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Lee JE, Lee H, Baek E, Choi B, Yun HS, Yoo YK, Lee YS, Song GJ, Cho KS. The role of glial and neuronal Eph/ephrin signaling in Drosophila mushroom body development and sleep and circadian behavior. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 720:150072. [PMID: 38749187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150072] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The Eph receptor, a prototypically large receptor protein tyrosine kinase, interacts with ephrin ligands, forming a bidirectional signaling system that impacts diverse brain functions. Eph receptors and ephrins mediate forward and reverse signaling, affecting neurogenesis, axon guidance, and synaptic signaling. While mammalian studies have emphasized their roles in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, the Drosophila counterparts are less studied, especially in glial cells, despite structural similarities. Using RNAi to modulate Eph/ephrin expression in Drosophila neurons and glia, we studied their roles in brain development and sleep and circadian behavior. Knockdown of neuronal ephrin disrupted mushroom body development, while glial knockdown had minimal impact. Surprisingly, disrupting ephrin in neurons or glial cells altered sleep and circadian rhythms, indicating a direct involvement in these behaviors independent from developmental effects. Further analysis revealed distinct sleep phenotypes between neuronal and glial knockdowns, underscoring the intricate interplay within the neural circuits that govern behavior. Glia-specific knockdowns showed altered sleep patterns and reduced circadian rhythmicity, suggesting an intricate role of glia in sleep regulation. Our findings challenge simplistic models of Eph/ephrin signaling limited to neuron-glia communication and emphasize the complexity of the regulatory networks modulating behavior. Future investigations targeting specific glial subtypes will enhance our understanding of Eph/ephrin signaling's role in sleep regulation across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Eun Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungi Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunji Baek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoungyun Choi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Sup Yun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyoung Yoo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, 25601, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Lee
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, 25601, Republic of Korea; Translational Brain Research Center, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyun Jee Song
- Department of Medical Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, 25601, Republic of Korea; Translational Brain Research Center, International St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Kwandong University, Incheon, 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Sang Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea; Korea Hemp Institute, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Herrera ML, Paraíso-Luna J, Bustos-Martínez I, Barco Á. Targeting epigenetic dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00162-X. [PMID: 38971705 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.06.004] [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: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise a range of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors, collectively affecting almost 1% of the worldwide population. Deciphering the etiology of ASD has proven challenging due to the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors and the variety of molecular pathways affected. Epigenomic alterations have emerged as key players in ASD etiology. Their research has led to the identification of biomarkers for diagnosis and pinpointed specific gene targets for therapeutic interventions. This review examines the role of epigenetic alterations, resulting from both genetic and environmental influences, as a central causative factor in ASD, delving into its contribution to pathogenesis and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macarena L Herrera
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Juan Paraíso-Luna
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Isabel Bustos-Martínez
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain
| | - Ángel Barco
- Instituto de Neurociencias (Universidad Miguel Hernández - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Av. Santiago Ramón y Cajal s/n, Sant Joan d'Alacant, 03550 Alicante, Spain.
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3
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Feierman ER, Louzon S, Prescott NA, Biaco T, Gao Q, Qiu Q, Choi K, Palozola KC, Voss AJ, Mehta SD, Quaye CN, Lynch KT, Fuccillo MV, Wu H, David Y, Korb E. Histone variant H2BE enhances chromatin accessibility in neurons to promote synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.29.575103. [PMID: 38352334 PMCID: PMC10862743 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.29.575103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Regulation of histone proteins affects gene expression through multiple mechanisms including exchange with histone variants. However, widely expressed variants of H2B remain elusive. Recent findings link histone variants to neurological disorders, yet few are well studied in the brain. We applied new tools including novel antibodies, biochemical assays, and sequencing approaches to reveal broad expression of the H2B variant H2BE, and defined its role in regulating chromatin structure, neuronal transcription, and mouse behavior. We find that H2BE is enriched at promoters and a single unique amino acid allows it to dramatically enhance chromatin accessibility. Lastly, we show that H2BE is critical for synaptic gene expression and long-term memory. Together, these data reveal a novel mechanism linking histone variants to chromatin regulation, neuronal function, and memory. This work further identifies the first widely expressed H2B variant and uncovers a single histone amino acid with profound effects on genomic structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily R. Feierman
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sean Louzon
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Nicholas A. Prescott
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Tracy Biaco
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Qingzeng Gao
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Qi Qiu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kyuhyun Choi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine C. Palozola
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Anna J. Voss
- Neuroscience Graduate Group, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Shreya D. Mehta
