessive-Compulsive Scale, and Child Behaviour Checklist - Attentional Problems Subscale). FC components maximally correlated to behaviour were identified using canonical correlation analysis. Results were then validated by repeating the investigation in 556 participants from an independent NDD cohort provided from a separate consortium (Healthy Brain Network (HBN)). Replication of canonical components was quantified by correlating the feature vectors between the two cohorts. The two cerebellar-cerebral FC components that replicated to the greatest extent were correlated to, respectively, obsessive-compulsive behaviour (behaviour feature vectors, rPOND-HBN = -0.97; FC feature vectors, rPOND-HBN = -0.68) and social communication deficit contrasted against attention deficit behaviour (behaviour feature vectors, rPOND-HBN = -0.99; FC feature vectors, rPOND-HBN = -0.78). The statistically stable (|z| > 1.96) features of the FC feature vectors, measured via bootstrap re-sampling, predominantly comprised of correlations between cerebellar attentional and control network regions and cerebral attentional, default mode, and control network regions. In both cohorts, spectral clustering on FC loading values resulted in subject clusters mixed across diagnostic categories, but no cluster was significantly enriched for any given diagnosis as measured via chi-squared test (p > 0.05). Overall, two behaviour-correlated components of cerebellar-cerebral functional connectivity were observed in two independent cohorts. This suggests the existence of generalizable cerebellar network differences that span across NDD diagnostic boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Morgado
- Dept. Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Marlee M Vandewouw
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Data Science & Advanced Analytics, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Russell Schachar
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ayub
- Department of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Robert Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Lawson Research Institute, London, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Paul Arnold
- The Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Alana Iaboni
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Azadeh Kushki
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Margot J Taylor
- Neurosciences & Mental Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Autism Research Centre, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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29
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Hosseindokht Z, Davoudi S, Rahdar M, Janahmadi M, Kolahdouz M, Sasanpoour P. Photoacoustic viscoelasticity assessment of prefrontal cortex and cerebellum in normal and prenatal valproic acid-exposed rats. PHOTOACOUSTICS 2024; 36:100590. [PMID: 38318427 PMCID: PMC10839762 DOI: 10.1016/j.pacs.2024.100590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of brain tissues are from principal features from different points of view; diagnosis, the performance of the brain and neurological disorders. Particularly viscoelastic properties of the brain tissues are determinative. In this study based on a proposed accurate and non-invasive method, we have measured the viscoelastic properties of prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, two important brain regions involved in motor learning and pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this regard, using photoacoustic systems, viscoelastic properties of tissues from the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of normal and prenatal VPA (Valproic acid)-exposed (i.e. autistic-like) offspring rats are measured. Results of our study show that the cerebellums of normal tissues are stiffer than the tissue obtained from autistic-like rats, while the viscoelasticity of the prefrontal cortex of normal tissues is higher than that of autistic ones. The proposed method for the measurement of viscoelastic properties of the brain tissue has the potential not only for the fundamental studies but as a diagnosis technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hosseindokht
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Davoudi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Rahdar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahyar Janahmadi
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Kolahdouz
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pezhman Sasanpoour
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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30
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Kebschull JM, Casoni F, Consalez GG, Goldowitz D, Hawkes R, Ruigrok TJH, Schilling K, Wingate R, Wu J, Yeung J, Uusisaari MY. Cerebellum Lecture: the Cerebellar Nuclei-Core of the Cerebellum. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:620-677. [PMID: 36781689 PMCID: PMC10951048 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a key player in many brain functions and a major topic of neuroscience research. However, the cerebellar nuclei (CN), the main output structures of the cerebellum, are often overlooked. This neglect is because research on the cerebellum typically focuses on the cortex and tends to treat the CN as relatively simple output nuclei conveying an inverted signal from the cerebellar cortex to the rest of the brain. In this review, by adopting a nucleocentric perspective we aim to rectify this impression. First, we describe CN anatomy and modularity and comprehensively integrate CN architecture with its highly organized but complex afferent and efferent connectivity. This is followed by a novel classification of the specific neuronal classes the CN comprise and speculate on the implications of CN structure and physiology for our understanding of adult cerebellar function. Based on this thorough review of the adult literature we provide a comprehensive overview of CN embryonic development and, by comparing cerebellar structures in various chordate clades, propose an interpretation of CN evolution. Despite their critical importance in cerebellar function, from a clinical perspective intriguingly few, if any, neurological disorders appear to primarily affect the CN. To highlight this curious anomaly, and encourage future nucleocentric interpretations, we build on our review to provide a brief overview of the various syndromes in which the CN are currently implicated. Finally, we summarize the specific perspectives that a nucleocentric view of the cerebellum brings, move major outstanding issues in CN biology to the limelight, and provide a roadmap to the key questions that need to be answered in order to create a comprehensive integrated model of CN structure, function, development, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Kebschull
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Filippo Casoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G Giacomo Consalez
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Goldowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard Hawkes
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tom J H Ruigrok
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karl Schilling
- Department of Anatomy, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, 53115, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Richard Wingate
