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Roh SH, Mendez-Vazquez H, Sathler MF, Doolittle MJ, Zaytseva A, Brown H, Sainsbury M, Kim S. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid reduces synaptic δ-catenin levels and disrupts ultrasonic vocalization in neonates. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.14.571709. [PMID: 38168404 PMCID: PMC10760095 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.14.571709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an effective and commonly prescribed drug for epilepsy and bipolar disorder. However, children born from mothers treated with VPA during pregnancy exhibit an increased incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although VPA may impair brain development at the cellular level, the mechanism of VPA-induced ASD has not been completely addressed. A previous study has found that VPA treatment strongly reduces δ-catenin mRNA levels in cultured human neurons. δ-catenin is important for the control of glutamatergic synapses and is strongly associated with ASD. VPA inhibits dendritic morphogenesis in developing neurons, an effect that is also found in neurons lacking δ-catenin expression. We thus hypothesize that prenatal exposure to VPA significantly reduces δ-catenin levels in the brain, which impairs glutamatergic synapses to cause ASD. Here, we found that prenatal exposure to VPA markedly reduced δ-catenin levels in the brain of mouse pups. VPA treatment also impaired dendritic branching in developing mouse cortical neurons, which was reversed by elevating δ-catenin expression. Prenatal VPA exposure significantly reduced synaptic AMPA receptor levels and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) in the brain of mouse pups, indicating dysfunctions in glutamatergic synaptic transmission. VPA exposure also significantly altered ultrasonic vocalization (USV) in newly born pups when they were isolated from their nest. Moreover, VPA-exposed pups show impaired hypothalamic response to isolation, which is required to produce animals' USVs following isolation from the nest. Therefore, these results suggest that VPA-induced ASD pathology can be mediated by the loss of δ-catenin functions. Highlights Prenatal exposure of valproic acid (VPA) in mice significantly reduces synaptic δ-catenin protein and AMPA receptor levels in the pups' brains.VPA treatment significantly impairs dendritic branching in cultured cortical neurons, which is reversed by increased δ-catenin expression.VPA exposed pups exhibit impaired communication such as ultrasonic vocalization.Neuronal activation linked to ultrasonic vocalization is absent in VPA-exposed pups.The loss of δ-catenin functions underlies VPA-induced autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in early childhood.
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Mendez-Vazquez H, Roach RL, Nip K, Chanda S, Sathler MF, Garver T, Danzman RA, Moseley MC, Roberts JP, Koch ON, Steger AA, Lee R, Arikkath J, Kim S. The autism-associated loss of δ-catenin functions disrupts social behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300773120. [PMID: 37216537 PMCID: PMC10235948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300773120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
δ-catenin is expressed in excitatory synapses and functions as an anchor for the glutamatergic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA2 subunit in the postsynaptic density. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene has been found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and results in loss of δ-catenin functions at excitatory synapses, which is presumed to underlie ASD pathogenesis in humans. However, how the G34S mutation causes loss of δ-catenin functions to induce ASD remains unclear. Here, using neuroblastoma cells, we identify that the G34S mutation increases glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-dependent δ-catenin degradation to reduce δ-catenin levels, which likely contributes to the loss of δ-catenin functions. Synaptic δ-catenin and GluA2 levels in the cortex are significantly decreased in mice harboring the δ-catenin G34S mutation. The G34S mutation increases glutamatergic activity in cortical excitatory neurons while it is decreased in inhibitory interneurons, indicating changes in cellular excitation and inhibition. δ-catenin G34S mutant mice also exhibit social dysfunction, a common feature of ASD. Most importantly, pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β activity reverses the G34S-induced loss of δ-catenin function effects in cells and mice. Finally, using δ-catenin knockout mice, we confirm that δ-catenin is required for GSK3β inhibition-induced restoration of normal social behavior in δ-catenin G34S mutant animals. Taken together, we reveal that the loss of δ-catenin functions arising from the ASD-associated G34S mutation induces social dysfunction via alterations in glutamatergic activity and that GSK3β inhibition can reverse δ-catenin G34S-induced synaptic and behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regan L. Roach
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Kaila Nip
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
| | - Soham Chanda
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Matheus F. Sathler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Tyler Garver
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Rosaline A. Danzman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Madeleine C. Moseley
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jessica P. Roberts
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Olivia N. Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | | | - Rahmi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jyothi Arikkath
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munore-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Seonil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
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Mendez-Vazquez H, Roach RL, Nip K, Sathler MF, Garver T, Danzman RA, Moseley MC, Roberts JP, Koch ON, Steger AA, Lee R, Arikkath J, Kim S. The autism-associated loss of δ-catenin functions disrupts social behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.12.523372. [PMID: 36711484 PMCID: PMC9882145 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.12.523372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