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Camille N. Quaye
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Katherine T. Lynch
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Marc V. Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Yael David
- Chemical Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Tri-institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, New York, NY
| | - Erica Korb
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
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4
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Fard YA, Sadeghi EN, Pajoohesh Z, Gharehdaghi Z, Khatibi DM, Khosravifar S, Pishkari Y, Nozari S, Hijazi A, Pakmehr S, Shayan SK. Epigenetic underpinnings of the autistic mind: Histone modifications and prefrontal excitation/inhibition imbalance. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2024:e32986. [PMID: 38837296 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is complex neurobehavioral condition influenced by several cellular and molecular mechanisms that are often concerned with synaptogenesis and synaptic activity. Based on the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance theory, ASD could be the result of disruption in excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission across the brain. The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the chief regulator of executive function and can be affected by altered neuronal excitation and inhibition in the course of ASD. The molecular mechanisms involved in E/I imbalance are subject to epigenetic regulation. In ASD, altered enrichment and spreading of histone H3 and H4 modifications such as the activation-linked H3K4me2/3, H3K9ac, and H3K27ac, and repression-linked H3K9me2, H3K27me3, and H4K20me2 in the PFC result in dysregulation of molecules mediating synaptic excitation (ARC, EGR1, mGluR2, mGluR3, GluN2A, and GluN2B) and synaptic inhibition (BSN, EphA7, SLC6A1). Histone modifications are a dynamic component of the epigenetic regulatory elements with a pronounced effect on patterns of gene expression with regards to any biological process. The excitation/inhibition imbalance associated with ASD is based on the excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity in different regions of the brain, including the PFC, the ultimate outcome of which is highly influenced by transcriptional activity of relevant genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zohreh Pajoohesh
- Faculty of Medicine, Zabol Univeristy of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Zahra Gharehdaghi
- Department of Pharmacology, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | | | | | - Yasamin Pishkari
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Nozari
- School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Ahmed Hijazi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Sepideh Karkon Shayan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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5
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Ding C, Zhou W, Shi Y, Shan S, Yuan Y, Zhang Y, Li F, Qiu Z. Srcap haploinsufficiency induced autistic-like behaviors in mice through disruption of Satb2 expression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114231. [PMID: 38733588 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114231] [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: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SRCAP gene are among the genetic alterations identified in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that Srcap+/- mice manifest deficits in social novelty response, as well as increased repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and impairments in learning and memory. Notably, a reduction in parvalbumin-positive neurons is observed in the retrosplenial cortex (RSC) and dentate gyrus (DG) of these mice. Through RNA sequencing, we identify dysregulation in 27 ASD-related genes in Srcap+/- mice. Specifically, we find that Srcap regulates expression of Satb2 via H2A.z in the promoter. Therapeutic intervention via retro-orbital injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-Satb2 in neonatal Srcap+/- mice leads to amelioration of the neurodevelopmental and ASD-like abnormalities. Furthermore, the expression of Satb2 only in the RSC of adolescent mice rectifies social novelty impairments. These results underscore the pivotal role of Srcap in neurodevelopment, by regulating Satb2, providing valuable insights for the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaodong Ding
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shifang Shan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiting Yuan
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuefang Zhang
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Li
- MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zilong Qiu
- Songjiang Research Institute, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Institute of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Chen Z, Wang X, Zhang S, Han F. Neuroplasticity of children in autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1362288. [PMID: 38726381 PMCID: PMC11079289 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1362288] [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: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a range of symptoms including difficulties in verbal communication, social interaction, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. Neuroplasticity refers to the structural and functional changes that occur in the nervous system to adapt and respond to changes in the external environment. In simpler terms, it is the brain's ability to learn and adapt to new environments. However, individuals with ASD exhibit abnormal neuroplasticity, which impacts information processing, sensory processing, and social cognition, leading to the manifestation of corresponding symptoms. This paper aims to review the current research progress on ASD neuroplasticity, focusing on genetics, environment, neural pathways, neuroinflammation, and immunity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation and insights for intervention and treatment in pediatric fields related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Experiment Center of Medical Innovation, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Si Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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7
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Zhang C, Liu W, Xu L, Liu S, Che F. Abnormal H3K4 enzyme catalytic activity and neuronal morphology caused by ASH1L mutations in individuals with Tourette syndrome. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02437-3. [PMID: 38634863 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02437-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