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marylka Yoe Uusisaari
- Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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31
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Rice LC, Rochowiak RN, Plotkin MR, Rosch KS, Mostofsky SH, Crocetti D. Sex Differences and Behavioral Associations with Typically Developing Pediatric Regional Cerebellar Gray Matter Volume. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:589-600. [PMID: 37382829 PMCID: PMC10986327 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01569-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum contributes to motor and higher-order control throughout neurodevelopment, with marked growth during childhood. Few studies have investigated differential associations of cerebellar morphometry with function in males and females. The present study examines sex differences in regional cerebellar gray matter volume (GMV) and the moderating effect of sex on the relationship between GMV and motor, cognitive, and emotional functions in a large cohort of typically developing (TD) children. Participants included 371 TD children (123 females, age 8-12 years). A convolutional neural network-based approach was employed for cerebellar parcellation. Volumes were harmonized using ComBat to adjust for hardware-induced variations. Regression analyses examined the effect of sex on GMV and whether sex moderated the relationship between GMV and motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Males showed larger GMV in right lobules I-V, bilateral lobules VI, crus II/VIIb, and VIII, left lobule X, and vermis regions I-V and VIII-X. Greater motor function correlated with less vermis VI-VII GMV in females. Greater cognitive function correlated with greater left lobule VI GMV in females and less left lobule VI GMV in males. Finally, greater internalizing symptoms correlated with greater bilateral lobule IX GMV in females but less in males. These findings reveal sexually dimorphic patterns of cerebellar structure and associations with motor, cognitive, and emotional functions. Males generally show larger GMV than females. Larger GMV was associated with better cognitive functioning for females and better motor/emotional functioning for males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Rice
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca N Rochowiak
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Micah R Plotkin
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Keri S Rosch
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Neuropsychology Department, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Stewart H Mostofsky
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Deana Crocetti
- Center for Neurodevelopmental and Imaging Research, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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32
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Gambini D, Ferrero S, Bulfamante G, Pisani L, Corbo M, Kuhn E. Cerebellar phenotypes in germline PTEN mutation carriers. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2024; 50:e12970. [PMID: 38504418 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
PTEN hamartoma tumour syndrome (PHTS) comprises different hereditary conditions caused by germline PTEN mutations, predisposing to the development of multiple hamartomas in many body tissues and also increasing the risk of some types of cancer. Cerebellar involvement in PHTS patients has been long known due to the development of a pathognomonic cerebellar hamartoma (known as dysplastic gangliocytoma of the cerebellum or Lhermitte-Duclos disease). Recently, a crucial role of the cerebellum has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders, now recognised as a phenotype expressed in a variable percentage of PHTS children. In addition, rare PTEN variants are indeed identified in medulloblastoma as well, even if they are less frequent than other germline gene mutations. The importance of PTEN and its downstream signalling enzymatic pathways, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, has been studied at different levels in both human clinical settings and animal models, not only leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of different disorders but, most importantly, to identify potential targets for specific therapies. In particular, PTEN integrity makes an important contribution to the normal development of tissue architecture in the nervous system, including the cerebellum. Thus, in patients with PTEN germline mutations, the cerebellum is an affected organ that is increasingly recognised in different disorders, whereas, in animal models, cerebellar Pten loss causes a variety of functional and histological alterations. In this review, we summarise the range of cerebellar involvement observed in PHTS and its relationships with germline PTEN mutations, along with the phenotypes expressed by murine models with PTEN deficiency in cerebellar tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Gambini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferrero
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bulfamante
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Human Pathology and Molecular Pathology Unit, TOMA Advanced Biomedical Assays, Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Luigi Pisani
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, Casa di Cura Igea, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Kuhn
- Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pathology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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33
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Tarrano C, Galléa C, Delorme C, McGovern EM, Atkinson-Clement C, Barnham IJ, Brochard V, Thobois S, Tranchant C, Grabli D, Degos B, Corvol JC, Pedespan JM, Krystkowiak P, Houeto JL, Degardin A, Defebvre L, Valabrègue R, Beranger B, Apartis E, Vidailhet M, Roze E, Worbe Y. Association of abnormal explicit sense of agency with cerebellar impairment in myoclonus-dystonia. Brain Commun 2024; 6:fcae105. [PMID: 38601915 PMCID: PMC11004927 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcae105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-motor aspects in dystonia are now well recognized. The sense of agency, which refers to the experience of controlling one's own actions, has been scarcely studied in dystonia, even though its disturbances can contribute to movement disorders. Among various brain structures, the cerebral cortex, the cerebellum, and the basal ganglia are involved in shaping the sense of agency. In myoclonus dystonia, resulting from a dysfunction of the motor network, an altered sense of agency may contribute to the clinical phenotype of the condition. In this study, we compared the explicit and implicit sense of agency in patients with myoclonus dystonia caused by a pathogenic variant of SGCE (DYT-SGCE) and control participants. We utilized behavioural tasks to assess the sense of agency and performed neuroimaging analyses, including structural, resting-state functional connectivity, and dynamic causal modelling, to explore the relevant brain regions involved in the sense of agency. Additionally, we examined the relationship between behavioural performance, symptom severity, and neuroimaging findings. We compared 19 patients with DYT-SGCE and 24 healthy