1
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Kleschevnikov AM. Enhanced GIRK2 channel signaling in Down syndrome: A feasible role in the development of abnormal nascent neural circuits. Front Genet 2022; 13:1006068. [PMID: 36171878 PMCID: PMC9510977 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1006068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most distinctive feature of Down syndrome (DS) is moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Genetic, molecular, and neuronal mechanisms of this complex DS phenotype are currently under intensive investigation. It is becoming increasingly clear that the abnormalities arise from a combination of initial changes caused by triplication of genes on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) and later compensatory adaptations affecting multiple brain systems. Consequently, relatively mild initial cognitive deficits become pronounced with age. This pattern of changes suggests that one approach to improving cognitive function in DS is to target the earliest critical changes, the prevention of which can change the ‘trajectory’ of the brain development and reduce the destructive effects of the secondary alterations. Here, we review the experimental data on the role of KCNJ6 in DS-specific brain abnormalities, focusing on a putative role of this gene in the development of abnormal neural circuits in the hippocampus of genetic mouse models of DS. It is suggested that the prevention of these early abnormalities with pharmacological or genetic means can ameliorate cognitive impairment in DS.
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2
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Tsuji M, Ohshima M, Yamamoto Y, Saito S, Hattori Y, Tanaka E, Taguchi A, Ihara M, Ogawa Y. Cilostazol, a Phosphodiesterase 3 Inhibitor, Moderately Attenuates Behaviors Depending on Sex in the Ts65Dn Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:106. [PMID: 32372946 PMCID: PMC7186592 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
People with Down syndrome, which is a trisomy of chromosome 21, exhibit intellectual disability from infancy and neuropathology similar to Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid plaques, from an early age. Recently, we showed that cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3, promotes the clearance of amyloid β and rescues cognitive deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. The objective of the present study was to examine whether cilostazol improves behaviors in the most widely used animal model of Down syndrome, i.e., Ts65Dn mice. Mice were supplemented with cilostazol from the fetal period until young adulthood. Supplementation significantly ameliorated novel-object recognition in Ts65Dn females and partially ameliorated sensorimotor function as determined by the rotarod test in Ts65Dn females and hyperactive locomotion in Ts65Dn males. Cilostazol supplementation significantly shortened swimming distance in Ts65Dn males in the Morris water maze test, suggesting that the drug improved cognitive function, although it did not shorten swimming duration, which was due to decreased swimming speed. Thus, this study suggests that early supplementation with cilostazol partially rescues behavioral abnormalities seen in Down syndrome and indicates that the effects are sex-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Tsuji
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Makiko Ohshima
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yumi Yamamoto
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Saito
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yorito Hattori
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Emi Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiko Taguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuko Ogawa
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Engineering, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Osaka, Japan
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3
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Tayebati SK, Cecchi A, Martinelli I, Carboni E, Amenta F. Pharmacotherapy of Down’s Syndrome: When and Which? CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2020; 18:750-757. [DOI: 10.2174/1871527318666191114092924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
:
Down Syndrome (DS) is an essential genetic disease that involves many other body systems
along with cerebral functions. The postnatal approach to treat this genetic disease includes intervention
on various related disorders (e.g., heart failure, respiratory, oral, ear, and hearing disorders). However,
different proposed treatments do not significantly improve the quality of life of these subjects. Another
approach to the treatment of DS considering the possibility to intervene on the embryo was recently
introduced. As of this, the current study has reviewed different outcomes regarding DS treatment in an
animal model, namely the Ts65Dn mouse. The obtained results encouraged spending more time, efforts,
