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Ham LM, Staunton H, Schulz JM, Tillmann J, Volz D, Murtagh L, Chatham C, O'Connor EC, Chamberlain S, Schoenenberger P, Pandina G, Wang P, Kas MJH, Arango C, Murphy D. Points to consider when initiating clinical investigations in autistic paediatric populations-A White Paper. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 86:35-42. [PMID: 38917772 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2024.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience various degrees of impairment in social interaction and communication, restricted, repetitive behaviours, interests/activities. These impairments make a significant contribution to poorer everyday adaptive functioning. Yet, there are no pharmacological therapies to effectively treat the core symptoms of ASD. Since symptoms of ASD likely emerge from a complex interplay of vulnerabilities, environmental factors and compensatory mechanisms during the early developmental period, pharmacological interventions arguably would have the greatest impact to improve long-term outcomes when implemented at a young age. It is essential therefore, that clinical development programmes of investigational drugs in ASD include the paediatric population early on in clinical trials. Such trials need to offer the prospect of direct benefit (PDB) for participants. In most cases in drug development this prospect is supported by evidence of efficacy in adults. However, the effectiveness of treatment approaches may be age-dependent, so that clinical trials in adults may not provide sufficient evidence for a PDB in children. In this white paper, we consolidate recommendations from regulatory guidelines, as well as advice from the Food and Drug Administration, USA (FDA) and the Committee for Human Medicinal Products (CHMP) consultations on various development programmes on: 1) elements to support a PDB to participants in early paediatric clinical trials in ASD, including single-gene neurodevelopment disorders, 2) aspects of study design to allow for a PDB. This white paper is intended to be complementary to existing regulatory guidelines in guiding industry and academic sponsors in their conduct of early paediatric clinical trials in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jan Michael Schulz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Julian Tillmann
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorraine Murtagh
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Eoin C O'Connor
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stormy Chamberlain
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Schoenenberger
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Paul Wang
- Clinical Research Associates LLC, Simons Foundation, Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Celso Arango
- Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, CIBERSAM, IiSGM, Universidad Complutense, School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain
| | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Gregor A, Zweier C. Modelling phenotypes, variants and pathomechanisms of syndromic diseases in different systems. MED GENET-BERLIN 2024; 36:121-131. [PMID: 38854643 PMCID: PMC11154186 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2024-2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
In this review we describe different model organisms and systems that are commonly used to study syndromic disorders. Different use cases in modeling diseases, underlying pathomechanisms and specific effects of certain variants are elucidated. We also highlight advantages and limitations of different systems. Models discussed include budding yeast, the nematode worm, the fruit fly, the frog, zebrafish, mice and human cell-based systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gregor
- University of BernDepartment of Human GeneticsInselspital Bern3010BernSwitzerland
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3
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Seigfried FA, Britsch S. The Role of Bcl11 Transcription Factors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:126. [PMID: 38392344 PMCID: PMC10886639 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) comprise a diverse group of diseases, including developmental delay, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). NDDs are caused by aberrant brain development due to genetic and environmental factors. To establish specific and curative therapeutic approaches, it is indispensable to gain precise mechanistic insight into the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of NDDs. Mutations of BCL11A and BCL11B, two closely related, ultra-conserved zinc-finger transcription factors, were recently reported to be associated with NDDs, including developmental delay, ASD, and ID, as well as morphogenic defects such as cerebellar hypoplasia. In mice, Bcl11 transcription factors are well known to orchestrate various cellular processes during brain development, for example, neural progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal migration, and the differentiation as well as integration of neurons into functional circuits. Developmental defects observed in both, mice and humans display striking similarities, suggesting Bcl11 knockout mice provide excellent models for analyzing human disease. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular functions of Bcl11a and b and links experimental research to the corresponding NDDs observed in humans. Moreover, it outlines trajectories for future translational research that may help to better understand the molecular basis of Bcl11-dependent NDDs as well as to conceive disease-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Anna Seigfried
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Britsch
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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Fitzgerald PJ. Neural hyperexcitability in Angelman syndrome: Genetic factors and pharmacologic treatment approaches. Epilepsy Res 2024; 200:107286. [PMID: 38217951 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2024.107286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is typically caused by deletion or a loss-of-function mutation of the maternal copy of the ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. The disorder is characterized by severe intellectual disability, deficits in speech, motor abnormalities, altered electroencephalography (EEG) activity, spontaneous epileptic seizures, sleep disturbances, and a happy demeanor with frequent laughter. Regarding electrophysiologic abnormalities in particular, enhanced delta oscillatory power and an elevated excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) ratio have been documented in AS, with E/I ratio especially studied in rodent models. These electrophysiologic characteristics appear to relate with the greatly elevated rates of epilepsy in individuals with AS, and associated hypersynchronous neural activity. Here we briefly review findings on EEG, E/I ratio, and epileptic seizures in AS, including data from rodent models of the disorder. We summarize pharmacologic approaches that have been used to treat behavioral aspects of AS, including neuropsychiatric phenomena and sleep disturbances, as well as seizures in the context of the disorder. Antidepressants such as SSRIs and atypical antipsychotics are among the medications that have been used behaviorally, whereas anticonvulsant drugs such as valproic acid and lamotrigine have frequently been used to control seizures in AS. We end by suggesting novel uses for some existing pharmacologic agents in AS, including noradrenergic transmission reducing drugs (alpha2 agonists, beta blockers, alpha1 antagonists) and cholinesterase inhibitors, where these various classes of drugs may have the ability to ameliorate both behavioral disturbances and seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Fitzgerald
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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Pedini G, Chen CL, Achsel T, Bagni C. Cancer drug repurposing in autism spectrum disorder. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:963-977. [PMID: 37940430 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with uncertain origins. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying ASD remains limited, and treatments are lacking. Genetic diversity complicates drug development. Given the complexity and severity of ASD symptoms and the rising number of diagnoses, exploring novel therapeutic strategies is essential. Here, we focus on shared molecular pathways between ASD and cancer and highlight recent progress on the repurposing of cancer drugs for ASD treatment, such as mTOR inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents. We discuss how to improve trial design considering drug dose and patient age. Lastly, the discussion explores the critical aspects of side effects, commercial factors, and the efficiency of drug-screening pipelines; all of which are essential considerations in the pursuit of repurposing cancer drugs for addressing core features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pedini