volunteers. Our findings revealed that patients with myoclonus-dystonia exhibited a specific impairment in explicit sense of agency, particularly when implicit motor learning was involved. However, their implicit sense of agency remained intact. These patients also displayed grey-matter abnormalities in the motor cerebellum, as well as increased functional connectivity between the cerebellum and pre-supplementary motor area. Dynamic causal modelling analysis further identified reduced inhibitory effects of the cerebellum on the pre-supplementary motor area, decreased excitatory effects of the pre-supplementary motor area on the cerebellum, and increased self-inhibition within the pre-supplementary motor area. Importantly, both cerebellar grey-matter alterations and functional connectivity abnormalities between the cerebellum and pre-supplementary motor area were found to correlate with explicit sense of agency impairment. Increased self-inhibition within the pre-supplementary motor area was associated with less severe myoclonus symptoms. These findings highlight the disruption of higher-level cognitive processes in patients with myoclonus-dystonia, further expanding the spectrum of neurological and psychiatric dysfunction already identified in this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clément Tarrano
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Cécile Galléa
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Department of Research Neuroimaging, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche (CENIR), Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Cécile Delorme
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Eavan M McGovern
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, D09 VY21, Ireland
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, D02 YN77, Ireland
| | - Cyril Atkinson-Clement
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | | | - Vanessa Brochard
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Stéphane Thobois
- Department of Neurology, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon 69000, France
| | - Christine Tranchant
- Département de Neurologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Strasbourg 67098, France
- INSERM-U964/CNRS-UMR7104, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch 67404, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France
| | - David Grabli
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Bertrand Degos
- Department of Neurology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Avicenne Hospital, Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny 93000, France
| | - Jean Christophe Corvol
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Jean-Michel Pedespan
- Department of Neuropediatry, Universitary Hospital of Pellegrin, Bordeaux 33076, France
| | - Pierre Krystkowiak
- Department of Neurology, Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jean-Luc Houeto
- Department of Neurology CHU Limoges, Inserm U1094, IRD U270, Univ. Limoges, EpiMaCT—Epidemiology of chronic diseases in tropical zone, Institute of Epidemiology and Tropical Neurology, OmegaHealth, Limoges 87000, France
| | - Adrian Degardin
- Department of Neurology, Tourcoing Hospital, Tourcoing 59599, France
| | - Luc Defebvre
- Department of Neurology, University of Lille, Lille 59000, France
- Department of Neurology, Lille Centre of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases » (LiCEND), Lille F-59000, France
| | - Romain Valabrègue
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Department of Research Neuroimaging, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche (CENIR), Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Benoit Beranger
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Department of Research Neuroimaging, Centre de NeuroImagerie de Recherche (CENIR), Sorbonne Université, Paris 75013, France
| | - Emmanuelle Apartis
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Department of Neurophysiology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris 75012, France
| | - Marie Vidailhet
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Emmanuel Roze
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Neurology, Clinical Investigation Center for Neurosciences, Paris 75013, France
| | - Yulia Worbe
- CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Université, Paris Brain Institute—Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, Inserm U1127, Paris 75013, France
- Department of Neurophysiology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris 75012, France
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34
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Cakar ME, Okada NJ, Cummings KK, Jung J, Bookheimer SY, Dapretto M, Green SA. Functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum in autism: associations with sensory over-responsivity. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337921. [PMID: 38590791 PMCID: PMC10999625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum has been consistently shown to be atypical in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, despite its known role in sensorimotor function, there is limited research on its association with sensory over-responsivity (SOR), a common and impairing feature of ASD. Thus, this study sought to examine functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum in ASD compared to typically developing (TD) youth and investigate whether cerebellar connectivity is associated with SOR. Resting-state functional connectivity of the sensorimotor cerebellum was examined in 54 ASD and 43 TD youth aged 8-18 years. Using a seed-based approach, connectivity of each sensorimotor cerebellar region (defined as lobules I-IV, V-VI and VIIIA&B) with the whole brain was examined in ASD compared to TD youth, and correlated with parent-reported SOR severity. Across all participants, the sensorimotor cerebellum was functionally connected with sensorimotor and visual regions, though the three seed regions showed distinct connectivity with limbic and higher-order sensory regions. ASD youth showed differences in connectivity including atypical connectivity within the cerebellum and increased connectivity with hippocampus and thalamus compared to TD youth. More severe SOR was associated with stronger connectivity with cortical regions involved in sensory and motor processes and weaker connectivity with cognitive and socio-emotional regions, particularly prefrontal cortex. These results suggest that atypical cerebellum function in ASD may play a role in sensory challenges in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melis E. Cakar
- Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nana J. Okada
- Department of Psychology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kaitlin K. Cummings
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Jiwon Jung
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Susan Y. Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shulamite A. Green
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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35
