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Li X, Hao S, Zou S, Tu X, Kong W, Jiang T, Chen JG. Cortex-restricted deletion of Foxp1 impairs barrel formation and induces aberrant tactile responses in a mouse model of autism. Mol Autism 2023; 14:34. [PMID: 37691105 PMCID: PMC10494400 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00567-0] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display touch defensiveness or avoidance (hypersensitivity), or engage in sensory seeking by touching people or objects (hyposensitivity). Abnormal sensory responses have also been noticed in mice lacking ASD-associated genes. Tactile sensory information is normally processed by the somatosensory system that travels along the thalamus to the primary somatosensory cortex. The neurobiology behind tactile sensory abnormalities, however, is not fully understood. METHODS We employed cortex-specific Foxp1 knockout (Foxp1-cKO) mice as a model of autism in this study. Tactile sensory deficits were measured by the adhesive removal test. The mice's behavior and neural activity were further evaluated by the whisker nuisance test and c-Fos immunofluorescence, respectively. We also studied the dendritic spines and barrel formation in the primary somatosensory cortex by Golgi staining and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Foxp1-cKO mice had a deferred response to the tactile environment. However, the mice exhibited avoidance behavior and hyper-reaction following repeated whisker stimulation, similar to a fight-or-flight response. In contrast to the wild-type, c-Fos was activated in the basolateral amygdala but not in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex of the cKO mice. Moreover, Foxp1 deficiency in cortical neurons altered the dendrite development, reduced the number of dendritic spines, and disrupted barrel formation in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting impaired somatosensory processing may underlie the aberrant tactile responses. LIMITATIONS It is still unclear how the defective thalamocortical connection gives rise to the hyper-reactive response. Future experiments with electrophysiological recording are needed to analyze the role of thalamo-cortical-amygdala circuits in the disinhibiting amygdala and enhanced fearful responses in the mouse model of autism. CONCLUSIONS Foxp1-cKO mice have tactile sensory deficits while exhibit hyper-reactivity, which may represent fearful and emotional responses controlled by the amygdala. This study presents anatomical evidence for reduced thalamocortical connectivity in a genetic mouse model of ASD and demonstrates that the cerebral cortex can be the origin of atypical sensory behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shishuai Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shimin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomeng Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Weixi Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian Jiang
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Wenling Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenling, 317500, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Guang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Visual Science, Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou, 325027, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325027, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Yang Y, Song R, Gao Y, Yu H, Wang S. Regulatory mechanisms and therapeutic potential of JAB1 in neurological development and disorders. Mol Med 2023; 29:80. [PMID: 37365502 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
c-Jun activation domain binding protein-1 (JAB1) is a multifunctional regulator that plays vital roles in diverse cellular processes. It regulates AP-1 transcriptional activity and also acts as the fifth component of the COP9 signalosome complex. While JAB1 is considered an oncoprotein that triggers tumor development, recent studies have shown that it also functions in neurological development and disorders. In this review, we summarize the general features of the JAB1 gene and protein, and present recent updates on the regulation of JAB1 expression. Moreover, we also highlight the functional roles and regulatory mechanisms of JAB1 in neurodevelopmental processes such as neuronal differentiation, synaptic morphogenesis, myelination, and hair cell development and in the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, neuropathic pain, and peripheral nerve injury. Furthermore, current challenges and prospects are discussed, including updates on drug development targeting JAB1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jianshe South Road No. 45, Jining, Shandong, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Ruying Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jianshe South Road No. 45, Jining, Shandong, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Yiming Gao
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jianshe South Road No. 45, Jining, Shandong, China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jianshe South Road No. 45, Jining, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
| | - Shuai Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jianshe South Road No. 45, Jining, Shandong, China.
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China.
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3
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Ryazanova MA, Plekanchuk VS, Prokudina OI, Makovka YV, Alekhina TA, Redina OE, Markel AL. Animal Models of Hypertension (ISIAH Rats), Catatonia (GC Rats), and Audiogenic Epilepsy (PM Rats) Developed by Breeding. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1814. [PMID: 37509453 PMCID: PMC10376947 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into genetic and physiological mechanisms of widespread disorders such as arterial hypertension as well as neuropsychiatric and other human diseases is urgently needed in academic and practical medicine and in the field of biology. Nevertheless, such studies have many limitations and pose difficulties that can be overcome by using animal models. To date, for the purposes of creating animal models of human pathologies, several approaches have been used: pharmacological/chemical intervention; surgical procedures; genetic technologies for creating transgenic animals, knockouts, or knockdowns; and breeding. Although some of these approaches are good for certain research aims, they have many drawbacks, the greatest being a strong perturbation (in a biological system) that, along with the expected effect, exerts side effects in the study. Therefore, for investigating the pathogenesis of a disease, models obtained using genetic selection for a target trait are of high value as this approach allows for the creation of a model with a "natural" manifestation of the pathology. In this review, three rat models are described: ISIAH rats (arterial hypertension), GC rats (catatonia), and PM rats (audiogenic epilepsy), which are developed by breeding in the Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics at the Institute of Cytology and Genetics (the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Ryazanova
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vladislava S Plekanchuk
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga I Prokudina
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yulia V Makovka
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Alekhina
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Olga E Redina
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Arcady L Markel
- Federal Research Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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4
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Xie R, Zhao W, Lowe S, Bentley R, Hu G, Mei H, Jiang X, Sun C, Wu Y, Yueying Liu. Quercetin alleviates kainic acid-induced seizure by inhibiting the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 191:212-226. [PMID: 36087883 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders in childhood. However, classical antiepileptic drugs are linked with drug toxicity and cognitive function impairment in children. Hence, it is essential to develop a novel therapy to solve this problem. Currently, studies indicate regulating the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated ferroptosis pathway represents a potential advanced therapy for seizures. Hence, the present study aimed to explore whether quercetin, a natural polyphenol, could alleviate seizure-induced neuron death and preserve cognitive function by inhibiting Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis. METHODS Kainic acid-induced epileptic mice model, morris water maze (MWM) test, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays, western blotting analysis, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence staining, and RNA sequencing analysis were employed to explore the potential mechanisms by which quercetin exerts protective effects on seizure-induced neuron death in kainic acid-induced epileptic mice model and glutamate-induced HT22 neuronal cell death. RESULTS Our findings suggested the association between the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway and seizures in a clinical setting. Quercetin pretreatment alleviates seizure-like behaviors and cognitive impairment in KA-induced epileptic mice. Additionally, in vitro, co-treatment with quercetin effectively exerts neuroprotective effects in glutamate-induced HT22 neuronal cell death. These protective effects were also closely linked to regulating the Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis pathway. Furthermore, bioinformatic profiling revealed that the SIRT1/Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway plays a crucial role in the Glu-induced HT22 cell death pretreated with quercetin. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicated that quercetin effectively protects against seizure-induced neuron death in vivo and in vitro and alleviates cognitive function impairment via the SIRT1/Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruijin Xie
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenjing Zhao
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Scott Lowe
- Kansas City University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Rachel Bentley
- Kansas City University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City, USA
| | - Guoqin Hu
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi, China
| | - Huiya Mei
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiaofan Jiang
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi, China
| | - Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, USA.
| | - Yu Wu
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China.
| | - Yueying Liu
- Jiangnan University, School of Medicine, Wuxi, China; Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Department of Pediatrics, Wuxi, China.