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chin-Lin Chen
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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7
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Aria F, Pandey K, Alberini CM. Excessive Protein Accumulation and Impaired Autophagy in the Hippocampus of Angelman Syndrome Modeled in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2023; 94:68-83. [PMID: 36764852 PMCID: PMC10276539 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angelman syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by abnormalities of the 15q11.2-q13.1 chromosome region, is characterized by impairment of cognitive and motor functions, sleep problems, and seizures. How the genetic defects of AS produce these neurological symptoms is unclear. Mice modeling AS (AS mice) accumulate activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (ARC/ARG3.1), a neuronal immediate early gene (IEG) critical for synaptic plasticity. This accumulation suggests an altered protein metabolism. METHODS Focusing on the dorsal hippocampus (dHC), a brain region critical for memory formation and cognitive functions, we assessed levels and tissue distribution of IEGs, de novo protein synthesis, and markers of protein synthesis, endosomes, autophagy, and synaptic functions in AS mice at baseline and following learning. We also tested autophagic flux and memory retention following autophagy-promoting treatment. RESULTS AS dHC exhibited accumulation of IEGs ARC, FOS, and EGR1; autophagy proteins MLP3B, SQSTM1, and LAMP1; and reduction of the endosomal protein RAB5A. AS dHC also had increased levels of de novo protein synthesis, impaired autophagic flux with accumulation of autophagosome, and altered synaptic protein levels. Contextual fear conditioning significantly increased levels of IEGs and autophagy proteins, de novo protein synthesis, and autophagic flux in the dHC of normal mice, but not in AS mice. Enhancing autophagy in the dHC alleviated AS-related memory and autophagic flux impairments. CONCLUSIONS A major biological deficit of AS brain is a defective protein metabolism, particularly that dynamically regulated by learning, resulting in stalled autophagy and accumulation of neuronal proteins. Activating autophagy ameliorates AS cognitive impairments and dHC protein accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aria
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Kiran Pandey
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York
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Romero LO, Caires R, Kaitlyn Victor A, Ramirez J, Sierra-Valdez FJ, Walsh P, Truong V, Lee J, Mayor U, Reiter LT, Vásquez V, Cordero-Morales JF. Linoleic acid improves PIEZO2 dysfunction in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1167. [PMID: 36859399 PMCID: PMC9977963 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36818-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and atypical behaviors. AS results from loss of expression of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase UBE3A from the maternal allele in neurons. Individuals with AS display impaired coordination, poor balance, and gait ataxia. PIEZO2 is a mechanosensitive ion channel essential for coordination and balance. Here, we report that PIEZO2 activity is reduced in Ube3a deficient male and female mouse sensory neurons, a human Merkel cell carcinoma cell line and female human iPSC-derived sensory neurons with UBE3A knock-down, and de-identified stem cell-derived neurons from individuals with AS. We find that loss of UBE3A decreases actin filaments and reduces PIEZO2 expression and function. A linoleic acid (LA)-enriched diet increases PIEZO2 activity, mechano-excitability, and improves gait in male AS mice. Finally, LA supplementation increases PIEZO2 function in stem cell-derived neurons from individuals with AS. We propose a mechanism whereby loss of UBE3A expression reduces PIEZO2 function and identified a fatty acid that enhances channel activity and ameliorates AS-associated mechano-sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis O Romero
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Rebeca Caires
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - A Kaitlyn Victor
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Juanma Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Sierra-Valdez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Ugo Mayor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
| | - Julio F Cordero-Morales
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
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Abstract
A large subset of patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) suffer from concurrent gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including constipation, poor feeding, and reflux. AS is caused by the loss of ubiquitin ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene expression in the brain. Clinical features of AS, which include developmental delays, intellectual disability, microcephaly, and seizures, are primarily due to the deficient expression or function of the maternally inherited UBE3A allele. The association between neurodevelopmental delay and GI disorders is part of the increasing evidence suggesting a link between the brain and the gut microbiome via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. To investigate the associations between colonization of the gut microbiota in AS, we characterized the fecal microbiome in three animal models of AS involving maternal deletions of Ube3A, including mouse, rat, and pig, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Overall, we identified changes in bacterial abundance across all three animal models of AS. Specific bacterial groups were significantly increased across all animal models, including Lachnospiraceae Incertae sedis, Desulfovibrios sp., and Odoribacter, which have been correlated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Taken together, these findings suggest that specific changes to the local environment in the gut are driven by a Ube3a maternal deletion, unaffected by varying housing conditions, and are prominent and detectable across multiple small and large animal model species. These findings begin to uncover the underlying mechanistic causes of GI disorders in AS patients and provide future therapeutic options for AS patients. IMPORTANCE Angelman syndrome (AS)-associated gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms significantly impact quality of life in patients. In AS models in mouse, rat, and pig, AS animals showed impaired colonization of the gut microbiota compared to wild-type (healthy) control animals. Common changes in AS microbiomes across all three animal models may play a causal effect for GI symptoms and may help to identify ways to treat these comorbidities in patients in the future.
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Rotaru DC, Wallaard I, de Vries M, van der Bie J, Elgersma Y. UBE3A expression during early postnatal brain development is required for proper dorsomedial striatal maturation. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e166073. [PMID: 36810252 PMCID: PMC9977510 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.166073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) caused by loss of functional ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A). Previous studies showed that UBE3A plays an important role in the first postnatal weeks of mouse brain development, but its precise role is unknown. Since impaired striatal maturation has been implicated in several mouse models for NDDs, we studied the importance of UBE3A in striatal maturation. We used inducible Ube3a mouse models to investigate the maturation of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) from dorsomedial striatum. MSNs of mutant mice matured properly till postnatal day 15 (P15) but remained hyperexcitable with fewer excitatory synaptic events at later ages, indicative of stalled striatal maturation in Ube3a mice. Reinstatement of UBE3A expression at P21 fully restored MSN excitability but only partially restored synaptic transmission and the operant conditioning behavioral phenotype. Gene reinstatement at P70 failed to rescue both electrophysiological and behavioral phenotypes. In contrast, deletion of Ube3a after normal brain development did not result in these electrophysiological and behavioral phenotypes. This study emphasizes the role of UBE3A in striatal maturation and the importance of early postnatal reinstatement of UBE3A expression to obtain a full rescue of behavioral phenotypes associated with striatal function in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Rotaru