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Gaiser C, van der Vliet R, de Boer AAA, Donchin O, Berthet P, Devenyi GA, Mallar Chakravarty M, Diedrichsen J, Marquand AF, Frens MA, Muetzel RL. Population-wide cerebellar growth models of children and adolescents. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2351. [PMID: 38499518 PMCID: PMC10948906 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past, the cerebellum has been best known for its crucial role in motor function. However, increasingly more findings highlight the importance of cerebellar contributions in cognitive functions and neurodevelopment. Using a total of 7240 neuroimaging scans from 4862 individuals, we describe and provide detailed, openly available models of cerebellar development in childhood and adolescence (age range: 6-17 years), an important time period for brain development and onset of neuropsychiatric disorders. Next to a traditionally used anatomical parcellation of the cerebellum, we generated growth models based on a recently proposed functional parcellation. In both, we find an anterior-posterior growth gradient mirroring the age-related improvements of underlying behavior and function, which is analogous to cerebral maturation patterns and offers evidence for directly related cerebello-cortical developmental trajectories. Finally, we illustrate how the current approach can be used to detect cerebellar abnormalities in clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Gaiser
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rick van der Vliet
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Augustijn A A de Boer
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department for Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Opher Donchin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Pierre Berthet
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Center for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gabriel A Devenyi
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jörn Diedrichsen
- Western Institute of Neuroscience, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Statistical and Actuarial Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andre F Marquand
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department for Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten A Frens
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ryan L Muetzel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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36
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Saeedi Borujeni MJ, Codoner Franch P, Alonso Iglesias E, Gombert M. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and its Effects on the Developing Cerebellum: A Narrative Review on Experimental Studies. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY 2024; 18:9-22. [PMID: 38617398 PMCID: PMC11015721 DOI: 10.22037/ijcn.v18i2.36632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy is a common complication of gestation, but its effects on the offspring's development are poorly understood. Recently, some studies reported that gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) impairs cerebellar development, and some genetic alterations have been described as consequences. Cerebellum, one of the hindbrain derived structures in the posterior cranial fossa, plays a crucial role in cognition and behavioral functions. In recent years, some surveys stated that gestational diabetes has adverse effects on the fetus's cerebellum. Disruption of cerebellar cortex morphogenesis, reduce the volume of the cerebellum, reduce the thickness of cerebellar cortex layers, and its neuronal cells and effects on the expression of synaptophysin, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor -1 receptors are some of the maternal diabetes effects on developing cerebellum. On other hand, GDM, as a neurotoxic agent, impaired cerebellar development and could be a cause for the behavioral, functional, and structural anomalies observed in pups of diabetic mothers. Based on the literature review, most studies have pointed out that administering insulin in patients with GDM decreased the cellular and molecular alterations that induced by GDM in the developing cerebellum. Undoubtedly, screening strategies for all pregnant women are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pilar Codoner Franch
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Marie Gombert
- Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Alayoubi AM, Iqbal M, Aman H, Hashmi JA, Alayadhi L, Al-Regaiey K, Basit S. Loss-of-function variant in spermidine/spermine N1-acetyl transferase like 1 (SATL1) gene as an underlying cause of autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5765. [PMID: 38459140 PMCID: PMC10923806 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56253-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complicated, lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder affecting verbal and non-verbal communication and social interactions. ASD signs and symptoms appear early in development before the age of 3 years. It is unlikely for a person to acquire autism after a period of normal development. However, we encountered an 8-year-old child who developed ASD later in life although his developmental milestones were normal at the beginning of life. Sequencing the complete coding part of the genome identified a hemizygous nonsense mutation (NM_001367857.2):c.1803C>G; (p.Tyr601Ter) in the gene (SATL1) encoding spermidine/spermine N1-acetyl transferase like 1. Screening an ASD cohort of 28 isolated patients for the SATL1 gene identified another patient with the same variant. Although SATL1 mutations have not been associated with any human diseases, our data suggests that a mutation in SATL1 is the underlying cause of ASD in our cases. In mammals, mutations in spermine synthase (SMS), an enzyme needed for the synthesis of spermidine polyamine, have been reported in a syndromic form of the X-linked mental retardation. Moreover, SATL1 gene expression studies showed a relatively higher expression of SATL1 transcripts in ASD related parts of the brain including the cerebellum, amygdala and frontal cortex. Additionally, spermidine has been characterized in the context of learning and memory and supplementations with spermidine increase neuroprotective effects and decrease age-induced memory impairment. Furthermore, spermidine biosynthesis is required for spontaneous axonal regeneration and prevents α-synuclein neurotoxicity in invertebrate models. Thus, we report, for the first time, that a mutation in the SATL1 gene could be a contributing factor in the development of autistic symptoms in our patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulfatah M Alayoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Taibah University Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Iqbal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Aman
- Al-Amal Psychiatry Hospital Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarrah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jamil A Hashmi
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarrah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Alayadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al-Regaiey
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sulman Basit
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Taibah University Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarah, Saudi Arabia.
- Center for Genetics and Inherited Diseases, Taibah University Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarrah, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Taibah University Medina, Almadinah Almunawwarrah, Saudi Arabia.