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5
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Balasco L, Pagani M, Pangrazzi L, Chelini G, Ciancone Chama AG, Shlosman E, Mattioni L, Galbusera A, Iurilli G, Provenzano G, Gozzi A, Bozzi Y. Abnormal Whisker-Dependent Behaviors and Altered Cortico-Hippocampal Connectivity in Shank3b-/- Mice. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:3042-3056. [PMID: 34791077 PMCID: PMC9290535 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal tactile response is an integral feature of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), and hypo-responsiveness to tactile stimuli is often associated with the severity of ASDs core symptoms. Patients with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), caused by mutations in the SHANK3 gene, show ASD-like symptoms associated with aberrant tactile responses. The neural underpinnings of these abnormalities are still poorly understood. Here we investigated, in Shank3b−/− adult mice, the neural substrates of whisker-guided behaviors, a key component of rodents’ interaction with the surrounding environment. We assessed whisker-dependent behaviors in Shank3b−/− adult mice and age-matched controls, using the textured novel object recognition (tNORT) and whisker nuisance (WN) test. Shank3b−/− mice showed deficits in whisker-dependent texture discrimination in tNORT and behavioral hypo-responsiveness to repetitive whisker stimulation in WN. Sensory hypo-responsiveness was accompanied by a significantly reduced activation of the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) and hippocampus, as measured by c-fos mRNA induction, a proxy of neuronal activity following whisker stimulation. Moreover, resting-state fMRI showed a significantly reduced S1-hippocampal connectivity in Shank3b mutants, in the absence of altered connectivity between S1 and other somatosensory areas. Impaired crosstalk between hippocampus and S1 might underlie Shank3b−/− hypo-reactivity to whisker-dependent cues, highlighting a potentially generalizable somatosensory dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Balasco
- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Marco Pagani
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Luca Pangrazzi
- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | | | - Evgenia Shlosman
- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mattioni
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Giuliano Iurilli
- Systems Neurobiology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Department of Cellular, Computational, and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- CIMeC - Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, TN, Italy.,CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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6
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Yang Y, Zhou X, Liu X, Song R, Gao Y, Wang S. Implications of FBXW7 in Neurodevelopment and Neurodegeneration: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:736008. [PMID: 34512273 PMCID: PMC8424092 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.736008] [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: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) mediated protein degradation is crucial to maintain quantitive and functional homeostasis of diverse proteins. Balanced cellular protein homeostasis controlled by UPS is fundamental to normal neurological functions while impairment of UPS can also lead to some neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Functioning as the substrate recognition component of the SCF-type E3 ubiquitin ligase, FBXW7 is essential to multiple aspects of cellular processes via targeting a wide range of substrates for proteasome-mediated degradation. Accumulated evidence shows that FBXW7 is fundamental to neurological functions and especially implicated in neurodevelopment and the nosogenesis of neurodegeneration. In this review, we describe general features of FBXW7 gene and proteins, and mainly present recent findings that highlight the vital roles and molecular mechanisms of FBXW7 in neurodevelopment such as neurogenesis, myelination and cerebral vasculogenesis and in the pathogenesis of some typical neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Huntington’s disease. Additionally, we also provide a prospect on focusing FBXW7 as a potential therapeutic target to rescue neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Yang
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Research Center for Quality of Life and Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Management, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Xinpeng Liu
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Ruying Song
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yiming Gao
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Behavioral Interventions of Mental Disorders, Institute of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.,Shandong Key Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
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7
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Deemyad T, Puig S, Papale AE, Qi H, LaRocca GM, Aravind D, LaNoce E, Urban NN. Lateralized Decrease of Parvalbumin+ Cells in the Somatosensory Cortex of ASD Models Is Correlated with Unilateral Tactile Hypersensitivity. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:554-568. [PMID: 34347040 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory control of excitatory networks contributes to cortical functions. Increasing evidence indicates that parvalbumin (PV+)-expressing basket cells (BCs) are a major player in maintaining the balance between excitation (E) and inhibition (I). Disruption of E/I balance in cortical networks is believed to be a hallmark of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we report a lateralized decrease in the number of PV+ BCs in L2/3 of the somatosensory cortex in the dominant hemisphere of Shank3-/- and Cntnap2-/- mouse models of ASD. The dominant hemisphere was identified during a reaching task to establish each animal's dominant forepaw. Double labeling with anti-PV antibody and a biotinylated lectin (Vicia villosa lectin [VVA]) showed that the number of BCs was not different but rather, some BCs did not express PV (PV-), resulting in an elevated number of PV- VVA+ BCs. Finally, we showed that dominant hindpaws had higher mechanical sensitivity when compared with the other hindpaws. This mechanical hypersensitivity in the dominant paw strongly correlated with the decrease in the number of PV+ interneurons and reduced PV expression in the corresponding cortex. Together, these results suggest that the hypersensitivity in ASD patients could be due to decreased inhibitory inputs to the dominant somatosensory cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Deemyad
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Stephanie Puig
- Department of Psychiatry, Translational Neuroscience Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Andrew E Papale
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hang Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Gregory M LaRocca
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Deepthi Aravind
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Emma LaNoce
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Nathaniel N Urban
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,Center for Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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8
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Longo F, Klann E. Reciprocal control of translation and transcription in autism spectrum disorder. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52110. [PMID: 33977633 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted patterns of interest and repetitive behaviors. ASD is genetically heterogeneous and is believed to be caused by both inheritable and de novo gene variations. Studies have revealed an extremely complex genetic landscape of ASD, favoring the idea that mutations in different clusters of genes interfere with interconnected downstream signaling pathways and circuitry, resulting in aberrant behavior. In this review, we describe a select group of candidate genes that represent both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of ASD and encode proteins that are important in transcriptional and translational regulation. We focus on the interplay between dysregulated translation and transcription in ASD with the hypothesis that dysregulation of each synthetic process triggers a feedback loop to act on the other, which ultimately exacerbates ASD pathophysiology. Finally, we summarize findings from interdisciplinary studies that pave the way for the investigation of the cooperative impact of different genes and pathways underlying the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Longo
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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9
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Durens M, Soliman M, Millonig J, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 is a cell autonomous regulator of neurogenesis in cultured hippocampal neural stem cells. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:724-735. [PMID: 33852756 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22824] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in genes that regulate early brain development are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Engrailed-2 (En2) is a homeodomain transcription factor with established roles in cerebellar patterning. En2 is highly expressed in the developing mid-hindbrain region, and En2 knockout (KO) mice exhibit major deficits in mid-hindbrain structures. However, En2 is also expressed in forebrain regions including the hippocampus, but its function is unknown. Previous studies have shown that the hippocampus of En2-KO mice exhibits reductions in its volume and cell numbers due to aberrant neurogenesis. Aberrant neurogenesis is due, in part, to noncell autonomous effects, specifically, reductions of innervating norepinephrine fibers from the locus coeruleus. In this study, we investigate possible cell autonomous roles of En2 in hippocampal neurogenesis. We examine proliferation, survival, and differentiation using cultures of hippocampal neurospheres of P7 wild-type (WT) and En2-KO hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). At 7 days, En2-KO neurospheres were larger on average than WT spheres and exhibited 2.5-fold greater proliferation and 2-fold increase in apoptotic cells, similar to in vivo KO phenotype. Further, En2-KO cultures exhibited 40% less cells with neurite projections, suggesting decreased differentiation. Lastly, reestablishing En2 expression in En2-KO NPCs rescued excess proliferation. These results indicate that En2 functions in hippocampal NPCs by inhibiting proliferation and promoting survival and differentiation in a cell autonomous manner. More broadly, this study suggests that En2 impacts brain structure and function in diverse regions outside of the mid-hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madel Durens
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mai Soliman
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - James Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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10
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Feng J, Hao Z, Zhang X, Li M, zhong W, Zhang C, Gharawi A, Alrashood ST, Khan HA. Effect of thiamazole on kainic acid-induced seizures in mice. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:1840-1846. [PMID: 33732070 PMCID: PMC7938111 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.12.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Kainic acid (KA) induced epileptic seizures in mice is a commonly used experimental model of epilepsy. Previous studies have suggested the roles of various neurotransmitters and oxidative stress in KA-induced seizures. An important role of hypothyroidism has also been suggested in epilepsy. Thiamazole (TZ) is an anti-hyperthyroid drug with antioxidant property. This study reports the effect of TZ on KA-induced epileptic seizures in mice, produced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of KA (18 mg/kg). Prior to KA injection, the animals were treated with TZ (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg IP). Our results showed that in KA alone group, about half of the animals developed seizures. Pre-treatment of mice with TZ significantly increased the frequency of seizures in dose-dependent manner. Administration of TZ significantly reduced the latency time and aggravated the severity of seizures. TZ also increased the mortality in KA-treated mice. Striatal dopamine and serotonin levels were markedly increased in KA alone treated mice, which were not significantly affected by TZ treatment. Among the indices of oxidative stress, we observed a significant reduction in cerebral vitamin E whereas the levels of cerebral malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes were significantly increased in animals with high severity of seizures. In conclusion, TZ potentiated the frequency and severity of experimental seizure in mice. There is a possibility of altered metabolism of KA in presence of TZ that might have potentiated the toxicity of KA. These findings suggest a caution while administering anti-hyperthyroid drugs in epileptic seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jigao Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, China
| | - Zheng Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi 030001, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of ICU, The First People's Hospital of Huaihua City, Huaihua, Hunan 418000, China
| | - Mingxia Li
- Department of Neurology, The First People's Hospital of Huaihua City, Huaihua, Hunan 418000, China
| | - Wuzhao zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanchang 334 Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330024, China
| | - Caicai Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Hainan Medical University (Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience, Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan 570311, China
- Corresponding author at: Department of Physiology, Hainan Medical University (Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience, Hainan Medical University), Haikou, Hainan 570311, China.
| | - Ali Gharawi
- Department of Central Military Laboratory and Blood Bank, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh 11159, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sara T. Alrashood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haseeb A. Khan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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11
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Filice F, Janickova L, Henzi T, Bilella A, Schwaller B. The Parvalbumin Hypothesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:577525. [PMID: 33390904 PMCID: PMC7775315 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.577525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-a type of neurodevelopmental disorder-is increasing and is around 2% in North America, Asia, and Europe. Besides the known genetic link, environmental, epigenetic, and metabolic factors have been implicated in ASD etiology. Although highly heterogeneous at the behavioral level, ASD comprises a set of core symptoms including impaired communication and social interaction skills as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. This has led to the suggestion that a large part of the ASD phenotype is caused by changes in a few and common set of signaling pathways, the identification of which is a fundamental aim of autism research. Using advanced bioinformatics tools and the abundantly available genetic data, it is possible to classify the large number of ASD-associated genes according to cellular function and pathways. Cellular processes known to be impaired in ASD include gene regulation, synaptic transmission affecting the excitation/inhibition balance, neuronal Ca2+ signaling, development of short-/long-range connectivity (circuits and networks), and mitochondrial function. Such alterations often occur during early postnatal neurodevelopment. Among the neurons most affected in ASD as well as in schizophrenia are those expressing the Ca2+-binding protein parvalbumin (PV). These mainly inhibitory interneurons present in many different brain regions in humans and rodents are characterized by rapid, non-adaptive firing and have a high energy requirement. PV expression is often reduced at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in human ASD brain samples and mouse ASD (and schizophrenia) models. Although the human PVALB gene is not a high-ranking susceptibility/risk gene for either disorder and is currently only listed in the SFARI Gene Archive, we propose and present supporting evidence for the Parvalbumin Hypothesis, which posits that decreased PV level is causally related to the etiology of ASD (and possibly schizophrenia).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Beat Schwaller
- Section of Medicine, Anatomy, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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12
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Neurobiological Mechanisms of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Epilepsy, Insights from Animal Models. Neuroscience 2020; 445:69-82. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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13
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Ruan Y, Qiu X, Lv YD, Dong D, Wu XJ, Zhu J, Zheng XY. Kainic acid Induces production and aggregation of amyloid β-protein and memory deficits by activating inflammasomes in NLRP3- and NF-κB-stimulated pathways. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 11:3795-3810. [PMID: 31182681 PMCID: PMC6594814 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Kainic acid (KA) treatment causes neuronal degeneration, which is a feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) symptoms such as amyloid β-protein production and memory deficits. Inflammasomes are known to be critical for the progression of AD. However, the underlying mechanism by which inflammasomes influence AD progression remains unknown. The present study investigated the damaging effect of KA on neurons by focusing on the inflammasome-mediated signaling pathways. Assessments using cultured microglia and mouse brains demonstrated that KA treatment specifically induced inflammasome activation. Mechanistic evaluations showed that KA activated two major components of inflammasomes, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, which resulted in the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Inhibition of NLRP3 or NF-κB by Bay11-7082 caused a reduction in the KA-induced expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and BDNF. Moreover, knockdown of the expression of KA receptors (KARs) such as Grik1 and Grik3 induced suppression of NLRP3 and NF-κB, suggesting that KARs function upstream of NLRP3 and NF-κB to mediate the effects of KA on regulation of IL-1β and BDNF expression. Notably, IL-1β was shown to exert positive effects on the expression of BACE1, which is blocked by Bay11-7082. Overall, our results revealed that Bay11-7082 acts against KA-induced neuronal degeneration, amyloid β-protein (Aβ) deposition, and memory defects via inflammasomes and further highlighted the protective role of Bay11-7082 in KA-induced neuronal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiang Qiu
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yu-Dan Lv
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Dong Dong
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Wu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 141 86, Sweden
| | - Xiang-Yu Zheng
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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14
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Altered Expression of GABAergic Markers in the Forebrain of Young and Adult Engrailed-2 Knockout Mice. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040384. [PMID: 32244845 PMCID: PMC7231099 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired function of GABAergic interneurons, and the subsequent alteration of excitation/inhibition balance, is thought to contribute to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Altered numbers of GABAergic interneurons and reduced expression of GABA receptors has been detected in the brain of ASD subjects and mouse models of ASD. We previously showed a reduced expression of GABAergic interneuron markers parvalbumin (PV) and somatostatin (SST) in the forebrain of adult mice lacking the Engrailed2 gene (En2-/- mice). Here, we extended this analysis to postnatal day (P) 30 by using in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative RT-PCR to study the expression of GABAergic interneuron markers in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex of En2-/- and wild type (WT) mice. In addition, GABA receptor subunit mRNA expression was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR in the same brain regions of P30 and adult En2-/- and WT mice. As observed in adult animals, PV and SST expression was decreased in En2-/- forebrain of P30 mice. The expression of GABA receptor subunits (including the ASD-relevant Gabrb3) was also altered in young and adult En2-/- forebrain. Our results suggest that GABAergic neurotransmission deficits are already evident at P30, confirming that neurodevelopmental defects of GABAergic interneurons occur in the En2 mouse model of ASD.