ASH1L potentially contributes to Tourette syndrome (TS) and other neuropsychiatric disorders, as our previous studies have shown. It regulates essential developmental genes by counteracting polycomb-mediated transcriptional repression, which restricts chromatin accessibility at target genes. ASH1L is highly expressed in the adult brain, playing a crucial role in the early stage. However, it remains unclear how ASH1L mutations carried by patients with TS participate in regulating neuronal growth processes leading to TS traits. Five TS families recruited in our study underwent comprehensive physical examinations and questionnaires to record clinical phenotypes and environmental impact factors. We validated the variants via Sanger sequencing and constructed two mutants near the catalytic domain of ASH1L. We conducted molecular modeling, in vitro assays, and primary neuron cultures to find the role of ASH1L in neuronal development and its correlation with TS. In this study, we validated five pathogenic ASH1L rare variants and observed symptoms in patients with simple tics and behavioral comorbidities. Mutations near the catalytic domain of TS patients cause mental state abnormalities and disrupt ASH1L function by destabilizing its spatial conformation, leading to decreased activity of catalytic H3K4, thereby affecting the neurite growth. We need to conduct larger-scale studies on TS patients and perform additional neurological evaluations on mature neurons. We first reported the effects of ASH1L mutations in TS patients, including phenotypic heterogeneity, protein function, and neurological growth. This information contributes to understanding the neurodevelopmental pathogenesis of TS in patients with ASH1L mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, Shandong, China
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, 27 East Section of Jiefang Road Lanshan District, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
| | - Wenmiao Liu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Lulu Xu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China
| | - Shiguo Liu
- Medical Genetic Department, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266003, Shandong, China.
| | - Fengyuan Che
- Department of Neurology, Linyi People's Hospital, 27 East Section of Jiefang Road Lanshan District, Linyi, 276000, Shandong, China
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Du WJ, Yang H, Tong F, Liu S, Zhang C, Chen Y, Yan Y, Xiang YW, Hua LY, Gong Y, Xu ZX, Liu X, Jiang X, Lu M, Guan JS, Han Q. Ash1L ameliorates psoriasis via limiting neuronal activity-dependent release of miR-let-7b. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:1107-1127. [PMID: 37766518 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16254] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Psoriasis is a common autoimmune skin disease that significantly diminishes patients' quality of life. Interactions between primary afferents of the somatosensory system and the cutaneous immune system mediate the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of how primary sensory neurons regulate psoriasis formation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Skin and total RNA were extracted from wild-type (WT) and ASH1-like histone lysine methyltransferase (Ash1l+/- ) mice in both naive and imiquimod (IMQ)-induced psoriasis models. Immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) were then performed. Microfluidic chamber coculture was used to investigate the interaction between somatosensory neurons and bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) ex vivo. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings were used to evaluate neuronal excitability after Ash1L haploinsufficiency in primary sensory neurons. KEY RESULTS The haploinsufficiency of ASH1L, a histone methyltransferase, in primary sensory neurons causes both neurite hyperinnervation and increased neuronal excitability, which promote miR-let-7b release from primary afferents in the skin in a neuronal activity-dependent manner. With a 'GUUGUGU' core sequence, miR-let-7b functions as an endogenous ligand of toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) and stimulates the activation of dermal dendritic cells (DCs) and interleukin (IL)-23/IL-17 axis, ultimately exacerbating the symptoms of psoriasis. Thus, by limiting miR-let-7b release from primary afferents, ASH1L prevents dermal DC activation and ameliorates psoriasis. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Somatosensory neuron ASH1L modulates the cutaneous immune system by limiting neuronal activity-dependent release of miR-let-7b, which can directly activate dermal DCs via TLR7 and ultimately lead to aggravated psoriatic lesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Jie Du
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Tong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yeying Chen
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE, NHC, CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuze Yan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan-Wei Xiang
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Yang Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ye Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Xiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingyu Jiang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Mingfang Lu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE, NHC, CAMS), School of Basic Medical Sciences and Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji-Song Guan
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingjian Han
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Cordova I, Blesson A, Savatt JM, Sveden A, Mahida S, Hazlett H, Rooney Riggs E, Chopra M. Expansion of the Genotypic and Phenotypic Spectrum of ASH1L-Related Syndromic Neurodevelopmental Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:423. [PMID: 38674358 PMCID: PMC11049257 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040423] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic ASH1L variants have been reported in probands with broad phenotypic presentations, including intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, seizures, congenital anomalies, and other skeletal, muscular, and sleep differences. Here, we review previously published individuals with pathogenic ASH1L variants and report three further probands with novel ASH1L variants and previously unreported phenotypic features, including mixed receptive language disorder and gait disturbances. These novel data from the Brain Gene Registry, an accessible repository of clinically derived genotypic and phenotypic data, have allowed for the expansion of the phenotypic and genotypic spectrum of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke Cordova
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (I.C.); (E.R.R.)