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Aydin E, Tsompanidis A, Chaplin D, Hawkes R, Allison C, Hackett G, Austin T, Padaigaitė E, Gabis LV, Sucking J, Holt R, Baron-Cohen S. Fetal brain growth and infant autistic traits. Mol Autism 2024; 15:11. [PMID: 38419120 PMCID: PMC10900793 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00586-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Structural differences exist in the brains of autistic individuals. To date only a few studies have explored the relationship between fetal brain growth and later infant autistic traits, and some have used fetal head circumference (HC) as a proxy for brain development. These findings have been inconsistent. Here we investigate whether fetal subregional brain measurements correlate with autistic traits in toddlers. METHODS A total of 219 singleton pregnancies (104 males and 115 females) were recruited at the Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, UK. 2D ultrasound was performed at 12-, 20- and between 26 and 30 weeks of pregnancy, measuring head circumference (HC), ventricular atrium (VA) and transcerebellar diameter (TCD). A total of 179 infants were followed up at 18-20 months of age and completed the quantitative checklist for autism in toddlers (Q-CHAT) to measure autistic traits. RESULTS Q-CHAT scores at 18-20 months of age were positively associated with TCD size at 20 weeks and with HC at 28 weeks, in univariate analyses, and in multiple regression models which controlled for sex, maternal age and birth weight. LIMITATIONS Due to the nature and location of the study, ascertainment bias could also have contributed to the recruitment of volunteer mothers with a higher than typical range of autistic traits and/or with a significant interest in the neurodevelopment of their children. CONCLUSION Prenatal brain growth is associated with toddler autistic traits and this can be ascertained via ultrasound starting at 20 weeks gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezra Aydin
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
| | - Alex Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Daren Chaplin
- The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca Hawkes
- The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Gerald Hackett
- The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Topun Austin
- The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Eglė Padaigaitė
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Lidia V Gabis
- Tel Aviv University, Wolfson Hospital and Maccabi healthcare, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - John Sucking
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Hanzel M, Fernando K, Maloney SE, Gong S, Mätlik K, Zhao J, Pasolli HA, Heissel S, Dougherty JD, Hull C, Hatten ME. Mice lacking Astn2 have ASD-like behaviors and altered cerebellar circuit properties. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.18.580354. [PMID: 38405978 PMCID: PMC10888872 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.18.580354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) is a transmembrane neuronal protein highly expressed in the cerebellum that functions in receptor trafficking and modulates cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) synaptic activity. We recently reported a family with a paternally inherited intragenic ASTN2 duplication with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning difficulties, and speech and language delay. To provide a genetic model for the role of the cerebellum in ASD-related behaviors and study the role of ASTN2 in cerebellar circuit function, we generated global and PC-specific conditional Astn2 knockout (KO and cKO, respectively) mouse lines. Astn2 KO mice exhibit strong ASD-related behavioral phenotypes, including a marked decrease in separation-induced pup ultrasonic vocalization calls, hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors, altered social behaviors, and impaired cerebellar-dependent eyeblink conditioning. Hyperactivity and repetitive behaviors were also prominent in Astn2 cKO animals. By Golgi staining, Astn2 KO PCs have region-specific changes in dendritic spine density and filopodia numbers. Proteomic analysis of Astn2 KO cerebellum reveals a marked upregulation of ASTN2 family member, ASTN1, a neuron-glial adhesion protein. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy demonstrates a significant increase in Bergmann glia volume in the molecular layer of Astn2 KO animals. Electrophysiological experiments indicate a reduced frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), as well as increased amplitudes of both spontaneous EPSCs and inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) in the Astn2 KO animals, suggesting that pre- and postsynaptic components of synaptic transmission are altered. Thus, ASTN2 regulates ASD-like behaviors and cerebellar circuit properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michalina Hanzel
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Kayla Fernando
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan E Maloney
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Kärt Mätlik
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Jiajia Zhao
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - H Amalia Pasolli
- Electron Microscopy Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Søren Heissel
- Proteomics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Dept of Psychiatry and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
- Dept of Genetics, Washington University Medical School, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Court Hull
- Neurobiology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mary E Hatten
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA 10065
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40
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Seigfried FA, Britsch S. The Role of Bcl11 Transcription Factors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:126. [PMID: 38392344 PMCID: PMC10886639 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NDDs are caused by aberrant brain development due to genetic and environmental factors. To establish specific and curative therapeutic approaches, it is indispensable to gain precise mechanistic insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of NDDs. Mutations of BCL11A and BCL11B, two closely related, ultra-conserved zinc-finger transcription factors, were recently reported to be associated with NDDs, including developmental delay, ASD, and ID, as well as morphogenic defects such as cerebellar hypoplasia. In mice, Bcl11 transcription factors are well known to orchestrate various cellular processes during brain development, for example, neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and the differentiation as well as integration of neurons into functional circuits. Developmental defects observed in both, mice and humans display striking similarities, suggesting Bcl11 knockout mice provide excellent models for analyzing human disease. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular functions of Bcl11a and b and links experimental research to the corresponding NDDs observed in humans. Moreover, it outlines trajectories for future translational research that may help to better understand the molecular basis of Bcl11-dependent NDDs as well as to conceive disease-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Anna Seigfried