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15
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Pirone A, Viaggi C, Cantile C, Giannessi E, Pardini C, Vaglini F, Miragliotta V. Morphological alterations of the reticular thalamic nucleus in Engrailed-2 knockout mice. J Anat 2020; 236:883-890. [PMID: 31972897 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The reticular thalamic nucleus (Rt) is a sheet of neurons that surrounds the dorsal thalamus laterally, along its dorso-ventral and rostro-caudal axes. It consists of inhibitory neurons releasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This nucleus participates in the circuitry between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex, and its impairment is associated with neuro-psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated the Rt anatomy of Engrailed-2 knockout mice (En2-/- ), a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using parvalbumin as an immunohistochemical marker. We compared 4- and 6-week-old wild type (WT) and En2-/- mice using various morphometric parameters: cell area, shape factor, circularity and cell density. Significant differences were present in 6-week-old male mice with different genetic background (WT vs. En2-/- ): the Rt neurons of En2-/- mice showed a bigger cell area, shape factor and circularity when compared with WT. Age (4 weeks vs. 6 weeks) influenced the shape factor of WT females, the circularity and cell density of En2-/- males, and the shape factor and circularity of En2-/- females. Gender affected cell density in 4-week-old WT mice, shape factor and cellularity of 6-week-old WT mice, and cell area, shape factor and cell density of En2-/- at 6 weeks. Intrasubject (left-right) asymmetry of Rt was never observed. These results show for the first time that sex- and age-related changes occur in the Rt GABAergic neurons of the En2-/- ASD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carla Pardini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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16
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Zheng XY, Lv YD, Jin FY, Wu XJ, Zhu J, Ruan Y. Kainic acid hyperphosphorylates tau via inflammasome activation in MAPT transgenic mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10923-10938. [PMID: 31789603 PMCID: PMC6932880 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The excitotoxicity induced by kainic acid (KA) is thought to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the mechanisms underlying this excitotoxicity remain unknown. In the current study, we investigated the dynamic changes in tau phosphorylation and their associations with the excitotoxicity induced by intraperitoneal injection of KA in the mouse brain. We found that KA-induced excitotoxicity led to sustained hyperphosphorylation of tau in MAPT transgenic (Tg) mice. By using cultured microglia and mouse brains, we showed that KA treatment specifically induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was characterized by activation of the major biomarkers of ER, such as ATF6, GRP78, and IRE1, and resulted in stimulation of inflammasomes. KA receptors (KARs), such as Girk1, were determined to be involved in this KA-induced ER stress. ER stress was also shown to activate inflammasomes by stimulating the expression of the two major components of inflammasomes, nucleotide binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLR) protein 3 (NLRP3) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and eventually causing the production of interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Inhibition of NLRP3 or NF-κB by Bay11-7082 resulted in reduction of KA-induced IL-1β production. Our results also revealed the positive effects of IL-1β on tau phosphorylation, which was blocked by Bay11-7082. Notably, the results indicate that Bay11-7082 acts against KA-induced neuronal degeneration, tau phosphorylation, and memory defects via inflammasomes, which further highlight the protective role of Bay11-7082 in KA-induced neuronal defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Zheng
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yu-Dan Lv
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Feng-Yan Jin
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Wu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 141 86, Sweden
| | - Yang Ruan
- Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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17
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Zhang X, Piano I, Messina A, D'Antongiovanni V, Crò F, Provenzano G, Bozzi Y, Gargini C, Casarosa S. Retinal defects in mice lacking the autism-associated gene Engrailed-2. Neuroscience 2019; 408:177-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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18
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Chelini G, Zerbi V, Cimino L, Grigoli A, Markicevic M, Libera F, Robbiati S, Gadler M, Bronzoni S, Miorelli S, Galbusera A, Gozzi A, Casarosa S, Provenzano G, Bozzi Y. Aberrant Somatosensory Processing and Connectivity in Mice Lacking Engrailed-2. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1525-1538. [PMID: 30593497 PMCID: PMC6381254 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0612-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overreactivity and defensive behaviors in response to tactile stimuli are common symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Similarly, somatosensory hypersensitivity has also been described in mice lacking ASD-associated genes such as Fmr1 (fragile X mental retardation protein 1). Fmr1 knock-out mice also show reduced functional connectivity between sensory cortical areas, which may represent an endogenous biomarker for their hypersensitivity. Here, we measured whole-brain functional connectivity in Engrailed-2 knock-out (En2-/-) adult mice, which show a lower expression of Fmr1 and anatomical defects common to Fmr1 knock-outs. MRI-based resting-state functional connectivity in adult En2-/- mice revealed significantly reduced synchronization in somatosensory-auditory/associative cortices and dorsal thalamus, suggesting the presence of aberrant somatosensory processing in these mutants. Accordingly, when tested in the whisker nuisance test, En2-/- but not WT mice of both sexes showed fear behavior in response to repeated whisker stimulation. En2-/- mice undergoing this test exhibited decreased c-Fos-positive neurons (a marker of neuronal activity) in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex and increased immunoreactive cells in the basolateral amygdala compared with WT littermates. Conversely, when tested in a sensory maze, En2-/- and WT mice spent a comparable time in whisker-guided exploration, indicating that whisker-mediated behaviors are otherwise preserved in En2 mutants. Therefore, fearful responses to somatosensory stimuli in En2-/- mice are accompanied by reduced basal connectivity of sensory regions, reduced activation of somatosensory cortex, and increased activation of the basolateral amygdala, suggesting that impaired somatosensory processing is a common feature in mice lacking ASD-related genes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Overreactivity to tactile stimuli is a common symptom in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Recent studies performed in mice bearing ASD-related mutations confirmed these findings. Here, we evaluated the behavioral response to whisker stimulation in mice lacking the ASD-related gene Engrailed-2 (En2-/- mice). Compared with WT controls, En2-/- mice showed reduced functional connectivity in the somatosensory cortex, which was paralleled by fear behavior, reduced activation of somatosensory cortex, and increased activation of the basolateral amygdala in response to repeated whisker stimulation. These results suggest that impaired somatosensory signal processing is a common feature in mice harboring ASD-related mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Chelini
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valerio Zerbi
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Cimino
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Andrea Grigoli
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Marija Markicevic
- Neural Control of Movement Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesco Libera
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Sergio Robbiati
- Model Organisms Facility, Center for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Gadler
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Silvia Bronzoni
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Silvia Miorelli
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Alberto Galbusera
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy, and
| | - Alessandro Gozzi
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 38068 Rovereto, Italy, and
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy,
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy,
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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19
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Patel J, Lukkes JL, Shekhar A. Overview of genetic models of autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 241:1-36. [PMID: 30447752 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopment disorders that are characterized by heterogenous cognitive deficits and genetic factors. As more ASD risk genes are identified, genetic animal models have been developed to parse out the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. In this review, we discuss a subset of genetic models of ASD, focusing on those that have been widely studied and strongly linked to ASD. We focus our discussion of these models in the context of the theories and potential mechanisms of ASD, including disruptions in cell growth and proliferation, spine dynamics, synaptic transmission, excitation/inhibition balance, intracellular signaling, neuroinflammation, and behavior. In addition to ASD pathophysiology, we examine the limitations and challenges that genetic models pose for the study of ASD biology. We end with a review of innovative techniques and concepts of ASD pathology that can be further applied to and studied using genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jheel Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jodi L Lukkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Indiana Clinical and Translation Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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20
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Carratala-Marco F, Andreo-Lillo P, Martinez-Morga M, Escamez-Martínez T, Botella-López A, Bueno C, Martinez S. Clinical Phenotypes Associated to Engrailed 2 Gene Alterations in a Series of Neuropediatric Patients. Front Neuroanat 2018; 12:61. [PMID: 30147646 PMCID: PMC6095973 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2018.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The engrailed homeobox protein (EN) plays an important role in the regionalization of the neural tube. EN distribution regulates the cerebellum and midbrain morphogenesis, as well as retinotectal synaptogenesis. In humans, the EN1 and EN2 genes code for the EN family of transcription factors. Genetic alterations in the expression of EN2 have been related to different neurologic conditions and more particularly to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We aimed to study and compare the phenotypes of three series of patients: (1) patients with encephalic structural anomalies (ESA) and abnormalities in the genomic (DNA) and/or transcriptomic (RNAm) of EN2 (EN2-g), (2) ESA patients having other gene mutations (OG-g), and (3) ESA patients free of these mutations (NM-g). Subjects and Methods: We have performed a descriptive study on 109 patients who suffer from mental retardation (MR), cerebral palsy (CP), epilepsy (EP), and behavioral disorders (BD), showing also ESA in their encephalic MRI. We studied genomic DNA and transcriptional analysis (cDNA) on EN2 gene (EN2), and in other genes (OG): LIS1, PTAFR, PAFAH1B2, PAFAH1B3, FGF8, PAX2, D17S379, D17S1866, and SMG6 (D17S5), as a routine genetic diagnosis in ESA patients. Results: From 109 patients, fifteen meet the exclusion criteria. From the remaining 94 patients, 12 (12.8%) showed mutations in EN2 (EN2-g), 20 showed mutations in other studied genes (OG-g), and 62 did not showed any mutation (NM-g). All EN2-g patients, suffered from MR, nine EP, seven BD and four CP. The proportions of these phenotypes in EN2-g did not differ from those in the OG-g, but it was significantly higher when comparing EN2-g with NM-g (MR: p = 0.013; EP: p = 0.001; BD: p = 0.0001; CP: p = 0.07, ns). Groups EN2-g and OG-g showed a 100 and a 70% of comorbidity, respectively, being significantly (p = 0.04) greater than NM-group (62.9%). Conclusion: Our series reflects a significant effect of EN2 gene alterations in neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated to ESA. Conversely, although these EN2 related anomalies might represent a predisposition to develop brain diseases, our results did not support direct relationship between EN2 mutations and specific clinical phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Martinez-Morga
- Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Alicante, Spain.,IMIB-Arrixaca, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Bueno
- Neuroscience Institute UMH-CSIC, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Alicante, Spain
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21
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Impaired Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Lacking the Engrailed-2 Gene. Neuroscience 2018; 386:137-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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22
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Sungur AÖ, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Behavioral phenotypes and neurobiological mechanisms in the Shank1 mouse model for autism spectrum disorder: A translational perspective. Behav Brain Res 2017; 352:46-61. [PMID: 28963042 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by early-onset deficits in social behavior and communication across multiple contexts, together with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is among the most heritable neuropsychiatric conditions with heritability estimates higher than 80%, and while available evidence points to a complex set of genetic factors, the SHANK (also known as ProSAP) gene family has emerged as one of the most promising candidates. Several genetic Shank mouse models for ASD were generated, including Shank1 knockout mice. Behavioral studies focusing on the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD included assays for detecting ASD-relevant behavioral phenotypes in the following domains: (I) social behavior, (II) communication, and (III) repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. In addition, assays for detecting behavioral phenotypes with relevance to comorbidities in ASD were performed, including but not limited to (IV) cognitive functioning. Here, we summarize and discuss behavioral and neuronal findings obtained in the Shank1 knockout mouse model for ASD. We identify open research questions by comparing such findings with the symptoms present in humans diagnosed with ASD and carrying SHANK1 deletions. We conclude by discussing the implications of the behavioral and neuronal phenotypes displayed by the Shank1 knockout mouse model for the development of future pharmacological interventions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Özge Sungur
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
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Katsarou A, Moshé SL, Galanopoulou AS. INTERNEURONOPATHIES AND THEIR ROLE IN EARLY LIFE EPILEPSIES AND NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS. Epilepsia Open 2017; 2:284-306. [PMID: 29062978 PMCID: PMC5650248 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
GABAergic interneurons control the neural circuitry and network activity in the brain. The advances in genetics have identified genes that control the development, maturation and integration of GABAergic interneurons and implicated them in the pathogenesis of epileptic encephalopathies or neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, mutations of the Aristaless-Related homeobox X-linked gene (ARX) may result in defective GABAergic interneuronal migration in infants with epileptic encephalopathies like West syndrome (WS), Ohtahara syndrome or X-linked lissencephaly with abnormal genitalia (XLAG). The concept of "interneuronopathy", i.e. impaired development, migration or function of interneurons, has emerged as a possible etiopathogenic mechanism for epileptic encephalopathies. Treatments that enhance GABA levels, may help seizure control but do not necessarily show disease modifying effect. On the other hand, interneuronopathies can be seen in other conditions in which epilepsy may not be the primary manifestation, such as autism. In this review, we plan to outline briefly the current state of knowledge on the origin, development, and migration and integration of GABAergic interneurons, present neurodevelopmental conditions, with or without epilepsy, that have been associated with interneuronopathies and discuss the evidence linking certain types of interneuronal dysfunction with epilepsy and/or cognitive or behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna‐Maria Katsarou
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
| | - Solomon L. Moshé
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of NeuroscienceMontefiore/Einstein Epilepsy CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Department of PediatricsAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
| | - Aristea S. Galanopoulou
- Laboratory of Developmental EpilepsySaul R. Korey Department of NeurologyAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of NeuroscienceMontefiore/Einstein Epilepsy CenterAlbert Einstein College of MedicineBronxNew YorkU.S.A.
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Soltani A, Lebrun S, Carpentier G, Zunino G, Chantepie S, Maïza A, Bozzi Y, Desnos C, Darchen F, Stettler O. Increased signaling by the autism-related Engrailed-2 protein enhances dendritic branching and spine density, alters synaptic structural matching, and exaggerates protein synthesis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181350. [PMID: 28809922 PMCID: PMC5557355 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Engrailed 1 (En1) and 2 (En2) code for closely related homeoproteins acting as transcription factors and as signaling molecules that contribute to midbrain and hindbrain patterning, to development and maintenance of monoaminergic pathways, and to retinotectal wiring. En2 has been suggested to be an autism susceptibility gene and individuals with autism display an overexpression of this homeogene but the mechanisms remain unclear. We addressed in the present study the effect of exogenously added En2 on the morphology of hippocampal cells that normally express only low levels of Engrailed proteins. By means of RT-qPCR, we confirmed that En1 and En2 were expressed at low levels in hippocampus and hippocampal neurons, and observed a pronounced decrease in En2 expression at birth and during the first postnatal week, a period characterized by intense synaptogenesis. To address a putative effect of Engrailed in dendritogenesis or synaptogenesis, we added recombinant En1 or En2 proteins to hippocampal cell cultures. Both En1 and En2 treatment increased the complexity of the dendritic tree of glutamatergic neurons, but only En2 increased that of GABAergic cells. En1 increased the density of dendritic spines both in vitro and in vivo. En2 had similar but less pronounced effect on spine density. The number of mature synapses remained unchanged upon En1 treatment but was reduced by En2 treatment, as well as the area of post-synaptic densities. Finally, both En1 and En2 elevated mTORC1 activity and protein synthesis in hippocampal cells, suggesting that some effects of Engrailed proteins may require mRNA translation. Our results indicate that Engrailed proteins can play, even at low concentrations, an active role in the morphogenesis of hippocampal cells. Further, they emphasize the over-regulation of GABA cell morphology and the vulnerability of excitatory synapses in a pathological context of En2 overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Soltani
- UMR 8250, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Solène Lebrun
- UMR 8250, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Carpentier
- Laboratoire Croissance, Réparation et Régénération Tissulaires (CRRET), EA 4397 / ERL 9215, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Giulia Zunino
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Sandrine Chantepie
- Laboratoire Croissance, Réparation et Régénération Tissulaires (CRRET), EA 4397 / ERL 9215, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Auriane Maïza
- Laboratoire Croissance, Réparation et Régénération Tissulaires (CRRET), EA 4397 / ERL 9215, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Claire Desnos
- UMR 8250, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - François Darchen
- UMR 8250, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Stettler
- UMR 8250, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Laboratoire Croissance, Réparation et Régénération Tissulaires (CRRET), EA 4397 / ERL 9215, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
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25
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Bozzi Y, Provenzano G, Casarosa S. Neurobiological bases of autism-epilepsy comorbidity: a focus on excitation/inhibition imbalance. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 47:534-548. [PMID: 28452083 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 03/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy are common neurological diseases of childhood, with an estimated incidence of approximately 0.5-1% of the worldwide population. Several genetic, neuroimaging and neuropathological studies clearly showed that both ASD and epilepsy have developmental origins and a substantial degree of heritability. Most importantly, ASD and epilepsy frequently coexist in the same individual, suggesting a common neurodevelopmental basis for these disorders. Genome-wide association studies recently allowed for the identification of a substantial number of genes involved in ASD and epilepsy, some of which are mutated in syndromes presenting both ASD and epilepsy clinical features. At the cellular level, both preclinical and clinical studies indicate that the different genetic causes of ASD and epilepsy may converge to perturb the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance, due to the dysfunction of excitatory and inhibitory circuits in various brain regions. Metabolic and immune dysfunctions, as well as environmental causes also contribute to ASD pathogenesis. Thus, an E/I imbalance resulting from neurodevelopmental deficits of multiple origins might represent a common pathogenic mechanism for both diseases. Here, we will review the most significant studies supporting these hypotheses. A deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular determinants of autism-epilepsy comorbidity will pave the way to the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Bozzi
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders Research Group, Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, via Sommarive 9, 38123, Povo, Trento, Italy.,CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy.,Laboratory of Neural Development and Regeneration, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Provenzano G, Chelini G, Bozzi Y. Genetic control of social behavior: Lessons from mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 325:237-250. [PMID: 27825935 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior is evolutionary conserved, and is thought to be evolved since it increased reproductive and survival fitness of living species. In humans, disturbances of social behavior are a peculiar pathological trait of neurodevelopmental disorders, namely autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is defined by deficits in two core domains (social interaction/communication and repetitive/restrictive behaviors), which emerge during early postnatal development. ASD has a strong genetic component: copy number variations, de novo and familial mutations, as well as epigenetic modifications have been reported in a huge number of genes. Recent studies in mice demonstrate that mutations in a wide variety of ASD-associated genes can cause neurodevelopmental defects, which subsequently result in social behavior disturbances during early postnatal age and adulthood. From these studies, it clearly emerges that functionally interrelated cellular mechanisms underlie social behavior and its disturbances in ASD. Indeed, most of ASD-associated genes control neuronal differentiation and migration, growth of neuronal connections and synaptic function. Here we will present the recent advances in understanding the genetic determinants of social behavior, as they emerge from the study of ASD mouse models, and discuss the importance of these studies for the development of novel therapeutic approaches to overcome social disturbances in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy; CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy.