| | - Alyssa Blesson
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Juliann M. Savatt
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (I.C.); (E.R.R.)
| | - Abigail Sveden
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sonal Mahida
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Heather Hazlett
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Center, Chapel Hill, NC 27510, USA
| | - Erin Rooney Riggs
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger, Danville, PA 17822, USA; (I.C.); (E.R.R.)
| | - Maya Chopra
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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10
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Vacharasin JM, Ward JA, McCord MM, Cox K, Imitola J, Lizarraga SB. Neuroimmune mechanisms in autism etiology - untangling a complex problem using human cellular models. OXFORD OPEN NEUROSCIENCE 2024; 3:kvae003. [PMID: 38665176 PMCID: PMC11044813 DOI: 10.1093/oons/kvae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1 in 36 people and is more often diagnosed in males than in females. Core features of ASD are impaired social interactions, repetitive behaviors and deficits in verbal communication. ASD is a highly heterogeneous and heritable disorder, yet its underlying genetic causes account only for up to 80% of the cases. Hence, a subset of ASD cases could be influenced by environmental risk factors. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is a response to inflammation during pregnancy, which can lead to increased inflammatory signals to the fetus. Inflammatory signals can cross the placenta and blood brain barriers affecting fetal brain development. Epidemiological and animal studies suggest that MIA could contribute to ASD etiology. However, human mechanistic studies have been hindered by a lack of experimental systems that could replicate the impact of MIA during fetal development. Therefore, mechanisms altered by inflammation during human pre-natal brain development, and that could underlie ASD pathogenesis have been largely understudied. The advent of human cellular models with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organoid technology is closing this gap in knowledge by providing both access to molecular manipulations and culturing capability of tissue that would be otherwise inaccessible. We present an overview of multiple levels of evidence from clinical, epidemiological, and cellular studies that provide a potential link between higher ASD risk and inflammation. More importantly, we discuss how stem cell-derived models may constitute an ideal experimental system to mechanistically interrogate the effect of inflammation during the early stages of brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janay M Vacharasin
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Francis Marion University, 4822 East Palmetto Street, Florence, S.C. 29506, USA
| | - Joseph A Ward
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Mikayla M McCord
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kaitlin Cox
- Department of Biological Sciences, and Center for Childhood Neurotherapeutics, Univ. of South Carolina, 715 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, UConn Health, Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-5357, USA
| | - Sofia B Lizarraga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, & Biochemistry, Brown University, 185 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Institute of Brain Science, Brown University, 70 Ship Street, Providence, RI 02903, USA
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11
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Choi TY, Jeon H, Jeong S, Kim EJ, Kim J, Jeong YH, Kang B, Choi M, Koo JW. Distinct prefrontal projection activity and transcriptional state conversely orchestrate social competition and hierarchy. Neuron 2024; 112:611-627.e8. [PMID: 38086372 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.11.012] [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: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Social animals compete for limited resources, resulting in a social hierarchy. Although different neuronal subpopulations in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which has been mechanistically implicated in social dominance behavior, encode distinct social competition behaviors, their identities and associated molecular underpinnings have not yet been identified. In this study, we found that mPFC neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens (mPFC-NAc) encode social winning behavior, whereas mPFC neurons projecting to the ventral tegmental area (mPFC-VTA) encode social losing behavior. High-throughput single-cell transcriptomic analysis and projection-specific genetic manipulation revealed that the expression level of POU domain, class 3, transcription factor 1 (Pou3f1) in mPFC-VTA neurons controls social hierarchy. Optogenetic activation of mPFC-VTA neurons increases Pou3f1 expression and lowers social rank. Together, these data demonstrate that discrete activity and gene expression in separate mPFC projections oppositely orchestrate social competition and hierarchy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Yong Choi
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoungseok Jeon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Sejin Jeong
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Eum Ji Kim
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongseop Kim