- Department of Clinical Genetics and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- Department of Clinical Genetics and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Maud de Vries
- Department of Clinical Genetics and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julia van der Bie
- Department of Clinical Genetics and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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Rigter PMF, de Konink C, van Woerden GM. Loss of CAMK2G affects intrinsic and motor behavior but has minimal impact on cognitive behavior. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1086994. [PMID: 36685241 PMCID: PMC9853378 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1086994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The gamma subunit of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2 (CAMK2G) is expressed throughout the brain and is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Research on the role of CAMK2G is limited and attributes different functions to specific cell types. Methods To further expand on the role of CAMK2G in brain functioning, we performed extensive phenotypic characterization of a Camk2g knockout mouse. Results We found different CAMK2G isoforms that show a distinct spatial expression pattern in the brain. Additionally, based on our behavioral characterization, we conclude that CAMK2G plays a minor role in hippocampus-dependent learning and synaptic plasticity. Rather, we show that CAMK2G is required for motor function and that the loss of CAMK2G results in impaired nest-building and marble burying behavior, which are innate behaviors that are associated with impaired neurodevelopment. Discussion Taken together, our results provide evidence for a unique function of this specific CAMK2 isozyme in the brain and further support the role of CAMK2G in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pomme M. F. Rigter
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Erfelijke Neuro-Cognitieve Ontwikkelingsstoornissen, Expertise Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Charlotte de Konink
- Erfelijke Neuro-Cognitieve Ontwikkelingsstoornissen, Expertise Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Geeske M. van Woerden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Erfelijke Neuro-Cognitieve Ontwikkelingsstoornissen, Expertise Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Geeske M. van Woerden,
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Lee D, Chen W, Kaku HN, Zhuo X, Chao ES, Soriano A, Kuncheria A, Flores S, Kim JH, Rivera A, Rigo F, Jafar-Nejad P, Beaudet AL, Caudill MS, Xue M. Antisense oligonucleotide therapy rescues disturbed brain rhythms and sleep in juvenile and adult mouse models of Angelman syndrome. eLife 2023; 12:e81892. [PMID: 36594817 PMCID: PMC9904759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
UBE3A encodes ubiquitin protein ligase E3A, and in neurons its expression from the paternal allele is repressed by the UBE3A antisense transcript (UBE3A-ATS). This leaves neurons susceptible to loss-of-function of maternal UBE3A. Indeed, Angelman syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, is caused by maternal UBE3A deficiency. A promising therapeutic approach to treating Angelman syndrome is to reactivate the intact paternal UBE3A by suppressing UBE3A-ATS. Prior studies show that many neurological phenotypes of maternal Ube3a knockout mice can only be rescued by reinstating Ube3a expression in early development, indicating a restricted therapeutic window for Angelman syndrome. Here, we report that reducing Ube3a-ATS by antisense oligonucleotides in juvenile or adult maternal Ube3a knockout mice rescues the abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms and sleep disturbance, two prominent clinical features of Angelman syndrome. Importantly, the degree of phenotypic improvement correlates with the increase of Ube3a protein levels. These results indicate that the therapeutic window of genetic therapies for Angelman syndrome is broader than previously thought, and EEG power spectrum and sleep architecture should be used to evaluate the clinical efficacy of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwon Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Heet Naresh Kaku
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Xinming Zhuo
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Eugene S Chao
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | | | - Allen Kuncheria
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Stephanie Flores
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Joo Hyun Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Armando Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Frank Rigo
- Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, United States
| | | | - Arthur L Beaudet
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
| | - Matthew S Caudill
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Mingshan Xue
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
- The Cain Foundation Laboratories, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States
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Dobrigna M, Poëa-Guyon S, Rousseau V, Vincent A, Toutain A, Barnier JV. The molecular basis of p21-activated kinase-associated neurodevelopmental disorders: From genotype to phenotype. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1123784. [PMID: 36937657 PMCID: PMC10017488 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1123784] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the identification of numerous genes involved in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has reshaped our understanding of their etiology, there are still major obstacles in the way of developing therapeutic solutions for intellectual disability (ID) and other NDDs. These include extensive clinical and genetic heterogeneity, rarity of recurrent pathogenic variants, and comorbidity with other psychiatric traits. Moreover, a large intragenic mutational landscape is at play in some NDDs, leading to a broad range of clinical symptoms. Such diversity of symptoms is due to the different effects DNA variations have on protein functions and their impacts on downstream biological processes. The type of functional alterations, such as loss or gain of function, and interference with signaling pathways, has yet to be correlated with clinical symptoms for most genes. This review aims at discussing our current understanding of how the molecular changes of group I p21-activated kinases (PAK1, 2 and 3), which are essential actors of brain development and function; contribute to a broad clinical spectrum of NDDs. Identifying differences in PAK structure, regulation and spatio-temporal expression may help understanding the specific functions of each group I PAK. Deciphering how each variation type affects these parameters will help uncover the mechanisms underlying mutation pathogenicity. This is a prerequisite for the development of personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dobrigna
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Sandrine Poëa-Guyon
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Véronique Rousseau
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
| | - Aline Vincent
- Department of Genetics, EA7450 BioTARGen, University Hospital of Caen, Caen, France
| | - Annick Toutain
- Department of Genetics, University Hospital of Tours, UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, INSERM, Tours, France
| | - Jean-Vianney Barnier
- Institut des Neurosciences Paris-Saclay, UMR 9197, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Saclay, France
- *Correspondence: Jean-Vianney Barnier,
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Rodent Models of Audiogenic Epilepsy: Genetic Aspects, Advantages, Current Problems and Perspectives. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112934. [PMID: 36428502 PMCID: PMC9687921 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal models of epilepsy are of great importance in epileptology. They are used to study the mechanisms of epileptogenesis, and search for new genes and regulatory pathways involved in the development of epilepsy as well as screening new antiepileptic drugs. Today, many methods of modeling epilepsy in animals are used, including electroconvulsive, pharmacological in intact animals, and genetic, with the predisposition for spontaneous or refractory epileptic seizures. Due to the simplicity of manipulation and universality, genetic models of audiogenic epilepsy in rodents stand out among this diversity. We tried to combine data on the genetics of audiogenic epilepsy in rodents, the relevance of various models of audiogenic epilepsy to certain epileptic syndromes in humans, and the advantages of using of rodent strains predisposed to audiogenic epilepsy in current epileptology.