δ-catenin is expressed in excitatory synapses and functions as an anchor for the glutamatergic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA2 subunit in the postsynaptic density. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene is found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and induces loss of δ-catenin functions at excitatory synapses, which is presumed to underlie ASD pathogenesis in humans. However, how the G34S mutation causes loss of δ-catenin functions to induce ASD remains unclear. Here, using neuroblastoma cells, we discover that the G34S mutation generates an additional phosphorylation site for glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). This promotes δ-catenin degradation and causes the reduction of δ-catenin levels, which likely contributes to the loss of δ-catenin functions. Synaptic δ-catenin and GluA2 levels in the cortex are significantly decreased in mice harboring the δ-catenin G34S mutation. The G34S mutation increases glutamatergic activity in cortical excitatory neurons while it is decreased in inhibitory interneurons, indicating changes in cellular excitation and inhibition. δ-catenin G34S mutant mice also exhibit social dysfunction, a common feature of ASD. Most importantly, inhibition of GSK3β activity reverses the G34S-induced loss of δ-catenin function effects in cells and mice. Finally, using δ-catenin knockout mice, we confirm that δ-catenin is required for GSK3β inhibition-induced restoration of normal social behaviors in δ-catenin G34S mutant animals. Taken together, we reveal that the loss of δ-catenin functions arising from the ASD-associated G34S mutation induces social dysfunction via alterations in glutamatergic activity and that GSK3β inhibition can reverse δ-catenin G34S-induced synaptic and behavioral deficits. Significance Statement δ-catenin is important for the localization and function of glutamatergic AMPA receptors at synapses in many brain regions. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene is found in autism patients and results in the loss of δ-catenin functions. δ-catenin expression is also closely linked to other autism-risk genes involved in synaptic structure and function, further implying that it is important for the autism pathophysiology. Importantly, social dysfunction is a key characteristic of autism. Nonetheless, the links between δ-catenin functions and social behaviors are largely unknown. The significance of the current research is thus predicated on filling this gap by discovering the molecular, cellular, and synaptic underpinnings of the role of δ-catenin in social behaviors.
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Sathler MF, Doolittle MJ, Cockrell JA, Nadalin IR, Hofmann F, VandeWoude S, Kim S. HIV and FIV glycoproteins increase cellular tau pathology via cGMP-dependent kinase II activation. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs259764. [PMID: 35638570 PMCID: PMC9270957 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As the development of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) drastically improves the lifespan of individuals with HIV, many are now entering the prime age when Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like symptoms begin to manifest. It has been shown that hyperphosphorylated tau, a known AD pathological characteristic, is prematurely increased in the brains of HIV-infected individuals as early as in their 30s and that its levels increase with age. This suggests that HIV infection might lead to accelerated AD phenotypes. However, whether HIV infection causes AD to develop more quickly in the brain is not yet fully determined. Interestingly, we have previously revealed that the viral glycoproteins HIV gp120 and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) gp95 induce neuronal hyperexcitation via cGMP-dependent kinase II (cGKII; also known as PRKG2) activation in cultured hippocampal neurons. Here, we use cultured mouse cortical neurons to demonstrate that the presence of HIV gp120 and FIV gp95 are sufficient to increase cellular tau pathology, including intracellular tau hyperphosphorylation and tau release to the extracellular space. We further reveal that viral glycoprotein-induced cellular tau pathology requires cGKII activation. Taken together, HIV infection likely accelerates AD-related tau pathology via cGKII activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus F. Sathler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1617 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Michael J. Doolittle
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - James A. Cockrell
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - India R. Nadalin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1617 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Franz Hofmann
- Technical University of Munich, Arcisstraße 21, D-80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Seonil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, 1617 Campus Delivery, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
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Butler MG, Moreno-De-Luca D, Persico AM. Actionable Genomics in Clinical Practice: Paradigmatic Case Reports of Clinical and Therapeutic Strategies Based upon Genetic Testing. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020323. [PMID: 35205368 PMCID: PMC8872067 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In clinical settings, the information provided by genetic testing can explain the triggers and processes underlying clinical presentations, such as neurodevelopmental disorders, in up to one third of affected individuals. However, translating this knowledge into better and more personalized clinical management to many appears a distant target. This article presents three paradigmatic cases to exemplify how this translational effort can, at least in some instances, be undertaken today with very positive results: (a) a young girl carrying a chr. 16p11.2 duplication can be screened using targeted exams and undertake therapeutic/preventive interventions related to her genetic diagnosis; (b) a 13-year-old boy with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder carries a chr. 11q14.1 deletion, partly spanning the DLG2 gene important for synaptic function, and gained over 20 I.Q. points ostensibly due to carbolithium, prescribed in the absence of affective symptoms, exclusively following the pathophysiology pointed out by the genetic results; (c) a 58-year-old woman carries a COL3A1 gene variant responsible for the vascular form of Ehler–Danlos syndrome with colon rupture. Detection of this variant in six members of her extended family allows for better clinical management of the proband and targeted genetic counselling for family members at risk of this connective tissue disorder. The unprecedented flow of genetic information available today through new technologies, if interpreted in the light of current knowledge in clinical diagnosis and care of those with connective tissue disorders and neurodevelopmental disturbances, in biology and in neuropsychopharmacology, can promote better clinical and pharmacological treatment, disease surveillance, and management provided and incorporated into the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlin G. Butler