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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41
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Li ZH, Li B, Zhang XY, Zhu JN. Neuropeptides and Their Roles in the Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2332. [PMID: 38397008 PMCID: PMC10889816 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Although more than 30 different types of neuropeptides have been identified in various cell types and circuits of the cerebellum, their unique functions in the cerebellum remain poorly understood. Given the nature of their diffuse distribution, peptidergic systems are generally assumed to exert a modulatory effect on the cerebellum via adaptively tuning neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity within cerebellar circuits. Moreover, cerebellar neuropeptides have also been revealed to be involved in the neurogenetic and developmental regulation of the developing cerebellum, including survival, migration, differentiation, and maturation of the Purkinje cells and granule cells in the cerebellar cortex. On the other hand, cerebellar neuropeptides hold a critical position in the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of many cerebellar-related motor and psychiatric disorders, such as cerebellar ataxias and autism. Over the past two decades, a growing body of evidence has indicated neuropeptides as potential therapeutic targets to ameliorate these diseases effectively. Therefore, this review focuses on eight cerebellar neuropeptides that have attracted more attention in recent years and have significant potential for clinical application associated with neurodegenerative and/or neuropsychiatric disorders, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, corticotropin-releasing factor, angiotensin II, neuropeptide Y, orexin, thyrotropin-releasing hormone, oxytocin, and secretin, which may provide novel insights and a framework for our understanding of cerebellar-related disorders and have implications for novel treatments targeting neuropeptide systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.-H.L.); (J.-N.Z.)
| | - Bin Li
- Women and Children’s Medical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.-H.L.); (J.-N.Z.)
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jing-Ning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China; (Z.-H.L.); (J.-N.Z.)
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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42
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Kim TY, Roychaudhury A, Kim HT, Choi TI, Baek ST, Thyme SB, Kim CH. Impairments of cerebellar structure and function in a zebrafish KO of neuropsychiatric risk gene znf536. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:82. [PMID: 38331943 PMCID: PMC10853220 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in ZNF536 contribute to the risk for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and others. The role of this putative transcriptional repressor in brain development and function is, however, largely unknown. We generated znf536 knockout (KO) zebrafish and studied their behavior, brain anatomy, and brain function. Larval KO zebrafish showed a reduced ability to compete for food, resulting in decreased total body length and size. This phenotype can be rescued by segregating the homozygous KO larvae from their wild-type and heterozygous siblings, enabling studies of adult homozygous KO animals. In adult KO zebrafish, we observed significant reductions in anxiety-like behavior and social interaction. These znf536 KO zebrafish have decreased cerebellar volume, corresponding to decreased populations of specific neuronal cells, especially in the valvular cerebelli (Va). Finally, using a Tg[mbp:mgfp] line, we identified a previously undetected myelin structure located bilaterally within the Va, which also displayed a reduction in volume and disorganization in KO zebrafish. These findings indicate an important role for ZNF536 in brain development and implicate the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | | | - Hyun-Taek Kim
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, South Korea
| | - Tae-Ik Choi
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea
| | - Seung Tae Baek
- Department of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, 37673, South Korea
| | - Summer B Thyme
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
| | - Cheol-Hee Kim
- Department of Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, South Korea.
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Ohmae K, Ohmae S. Emergence of syntax and word prediction in an artificial neural circuit of the cerebellum. Nat Commun 2024; 15:927. [PMID: 38296954 PMCID: PMC10831061 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum, interconnected with the cerebral neocortex, plays a vital role in human-characteristic cognition such as language processing, however, knowledge about the underlying circuit computation of the cerebellum remains very limited. To gain a better understanding of the computation underlying cerebellar language processing, we developed a biologically constrained cerebellar artificial neural network (cANN) model, which implements the recently identified cerebello-cerebellar recurrent pathway. We found that while cANN acquires prediction of future words, another function of syntactic recognition emerges in the middle layer of the prediction circuit. The recurrent pathway of the cANN was essential for the two language functions, whereas cANN variants with further biological constraints preserved these functions. Considering the uniform structure of cerebellar circuitry across all functional domains, the single-circuit computation, which is the common basis of the two language functions, can be generalized to fundamental cerebellar functions of prediction and grammar-like rule extraction from sequences, that underpin a wide range of cerebellar motor and cognitive functions. This is a pioneering study to understand the circuit computation of human-characteristic cognition using biologically-constrained ANNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Ohmae
- Neuroscience Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing, China
| | - Shogo Ohmae
- Neuroscience Department, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research (CIBR), Beijing, China.