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15
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Tanas JK, Kerr DD, Wang L, Rai A, Wallaard I, Elgersma Y, Sidorov MS. Multidimensional analysis of behavior predicts genotype with high accuracy in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:426. [PMID: 36192373 PMCID: PMC9529912 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02206-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss of expression of the maternal copy of the UBE3A gene. Individuals with AS have a multifaceted behavioral phenotype consisting of deficits in motor function, epilepsy, cognitive impairment, sleep abnormalities, as well as other comorbidities. Effectively modeling this behavioral profile and measuring behavioral improvement will be crucial for the success of ongoing and future clinical trials. Foundational studies have defined an array of behavioral phenotypes in the AS mouse model. However, no single behavioral test is able to fully capture the complex nature of AS-in mice, or in children. We performed multidimensional analysis (principal component analysis + k-means clustering) to quantify the performance of AS model mice (n = 148) and wild-type littermates (n = 138) across eight behavioral domains. This approach correctly predicted the genotype of mice based on their behavioral profile with ~95% accuracy, and remained effective with reasonable sample sizes (n = ~12-15). Multidimensional analysis was effective using different combinations of behavioral inputs and was able to detect behavioral improvement as a function of treatment in AS model mice. Overall, multidimensional behavioral analysis provides a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of preclinical treatments for AS. Multidimensional analysis of behavior may also be applied to rodent models of related neurodevelopmental disorders, and may be particularly valuable for disorders where individual behavioral tests are less reliable than in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph K. Tanas
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Devante D. Kerr
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA ,grid.257127.40000 0001 0547 4545Howard University, Washington, DC USA
| | - Li Wang
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Anika Rai
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and the ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and the ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Michael S. Sidorov
- grid.239560.b0000 0004 0482 1586Center for Neuroscience Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC USA ,grid.253615.60000 0004 1936 9510Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology & Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC USA
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16
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Generation and Characterization of a Novel Angelman Syndrome Mouse Model with a Full Deletion of the Ube3a Gene. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182815. [PMID: 36139390 PMCID: PMC9496699 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by deficits in maternally inherited UBE3A. The disease is characterized by intellectual disability, impaired motor skills, and behavioral deficits, including increased anxiety and autism spectrum disorder features. The mouse models used so far in AS research recapitulate most of the cardinal AS characteristics. However, they do not mimic the situation found in the majority of AS patients who have a large deletion spanning 4–6 Mb. There is also a large variability in phenotypes reported in the available models, which altogether limits development of therapeutics. Therefore, we have generated a mouse model in which the Ube3a gene is deleted entirely from the 5′ UTR to the 3′ UTR of mouse Ube3a isoform 2, resulting in a deletion of 76 kb. To investigate its phenotypic suitability as a model for AS, we employed a battery of behavioral tests directed to reveal AS pathology and to find out whether this model better mirrors AS development compared to other available models. We found that the maternally inherited Ube3a-deficient line exhibits robust motor dysfunction, as seen in the rotarod and DigiGait tests, and displays abnormalities in additional behavioral paradigms, including reduced nest building and hypoactivity, although no apparent cognitive phenotype was observed in the Barnes maze and novel object recognition tests. The AS mice did, however, underperform in more complex cognition tasks, such as place reversal in the IntelliCage system, and exhibited a different circadian rhythm activity pattern. We show that the novel UBE3A-deficient model, based on a whole-gene deletion, is suitable for AS research, as it recapitulates important phenotypes characteristic of AS. This new mouse model provides complementary possibilities to study the Ube3a gene and its function in health and disease as well as possible therapeutic interventions to restore function.
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17
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Samanta D. Pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures in patients with Angleman syndrome. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2022; 23:1511-1522. [PMID: 35862628 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2022.2105141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 80-90% of patients with Angelman syndrome (AS) develop childhood-onset intractable seizures with major negative impact on the quality of life.Thus adequate management of seizures is the most critical priority to improve health-related quality of life in children with AS. AREAS COVERED The primary focus of the review is on pharmacotherapeutic management of seizures. The first part of the review briefly discusses epileptogenesis and polymorphic seizure phenotypes associated with AS to understand pharmacotherapeutic decision-making better. Next, the review explores individual antiseizure medicines (ASMs) and their potential therapeutic utility. Lastly, some future and emerging treatment options are discussed that can transform the management of seizures in patients with AS. EXPERT OPINION Evidence for treating seizures in AS mainly derives from low-quality studies. Levetiracetam and clobazam are the most commonly used ASMs. Although the potential utility of several other ASMs(valproate, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, clonazepam) has been well documented for some time, the treatment landscape may rapidly evolve due to the availability of newer and better tolerated ASMs(cannabidiol oil, brivaracetam, perampanel). In addition, a better understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and the development of molecular therapeutics offer hope for precision therapies for seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas
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18
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Gene-based therapeutics for rare genetic neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. Mol Ther 2022; 30:2416-2428. [PMID: 35585789 PMCID: PMC9263284 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We are in an emerging era of gene-based therapeutics with significant promise for rare genetic disorders. The potential is particularly significant for genetic central nervous system disorders that have begun to achieve Food and Drug Administration approval for select patient populations. This review summarizes the discussions and presentations of the National Institute of Mental Health-sponsored workshop "Gene-Based Therapeutics for Rare Genetic Neurodevelopmental Psychiatric Disorders," which was held in January 2021. Here, we distill the points raised regarding various precision medicine approaches related to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders that may be amenable to gene-based therapies.
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19
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Anderson DJ, Porwal MH, Sandlow JI. Testosterone-Mediated Aggression in Angelman Syndrome Treated With Leuprolide and Orchiectomy. Cureus 2022; 14:e24865. [PMID: 35698716 PMCID: PMC9184178 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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20
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Lambert N, Moïse M, Nguyen L. E3 Ubiquitin ligases and cerebral cortex development in health and disease. Dev Neurobiol 2022; 82:392-407. [PMID: 35476229 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral cortex development involves the sequential progression of biological steps driven by molecular pathways whose tight regulation often relies on ubiquitination. Ubiquitination is a post-translational modification involved in all aspects of cellular homeostasis through the attachment of a ubiquitin moiety on proteins. Over the past years, an increasing amount of research has highlighted the crucial role played by ubiquitin ligases in every step of cortical development and whose impairment often leads to various neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we focus on the key contributions of E3 ubiquitin ligases for the progression of the different steps of corticogenesis, as well as the pathological consequences of their mutations, often resulting in malformations of cortical development. Finally, we discuss some promising targeted treatment strategies for these diseases based on recent advances in the field. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Lambert
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Moïse
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurent Nguyen
- Laboratory of molecular regulation of neurogenesis, GIGA-Stem Cells and GIGA-Neurosciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Applied Genoproteomics (GIGA-R), University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, 4000, Belgium
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21
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A Novel Automated Approach for Improving Standardization of the Marble Burying Test Enables Quantification of Burying Bouts and Activity Characteristics. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0446-21.2022. [PMID: 35288451 PMCID: PMC8982638 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0446-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The marble burying test is a commonly used paradigm to describe phenotypes in mouse models of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The current methodological approach relies predominantly on reporting the number of buried marbles at the end of the test. By measuring the proxy of the behavior (buried marbles), many important characteristics regarding the temporal aspect of this assay are lost. Here, we introduce a novel, automated method to quantify mouse behavior during the marble burying test with the focus on the burying bouts and movement dynamics. Using open-source software packages, we trained a supervised machine learning algorithm (the "classifier") to distinguish burying behavior in freely moving mice. In order to confirm the classifier's accuracy and characterize burying events in high detail, we performed the marble burying test in three mouse models: Ube3am-/p+ [Angelman syndrome (AS) model], Shank2 -/- (autism model), and Sapap3 -/- [obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) model] mice. The classifier scored burying behavior accurately and consistent with the previously reported phenotype of the Ube3am-/p+ mice, which showed decreased levels of burying compared with controls. Shank2 -/- mice showed a similar pattern of decreased burying behavior, which was not found in Sapap3 -/- mice. Tracking mouse behavior throughout the test revealed hypoactivity in Ube3am-/p+ and hyperactivity in the Shank2 -/- mice, indicating that mouse activity is unrelated to burying behavior. Reducing activity with midazolam in Shank2 -/- mice did not alter the burying behavior. Together, we demonstrate that our classifier is an accurate method for the analysis of the marble burying test, providing more information than currently used methods.