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27
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Provenzano G, Corradi Z, Monsorno K, Fedrizzi T, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML, Bozzi Y. Comparative Gene Expression Analysis of Two Mouse Models of Autism: Transcriptome Profiling of the BTBR and En2 (-/-) Hippocampus. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:396. [PMID: 27610074 PMCID: PMC4996997 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Genomic studies identified common pathological processes underlying the heterogeneous clinical manifestations of ASD, and transcriptome analyses revealed that gene networks involved in synapse development, neuronal activity, and immune function are deregulated in ASD. Mouse models provide unique tools to investigate the neurobiological basis of ASD; however, a comprehensive approach to identify transcriptional abnormalities in different ASD models has never been performed. Here we used two well-recognized ASD mouse models, BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) and Engrailed-2 knockout (En2−/−), to identify conserved ASD-related molecular signatures. En2−/− mice bear a mutation within the EN2 transcription factor homeobox, while BTBR is an inbred strain with unknown genetic defects. Hippocampal RNA samples from BTBR, En2−/− and respective control (C57Bl/6J and En2+/+) adult mice were assessed for differential gene expression using microarrays. A total of 153 genes were similarly deregulated in the BTBR and En2−/− hippocampus. Mouse phenotype and gene ontology enrichment analyses were performed on BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathways represented in both BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal DEGs included abnormal behavioral response and chemokine/MAP kinase signaling. Genes involved in abnormal function of the immune system and abnormal synaptic transmission/seizures were significantly represented among BTBR and En2−/− DEGs, respectively. Interestingly, both BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal DEGs showed a significant enrichment of ASD and schizophrenia (SCZ)-associated genes. Specific gene sets were enriched in the two models: microglial genes were significantly enriched among BTBR DEGs, whereas GABAergic/glutamatergic postsynaptic genes, FMRP-interacting genes and epilepsy-related genes were significantly enriched among En2−/− DEGs. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) performed on BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal transcriptomes together identified six modules significantly enriched in ASD-related genes. Each of these modules showed a specific enrichment profile in neuronal and glial genes, as well as in genes associated to ASD comorbidities such as epilepsy and SCZ. Our data reveal significant transcriptional similarities and differences between the BTBR and En2−/− hippocampus, indicating that transcriptome analysis of ASD mouse models may contribute to identify novel molecular targets for pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Zelia Corradi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Katia Monsorno
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Tarcisio Fedrizzi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Maria L Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of TrentoTrento, Italy; National Research Council Neuroscience InstitutePisa, Italy
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Abstract
UNLABELLED Epilepsy is a chronic disorder characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures. Brain inflammation is increasingly recognized as a critical factor for seizure precipitation, but the molecular mediators of such proconvulsant effects are only partly understood. The chemokine CCL2 is one of the most elevated inflammatory mediators in patients with pharmacoresistent epilepsy, but its contribution to seizure generation remains unexplored. Here, we show, for the first time, a crucial role for CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 in seizure control. We imposed a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We found that LPS dramatically increased seizure frequency and upregulated the expression of many inflammatory proteins, including CCL2. To test the proconvulsant role of CCL2, we administered systemically either a CCL2 transcription inhibitor (bindarit) or a selective antagonist of the CCR2 receptor (RS102895). We found that interference with CCL2 signaling potently suppressed LPS-induced seizures. Intracerebral administration of anti-CCL2 antibodies also abrogated LPS-mediated seizure enhancement in chronically epileptic animals. Our results reveal that CCL2 is a key mediator in the molecular pathways that link peripheral inflammation with neuronal hyperexcitability. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Substantial evidence points to a role for inflammation in epilepsy, but currently there is little insight as to how inflammatory pathways impact on seizure generation. Here, we examine the molecular mediators linking peripheral inflammation with seizure susceptibility in mice with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We show that a systemic inflammatory challenge via lipopolysaccharide administration potently enhances seizure frequency and upregulates the expression of the chemokine CCL2. Remarkably, selective pharmacological interference with CCL2 or its receptor CCR2 suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced seizure enhancement. Thus, CCL2/CCR2 signaling plays a key role in linking systemic inflammation with seizure susceptibility.
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Repetto IE, Monti R, Tropiano M, Tomasi S, Arbini A, Andrade-Moraes CH, Lent R, Vercelli A. The Isotropic Fractionator as a Tool for Quantitative Analysis in Central Nervous System Diseases. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:190. [PMID: 27547177 PMCID: PMC4974250 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
One major aim in quantitative and translational neuroscience is to achieve a precise and fast neuronal counting method to work on high throughput scale to obtain reliable results. Here, we tested the isotropic fractionator (IF) method for evaluating neuronal and non-neuronal cell loss in different models of central nervous system (CNS) pathologies. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent: (i) ischemic brain damage; (ii) intraperitoneal injection with kainic acid (KA) to induce epileptic seizures; and (iii) monolateral striatal injection with quinolinic acid (QA) mimicking human Huntington's disease. All specimens were processed for IF method and cell loss assessed. Hippocampus from KA-treated rats and striatum from QA-treated rats were carefully dissected using a dissection microscope and a rat brain matrix. Ischemic rat brains slices were first processed for TTC staining and then for IF. In the ischemic group the cell loss corresponded to the neuronal loss suggesting that hypoxia primarily affects neurons. Combining IF with TTC staining we could correlate the volume of lesion to the neuronal loss; by IF, we could assess that neuronal loss also occurs contralaterally to the ischemic side. In the epileptic group we observed a reduction of neuronal cells in treated rats, but also evaluated the changes in the number of non-neuronal cells in response to the hippocampal damage. In the QA model, there was a robust reduction of neuronal cells on ipsilateral striatum. This neuronal cell loss was not related to a drastic change in the total number of cells, being overcome by the increase in non-neuronal cells, thus suggesting that excitotoxic damage in the striatum strongly activates inflammation and glial proliferation. We concluded that the IF method could represent a simple and reliable quantitative technique to evaluate the effects of experimental lesions mimicking human diseases, and to consider the neuroprotective/anti-inflammatory effects of different treatments in the whole brain and also in discrete regions of interest, with the potential to investigate non-neuronal alterations. Moreover, IF could be used in addition or in substitution to classical stereological techniques or TTC staining used so far, since it is fast, precise and easily combined with complex molecular analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan E. Repetto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Monti
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Marta Tropiano
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | - Simone Tomasi
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New HavenCT, USA
| | - Alessia Arbini
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of TurinTurin, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Lent
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Department of Neuroscience, University of TurinTurin, Italy
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Zunino G, Messina A, Sgadò P, Baj G, Casarosa S, Bozzi Y. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is altered in the forebrain of Engrailed-2 knockout mice. Neuroscience 2016; 324:252-61. [PMID: 26987954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Engrailed-2 (En2), a homeodomain transcription factor involved in regionalization and patterning of the midbrain and hindbrain regions has been associated to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). En2 knockout (En2(-/-)) mice show ASD-like features accompanied by a significant loss of GABAergic subpopulations in the hippocampus and neocortex. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial factor for the postnatal development of forebrain GABAergic neurons, and altered GABA signaling has been hypothesized to underlie the symptoms of ASD. Here we sought to determine whether interneuron loss in the En2(-/-) forebrain might be related to altered expression of BDNF and its signaling receptors. We first evaluated the expression of different BDNF mRNA isoforms in the neocortex and hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a marked down-regulation of several splicing variants of BDNF mRNA in the neocortex but not hippocampus of adult En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT controls. Accordingly, levels of mature BDNF protein were lower in the neocortex but not hippocampus of En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT. Increased levels of phosphorylated TrkB and decreased levels of p75 receptor were also detected in the neocortex of mutant mice. Accordingly, the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and RhoA, two genes regulated via p75 was significantly altered in forebrain areas of mutant mice. These data indicate that BDNF signaling alterations might be involved in the anatomical changes observed in the En2(-/-) forebrain and suggest a pathogenic role of altered BDNF signaling in this mouse model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zunino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - A Messina
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - P Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - G Baj
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - S Casarosa
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Y Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy.