and resources in this field. Besides, various treatment strategies were tried to include genetic
modification, treatment with vasoactive intestinal peptide derivatives or fluoxetine. However, the main
obstacle to the use of these possible treatments is the ethical issues it raises. The progression of the
pregnancy in spite of awareness that DS affects the unborn and prenatal treatment of DS injured embryo
are relevant dilemmas. Thus, talented researchers should spend more efforts to improve the quality
of life for people affected by DS, which will allow probably a better approach to the ethical issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed K. Tayebati
- School of Medicinal Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Ilenia Martinelli
- School of Medicinal Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Elisa Carboni
- Regional Centre for Prenatal Diagnosis, Loreto, Italy
| | - Francesco Amenta
- School of Medicinal Sciences and Health Products, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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4
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Herault Y, Delabar JM, Fisher EMC, Tybulewicz VLJ, Yu E, Brault V. Rodent models in Down syndrome research: impact and future opportunities. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:1165-1186. [PMID: 28993310 PMCID: PMC5665454 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. To date, a multiplicity of mouse models with Down-syndrome-related features has been developed to understand this complex human chromosomal disorder. These mouse models have been important for determining genotype-phenotype relationships and identification of dosage-sensitive genes involved in the pathophysiology of the condition, and in exploring the impact of the additional chromosome on the whole genome. Mouse models of Down syndrome have also been used to test therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an overview of research in the last 15 years dedicated to the development and application of rodent models for Down syndrome. We also speculate on possible and probable future directions of research in this fast-moving field. As our understanding of the syndrome improves and genome engineering technologies evolve, it is necessary to coordinate efforts to make all Down syndrome models available to the community, to test therapeutics in models that replicate the whole trisomy and design new animal models to promote further discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Summary: Mouse models have boosted therapeutic options for Down syndrome, and improved models are being developed to better understand the pathophysiology of this genetic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris
| | - Jean M Delabar
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, 75205 Paris, France.,INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle épinière, ICM, 75013 Paris, France.,Brain and Spine Institute (ICM) CNRS UMR7225, INSERM UMRS 975, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Eugene Yu
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Roswell Park Division of Graduate School, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Veronique Brault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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5
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Zorrilla de San Martin J, Delabar JM, Bacci A, Potier MC. GABAergic over-inhibition, a promising hypothesis for cognitive deficits in Down syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 114:33-39. [PMID: 28993272 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. It is also a model human disease for exploring consequences of gene dosage imbalance on complex phenotypes. Learning and memory impairments linked to intellectual disabilities in DS could result from synaptic plasticity deficits and excitatory-inhibitory alterations leading to changes in neuronal circuitry in the brain of affected individuals. Increasing number of studies in mouse and cellular models converge towards the assumption that excitatory-inhibitory imbalance occurs in DS, likely early during development. Thus increased inhibition appears to be a common trend that could explain synaptic and circuit disorganization. Interestingly using several potent pharmacological tools, preclinical studies strongly demonstrated that cognitive deficits could be restored in mouse models of DS. Clinical trials have not yet provided robust data for therapeutic application and additional studies are needed. Here we review the literature and our own published work emphasizing the over-inhibition hypothesis in DS and their links with gene dosage imbalance paving the way for future basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zorrilla de San Martin
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Maurice Delabar
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Bacci
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France.