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA;
| | - Daniel Moreno-De-Luca
- Genomic Psychiatry Consultation Service, Verrecchia Clinic for Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI 02915, USA;
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, I-41125 Modena, Italy
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Program, Modena University Hospital, I-41125 Modena, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Fazel Darbandi S, Nelson AD, Pai ELL, Bender KJ, Rubenstein JLR. LiCl treatment leads to long-term restoration of spine maturation and synaptogenesis in adult Tbr1 mutants. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:11. [PMID: 35123407 PMCID: PMC8903688 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09421-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Tbr1 encodes a T-box transcription factor and is considered a high confidence autism spectrum disorder (ASD) gene. Tbr1 is expressed in the postmitotic excitatory neurons of the deep neocortical layers 5 and 6. Postnatally and neonatally, Tbr1 conditional mutants (CKOs) have immature dendritic spines and reduced synaptic density. However, an understanding of Tbr1’s function in the adult mouse brain remains elusive.
Methods
We used conditional mutagenesis to interrogate Tbr1’s function in cortical layers 5 and 6 of the adult mouse cortex.
Results
Adult Tbr1 CKO mutants have dendritic spine and synaptic deficits as well as reduced frequency of mEPSCs and mIPSCs. LiCl, a WNT signaling agonist, robustly rescues the dendritic spine maturation, synaptic defects, and excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission deficits.
Conclusions
LiCl treatment could be used as a therapeutic approach for some cases of ASD with deficits in synaptic transmission.
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Fazel Darbandi S, Robinson Schwartz SE, Pai ELL, Everitt A, Turner ML, Cheyette BNR, Willsey AJ, State MW, Sohal VS, Rubenstein JLR. Enhancing WNT Signaling Restores Cortical Neuronal Spine Maturation and Synaptogenesis in Tbr1 Mutants. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107495. [PMID: 32294447 PMCID: PMC7473600 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tbr1 is a high-confidence autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
gene encoding a transcription factor with distinct pre- and postnatal functions.
Postnatally, Tbr1 conditional knockout (CKO) mutants and
constitutive heterozygotes have immature dendritic spines and reduced synaptic
density. Tbr1 regulates expression of several genes that
underlie synaptic defects, including a kinesin (Kif1a) and a
WNT-signaling ligand (Wnt7b). Furthermore,
Tbr1 mutant corticothalamic neurons have reduced thalamic
axonal arborization. LiCl and a GSK3β inhibitor, two WNT-signaling
agonists, robustly rescue the dendritic spines and the synaptic and axonal
defects, suggesting that this could have relevance for therapeutic approaches in
some forms of ASD. Fazel Darbandi et al. demonstrate that TBR1 directly regulates
transcriptional circuits in cortical layers 5 and 6, which promote dendritic
spine and synaptic density. Enhancing WNT signaling rescues dendritic spine
maturation and synaptogenesis defects in Tbr1 mutants. These
results provide insights into mechanisms that underlie ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siavash Fazel Darbandi
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sarah E Robinson Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Emily Ling-Lin Pai
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Amanda Everitt
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Marc L Turner
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Benjamin N R Cheyette
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - A Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases, UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Vikaas S Sohal
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience and Sloan-Swartz Center for Theoretical Neurobiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - John L R Rubenstein
- Department of Psychiatry and UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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Tatavarty V, Torrado Pacheco A, Groves Kuhnle C, Lin H, Koundinya P, Miska NJ, Hengen KB, Wagner FF, Van Hooser SD, Turrigiano GG. Autism-Associated Shank3 Is Essential for Homeostatic Compensation in Rodent V1. Neuron 2020; 106:769-777.e4. [PMID: 32199104 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in Shank3 are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorders and neural circuit changes in several brain areas, but the cellular mechanisms that underlie these defects are not understood. Homeostatic forms of plasticity allow central circuits to maintain stable function during experience-dependent development, leading us to ask whether loss of Shank3 might impair homeostatic plasticity and circuit-level compensation to perturbations. We found that Shank3 loss in vitro abolished synaptic scaling and intrinsic homeostatic plasticity, deficits that could be rescued by treatment with lithium. Further, Shank3 knockout severely compromised the in vivo ability of visual cortical circuits to recover from perturbations to sensory drive. Finally, lithium treatment ameliorated a repetitive self-grooming phenotype in Shank3 knockout mice. These findings demonstrate that Shank3 loss severely impairs the ability of central circuits to harness homeostatic mechanisms to compensate for perturbations in drive, which, in turn, may render them more vulnerable to such perturbations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heather Lin