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 41988, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Ha Jeong
- Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungsoo Kang
- Sysoft R&D Center, Daegu 41065, Republic of Korea; Neurovascular Unit Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea
| | - Murim Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ja Wook Koo
- Emotion, Cognition and Behavior Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu 41062, Republic of Korea; Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, Daegu 41988, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Shao Y, Cai Y, Chen T, Hao K, Luo B, Wang X, Guo W, Su X, Lv L, Yang Y, Li W. Impaired erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B receptors signaling in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus following maternal immune activation in male rats. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12863. [PMID: 37575018 PMCID: PMC10733575 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12863] [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] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
An environmental risk factor for schizophrenia (SZ) is maternal infection, which exerts longstanding effects on the neurodevelopment of offspring. Accumulating evidence suggests that synaptic disturbances may contribute to the pathology of the disease, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular B (EphB) receptor signaling plays an important role in synaptic plasticity by regulating the formation and maturation of dendritic spines and regulating excitatory neurotransmission. We examined whether EphB receptors and downstream associated proteins are susceptible to environmental risk factors implicated in the etiology of synaptic disturbances in SZ. Using an established rodent model, which closely imitates the characteristics of SZ, we observed the behavioral performance and synaptic structure of male offspring in adolescence and early adulthood. We then analyzed the expression of EphB receptors and associated proteins in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Maternal immune activation offspring showed significantly progressive cognitive impairment and pre-pulse inhibition deficits together with an increase in the expression of EphB2 receptors and NMDA receptor subunits. We also found changes in EphB receptor downstream signaling, in particular, a decrease in phospho-cofilin levels which may explain the reduced dendritic spine density. Besides, we found that the AMPA glutamate, another glutamate ionic receptor associated with cofilin, decreased significantly in maternal immune activation offspring. Thus, alterations in EphB signaling induced by immune activation during pregnancy may underlie disruptions in synaptic plasticity and function in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus associated with behavioral and cognitive impairment. These findings may provide insight into the mechanisms underlying SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqian Shao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yaqi Cai
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Tengfei Chen
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Keke Hao
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Binbin Luo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xiujuan Wang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Weiyun Guo
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Stem Cell and Biological Treatment Engineering Research Center of Henan, College of Life Science and TechnologyXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Xi Su
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Yongfeng Yang
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental HospitalThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of HenanXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
- Henan Collaborative Innovation Center of Prevention and Treatment of Mental DisorderXinxiang Medical UniversityXinxiangChina
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13
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Farsi Z, Sheng M. Molecular mechanisms of schizophrenia: Insights from human genetics. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 81:102731. [PMID: 37245257 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2023.102731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that affects millions of people worldwide; however, its etiology is poorly understood at the molecular and neurobiological levels. A particularly important advance in recent years is the discovery of rare genetic variants associated with a greatly increased risk of developing schizophrenia. These primarily loss-of-function variants are found in genes that overlap with those implicated by common variants and are involved in the regulation of glutamate signaling, synaptic function, DNA transcription, and chromatin remodeling. Animal models harboring mutations in these large-effect schizophrenia risk genes show promise in providing additional insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Farsi
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Morgan Sheng
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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14