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31
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Filice F, Vörckel KJ, Sungur AÖ, Wöhr M, Schwaller B. Reduction in parvalbumin expression not loss of the parvalbumin-expressing GABA interneuron subpopulation in genetic parvalbumin and shank mouse models of autism. Mol Brain 2016; 9:10. [PMID: 26819149 PMCID: PMC4729132 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0192-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reduction of the number of parvalbumin (PV)-immunoreactive (PV(+)) GABAergic interneurons or a decrease in PV immunoreactivity was reported in several mouse models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This includes Shank mutant mice, with SHANK being one of the most important gene families mutated in human ASD. Similar findings were obtained in heterozygous (PV+/-) mice for the Pvalb gene, which display a robust ASD-like phenotype. Here, we addressed the question whether the observed reduction in PV immunoreactivity was the result of a decrease in PV expression levels and/or loss of the PV-expressing GABA interneuron subpopulation hereafter called "Pvalb neurons". The two alternatives have important implications as they likely result in opposing effects on the excitation/inhibition balance, with decreased PV expression resulting in enhanced inhibition, but loss of the Pvalb neuron subpopulation in reduced inhibition. METHODS Stereology was used to determine the number of Pvalb neurons in ASD-associated brain regions including the medial prefrontal cortex, somatosensory cortex and striatum of PV-/-, PV+/-, Shank1-/- and Shank3B-/- mice. As a second marker for the identification of Pvalb neurons, we used Vicia Villosa Agglutinin (VVA), a lectin recognizing the specific extracellular matrix enwrapping Pvalb neurons. PV protein and Pvalb mRNA levels were determined quantitatively by Western blot analyses and qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS Our analyses of total cell numbers in different brain regions indicated that the observed "reduction of PV(+) neurons" was in all cases, i.e., in PV+/-, Shank1-/- and Shank3B-/- mice, due to a reduction in Pvalb mRNA and PV protein, without any indication of neuronal cell decrease/loss of Pvalb neurons evidenced by the unaltered numbers of VVA(+) neurons. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the PV system might represent a convergent downstream endpoint for some forms of ASD, with the excitation/inhibition balance shifted towards enhanced inhibition due to the down-regulation of PV being a promising target for future pharmacological interventions. Testing whether approaches aimed at restoring normal PV protein expression levels and/or Pvalb neuron function might reverse ASD-relevant phenotypes in mice appears therefore warranted and may pave the way for novel therapeutic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Filice
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Karl Jakob Vörckel
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstraβe 18, D-35032, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Ayse Özge Sungur
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstraβe 18, D-35032, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Gutenbergstraβe 18, D-35032, Marburg, Germany.
| | - Beat Schwaller
- Anatomy, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, CH-1700, Fribourg, Switzerland.
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Yang M, Silverman JL, Solomon M, Crawley JN. Translational Mouse Models of Autism: Advancing Toward Pharmacological Therapeutics. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 28:1-52. [PMID: 27305922 PMCID: PMC5116923 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_5003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Animal models provide preclinical tools to investigate the causal role of genetic mutations and environmental factors in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Knockout and humanized knock-in mice, and more recently knockout rats, have been generated for many of the de novo single gene mutations and copy number variants (CNVs) detected in ASD and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Mouse models incorporating genetic and environmental manipulations have been employed for preclinical testing of hypothesis-driven pharmacological targets, to begin to develop treatments for the diagnostic and associated symptoms of autism. In this review, we summarize rodent behavioral assays relevant to the core features of autism, preclinical and clinical evaluations of pharmacological interventions, and strategies to improve the translational value of rodent models of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Prescott T Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mu Yang
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Marjorie Solomon
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Room 1001A Research 2 Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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GABAB Receptor Agonist R-Baclofen Reverses Social Deficits and Reduces Repetitive Behavior in Two Mouse Models of Autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2228-39. [PMID: 25754761 PMCID: PMC4613612 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core behavioral criteria, unusual reciprocal social interactions and communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance is a prominent hypothesis for the etiology of autism. The selective GABAB receptor agonist R-baclofen previously reversed social deficits and reduced repetitive behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, and Arbaclofen improved some clinical symptoms in some Fragile X and ASD patients. To evaluate R-baclofen in a broader range of mouse models of ASD, we tested both the R-baclofen enantiomer and the less potent S-baclofen enantiomer in two inbred strains of mice that display low sociability and/or high repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. R-baclofen treatment reversed social approach deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR), reduced repetitive self-grooming and high marble burying scores in BTBR, and reduced stereotyped jumping in C58/J (C58), at nonsedating doses. S-baclofen produced minimal effects at the same doses. These findings encourage investigations of R-baclofen in other preclinical model systems. Additional clinical studies may be warranted to further evaluate the hypothesis that the GABAB receptor represents a promising pharmacological target for treating appropriately stratified subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Genestine M, Lin L, Durens M, Yan Y, Jiang Y, Prem S, Bailoor K, Kelly B, Sonsalla PK, Matteson PG, Silverman J, Crawley JN, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 (En2) deletion produces multiple neurodevelopmental defects in monoamine systems, forebrain structures and neurogenesis and behavior. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [PMID: 26220976 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many genes involved in brain development have been associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain undefined. Human genetic and mouse behavioral analyses suggest that ENGRAILED-2 (EN2) contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. In mouse, En2 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression in embryonic mid-hindbrain regions where monoamine neurons emerge. Considering their importance in neuropsychiatric disorders, we characterized monoamine systems in relation to forebrain neurogenesis in En2-knockout (En2-KO) mice. Transmitter levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) were dysregulated from Postnatal day 7 (P7) to P21 in En2-KO, though NE exhibited the greatest abnormalities. While NE levels were reduced ∼35% in forebrain, they were increased 40 -: 75% in hindbrain and cerebellum, and these patterns paralleled changes in locus coeruleus (LC) fiber innervation, respectively. Although En2 promoter was active in Embryonic day 14.5 -: 15.5 LC neurons, expression diminished thereafter and gene deletion did not alter brainstem NE neuron numbers. Significantly, in parallel with reduced NE levels, En2-KO forebrain regions exhibited reduced growth, particularly hippocampus, where P21 dentate gyrus granule neurons were decreased 16%, suggesting abnormal neurogenesis. Indeed, hippocampal neurogenic regions showed increased cell death (+77%) and unexpectedly, increased proliferation. Excess proliferation was restricted to early Sox2/Tbr2 progenitors whereas increased apoptosis occurred in differentiating (Dcx) neuroblasts, accompanied by reduced newborn neuron survival. Abnormal neurogenesis may reflect NE deficits because intra-hippocampal injections of β-adrenergic agonists reversed cell death. These studies suggest that disruption of hindbrain patterning genes can alter monoamine system development and thereby produce forebrain defects that are relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Genestine
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Lulu Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Madel Durens
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yiqin Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Kunal Bailoor
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Kelly
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia K Sonsalla
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Paul G Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jill Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA and
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Tripathi PP, Bozzi Y. The role of dopaminergic and serotonergic systems in neurodevelopmental disorders: a focus on epilepsy and seizure susceptibility. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 5:97-102. [PMID: 26191504 PMCID: PMC4492191 DOI: 10.15171/bi.2015.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
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Introduction: The embryonic development of the vertebrate Central Nervous System (CNS) requires the induction of transcription factors regulating the expression of specific subsets of genes in restricted CNS regions. Among these transcription factors, homeobox-containing proteins play a crucial role, and altered expression of these factors can impact the embryonic as well as adult CNS functions. Importantly, the homeobox-containing genes Otx2, Engrailed-1 (En1), and Engrailed-2 (En2) have been described to crucially regulate differentiation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons during vertebrate CNS development. Dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons, located in midbrain and hindbrain regions respectively, diffusely innervate several forebrain areas including limbic system, contributing in regulating several physiological functions. Understanding the embryonic development of these neuronal populations is crucial to elucidate their physiological function including brain excitability in the adult brain. New evidence is emerging about the impact of an altered embryonic development of dopamine and serotonin neurons onto seizure susceptibility in the adult life.
Methods: In this mini-review, we summarized our kainic acid (KA) induced seizure susceptibility in adult mutant mouse lines with targeted manipulation of Otx2, En1, and En2 genes.
Results: Our results demonstrated that altered development of dopamine (DA) neurons does not interfere with KA seizure susceptibility, while increased serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) hyperinnervation leads to resistance to KA-induced seizure.
Conclusion: We propose that developmental alterations of serotonergic but not dopaminergic circuits play a crucial role in controlling seizure susceptibility in the adult life
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem Prakash Tripathi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Center for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Hippocampal dysregulation of neurofibromin-dependent pathways is associated with impaired spatial learning in engrailed 2 knock-out mice. J Neurosci 2015; 34:13281-8. [PMID: 25274808 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2894-13.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies indicated the homeobox-containing transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2) as a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Accordingly, En2 knock-out (En2(-/-)) mice show anatomical and behavioral "ASD-like" features, including decreased sociability and learning deficits. The molecular pathways underlying these deficits in En2(-/-) mice are not known. Deficits in signaling pathways involving neurofibromin and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) have been associated with impaired learning. Here we investigated the neurofibromin-ERK cascade in the hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice before and after spatial learning testing. When compared with WT littermates, En2(-/-) mice showed impaired performance in the Morris water maze (MWM), which was accompanied by lower expression of the activity-dependent gene Arc. Quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry experiments showed a marked downregulation of neurofibromin expression in the dentate gyrus of both naive and MWM-treated En2(-/-) mice. ERK phosphorylation, known to be induced in the presence of neurofibromin deficiency, was increased in the dentate gyrus of En2(-/-) mice after MWM. Treatment of En2(-/-) mice with lovastatin, an indirect inhibitor of ERK phosphorylation, markedly reduced ERK phosphorylation in the dentate gyrus, but was unable to rescue learning deficits in MWM-trained mutant mice. Further investigation is needed to unravel the complex molecular mechanisms linking dysregulation of neurofibromin-dependent pathways to spatial learning deficits in the En2 mouse model of ASD.