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44
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Jimenez-Gomez A, Nguyen MX, Gill JS. Understanding the role of AMPA receptors in autism: insights from circuit and synapse dysfunction. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1304300. [PMID: 38352654 PMCID: PMC10861716 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1304300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders represent a diverse etiological spectrum that converge on a syndrome characterized by discrepant deficits in developmental domains often highlighted by concerns in socialization, sensory integration, and autonomic functioning. Importantly, the incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorders have seen sharp increases since the syndrome was first described in the 1940s. The wide etiological spectrum and rising number of individuals being diagnosed with the condition lend urgency to capturing a more nuanced understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying the autism spectrum disorders. The current review seeks to understand how the disruption of AMPA receptor (AMPAr)-mediated neurotransmission in the cerebro-cerebellar circuit, particularly in genetic autism related to SHANK3 or SYNGAP1 protein dysfunction function and autism associated with in utero exposure to the anti-seizure medications valproic acid and topiramate, may contribute to the disease presentation. Initially, a discussion contextualizing AMPAr signaling in the cerebro-cerebellar circuitry and microstructural circuit considerations is offered. Subsequently, a detailed review of the literature implicating mutations or deletions of SHANK3 and SYNGAP1 in disrupted AMPAr signaling reveals how bidirectional pathogenic modulation of this key circuit may contribute to autism. Finally, how pharmacological exposure may interact with this pathway, via increased risk of autism diagnosis with valproic acid and topiramate exposure and potential treatment of autism using AMPAr modulator perampanel, is discussed. Through the lens of the review, we will offer speculation on how neuromodulation may be used as a rational adjunct to therapy. Together, the present review seeks to synthesize the disparate considerations of circuit understanding, genetic etiology, and pharmacological modulation to understand the mechanistic interaction of this important and complex disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Jimenez-Gomez
- Neurodevelopmental Disabilities Program, Department of Neurology, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, Hollywood, FL, United States
| | - Megan X. Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology & Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan & Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jason S. Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology & Developmental Neurosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Jan & Dan Duncan Neurologic Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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45
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Iskusnykh IY, Zakharova AA, Kryl’skii ED, Popova TN. Aging, Neurodegenerative Disorders, and Cerebellum. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1018. [PMID: 38256091 PMCID: PMC10815822 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
An important part of the central nervous system (CNS), the cerebellum is involved in motor control, learning, reflex adaptation, and cognition. Diminished cerebellar function results in the motor and cognitive impairment observed in patients with neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA), and multiple sclerosis (MS), and even during the normal aging process. In most neurodegenerative disorders, impairment mainly occurs as a result of morphological changes over time, although during the early stages of some disorders such as AD, the cerebellum also serves a compensatory function. Biological aging is accompanied by changes in cerebellar circuits, which are predominantly involved in motor control. Despite decades of research, the functional contributions of the cerebellum and the underlying molecular mechanisms in aging and neurodegenerative disorders remain largely unknown. Therefore, this review will highlight the molecular and cellular events in the cerebellum that are disrupted during the process of aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders. We believe that deeper insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the cerebellum during aging and the development of neurodegenerative disorders will be essential for the design of new effective strategies for neuroprotection and the alleviation of some neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Y. Iskusnykh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Anastasia A. Zakharova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biomedicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ostrovitianov St. 1, Moscow 117997, Russia
| | - Evgenii D. Kryl’skii
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
| | - Tatyana N. Popova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Voronezh State University, Universitetskaya Sq. 1, Voronezh 394018, Russia; (E.D.K.)
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Kwon W, Choi DJ, Yu K, Williamson MR, Murali S, Ko Y, Woo J, Deneen B. Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Cerebellar Astrocytes across Developmental Stages and Brain Regions. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1021. [PMID: 38256095 PMCID: PMC10816327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system, and they play a crucial role in normal brain function. While gliogenesis and glial differentiation occur during perinatal cerebellar development, the processes that occur during early postnatal development remain obscure. In this study, we conducted transcriptomic profiling of postnatal cerebellar astrocytes at postnatal days 1, 7, 14, and 28 (P1, P7, P14, and P28), identifying temporal-specific gene signatures at each specific time point. Comparing these profiles with region-specific astrocyte differentially expressed genes (DEGs) published for the cortex, hippocampus, and olfactory bulb revealed cerebellar-specific gene signature across these developmental timepoints. Moreover, we conducted a comparative analysis of cerebellar astrocyte gene signatures with gene lists from pediatric brain tumors of cerebellar origin, including ependymoma and medulloblastoma. Notably, genes downregulated at P14, such as Kif11 and HMGB2, exhibited significant enrichment across all pediatric brain tumor groups, suggesting the importance of astrocytic gene repression during cerebellar development to these tumor subtypes. Collectively, our studies describe gene expression patterns during cerebellar astrocyte development, with potential implications for pediatric tumors originating in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wookbong Kwon
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Dong-Joo Choi
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kwanha Yu
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael R. Williamson
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sanjana Murali
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yeunjung Ko
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Junsung Woo
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Center for Cancer Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Cancer Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Program in Immunology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Carey MR. The cerebellum. Curr Biol 2024; 34:R7-R11. [PMID: 38194930 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
The cerebellum, that stripey 'little brain', sits at the back of your head, under your visual cortex, and contains more than half of the neurons in your entire nervous system. The cerebellum is highly conserved across vertebrates, and its evolutionary expansion has tended to proceed in concert with expansion of cerebral cortex. The crystalline neuronal architecture of the cerebellar cortex was first described by Cajal a century ago, and its functional connectivity was elucidated in exquisite anatomical and physiological detail by the mid-20th century. The ability to clearly identify molecularly distinct cerebellar cell types that constitute discrete circuit elements is perhaps unparalleled among brain areas, even within the context of modern circuit neuroscience. Although traditionally thought of as primarily a motor structure, the cerebellum is highly interconnected with diverse brain areas and, as I will explain in this Primer, is well-poised to influence a wide range of motor and cognitive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan R Carey
- Neuroscience Program, Champalimaud Center for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.