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22
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Cross-species considerations in models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:171-172. [PMID: 34998618 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Advances in genetic technologies have facilitated the development of new animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), enabling cross-species validation of disease-related phenotypes and exploration of species-specific behaviours. In a recent study, Berg et al. used a rat model of Angelman Syndrome (AS) to identify Ube3a-dependent social behaviours, highlighting potential cross-species convergence and divergence between rodent models.
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23
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Cosgrove JA, Kelly LK, Kiffmeyer EA, Kloth AD. Sex-dependent influence of postweaning environmental enrichment in Angelman syndrome model mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2468. [PMID: 34985196 PMCID: PMC8865162 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutation or loss of UBE3A and marked by intellectual disability, ataxia, autism-like symptoms, and other atypical behaviors. One route to treatment may lie in the role that environment plays early in postnatal life. Environmental enrichment (EE) is one manipulation that has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical models of many brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we examined whether postweaning EE can rescue behavioral phenotypes in Ube3a maternal deletion mice (AS mice), and whether any improvements are sex-dependent. METHODS Male and female mice (C57BL/6J Ube3atm1Alb mice and wild-type (WT) littermates; ≥10 mice/group) were randomly assigned to standard housing (SH) or EE at weaning. EE had a larger footprint, a running wheel, and a variety of toys that promoted foraging, burrowing, and climbing. Following 6 weeks of EE, animals were submitted to a battery of tests that reliably elicit behavioral deficits in AS mice, including rotarod, open field, marble burying, and forced swim; weights were also monitored. RESULTS In male AS-EE mice, we found complete restoration of motor coordination, marble burying, and forced swim behavior to the level of WT-SH mice. We also observed a complete normalization of exploratory distance traveled in the open field, but we found no rescue of vertical behavior or center time. AS-EE mice also had weights comparable to WT-SH mice. Intriguingly, in the female AS-EE mice, we found a failure of EE to rescue the same behavioral deficits relative to female WT-SH mice. CONCLUSIONS Environmental enrichment is an effective route to correcting the most penetrant phenotypes in male AS mice but not female AS mice. This finding has important implications for the translatability of early behavioral intervention for AS patients, most importantly the potential dependency of treatment response on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jameson A. Cosgrove
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Lauren K. Kelly
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Elizabeth A. Kiffmeyer
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Alexander D. Kloth
- Department of BiologyAugustana University2001 S. Summit AvenueSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
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24
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OUP accepted manuscript. Brain 2022; 145:3022-3034. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awac154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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25
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Negrón-Moreno PN, Diep DT, Guoynes CD, Sidorov MS. Dissociating motor impairment from five-choice serial reaction time task performance in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:968159. [PMID: 36212189 PMCID: PMC9539753 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.968159] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a single-gene neurodevelopmental disorder associated with cognitive and motor impairment, seizures, lack of speech, and disrupted sleep. AS is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the UBE3A gene, and approaches to reinstate functional UBE3A are currently in clinical trials in children. Behavioral testing in a mouse model of AS (Ube3a m-/p+ ) represents an important tool to assess the effectiveness of current and future treatments preclinically. Existing behavioral tests effectively model motor impairments, but not cognitive impairments, in Ube3a m-/p+ mice. Here we tested the hypothesis that the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) can be used to assess cognitive behaviors in Ube3a m-/p+ mice. Ube3a m-/p+ mice had more omissions during 5CSRTT training than wild-type littermate controls, but also showed impaired motor function including open field hypoactivity and delays in eating pellet rewards. Motor impairments thus presented an important confound for interpreting this group difference in omissions. We report that despite hypoactivity during habituation, Ube3a m-/p+ mice had normal response latencies to retrieve rewards during 5CSRTT training. We also accounted for delays in eating pellet rewards by assessing omissions solely on trials where eating delays would not impact results. Thus, the increase in omissions in Ube3a m-/p+ mice is likely not caused by concurrent motor impairments. This work underscores the importance of considering how known motor impairments in Ube3a m-/p+ mice may affect behavioral performance in other domains. Our results also provide guidance on how to design a 5CSRTT protocol that is best suited for future studies in Ube3a mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola N Negrón-Moreno
- University of Puerto Rico-Cayey, Cayey, PR, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - David T Diep
- University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States.,Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Caleigh D Guoynes
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Michael S Sidorov
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States.,Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States.,Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology and Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, United States
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26
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Li S, Ma Y, Wang T, Jin H, Du X, Wang Y. Epilepsy and Molecular Phenotype Affect the Neurodevelopment of Pediatric Angelman Syndrome Patients in China. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:886028. [PMID: 35573374 PMCID: PMC9096167 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.886028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the mental development of children with Angelman syndrome (AS) in China and evaluated the relationship between neurodevelopment and molecular subtype, age, epilepsy, and sex using the Chinese version of the Griffith Mental Development Scale (GMDS-C) to provide detailed baseline data regarding neurodevelopment with AS in China. METHODS Participants were recruited from the AS Natural History Study. The GMDS-C was used to evaluate all participants' mental age and developmental quotients. The general quotient (GQ) and quotients of five subscales (sports, personal-social, auditory language, eye-hand coordination, and comprehensive performance) were calculated. RESULTS A total of 119 children (average age: 42.12 months; range, 7.5-95.5 months) with a genetic diagnosis of AS were enrolled. The median GQ score of the GMDS was 29.6 points (95% confidence interval, 28.6-33.25). The children had relatively good locomotor and personal-social skills but poor language skills. Overall, 89% (106/119) had mental ages younger than 24 months for all five subscales. The non-deletion group (i.e., without deletion in chromosome 15q11-13) had higher GQs and locomotor, personal-social, and performance subscale quotients. The GQ was significantly different among the three age subgroups and significantly correlated with age. Compared with the non-epilepsy group, the epilepsy group had lower GQs and lower quotients for the locomotor, personal-social, speech, language, and eye-hand coordination subscales. CONCLUSION Children with AS in China experience severe neurodevelopmental deterioration. In addition to age, molecular subtypes and the onset of seizures may also correlate with these patients' intellectual development. The GMDS-C is an accurate tool that can assess the clinical characteristics of AS. The data of this study can be used as baseline data for clinical trials performed to evaluate drug development or other AS treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Jin
- Shanghai YangZhi Rehabilitation Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghia, China
| | - Xiaonan Du
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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27
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Pandya NJ, Meier S, Tyanova S, Terrigno M, Wang C, Punt AM, Mientjes EJ, Vautheny A, Distel B, Kremer T, Elgersma Y, Jagasia R. A cross-species spatiotemporal proteomic analysis identifies UBE3A-dependent signaling pathways and targets. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2590-2601. [PMID: 35264729 PMCID: PMC9135630 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01484-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of neuronal E3 ligase UBE3A. Restoring UBE3A levels is a potential disease-modifying therapy for AS and has recently entered clinical trials. There is paucity of data regarding the molecular changes downstream of UBE3A hampering elucidation of disease therapeutics and biomarkers. Notably, UBE3A plays an important role in the nucleus but its targets have yet to be elucidated. Using proteomics, we assessed changes during postnatal cortical development in an AS mouse model. Pathway analysis revealed dysregulation of proteasomal and tRNA synthetase pathways at all postnatal brain developmental stages, while synaptic proteins were altered in adults. We confirmed pathway alterations in an adult AS rat model across multiple brain regions and highlighted region-specific differences. UBE3A reinstatement in AS model mice resulted in near complete and partial rescue of the proteome alterations in adolescence and adults, respectively, supporting the notion that restoration of UBE3A expression provides a promising therapeutic option. We show that the nuclear enriched transketolase (TKT), one of the most abundantly altered proteins, is a novel direct UBE3A substrate and is elevated in the neuronal nucleus of rat brains and human iPSC-derived neurons. Taken together, our study provides a comprehensive map of UBE3A-driven proteome remodeling in AS across development and species, and corroborates an early UBE3A reinstatement as a viable therapeutic option. To support future disease and biomarker research, we present an accessible large-scale multi-species proteomic resource for the AS community ( https://www.angelman-proteome-project.org/ ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil J. Pandya
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Meier
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefka Tyanova
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269pRED Informatics Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Terrigno
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Congwei Wang
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - A. Mattijs Punt
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E. J. Mientjes
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Audrey Vautheny
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben Distel
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands ,grid.7177.60000000084992262Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience, The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Basel, Switzerland.