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6
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Corrales A, Parisotto EB, Vidal V, García-Cerro S, Lantigua S, Diego M, Wilhem Filho D, Sanchez-Barceló EJ, Martínez-Cué C, Rueda N. Pre- and post-natal melatonin administration partially regulates brain oxidative stress but does not improve cognitive or histological alterations in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. Behav Brain Res 2017; 334:142-154. [PMID: 28743603 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin administered during adulthood induces beneficial effects on cognition and neuroprotection in the Ts65Dn (TS) mouse model of Down syndrome. Here, we investigated the effects of pre- and post-natal melatonin treatment on behavioral and cognitive abnormalities and on several neuromorphological alterations (hypocellularity, neurogenesis impairment and increased oxidative stress) that appear during the early developmental stages in TS mice. Pregnant TS females were orally treated with melatonin or vehicle from the time of conception until the weaning of the offspring, and the pups continued to receive the treatment from weaning until the age of 5 months. Melatonin administered during the pre- and post-natal periods did not improve the cognitive impairment of TS mice as measured by the Morris Water maze or fear conditioning tests. Histological alterations, such as decreased proliferation (Ki67+ cells) and hippocampal hypocellularity (DAPI+ cells), which are typical in TS mice, were not prevented by melatonin. However, melatonin partially regulated brain oxidative stress by modulating the activity of the primary antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase in the cortex and catalase in the cortex and hippocampus) and slightly decreasing the levels of lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus of TS mice. These results show the inability of melatonin to prevent cognitive impairment in TS mice when it is administered at pre- and post-natal stages. Additionally, our findings suggest that to induce pro-cognitive effects in TS mice during the early stages of development, in addition to attenuating oxidative stress, therapies should aim to improve other altered processes, such as hippocampal neurogenesis and/or hypocellularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Corrales
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Eduardo B Parisotto
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Verónica Vidal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Susana García-Cerro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Sara Lantigua
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Marian Diego
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Danilo Wilhem Filho
- Department of Ecology and Zoology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Emilio J Sanchez-Barceló
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Noemí Rueda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain.
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7
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Mouse models of Down syndrome: gene content and consequences. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:538-555. [PMID: 27538963 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is challenging to model in mice. Not only is it a contiguous gene syndrome spanning 35 Mb of the long arm of Hsa21, but orthologs of Hsa21 genes map to segments of three mouse chromosomes, Mmu16, Mmu17, and Mmu10. The Ts65Dn was the first viable segmental trisomy mouse model for DS; it is a partial trisomy currently popular in preclinical evaluations of drugs for cognition in DS. Limitations of the Ts65Dn are as follows: (i) it is trisomic for 125 human protein-coding orthologs, but only 90 of these are Hsa21 orthologs and (ii) it lacks trisomy for ~75 Hsa21 orthologs. In recent years, several additional mouse models of DS have been generated, each trisomic for a different subset of Hsa21 genes or their orthologs. To best exploit these models and interpret the results obtained with them, prior to proposing clinical trials, an understanding of their trisomic gene content, relative to full trisomy 21, is necessary. Here we first review the functional information on Hsa21 protein-coding genes and the more recent annotation of a large number of functional RNA genes. We then discuss the conservation and genomic distribution of Hsa21 orthologs in the mouse genome and the distribution of mouse-specific genes. Lastly, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of mouse models of DS based on the number and nature of the Hsa21 orthologs that are, and are not, trisomic in each, and discuss their validity for use in preclinical evaluations of drug responses.
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8
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Isolation of proflavine as a blocker of G protein-gated inward rectifier potassium channels by a cell growth-based screening system. Neuropharmacology 2016; 109:18-28. [PMID: 27236080 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The overexpression of Kir3.2, a subunit of the G protein-gated inwardly rectifying K(+) channel, is implicated in some of the neurological phenotypes of Down syndrome (DS). Chemical compounds that block Kir3.2 are expected to improve the symptoms of DS. The purpose of this study is to develop a cell-based screening system to identify Kir3.2 blockers and then investigate the mode of action of the blocker. Chemical screening was carried out using a K(+) transporter-deficient yeast strain that expressed a constitutively active Kir3.2 mutant. The mode of action of an effective blocker was electrophysiologically analyzed using Kir channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Proflavine was identified to inhibit the growth of Kir3.2-transformant cells and Kir3.2 activity in a concentration-dependent manner. The current inhibition was strong when membrane potentials (Vm) was above equilibrium potential of K(+) (EK). When Vm was below EK, the blockage apparently depended on the difference between Vm and [K(+)]. Furthermore, the inhibition became stronger by lowering extracellular [K(+)]. These results indicated that the yeast strain serves as a screening system to isolate Kir3.2 blockers and proflavine is a prototype of a pore blocker of Kir3.2.