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Möhler H. The legacy of the benzodiazepine receptor: from flumazenil to enhancing cognition in Down syndrome and social interaction in autism. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 72:1-36. [PMID: 25600365 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2014.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The study of the psychopharmacology of benzodiazepines continues to provide new insights into diverse brain functions related to vigilance, anxiety, mood, epileptiform activity, schizophrenia, cognitive performance, and autism-related social behavior. In this endeavor, the discovery of the benzodiazepine receptor was a key event, as it supplied the primary benzodiazepine drug-target site, provided the molecular link to the allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors and, following the recognition of GABAA receptor subtypes, furnished the platform for future, more selective drug actions. This review has two parts. In a retrospective first part, it acknowledges the contributions to the field made by my collaborators over the years, initially at Hoffmann-La Roche in Basle and later, in academia, at the University and the ETH of Zurich. In the second part, the new frontier of GABA pharmacology, targeting GABAA receptor subtypes, is reviewed with special focus on nonsedative anxiolytics, antidepressants, analgesics, as well as enhancers of cognition in Down syndrome and attenuators of symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. It is encouraging that a clinical trial has been initiated with a partial inverse agonist acting on α5 GABAA receptors in an attempt to alleviate the cognitive deficits in Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanns Möhler
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Reduced phosphorylation of synapsin I in the hippocampus of Engrailed-2 knockout mice, a model for autism spectrum disorders. Neuroscience 2014; 286:122-30. [PMID: 25463523 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 11/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mice lacking the homeodomain transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2(-/-) mice) are a well-characterized model for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). En2(-/-) mice present molecular, neuropathological and behavioral deficits related to ASD, including down-regulation of ASD-associated genes, cerebellar hypoplasia, interneuron loss, enhanced seizure susceptibility, decreased sociability and impaired cognition. Specifically, impaired spatial learning in the Morris water maze (MWM) is associated with reduced expression of neurofibromin and increased phosphorylation of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) in the hippocampus of En2(-/-) adult mice. In the attempt to better understand the molecular cascades underlying neurofibromin-dependent cognitive deficits in En2 mutant mice, we investigated the expression and phosphorylation of synapsin I (SynI; a major target of neurofibromin-dependent signaling) in the hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice before and after MWM. Here we show that SynI mRNA and protein levels are down-regulated in the hippocampus of naïve and MWM-treated En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT controls. This down-regulation is paralleled by reduced levels of SynI phosphorylation at Ser549 and Ser553 residues in the hilus of mutant mice, before and after MWM. These data indicate that in En2(-/-) hippocampus, neurofibromin-dependent pathways converging on SynI phosphorylation might underlie hippocampal-dependent learning deficits observed in En2(-/-) mice.
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Allegra M, Genovesi S, Maggia M, Cenni MC, Zunino G, Sgadò P, Caleo M, Bozzi Y. Altered GABAergic markers, increased binocularity and reduced plasticity in the visual cortex of Engrailed-2 knockout mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:163. [PMID: 24987331 PMCID: PMC4060086 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The maturation of the GABAergic system is a crucial determinant of cortical development during early postnatal life, when sensory circuits undergo a process of activity-dependent refinement. An altered excitatory/inhibitory balance has been proposed as a possible pathogenic mechanism of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The homeobox-containing transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2) has been associated to ASD, and En2 knockout (En2−/−) mice show ASD-like features accompanied by a partial loss of cortical GABAergic interneurons. Here we studied GABAergic markers and cortical function in En2−/− mice, by exploiting the well-known anatomical and functional features of the mouse visual system. En2 is expressed in the visual cortex at postnatal day 30 and during adulthood. When compared to age-matched En2+/+ controls, En2−/− mice showed an increased number of parvalbumin (PV+), somatostatin (SOM+), and neuropeptide Y (NPY+) positive interneurons in the visual cortex at P30, and a decreased number of SOM+ and NPY+ interneurons in the adult. At both ages, the differences in distinct interneuron populations observed between En2+/+ and En2−/− mice were layer-specific. Adult En2−/− mice displayed a normal eye-specific segregation in the retino-geniculate pathway, and in vivo electrophysiological recordings showed a normal development of basic functional properties (acuity, response latency, receptive field size) of the En2−/− primary visual cortex. However, a significant increase of binocularity was found in P30 and adult En2−/− mice, as compared to age-matched controls. Differently from what observed in En2+/+ mice, the En2−/− primary visual cortex did not respond to a brief monocular deprivation performed between P26 and P29, during the so-called “critical period.” These data suggest that altered GABAergic circuits impact baseline binocularity and plasticity in En2−/− mice, while leaving other visual functional properties unaffected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Allegra
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy ; Laboratory of Neurobiology, Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa, Italy
| | - Sacha Genovesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Mattarello, Trento, Italy
| | - Marika Maggia
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Mattarello, Trento, Italy
| | - Maria C Cenni
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Zunino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Mattarello, Trento, Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Mattarello, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Caleo
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) Pisa, Italy ; Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Mattarello, Trento, Italy
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Messina A, Incitti T, Bozza A, Bozzi Y, Casarosa S. Noggin Expression in the Adult Retina Suggests a Conserved Role during Vertebrate Evolution. J Histochem Cytochem 2014; 62:532-40. [PMID: 24752827 DOI: 10.1369/0022155414534691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertebrates share common mechanisms in the control of development and in the maintenance of neural and retinal function. The secreted factor Noggin, a BMP inhibitor, plays a crucial role in neural induction during embryonic development. Moreover, we have shown its involvement in retinal differentiation of pluripotent cells. Here we show Noggin expression in the adult retina in three vertebrate species. Four Noggin genes are present in zebrafish (Danio rerio; ZbNog1, 2, 3, 5), three in frog (Xenopus laevis; XenNog1, 2 and 4), and one in mouse (Mus musculus; mNog). Quantitative RT-PCR experiments show the presence of ZbNog3 and ZbNog5 mRNAs, but not ZbNog1 and ZbNog2, in the adult zebrafish retina. All three genes are expressed in the frog retina, and mNog in the mouse. Immunohistochemistry data show that Noggin proteins are predominantly localized in the Golgi apparatus of photoreceptors and in the fibers of the outer plexiform layer. Lower expression levels are also found in inner plexiform layer fibers, in ganglion cells, in the ciliary marginal zone, and in retinal pigmented epithelium. Our results show that Noggin has a specific cellular and sub-cellular expression in the adult vertebrate retina, which is conserved during evolution. In addition to its established role during embryonic development, we postulate that Noggin also exerts a functional role in the adult retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Messina
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy (AM,TI,AB,YB,SC)CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy (YB,SC)
| | - Tania Incitti
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy (AM,TI,AB,YB,SC)CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy (YB,SC)
| | - Angela Bozza
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy (AM,TI,AB,YB,SC)CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy (YB,SC)
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy (AM,TI,AB,YB,SC)CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy (YB,SC)
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Italy (AM,TI,AB,YB,SC)CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy (YB,SC)
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The need for a comprehensive molecular characterization of autism spectrum disorders. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:651-73. [PMID: 24229490 DOI: 10.1017/s146114571300117x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a heterogeneous group of disorders which have complex behavioural phenotypes. Although ASD is a highly heritable neuropsychiatric disorder, genetic research alone has not provided a profound understanding of the underlying causes. Recent developments using biochemical tools such as transcriptomics, proteomics and cellular models, will pave the way to gain new insights into the underlying pathological pathways. This review addresses the state-of-the-art in the search for molecular biomarkers for ASD. In particular, the most important findings in the biochemical field are highlighted and the need for establishing streamlined interaction between behavioural studies, genetics and proteomics is stressed. Eventually, these approaches will lead to suitable translational ASD models and, therefore, a better disease understanding which may facilitate novel drug discovery efforts in this challenging field.