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28
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Riemersma IW, Havekes R, Kas MJH. Spatial and Temporal Gene Function Studies in Rodents: Towards Gene-Based Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 35052369 PMCID: PMC8774890 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory differences beginning early in life. Especially sensory symptoms are highly correlated with the severity of other behavioral differences. ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition on multiple levels, including clinical presentation, genetics, and developmental trajectories. Over a thousand genes have been implicated in ASD. This has facilitated the generation of more than two hundred genetic mouse models that are contributing to understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD. Since the first symptoms already arise during early life, it is especially important to identify both spatial and temporal gene functions in relation to the ASD phenotype. To further decompose the heterogeneity, ASD-related genes can be divided into different subgroups based on common functions, such as genes involved in synaptic function. Furthermore, finding common biological processes that are modulated by this subgroup of genes is essential for possible patient stratification and the development of personalized early treatments. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavioral rodent models of synaptic dysfunction by focusing on behavioral phenotypes, spatial and temporal gene function, and molecular targets that could lead to new targeted gene-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; (I.W.R.); (R.H.)
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29
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Judson MC, Shyng C, Simon JM, Davis CR, Punt AM, Salmon MT, Miller NW, Ritola KD, Elgersma Y, Amaral DG, Gray SJ, Philpot BD. Dual-isoform hUBE3A gene transfer improves behavioral and seizure outcomes in Angelman syndrome model mice. JCI Insight 2021; 6:144712. [PMID: 34676830 PMCID: PMC8564914 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.144712] [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: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of the maternal UBE3A allele causes Angelman syndrome (AS), a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder. Here, we devised an AS treatment strategy based on reinstating dual-isoform expression of human UBE3A (hUBE3A) in the developing brain. Kozak sequence engineering of our codon-optimized vector (hUBE3Aopt) enabled translation of both short and long hUBE3A protein isoforms at a near-endogenous 3:1 (short/long) ratio, a feature that could help to support optimal therapeutic outcomes. To model widespread brain delivery and early postnatal onset of hUBE3A expression, we packaged the hUBE3Aopt vector into PHP.B capsids and performed intracerebroventricular injections in neonates. This treatment significantly improved motor learning and innate behaviors in AS mice, and it rendered them resilient to epileptogenesis and associated hippocampal neuropathologies induced by seizure kindling. hUBE3A overexpression occurred frequently in the hippocampus but was uncommon in the neocortex and other major brain structures; furthermore, it did not correlate with behavioral performance. Our results demonstrate the feasibility, tolerability, and therapeutic potential for dual-isoform hUBE3A gene transfer in the treatment of AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Judson
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
| | - Charles Shyng
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities.,Gene Therapy Center, and
| | - Jeremy M Simon
- Neuroscience Center.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - A Mattijs Punt
- Department of Clinical Genetics and.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Noah W Miller
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology
| | - Kimberly D Ritola
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Pharmacology, UNC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.,Scientific Operations Manager-Viral Tools, Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David G Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, and.,California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Steven J Gray
- Gene Therapy Center, and.,Department of Pediatrics and.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas (UT) Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Neuroscience Center.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities
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30
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Bicker F, Nardi L, Maier J, Vasic V, Schmeisser MJ. Criss-crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:452-478. [PMID: 34478569 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post-natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bicker
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jannik Maier
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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31
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Pandya NJ, Wang C, Costa V, Lopatta P, Meier S, Zampeta FI, Punt AM, Mientjes E, Grossen P, Distler T, Tzouros M, Martí Y, Banfai B, Patsch C, Rasmussen S, Hoener M, Berrera M, Kremer T, Dunkley T, Ebeling M, Distel B, Elgersma Y, Jagasia R. Secreted retrovirus-like GAG-domain-containing protein PEG10 is regulated by UBE3A and is involved in Angelman syndrome pathophysiology. Cell Rep Med 2021; 2:100360. [PMID: 34467244 PMCID: PMC8385294 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2021.100360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the loss of maternal UBE3A, a ubiquitin protein ligase E3A. Here, we study neurons derived from patients with AS and neurotypical individuals, and reciprocally modulate UBE3A using antisense oligonucleotides. Unbiased proteomics reveal proteins that are regulated by UBE3A in a disease-specific manner, including PEG10, a retrotransposon-derived GAG protein. PEG10 protein increase, but not RNA, is dependent on UBE3A and proteasome function. PEG10 binds to both RNA and ataxia-associated proteins (ATXN2 and ATXN10), localizes to stress granules, and is secreted in extracellular vesicles, modulating vesicle content. Rescue of AS patient-derived neurons by UBE3A reinstatement or PEG10 reduction reveals similarity in transcriptome changes. Overexpression of PEG10 during mouse brain development alters neuronal migration, suggesting that it can affect brain development. These findings imply that PEG10 is a secreted human UBE3A target involved in AS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil J. Pandya
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Congwei Wang
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Veronica Costa
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Paul Lopatta
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sonja Meier
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - F. Isabella Zampeta
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Genetics, The ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A. Mattijs Punt
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Genetics, The ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Edwin Mientjes
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Genetics, The ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Philip Grossen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tania Distler
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Tzouros
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yasmina Martí
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Balazs Banfai
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Patsch
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Soren Rasmussen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marius Hoener
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Berrera
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tom Dunkley
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ebeling
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ben Distel
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Genetics, The ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Departments of Neuroscience and Clinical Genetics, The ENCORE Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ravi Jagasia
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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32