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9
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Stagni F, Giacomini A, Guidi S, Ciani E, Bartesaghi R. Timing of therapies for Down syndrome: the sooner, the better. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:265. [PMID: 26500515 PMCID: PMC4594009 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is the unavoidable hallmark of Down syndrome (DS), with a heavy impact on public health. Accumulating evidence shows that DS is characterized by numerous neurodevelopmental alterations among which the reduction of neurogenesis, dendritic hypotrophy and connectivity alterations appear to play a particularly prominent role. Although the mechanisms whereby gene triplication impairs brain development in DS have not been fully clarified, it is theoretically possible to correct trisomy-dependent defects with targeted pharmacotherapies. This review summarizes what we know about the effects of pharmacotherapies during different life stages in mouse models of DS. Since brain alterations in DS start to be present prenatally, the prenatal period represents an optimum window of opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Importantly, recent studies clearly show that treatment during the prenatal period can rescue overall brain development and behavior and that this effect outlasts treatment cessation. Although late therapies are unlikely to exert drastic changes in the brain, they may have an impact on the hippocampus, a brain region where neurogenesis continues throughout life. Indeed, treatment at adult life stages improves or even rescues hippocampal neurogenesis and connectivity and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, although the duration of these effects still remains, in the majority of cases, a matter of investigation. The exciting discovery that trisomy-linked brain abnormalities can be prevented with early interventions gives us reason to believe that treatments during pregnancy may rescue brain development in fetuses with DS. For this reason we deem it extremely important to expedite the discovery of additional therapies practicable in humans in order to identify the best treatment/s in terms of efficacy and paucity of side effects. Prompt achievement of this goal is the big challenge for the scientific community of researchers interested in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
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10
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Jiang X, Liu C, Yu T, Zhang L, Meng K, Xing Z, Belichenko PV, Kleschevnikov AM, Pao A, Peresie J, Wie S, Mobley WC, Yu YE. Genetic dissection of the Down syndrome critical region. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:6540-51. [PMID: 26374847 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), caused by trisomy 21, is the most common chromosomal disorder associated with developmental cognitive deficits. Despite intensive efforts, the genetic mechanisms underlying developmental cognitive deficits remain poorly understood, and no treatment has been proven effective. The previous mouse-based experiments suggest that the so-called Down syndrome critical region of human chromosome 21 is an important region for this phenotype, which is demarcated by Setd4/Cbr1 and Fam3b/Mx2. We first confirmed the importance of the Cbr1-Fam3b region using compound mutant mice, which carry a duplication spanning the entire human chromosome 21 orthologous region on mouse chromosome 16 [Dp(16)1Yey] and Ms1Rhr. By dividing the Setd4-Mx2 region into complementary Setd4-Kcnj6 and Kcnj15-Mx2 intervals, we started an unbiased dissection through generating and analyzing Dp(16)1Yey/Df(16Setd4-Kcnj6)Yey and Dp(16)1Yey/Df(16Kcnj15-Mx2)Yey mice. Surprisingly, the Dp(16)1Yey-associated cognitive phenotypes were not rescued by either deletion in the compound mutants, suggesting the possible presence of at least one causative gene in each of the two regions. The partial rescue by a Dyrk1a mutation in a compound mutant carrying Dp(16)1Yey and the Dyrk1a mutation confirmed the causative role of Dyrk1a, whereas the absence of a similar rescue by Df(16Dyrk1a-Kcnj6)Yey in Dp(16)1Yey/Df(16Dyrk1a-Kcnj6)Yey mice demonstrated the importance of Kcnj6. Our results revealed the high levels of complexities of gene actions and interactions associated with the Setd4/Cbr1-Fam3b/Mx2 region as well as their relationship with developmental cognitive deficits in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Jiang
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Chunhong Liu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Tao Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA, Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Li Zhang
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Kai Meng
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA, Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical School of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Zhuo Xing