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Tripathi P, Di Giovannantonio L, Sanguinetti E, Acampora D, Allegra M, Caleo M, Wurst W, Simeone A, Bozzi Y. Increased dopaminergic innervation in the brain of conditional mutant mice overexpressing Otx2: Effects on locomotor behavior and seizure susceptibility. Neuroscience 2014; 261:173-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Choi J, Ababon MR, Soliman M, Lin Y, Brzustowicz LM, Matteson PG, Millonig JH. Autism associated gene, engrailed2, and flanking gene levels are altered in post-mortem cerebellum. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87208. [PMID: 24520327 PMCID: PMC3919719 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous genetic studies demonstrated association between the transcription factor ENGRAILED2 (EN2) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Subsequent molecular analysis determined that the EN2 ASD-associated haplotype (rs1861972-rs1861973 A-C) functions as a transcriptional activator to increase gene expression. EN2 is flanked by 5 genes, SEROTONIN RECEPTOR5A (HTR5A), INSULIN INDUCED GENE1 (INSIG1), CANOPY1 HOMOLOG (CNPY1), RNA BINDING MOTIF PROTEIN33 (RBM33), and SONIC HEDGEHOG (SHH). These flanking genes are co-expressed with EN2 during development and coordinate similar developmental processes. To investigate if mRNA levels for these genes are altered in individuals with autism, post-mortem analysis was performed. Methods qRT-PCR quantified mRNA levels for EN2 and the 5 flanking genes in 78 post-mortem cerebellar samples. mRNA levels were correlated with both affection status and rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype. Molecular analysis investigated whether EN2 regulates flanking gene expression. Results EN2 levels are increased in affected A-C/G-T individuals (p = .0077). Affected individuals also display a significant increase in SHH and a decrease in INSIG1 levels. Rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype is correlated with significant increases for SHH (A-C/G-T) and CNPY1 (G-T/G-T) levels. Human cell line over-expression and knock-down as well as mouse knock-out analysis are consistent with EN2 and SHH being co-regulated, which provides a possible mechanism for increased SHH post-mortem levels. Conclusions EN2 levels are increased in affected individuals with an A-C/G-T genotype, supporting EN2 as an ASD susceptibility gene. SHH, CNPY1, and INSIG1 levels are also significantly altered depending upon affection status or rs1861972-rs1861973 genotype. Increased EN2 levels likely contribute to elevated SHH expression observed in the post-mortem samples
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Choi
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Myka R. Ababon
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Mai Soliman
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Yong Lin
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Linda M. Brzustowicz
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Paul G. Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - James H. Millonig
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Provenzano G, Clementi E, Genovesi S, Scali M, Tripathi PP, Sgadò P, Bozzi Y. GH Dysfunction in Engrailed-2 Knockout Mice, a Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:92. [PMID: 25225635 PMCID: PMC4150208 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) signaling promotes brain development and plasticity. Altered IGF-1 expression has been associated to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). IGF-1 levels were found increased in the blood and decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of ASD children. Accordingly, IGF-1 treatment can rescue behavioral deficits in mouse models of ASD, and IGF-1 trials have been proposed for ASD children. IGF-1 is mainly synthesized in the liver, and its synthesis is dependent on growth hormone (GH) produced in the pituitary gland. GH also modulates cognitive functions, and altered levels of GH have been detected in ASD patients. Here, we analyzed the expression of GH, IGF-1, their receptors, and regulatory hormones in the neuroendocrine system of adult male mice lacking the homeobox transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2 (-/-) mice). En2 (-/-) mice display ASD-like behaviors (social interactions, defective spatial learning, increased seizure susceptibility) accompanied by relevant neuropathological changes (loss of cerebellar and forebrain inhibitory neurons). Recent studies showed that En2 modulates IGF-1 activity during postnatal cerebellar development. We found that GH mRNA expression was markedly deregulated throughout the neuroendocrine axis in En2 (-/-) mice, as compared to wild-type controls. In mutant mice, GH mRNA levels were significantly increased in the pituitary gland, blood, and liver, whereas decreased levels were detected in the hippocampus. These changes were paralleled by decreased levels of GH protein in the hippocampus but not other tissues of En2 (-/-) mice. IGF-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated in the liver and down-regulated in the En2 (-/-) hippocampus, but no differences were detected in the levels of IGF-1 protein between the two genotypes. Our data strengthen the notion that altered GH levels in the hippocampus may be involved in learning disabilities associated to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Elena Clementi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Sacha Genovesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Manuela Scali
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) , Pisa , Italy ; Laboratory of Neurobiology, Scuola Normale Superiore , Pisa , Italy
| | - Prem Prakash Tripathi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) , Pisa , Italy ; Laboratory of Neurobiology, Scuola Normale Superiore , Pisa , Italy
| | - Paola Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento , Trento , Italy ; Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council (CNR) , Pisa , Italy
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Cellot G, Cherubini E. GABAergic signaling as therapeutic target for autism spectrum disorders. Front Pediatr 2014; 2:70. [PMID: 25072038 PMCID: PMC4085902 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2014.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain, early in postnatal life exerts a depolarizing and excitatory action. This depends on accumulation of chloride inside the cell via the cation-chloride importer NKCC1, being the expression of the chloride exporter KCC2 very low at birth. The developmentally regulated expression of KCC2 results in extrusion of chloride with age and a shift of GABA from the depolarizing to the hyperpolarizing direction. The depolarizing action of GABA leads to intracellular calcium rise through voltage-dependent calcium channels and/or N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. GABA-mediated calcium signals regulate a variety of developmental processes from cell proliferation migration, differentiation, synapse maturation, and neuronal wiring. Therefore, it is not surprising that some forms of neuro-developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are associated with alterations of GABAergic signaling and impairment of the excitatory/inhibitory balance in selective neuronal circuits. In this review, we will discuss how changes of GABAA-mediated neurotransmission affect several forms of ASDs including the Fragile X, the Angelman, and Rett syndromes. Then, we will describe various animal models of ASDs with GABAergic dysfunctions, highlighting their behavioral deficits and the possibility to rescue them by targeting selective components of the GABAergic synapse. In particular, we will discuss how in some cases, reverting the polarity of GABA responses from the depolarizing to the hyperpolarizing direction with the diuretic bumetanide, a selective blocker of NKCC1, may have beneficial effects on ASDs, thus opening new therapeutic perspectives for the treatment of these devastating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Cellot
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Trieste , Italy
| | - Enrico Cherubini
- Department of Neuroscience, Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati , Trieste , Italy ; European Brain Research Institute , Rome , Italy
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Sgadò P, Provenzano G, Dassi E, Adami V, Zunino G, Genovesi S, Casarosa S, Bozzi Y. Transcriptome profiling in engrailed-2 mutant mice reveals common molecular pathways associated with autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2013; 4:51. [PMID: 24355397 PMCID: PMC3896729 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Transcriptome analysis has been used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to unravel common pathogenic pathways based on the assumption that distinct rare genetic variants or epigenetic modifications affect common biological pathways. To unravel recurrent ASD-related neuropathological mechanisms, we took advantage of the En2-/- mouse model and performed transcriptome profiling on cerebellar and hippocampal adult tissues. METHODS Cerebellar and hippocampal tissue samples from three En2-/- and wild type (WT) littermate mice were assessed for differential gene expression using microarray hybridization followed by RankProd analysis. To identify functional categories overrepresented in the differentially expressed genes, we used integrated gene-network analysis, gene ontology enrichment and mouse phenotype ontology analysis. Furthermore, we performed direct enrichment analysis of ASD-associated genes from the SFARI repository in our differentially expressed genes. RESULTS Given the limited number of animals used in the study, we used permissive criteria and identified 842 differentially expressed genes in En2-/- cerebellum and 862 in the En2-/- hippocampus. Our functional analysis revealed that the molecular signature of En2-/- cerebellum and hippocampus shares convergent pathological pathways with ASD, including abnormal synaptic transmission, altered developmental processes and increased immune response. Furthermore, when directly compared to the repository of the SFARI database, our differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus showed enrichment of ASD-associated genes significantly higher than previously reported. qPCR was performed for representative genes to confirm relative transcript levels compared to those detected in microarrays. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limited number of animals used in the study, our bioinformatic analysis indicates the En2-/- mouse is a valuable tool for investigating molecular alterations related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Valentina Adami
- High Throughput Screening Core Facility, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Zunino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Sacha Genovesi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | - Simona Casarosa
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy.,C.N.R. Neuroscience Institute, via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via delle Regole 101, 38123 Trento, Italy.,C.N.R. Neuroscience Institute, via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Loss of GABAergic neurons in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of Engrailed-2 null mutant mice: implications for autism spectrum disorders. Exp Neurol 2013; 247:496-505. [PMID: 23360806 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2013.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2012] [Revised: 12/11/2012] [Accepted: 01/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The homeobox-containing transcription factor Engrailed-2 (En2) is involved in patterning and neuronal differentiation of the midbrain/hindbrain region, where it is prominently expressed. En2 mRNA is also expressed in the adult mouse hippocampus and cerebral cortex, indicating that it might also function in these brain areas. Genome-wide association studies revealed that En2 is a candidate gene for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and mice devoid of its expression (En2(-/-) mice) display anatomical, behavioral and clinical "autistic-like" features. Since reduced GABAergic inhibition has been proposed as a possible pathogenic mechanism of ASD, we hypothesized that the phenotype of En2(-/-) mice might include defective GABAergic innervation in the forebrain. Here we show that the Engrailed proteins are present in postnatal GABAergic neurons of the mouse hippocampus and cerebral cortex, and adult En2(-/-) mice show reduced expression of GABAergic marker mRNAs in these areas. In addition, reduction in parvalbumin (PV), somatostatin (SOM) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) expressing interneurons is detected in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of adult En2(-/-) mice. Our results raise the possibility of a link between altered function of En2, anatomical deficits of GABAergic forebrain neurons and the pathogenesis of ASD.
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Kalkman HO. A review of the evidence for the canonical Wnt pathway in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2012; 3:10. [PMID: 23083465 PMCID: PMC3492093 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-3-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Accepted: 10/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microdeletion and microduplication copy number variations are found in patients with autism spectrum disorder and in a number of cases they include genes that are involved in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway (for example, FZD9, BCL9 or CDH8). Association studies investigating WNT2, DISC1, MET, DOCK4 or AHI1 also provide evidence that the canonical Wnt pathway might be affected in autism. Prenatal medication with sodium-valproate or antidepressant drugs increases autism risk. In animal studies, it has been found that these medications promote Wnt signaling, including among others an increase in Wnt2 gene expression. Notably, the available genetic information indicates that not only canonical Wnt pathway activation, but also inhibition seems to increase autism risk. The canonical Wnt pathway plays a role in dendrite growth and suboptimal activity negatively affects the dendritic arbor. In principle, this provides a logical explanation as to why both hypo- and hyperactivity may generate a similar set of behavioral and cognitive symptoms. However, without a validated biomarker to stratify for deviant canonical Wnt pathway activity, it is probably too dangerous to treat patients with compounds that modify pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Otto Kalkman
- Neuroscience Department, Novartis Institute of Biomedical Research, Building 386-14,22,15, Basel, CH 4002, Switzerland.
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Zhang XM, Zhu J. Kainic Acid-induced neurotoxicity: targeting glial responses and glia-derived cytokines. Curr Neuropharmacol 2012; 9:388-98. [PMID: 22131947 PMCID: PMC3131729 DOI: 10.2174/157015911795596540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2009] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/18/2010] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity contributes to a variety of disorders in the central nervous system, which is triggered primarily by excessive Ca2+ influx arising from overstimulation of glutamate receptors, followed by disintegration of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and ER stress, the generation and detoxification of reactive oxygen species as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to neuronal apoptosis and necrosis. Kainic acid (KA), a potent agonist to the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate class of glutamate receptors, is 30-fold more potent in neuro-toxicity than glutamate. In rodents, KA injection resulted in recurrent seizures, behavioral changes and subsequent degeneration of selective populations of neurons in the brain, which has been widely used as a model to study the mechanisms of neurodegenerative pathways induced by excitatory neurotransmitter. Microglial activation and astrocytes proliferation are the other characteristics of KA-induced neurodegeneration. The cytokines and other inflammatory molecules secreted by activated glia cells can modify the outcome of disease progression. Thus, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory treatment could attenuate or prevent KA-induced neurodegeneration. In this review, we summarized updated experimental data with regard to the KA-induced neurotoxicity in the brain and emphasized glial responses and glia-oriented cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-12 and IL-18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Mei Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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