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Balciuniene J, Liu R, Bean L, Guo F, Nallamilli BRR, Guruju N, Chen-Deutsch X, Yousaf R, Fura K, Chin E, Mathur A, Ma Z, Carmichael J, da Silva C, Collins C, Hegde M. At-Risk Genomic Findings for Pediatric-Onset Disorders From Genome Sequencing vs Medically Actionable Gene Panel in Proactive Screening of Newborns and Children. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2326445. [PMID: 37523181 PMCID: PMC10391308 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.26445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Although the clinical utility of genome sequencing for critically ill children is well recognized, its utility for proactive pediatric screening is not well explored. Objective To evaluate molecular findings from screening ostensibly healthy children with genome sequencing compared with a gene panel for medically actionable pediatric conditions. Design, Setting, and Participants This case series study was conducted among consecutive, apparently healthy children undergoing proactive genetic screening for pediatric disorders by genome sequencing (n = 562) or an exome-based panel of 268 genes (n = 606) from March 1, 2018, through July 31, 2022. Exposures Genetic screening for pediatric-onset disorders using genome sequencing or an exome-based panel of 268 genes. Main Outcomes and Measures Molecular findings indicative of genetic disease risk. Results Of 562 apparently healthy children (286 girls [50.9%]; median age, 29 days [IQR, 9-117 days]) undergoing screening by genome sequencing, 46 (8.2%; 95% CI, 5.9%-10.5%) were found to be at risk for pediatric-onset disease, including 22 children (3.9%) at risk for high-penetrance disorders. Sequence analysis uncovered molecular diagnoses among 32 individuals (5.7%), while copy number variant analysis uncovered molecular diagnoses among 14 individuals (2.5%), including 4 individuals (0.7%) with chromosome scale abnormalities. Overall, there were 47 molecular diagnoses, with 1 individual receiving 2 diagnoses; of the 47 potential diagnoses, 22 (46.8%) were associated with high-penetrance conditions. Pathogenic variants in medically actionable pediatric genes were found in 6 individuals (1.1%), constituting 12.8% (6 of 47) of all diagnoses. At least 1 pharmacogenomic variant was reported for 89.0% (500 of 562) of the cohort. In contrast, of 606 children (293 girls [48.3%]; median age, 26 days [IQR, 10-67 days]) undergoing gene panel screening, only 13 (2.1%; 95% CI, 1.0%-3.3%) resulted in potential childhood-onset diagnoses, a significantly lower rate than those screened by genome sequencing (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance In this case series study, genome sequencing as a proactive screening approach for children, due to its unrestrictive gene content and technical advantages in comparison with an exome-based gene panel for medically actionable childhood conditions, uncovered a wide range of heterogeneous high-penetrance pediatric conditions that could guide early interventions and medical management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruby Liu
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Lora Bean
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fen Guo
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Naga Guruju
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Rizwan Yousaf
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristina Fura
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ephrem Chin
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Abhinav Mathur
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Zeqiang Ma
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | | | - Madhuri Hegde
- PerkinElmer Genomics, PerkinElmer Inc, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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15
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Ji C, Tang Y, Zhang Y, Huang X, Li C, Yang Y, Wu Q, Xia X, Cai Q, Qi XR, Zheng JC. Glutaminase 1 deficiency confined in forebrain neurons causes autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112712. [PMID: 37384529 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An abnormal glutamate signaling pathway has been proposed in the mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, less is known about the involvement of alterations of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) in the pathophysiology of ASD. We show that the transcript level of GLS1 is significantly decreased in the postmortem frontal cortex and peripheral blood of ASD subjects. Mice lacking Gls1 in CamKIIα-positive neurons display a series of ASD-like behaviors, synaptic excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) imbalance, higher spine density, and glutamate receptor expression in the prefrontal cortex, as well as a compromised expression pattern of genes involved in synapse pruning and less engulfed synaptic puncta in microglia. A low dose of lipopolysaccharide treatment restores microglial synapse pruning, corrects synaptic neurotransmission, and rescues behavioral deficits in these mice. In summary, these findings provide mechanistic insights into Gls1 loss in ASD symptoms and identify Gls1 as a target for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Ji
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yalin Tang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yuhong Yang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Qihui Wu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, China
| | - Qingyuan Cai
- Franklin and Marshall College, 415 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
| | - Xin-Rui Qi
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, China.