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48
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Hadaya L, Vanes L, Karolis V, Kanel D, Leoni M, Happé F, Edwards AD, Counsell SJ, Batalle D, Nosarti C. Distinct Neurodevelopmental Trajectories in Groups of Very Preterm Children Screening Positively for Autism Spectrum Conditions. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:256-269. [PMID: 36273367 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05789-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Very preterm (VPT; < 33 weeks' gestation) toddlers screening positively for autism spectrum conditions (ASC) may display heterogenous neurodevelopmental trajectories. Here we studied neonatal brain volumes and childhood ASC traits evaluated with the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) in VPT-born toddlers (N = 371; median age 20.17 months) sub-divided into three groups based on their Modified-Checklist for Autism in Toddlers scores. These were: those screening positively failing at least 2 critical items (critical-positive); failing any 3 items, but less than 2 critical items (non-critical-positive); and screening negatively. Critical-positive scorers had smaller neonatal cerebellar volumes compared to non-critical-positive and negative scorers. However, both positive screening groups exhibited higher childhood ASC traits compared to the negative screening group, suggesting distinct aetiological trajectories associated with ASC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laila Hadaya
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Lucy Vanes
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Vyacheslav Karolis
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Dana Kanel
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Marguerite Leoni
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Francesca Happé
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - A David Edwards
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Serena J Counsell
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Dafnis Batalle
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Chiara Nosarti
- Centre for the Developing Brain, Department of Perinatal Imaging and Health, School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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49
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Hegarty JP, Monterrey JC, Tian Q, Cleveland SC, Gong X, Phillips JM, Wolke ON, McNab JA, Hallmayer JF, Reiss AL, Hardan AY, Lazzeroni LC. A Twin Study of Altered White Matter Heritability in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:65-79. [PMID: 37406770 PMCID: PMC10802971 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.05.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE White matter alterations are frequently reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet the etiology is currently unknown. The objective of this investigation was to examine, for the first time, the impact of genetic and environmental factors on white matter microstructure in twins with ASD compared to control twins without ASD. METHOD Diffusion-weighted MRIs were obtained from same-sex twin pairs (6-15 years of age) in which at least 1 twin was diagnosed with ASD or neither twin exhibited a history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were examined across different white matter tracts in the brain, and statistical and twin modeling were completed to assess the proportion of variation associated with additive genetic (A) and common/shared (C) or unique (E) environmental factors. We also developed a novel Twin-Pair Difference Score analysis method that produces quantitative estimates of the genetic and environmental contributions to shared covariance between different brain and behavioral traits. RESULTS Good-quality data were available from 84 twin pairs, 50 ASD pairs (32 concordant for ASD [16 monozygotic; 16 dizygotic], 16 discordant for ASD [3 monozygotic; 13 dizygotic], and 2 pairs in which 1 twin had ASD and the other exhibited some subthreshold symptoms [1 monozygotic; 1 dizygotic]) and 34 control pairs (20 monozygotic; 14 dizygotic). Average FA and MD across the brain, respectively, were primarily genetically mediated in both control twins (A = 0.80, 95% CI [0.57, 1.02]; A = 0.80 [0.55, 1.04]) and twins concordant for having ASD (A = 0.71 [0.33, 1.09]; A = 0.84 [0.32,1.36]). However, there were also significant tract-specific differences between groups. For instance, genetic effects on commissural fibers were primarily associated with differences in general cognitive abilities and perhaps some diagnostic differences for ASD because Twin-Pair Difference-Score analysis indicated that genetic factors may have contributed to ∼40% to 50% of the covariation between IQ scores and FA of the corpus callosum. Conversely, the increased impact of environmental factors on some projection and association fibers were primarily associated with differences in symptom severity in twins with ASD; for example, our analyses suggested that unique environmental factors may have contributed to ∼10% to 20% of the covariation between autism-related symptom severity and FA of the cerebellar peduncles and external capsule. CONCLUSION White matter alterations in youth with ASD are associated with both genetic contributions and potentially increased vulnerability or responsivity to environmental influences. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as living with a disability. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted and they participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- John P Hegarty
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
| | | | - Qiyuan Tian
- Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Sue C Cleveland
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Xinyi Gong
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | - Olga N Wolke
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | | | | | - Allan L Reiss
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
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50
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Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
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