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Milazzo C, Mientjes EJ, Wallaard I, Rasmussen SV, Erichsen KD, Kakunuri T, van der Sman ASE, Kremer T, Miller MT, Hoener MC, Elgersma Y. Antisense oligonucleotide treatment rescues UBE3A expression and multiple phenotypes of an Angelman syndrome mouse model. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e145991. [PMID: 34369389 PMCID: PMC8410092 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.145991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder for which only symptomatic treatment with limited benefits is available. AS is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited ubiquitin protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) gene. Previous studies showed that the silenced paternal Ube3a gene can be activated by targeting the antisense Ube3a-ATS transcript. We investigated antisense oligonucleotide-induced (ASO-induced) Ube3a-ATS degradation and its ability to induce UBE3A reinstatement and rescue of AS phenotypes in an established Ube3a mouse model. We found that a single intracerebroventricular injection of ASOs at postnatal day 1 (P1) or P21 in AS mice resulted in potent and specific UBE3A reinstatement in the brain, with levels up to 74% of WT levels in the cortex and a full rescue of sensitivity to audiogenic seizures. AS mice treated with ASO at P1 also showed rescue of established AS phenotypes, such as open field and forced swim test behaviors, and significant improvement on the reversed rotarod. Hippocampal plasticity of treated AS mice was comparable to WT but not significantly different from PBS-treated AS mice. No rescue was observed for the marble burying and nest building phenotypes. Our findings highlight the promise of ASO-mediated reactivation of UBE3A as a disease-modifying treatment for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Milazzo
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Edwin J Mientjes
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ilse Wallaard
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Kamille Dumong Erichsen
- Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Copenhagen, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Horsholm, Denmark
| | - Tejaswini Kakunuri
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - A S Elise van der Sman
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Thomas Kremer
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Meghan T Miller
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marius C Hoener
- Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery & Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ype Elgersma
- Departments of Clinical Genetics and Neuroscience and.,ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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33
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Elgersma Y, Sonzogni M. UBE3A reinstatement as a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2021; 63:802-807. [PMID: 33543479 PMCID: PMC8248324 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Half a century ago, Harry Angelman reported three patients with overlapping clinical features, now well known as Angelman syndrome. Angelman syndrome is caused by mutations affecting the maternally inherited UBE3A gene, which encodes an E3-ubiquitin ligase that is critical for typical postnatal brain development. Emerging evidence indicates that UBE3A plays a particularly important role in the nucleus. However, the critical substrates that are controlled by UBE3A remain elusive, which hinders the search for effective treatments. Moreover, given the multitude of signalling mechanisms that are derailed, it is unlikely that targeting a single pathway is going to be very effective. Therefore, expectations are very high for approaches that aim to restore UBE3A protein levels. A particular promising strategy is an antisense oligonucleotide approach, which activates the silenced paternal UBE3A gene. When successful, such treatments potentially offer a disease-modifying therapy for Angelman syndrome and several other neurodevelopmental disorders. What this paper adds Loss of UBE3A affects multiple signalling pathways in the brain. Emerging evidence suggests that UBE3A plays a critical role in the cell nucleus. Trials using antisense oligonucleotides to restore UBE3A levels are continuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ype Elgersma
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Deptartment of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Sonzogni
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- The ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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34
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Moreira-de-Sá A, Gonçalves FQ, Lopes JP, Silva HB, Tomé ÂR, Cunha RA, Canas PM. Motor Deficits Coupled to Cerebellar and Striatal Alterations in Ube3a m-/p+ Mice Modelling Angelman Syndrome Are Attenuated by Adenosine A 2A Receptor Blockade. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:2543-2557. [PMID: 33464534 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-02275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder involving ataxia and motor dysfunction, resulting from the absence of the maternally inherited functional Ube3a protein in neurons. Since adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) blockade relieves synaptic and motor impairments in Parkinson's or Machado-Joseph's diseases, we now tested if A2AR blockade was also effective in attenuating motor deficits in an AS (Ube3am-/p+) mouse model and if this involved correction of synaptic alterations in striatum and cerebellum. Chronic administration of the A2AR antagonist SCH58261 (0.1 mg/kg/day, ip) promoted motor learning of AS mice in the accelerating-rotarod task and rescued the grip strength impairment of AS animals. These motor impairments were accompanied by synaptic alterations in cerebellum and striatum typified by upregulation of synaptophysin and vesicular GABA transporters (vGAT) in the cerebellum of AS mice along with a downregulation of vGAT, vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (vGLUT1) and the dopamine active transporter in AS striatum. Notably, A2AR blockade prevented the synaptic alterations found in AS mice cerebellum as well as the downregulation of striatal vGAT and vGLUT1. This provides the first indications that A2AR blockade may counteract the characteristic motor impairments and synaptic changes of AS, although more studies are needed to unravel the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Moreira-de-Sá
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Q Gonçalves
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João P Lopes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique B Silva
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ângelo R Tomé
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Rodrigo A Cunha
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paula M Canas
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, Faculty of Medicine Building-Polo 1, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
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35
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Ozlu C, Bailey RM, Sinnett S, Goodspeed KD. Gene Transfer Therapy for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:230-240. [PMID: 33882495 DOI: 10.1159/000515434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of disorders that disrupt normal brain development. Though some NDDs are caused by acquired insults (i.e., toxic or infectious encephalopathy) or may be cryptogenic, many NDDs are caused by variants in a single gene or groups of genes that disrupt neuronal development or function. In this review, we will focus on those NDDs with a genetic etiology. The exact mechanism, timing, and progression of the molecular pathology are seldom well known; however, the abnormalities in development typically manifest in similar patterns such as delays or regression in motor function, social skills, and language or cognitive abilities. Severity of impairment can vary widely. At present, only symptomatic treatments are available to manage seizures and behavioral problems commonly seen in NDDs. In recent years, there has been a rapid expansion of research into gene therapy using adeno-associated viruses (AAVs). Using AAVs as vectors to replace the non- or dysfunctional gene in vivo is a relatively simple model which has created an unprecedented opportunity for the future of NDD treatment. Advances in this field are of paramount importance as NDDs lead to a massive lifelong burden of disease on the affected individuals and families. In this article, we review the unique advantages and challenges of AAV gene therapies. We then look at potential applications of gene therapy for 3 of the more common NDDs (Rett syndrome, fragile X syndrome, and Angelman syndrome), as well as 2 less common NDDs (SLC13A5 deficiency disorder and SLC6A1-related disorder). We will review the available natural history of each disease and current state of preclinical studies including a discussion on the application of AAV gene therapies for each disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Ozlu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel M Bailey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Center for Alzheimer's and Neurodegenerative Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Sarah Sinnett
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.,Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kimberly D Goodspeed
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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36