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Pavel V Belichenko
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA and
| | - Alexander M Kleschevnikov
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA and
| | - Annie Pao
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jennifer Peresie
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Sarah Wie
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA and
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Roswell Park Division of Graduate School,State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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11
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Brault V, Duchon A, Romestaing C, Sahun I, Pothion S, Karout M, Borel C, Dembele D, Bizot JC, Messaddeq N, Sharp AJ, Roussel D, Antonarakis SE, Dierssen M, Hérault Y. Opposite phenotypes of muscle strength and locomotor function in mouse models of partial trisomy and monosomy 21 for the proximal Hspa13-App region. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1005062. [PMID: 25803843 PMCID: PMC4372517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), which causes Down syndrome (DS), is the most common viable human aneuploidy. In contrast to trisomy, the complete monosomy (M21) of Hsa21 is lethal, and only partial monosomy or mosaic monosomy of Hsa21 is seen. Both conditions lead to variable physiological abnormalities with constant intellectual disability, locomotor deficits, and altered muscle tone. To search for dosage-sensitive genes involved in DS and M21 phenotypes, we created two new mouse models: the Ts3Yah carrying a tandem duplication and the Ms3Yah carrying a deletion of the Hspa13-App interval syntenic with 21q11.2-q21.3. Here we report that the trisomy and the monosomy of this region alter locomotion, muscle strength, mass, and energetic balance. The expression profiling of skeletal muscles revealed global changes in the regulation of genes implicated in energetic metabolism, mitochondrial activity, and biogenesis. These genes are downregulated in Ts3Yah mice and upregulated in Ms3Yah mice. The shift in skeletal muscle metabolism correlates with a change in mitochondrial proliferation without an alteration in the respiratory function. However, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from mitochondrial complex I decreased in Ms3Yah mice, while the membrane permeability of Ts3Yah mitochondria slightly increased. Thus, we demonstrated how the Hspa13-App interval controls metabolic and mitochondrial phenotypes in muscles certainly as a consequence of change in dose of Gabpa, Nrip1, and Atp5j. Our results indicate that the copy number variation in the Hspa13-App region has a peripheral impact on locomotor activity by altering muscle function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronique Brault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Arnaud Duchon
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Ignasi Sahun
- Genes and Disease Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain, and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stéphanie Pothion
- Transgenese et Archivage Animaux Modèles, TAAM, CNRS, UPS44, Orléans, France
| | - Mona Karout
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Christelle Borel
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Doulaye Dembele
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | | | - Nadia Messaddeq
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Andrew J. Sharp
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Damien Roussel
- LEHNA, CNRS UMR502, Université de Lyon, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Stylianos E Antonarakis
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
- iGE3 Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Genes and Disease Program, Center for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona, Spain, and CIBER de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yann Hérault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut Clinique de la Souris, PHENOMIN, GIE CERBM, Illkirch, France
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12
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Gardiner KJ. Pharmacological approaches to improving cognitive function in Down syndrome: current status and considerations. Drug Des Devel Ther 2014; 9:103-25. [PMID: 25552901 PMCID: PMC4277121 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s51476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Although ID can be mild, the average intelligence quotient is in the range of 40-50. All individuals with DS will also develop the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by the age of 30-40 years, and approximately half will display an AD-like dementia by the age of 60 years. DS is caused by an extra copy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and the consequent elevated levels of expression, due to dosage, of trisomic genes. Despite a worldwide incidence of one in 700-1,000 