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02493, USA
| | - Priya Koundinya
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02493, USA
| | | | - Keith B Hengen
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02493, USA
| | - Florence F Wagner
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Ryu T, Park HJ, Kim H, Cho YC, Kim BC, Jo J, Seo YW, Choi WS, Kim K. Improved memory and reduced anxiety in δ-catenin transgenic mice. Exp Neurol 2019; 318:22-31. [PMID: 30981806 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
δ-Catenin is abundant in the brain and affects its synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, loss of δ-catenin is related to the deficits of learning and memory, mental retardation (cri-du-chat syndrome), and autism. A few studies about δ-catenin deficiency mice were performed. However, the effect of δ-catenin overexpression in the brain has not been investigated as yet. Therefore we generated a δ-catenin overexpressing mouse model. To generate a transgenic mouse model overexpressing δ-catenin in the brain, δ-catenin plasmid having a Thy-1 promotor was microinjected in C57BL/6 mice. Our results showed δ-catenin transgenic mice expressed higher levels of N-cadherin, β-catenin, and p120-catenin than did wild type mice. Furthermore, δ-catenin transgenic mice exhibited better object recognition, better sociability, and lower anxiety than wild type mice. However, both mice groups showed a similar pattern in locomotion tests. Although δ-catenin transgenic mice show similar locomotion, they show improved sociability and reduced anxiety. These characteristics are opposite to the symptoms of autism or mental retardation, which are caused when δ-catenin is deficient. These results suggest that δ-catenin may alleviate symptoms of autism, Alzheimer's disease and mental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taeyong Ryu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Joon Park
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Hangun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Chang Cho
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong C Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwnagju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Jo
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwnagju 61469, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Woo Seo
- Korea Basic Science Institute, Gwangju Center, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Seok Choi
- School of Biological Sciences and Technology, College of Natural Sciences, College of Medicine, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kwonseop Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute for Drug Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Excitatory and inhibitory synaptic dysfunction in mania: an emerging hypothesis from animal model studies. Exp Mol Med 2018; 50:1-11. [PMID: 29628501 PMCID: PMC5938027 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-018-0028-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a common psychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent mood swings between depression and mania, and is associated with high treatment costs. The existence of manic episodes is the defining feature of BD, during which period, patients experience extreme elevation in activity, energy, and mood, with changes in sleep patterns that together severely impair their ability to function in daily life. Despite some limitations in recapitulating the complex features of human disease, several rodent models of mania have been generated and characterized, which have provided important insights toward understanding its underlying pathogenic mechanisms. Among the mechanisms, neuronal excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) synaptic dysfunction in some brain regions, including the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, is an emerging hypothesis explaining mania. In this review, we highlight recent studies of rodent manic models having impairments in the E/I synaptic development and function. We also summarize the molecular and functional changes of E/I synapses by some mood stabilizers that may contribute to the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. Furthermore, we discuss potential future directions in the study of this emerging hypothesis to better connect the outcomes of basic research to the treatment of patients with this devastating mental illness. Studies in rodents offer insights into bipolar disorder that may help understanding and treatment of this common and debilitating condition. Kihoon Han and colleagues at Korea University in Seoul review research using mice and rats to model the episodes of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. The research supports an emerging hypothesis implicating specific problems with nervous transmission in the brain in the onset of mania. The hypothesis suggests that the transmission of signals between particular nerve cells whose normal function is either to excite or to inhibit other nerve cells may be involved. It also indicates regions of the brain most involved in manic episodes. Changes at the affected nerve junctions—called synapses—brought about by mood-stabilizing drugs are examined. The hypothesis suggests new approaches to treatment options for researchers to explore.
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11
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Zhang XL, Ding HH, Xu T, Liu M, Ma C, Wu SL, Wei JY, Liu CC, Zhang SB, Xin WJ. Palmitoylation of δ-catenin promotes kinesin-mediated membrane trafficking of Nav1.6 in sensory neurons to promote neuropathic pain. Sci Signal 2018; 11:11/523/eaar4394. [PMID: 29588412 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aar4394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Long Zhang
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Huan-Huan Ding
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Meng Liu
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chao Ma
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Shao-Ling Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Jia-You Wei
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Cui-Cui Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Su-Bo Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Neuroscience Program, Zhongshan School of Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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