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Marshall GF, Gonzalez-Sulser A, Abbott CM. Modelling epilepsy in the mouse: challenges and solutions. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm.047449. [PMID: 33619078 PMCID: PMC7938804 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In most mouse models of disease, the outward manifestation of a disorder can be measured easily, can be assessed with a trivial test such as hind limb clasping, or can even be observed simply by comparing the gross morphological characteristics of mutant and wild-type littermates. But what if we are trying to model a disorder with a phenotype that appears only sporadically and briefly, like epileptic seizures? The purpose of this Review is to highlight the challenges of modelling epilepsy, in which the most obvious manifestation of the disorder, seizures, occurs only intermittently, possibly very rarely and often at times when the mice are not under direct observation. Over time, researchers have developed a number of ways in which to overcome these challenges, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this Review, we describe the genetics of epilepsy and the ways in which genetically altered mouse models have been used. We also discuss the use of induced models in which seizures are brought about by artificial stimulation to the brain of wild-type animals, and conclude with the ways these different approaches could be used to develop a wider range of anti-seizure medications that could benefit larger patient populations. Summary: This Review discusses the challenges of modelling epilepsy in mice, a condition in which the outward manifestation of the disorder appears only sporadically, and reviews possible solutions encompassing both genetic and induced models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant F Marshall
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK.,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, 1 George Square, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Catherine M Abbott
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, MRC Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, UK .,Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, UK
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Samanta D. Epilepsy in Angelman syndrome: A scoping review. Brain Dev 2021; 43:32-44. [PMID: 32893075 PMCID: PMC7688500 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is characterized by severe developmental delays including marked speech impairment, movement abnormalities(ataxia, tremor), and unique behaviors such as frequent laughter and is caused by dysfunctional maternal UBE3A gene (maternal 15q11-13 deletions, maternal specific UBE3A mutation, uniparental disomy, and imprinting defect). Intractable epileptic seizures since early childhood with characteristic EEG abnormalities are present in 80-90% patients with AS. Underlying pathophysiology may involve neocortical and thalamocortical hyperexcitability secondary to severe reduction of GABAergic input, as well as dysfunctional synaptic plasticity, deficient synaptogenesis, and neuronal morphological immaturity. The onset of epilepsy is most prevalent between 1 and 3 years of age; however, approximately 25% of patients developed epilepsy before one year of age. Various types of generalized seizures are most prevalent, with most common types are myoclonic and atypical absence.More than 95% of epilepsy patients may have daily seizures at least for a limited time during early childhood, and two-third patients develop disabling seizures. Fever provoked seizures, and frequent occurrence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus are two unique features. Seizures are frequently pharmacoresistant. Considering underlying prominent GABAergic dysfunction, clinicians had used AEDs that target GABAergic signaling such as valproate, phenobarbital, and clonazepam as first-line therapies for AS. However, due to the unfavorable side effect profile of these AEDs, a recent treatment approach involves priority use of levetiracetam, clobazam, topiramate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, VNS, and carbohydrate-restricted diets. Besides symptomatic management, there has been recent progress to find a curative treatment with the following approaches: 1. Gene/protein replacement therapy (Adeno and lentiviral vector therapy to deliver a gene or secretory protein); 2. Activation of the intact but silent paternal copy of UBE3A (antisense oligonucleotide therapy and artificial transcription factors); and 3. Downstream therapies (OV101/gaboxadol, ketone supplement, novel compounds/peptides, anti-inflammatory/regenerative therapy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Debopam Samanta
- Child Neurology Section, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Debopam Samanta 1 Children's Way, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Bozzi
- Center for Mind/Brain Sciences (CIMeC), University of Trento, Italy; CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy
| | - Michela Fagiolini
- F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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Turner TJ, Zourray C, Schorge S, Lignani G. Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy. J Neurochem 2020; 157:229-262. [PMID: 32880951 PMCID: PMC8436749 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Turner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Clara Zourray
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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40
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Chen H, Victor AK, Klein J, Tacer KF, Tai DJ, de Esch C, Nuttle A, Temirov J, Burnett LC, Rosenbaum M, Zhang Y, Ding L, Moresco JJ, Diedrich JK, Yates JR, Tillman HS, Leibel RL, Talkowski ME, Billadeau DD, Reiter LT, Potts PR. Loss of MAGEL2 in Prader-Willi syndrome leads to decreased secretory granule and neuropeptide production. JCI Insight 2020; 5:138576. [PMID: 32879135 PMCID: PMC7526459 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.138576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a developmental disorder caused by loss of maternally imprinted genes on 15q11-q13, including melanoma antigen gene family member L2 (MAGEL2). The clinical phenotypes of PWS suggest impaired hypothalamic neuroendocrine function; however, the exact cellular defects are unknown. Here, we report deficits in secretory granule (SG) abundance and bioactive neuropeptide production upon loss of MAGEL2 in humans and mice. Unbiased proteomic analysis of Magel2pΔ/m+ mice revealed a reduction in components of SG in the hypothalamus that was confirmed in 2 PWS patient-derived neuronal cell models. Mechanistically, we show that proper endosomal trafficking by the MAGEL2-regulated WASH complex is required to prevent aberrant lysosomal degradation of SG proteins and reduction of mature SG abundance. Importantly, loss of MAGEL2 in mice, NGN2-induced neurons, and human patients led to reduced neuropeptide production. Thus, MAGEL2 plays an important role in hypothalamic neuroendocrine function, and cellular defects in this pathway may contribute to PWS disease etiology. Moreover, these findings suggest unanticipated approaches for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Chen
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - A Kaitlyn Victor
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jonathon Klein
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Klementina Fon Tacer
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Derek Jc Tai
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Department of Pathology, and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Celine de Esch
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Department of Pathology, and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alexander Nuttle
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Department of Pathology, and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jamshid Temirov
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lisa C Burnett
- Levo Therapeutics, Inc., Skokie, Illinois, USA.,Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Rosenbaum
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yiying Zhang
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Li Ding
- Division of Oncology Research and Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - James J Moresco
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jolene K Diedrich
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - John R Yates
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Heather S Tillman
- Veterinary Pathology Core, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Rudolph L Leibel
- Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, and Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Department of Neurology, Department of Pathology, and Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Program in Medical and Population Genetics and Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel D Billadeau
- Division of Oncology Research and Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Patrick Ryan Potts
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
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