live births, there are currently no pharmacological treatments available for ID or AD in DS. However, over the last several years, very promising results have been obtained with a mouse model of DS, the Ts65Dn. A diverse array of drugs has been shown to rescue, or partially rescue, DS-relevant deficits in learning and memory and abnormalities in cellular and electrophysiological features seen in the Ts65Dn. These results suggest that some level of amelioration or prevention of cognitive deficits in people with DS may be possible. Here, we review information from the preclinical evaluations in the Ts65Dn, how drugs were selected, how efficacy was judged, and how outcomes differ, or not, among studies. We also summarize the current state of human clinical trials for ID and AD in DS. Lastly, we describe the genetic limitations of the Ts65Dn as a model of DS, and in the preclinical testing of pharmacotherapeutics, and suggest additional targets to be considered for potential pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katheleen J Gardiner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, Department of Pediatrics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program, Neuroscience Program, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
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13
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Souchet B, Guedj F, Sahún I, Duchon A, Daubigney F, Badel A, Yanagawa Y, Barallobre MJ, Dierssen M, Yu E, Herault Y, Arbones M, Janel N, Créau N, Delabar JM. Excitation/inhibition balance and learning are modified by Dyrk1a gene dosage. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 69:65-75. [PMID: 24801365 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits in Down syndrome (DS) have been linked to increased synaptic inhibition, leading to an imbalance of excitation/inhibition (E/I). Various mouse models and studies from human brains have implicated an HSA21 gene, the serine/threonine kinase DYRK1A, as a candidate for inducing cognitive dysfunction. Here, consequences of alterations in Dyrk1a dosage were assessed in mouse models with varying copy numbers of Dyrk1a: mBACtgDyrk1a, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey (with 3 gene copies) and Dyrk1a(+/-) (one functional copy). Molecular (i.e. immunoblotting/immunohistochemistry) and behavioral analyses (e.g., rotarod, Morris water maze, Y-maze) were performed in mBACtgDyrk1a mice. Increased expression of DYRK1A in mBACtgDyrk1a induced molecular alterations in synaptic plasticity pathways, particularly expression changes in GABAergic and glutaminergic related proteins. Similar alterations were observed in models with partial trisomy of MMU16, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey, and were reversed in the Dyrk1a(+/-) model. Dyrk1a overexpression produced an increased number and signal intensity of GAD67 positive neurons, indicating enhanced inhibition pathways in three different models: mBACtgDyrk1a, hYACtgDyrk1a and Dp(16)1Yey. Functionally, Dyrk1a overexpression protected mice from PTZ-induced seizures related to GABAergic neuron plasticity. Our study shows that DYRK1A overexpression affects pathways involved in synaptogenesis and synaptic plasticity and influences E/I balance toward inhibition. Inhibition of DYRK1A activity offers a therapeutic target for DS, but its inhibition/activation may also be relevant for other psychiatric diseases with E/I balance alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Souchet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Fayçal Guedj
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Ignasi Sahún
- Genomic Regulation Center, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnaud Duchon
- IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, UMR7104, UMR964, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Daubigney
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Anne Badel
- MTI, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, France
| | - Yuchio Yanagawa
- Department of Genetic and Behavioral Neuroscience, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine and JST, CREST, Japan
| | - Maria Jose Barallobre
- Plataforma de Recerca Aplicada en Animal de Laboratori (PRAAL), Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Genomic Regulation Center, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugene Yu
- Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Yann Herault
- IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, UMR7104, UMR964, Illkirch, France
| | - Mariona Arbones
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras, Barcelona, Spain; Plataforma de Recerca Aplicada en Animal de Laboratori (PRAAL), Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), Spain
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Nicole Créau
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France.
| | - Jean Maurice Delabar
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, UMR CNRS 8251, 75205 Paris, France.