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16
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Stella C, Díaz-Caneja CM, Penzol MJ, García-Alcón A, Solís A, Andreu-Bernabeu Á, Gurriarán X, Arango C, Parellada M, González-Peñas J. Analysis of common genetic variation across targets of microRNAs dysregulated both in ASD and epilepsy reveals negative correlation. Front Genet 2023; 14:1072563. [PMID: 36968597 PMCID: PMC10034058 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1072563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic overlap involving rare disrupting mutations may contribute to high comorbidity rates between autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. Despite their polygenic nature, genome-wide association studies have not reported a significant contribution of common genetic variation to comorbidity between both conditions. Analysis of common genetic variation affecting specific shared pathways such as miRNA dysregulation could help to elucidate the polygenic mechanisms underlying comorbidity between autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy. We evaluated here the role of common predisposing variation to autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy across target genes of 14 miRNAs selected through bibliographic research as being dysregulated in both disorders. We considered 4,581 target genes from various in silico sources. We described negative genetic correlation between autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy across variants located within target genes of the 14 miRNAs selected (p = 0.0228). Moreover, polygenic transmission disequilibrium test on an independent cohort of autism spectrum disorders trios (N = 233) revealed an under-transmission of autism spectrum disorders predisposing alleles within miRNAs’ target genes across autism spectrum disorders trios without comorbid epilepsy, thus reinforcing the negative relationship at the common genetic variation between both traits. Our study provides evidence of a negative relationship between autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy at the common genetic variation level that becomes more evident when focusing on the miRNA regulatory networks, which contrasts with observed clinical comorbidity and results from rare variation studies. Our findings may help to conceptualize the genetic heterogeneity and the comorbidity with epilepsy in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol Stella
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Covadonga M. Díaz-Caneja
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Jose Penzol
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia García-Alcón
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Solís
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Andreu-Bernabeu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Xaquín Gurriarán
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier González-Peñas
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Javier González-Peñas,
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17
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Ritchie FD, Lizarraga SB. The role of histone methyltransferases in neurocognitive disorders associated with brain size abnormalities. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:989109. [PMID: 36845425 PMCID: PMC9950662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.989109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain size is controlled by several factors during neuronal development, including neural progenitor proliferation, neuronal arborization, gliogenesis, cell death, and synaptogenesis. Multiple neurodevelopmental disorders have co-morbid brain size abnormalities, such as microcephaly and macrocephaly. Mutations in histone methyltransferases that modify histone H3 on Lysine 36 and Lysine 4 (H3K36 and H3K4) have been identified in neurodevelopmental disorders involving both microcephaly and macrocephaly. H3K36 and H3K4 methylation are both associated with transcriptional activation and are proposed to sterically hinder the repressive activity of the Polycomb Repressor Complex 2 (PRC2). During neuronal development, tri-methylation of H3K27 (H3K27me3) by PRC2 leads to genome wide transcriptional repression of genes that regulate cell fate transitions and neuronal arborization. Here we provide a review of neurodevelopmental processes and disorders associated with H3K36 and H3K4 histone methyltransferases, with emphasis on processes that contribute to brain size abnormalities. Additionally, we discuss how the counteracting activities of H3K36 and H3K4 modifying enzymes vs. PRC2 could contribute to brain size abnormalities which is an underexplored mechanism in relation to brain size control.
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18
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Zhang W, Huang J, Gao F, You Q, Ding L, Gong J, Zhang M, Ma R, Zheng S, Sun X, Zhang Y. Lactobacillus reuteri normalizes altered fear memory in male Cntnap4 knockout mice. EBioMedicine 2022; 86:104323. [PMID: 36395738 PMCID: PMC9672961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disease, characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and impaired fear memory processing. Severe gastrointestinal dysfunction and altered gut microbiome have been reported in ASD patients and animal models. Contactin associated protein-like 4 (CNTNAP4) has been suggested to be a novel risk gene, though its role in ASD remains unelucidated. METHODS Cntnap4-/- mice were generated to explore its role in ASD-related behavioural abnormalities. Electrophysiological recording was employed to examine GABAergic transmission in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and prefrontal cortex. RNA-sequencing was performed to assess underlying mechanisms. 16S rDNA analysis was performed to explore changes in faecal microbial composition. Male Cntnap4-/- mice were fed with Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) or faecal microbiota to evaluate the effects of microbiota supplementation on the impaired fear conditioning mediated by Cntnap4 deficiency. FINDINGS Male Cntnap4-/- mice manifested deficiency in social behaviours and tone-cue fear conditioning. Notably, reduced GABAergic transmission and GABA receptor expression were found in the BLA but not the prefrontal cortex. In addition, gut Lactobacillus were less abundant in male Cntnap4-/- mice, and L. reuteri treatment or faecal microbiota transplantation rescued abnormal tone-cued fear memory and improved local GABAergic transmission in the BLA of male Cntnap4-/- mice. INTERPRETATION Cntnap4 shapes GABAergic transmission of amygdala and fear conditioning, and microbial intervention represents a promising therapy in ASD intervention. FUNDING National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangzhou, Guangzhou Medical University, and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Qianglong You
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Liuyan Ding
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Junwei Gong
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Mengran Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Runfang Ma
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Shaohui Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Xiangdong Sun
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yunlong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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Epigenetic switch controls social actions. Neuron 2022; 110:1085-1087. [PMID: 35390284 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in epigenetic factors are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this issue of Neuron, Yan et al. (2022) show that the antagonism of ASH1L and PRC2 switches the equilibrium of histone methylation at the ephrin receptor A7 locus, causing decreased EphA7 expression, deficits in synaptic pruning, and ASD-like behaviors.
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