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14
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Down syndrome affects more than 5 million people globally. During the last 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the research efforts focused on therapeutic interventions to improve learning and memory in Down syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS This review summarizes the different functional abnormalities targeted by researchers in mouse models of Down syndrome. Three main strategies have been used: neural stem cell implantation; environmental enrichment and physical exercise; and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological targets include the choline pathway, GABA and NMDA receptors, DYRK1A protein, oxidative stress and pathways involved in development and neurogenesis. Many strategies have improved learning and memory as well as electrophysiological and molecular alterations in affected animals. To date, eight molecules have been tested in human adult clinical trials. No studies have yet been performed on infants. However, compelling studies reveal that permanent brain alterations originate during fetal life in Down syndrome. Early prenatal diagnosis offers a 28 weeks window to positively impact brain development and improve postnatal cognitive outcome in affected individuals. Only a few approaches (Epigallocatechine gallate, NAP/SAL, fluoxetine, and apigenin) have been used to treat mice in utero; these showed therapeutic effects that persisted to adulthood. SUMMARY In this article, we discuss the challenges, recent progress, and lessons learned that pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayçal Guedj
- aMother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA bUniv Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251, Adaptive Functional Biology, Paris, France
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15
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Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), which results from an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21), is the most common genetically defined cause of intellectual disability. Although no pharmacotherapy aimed at counteracting the cognitive and adaptive deficits associated with this genetic disorder has been approved at present, there have been several new promising studies on pharmacological agents capable of rescuing learning/memory deficits seen in mouse models of DS. Here, we will review the available mouse models for DS and provide a comprehensive, albeit not exhaustive review of the following preclinical research strategies: (1) SOD1 and antioxidant agents; (2) APP and γ-secretase inhibitors; (3) DYRK1A and the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); (4) GIRK2 and fluoxetine; (5) adrenergic receptor agonists; (6) modulation of GABAA and GABAB receptors; (7) agonism of the hedgehog signaling pathway; (8) nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophic factors; (9) anticholinesterase (AChE) agents; and (10) antagonism of NMDA receptors. Finally, we will review briefly five different strategies in DS that have led to clinical studies that either have been concluded or are currently underway: (1) antioxidant therapy; (2) AChE therapy; (3) green tea extract therapy; (4) RG1662 therapy; and (5) memantine therapy. These are exciting times in DS research. Within a decade or so, it is well into the realm of possibility that new forms of pharmacotherapies might become valuable tools in the armamentarium of developmental clinicians, as adjutants to more traditional and proven forms of habilitative interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with DS.
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16
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Szemes M, Davies RL, Garden CLP, Usowicz MM. Weaker control of the electrical properties of cerebellar granule cells by tonically active GABAA receptors in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down's syndrome. Mol Brain 2013; 6:33. [PMID: 23870245 PMCID: PMC3723448 DOI: 10.1186/1756-6606-6-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down's syndrome (DS) is caused by triplication of all or part of human chromosome 21 and is characterized by a decrease in the overall size of the brain. One of the brain regions most affected is the cerebellum, in which the number of granule cells (GCs) is markedly decreased. GCs process sensory information entering the cerebellum via mossy fibres and pass it on to Purkinje cells and inhibitory interneurons. How GCs transform incoming signals depends on their input-output relationship, which is adjusted by tonically active GABA(A) receptor channels. RESULTS We report that in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, in which cerebellar volume and GC number are decreased as in DS, the tonic GABA(A) receptor current in GCs is smaller than in wild-type mice and is less effective in moderating input resistance and raising the minimum current required for action potential firing. We also find that tonically active GABA(A) receptors curb the height and broaden the width of action potentials in wild-type GCs but not in Ts65Dn GCs. Single-cell real-time quantitative PCR reveals that these electrical differences are accompanied by decreased expression of the gene encoding the GABA(A) receptor β3 subunit but not genes coding for some of the other GABA(A) receptor subunits expressed in GCs (α1, α6, β2 and δ). CONCLUSIONS Weaker moderation of excitability and action potential waveform in GCs of the Ts65Dn mouse by tonically active GABA(A) receptors is likely to contribute to atypical transfer of information through the cerebellum. Similar changes may occur in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Szemes
- Present address: School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Rachel L Davies
- Present address: Research & Enterprise Development, University of Bristol, Senate House, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TH, UK
| | - Claire LP Garden
- Present address: School of Life, Sport and Social Sciences, Edinburgh Napier University, Sighthill Court, Edinburgh EH11 4BN, UK
| | - Maria M Usowicz
- School of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
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