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Ma D, Sun C, Manne R, Guo T, Bosc C, Barry J, Magliery T, Andrieux A, Li H, Gu C. A cytoskeleton-membrane interaction conserved in fast-spiking neurons controls movement, emotion, and memory. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3994-4010. [PMID: 37833406 PMCID: PMC10905646 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02286-7] [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: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of schizophrenia is believed to involve combined dysfunctions of many proteins including microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6) and Kv3.1 voltage-gated K+ (Kv) channel, but their relationship and functions in behavioral regulation are often not known. Here we report that MAP6 stabilizes Kv3.1 channels in parvalbumin-positive (PV+ ) fast-spiking GABAergic interneurons, regulating behavior. MAP6-/- and Kv3.1-/- mice display similar hyperactivity and avoidance reduction. Their proteins colocalize in PV+ interneurons and MAP6 deletion markedly reduces Kv3.1 protein level. We further show that two microtubule-binding modules of MAP6 bind the Kv3.1 tetramerization domain with high affinity, maintaining the channel level in both neuronal soma and axons. MAP6 knockdown by AAV-shRNA in the amygdala or the hippocampus reduces avoidance or causes hyperactivity and recognition memory deficit, respectively, through elevating projection neuron activity. Finally, knocking down Kv3.1 or disrupting the MAP6-Kv3.1 binding in these brain regions causes avoidance reduction and hyperactivity, consistent with the effects of MAP6 knockdown. Thus, disrupting this conserved cytoskeleton-membrane interaction in fast-spiking neurons causes different degrees of functional vulnerability in various neural circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Ma
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chao Sun
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- MCDB graduate program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rahul Manne
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Tianqi Guo
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Christophe Bosc
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Joshua Barry
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Magliery
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Annie Andrieux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm, U1216, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Houzhi Li
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Chen Gu
- Ohio State Biochemistry Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- MCDB graduate program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Gąssowska-Dobrowolska M, Czapski GA, Cieślik M, Zajdel K, Frontczak-Baniewicz M, Babiec L, Adamczyk A. Microtubule Cytoskeletal Network Alterations in a Transgenic Model of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Relevance to Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087303. [PMID: 37108467 PMCID: PMC10138344 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic multisystem disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the tumour suppressors TSC1/TSC2, both of which are negative regulators of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase. Importantly, mTOR hyperactivity seems to be linked with the pathobiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recent studies suggest the potential involvement of microtubule (MT) network dysfunction in the neuropathology of "mTORopathies", including ASD. Cytoskeletal reorganization could be responsible for neuroplasticity disturbances in ASD individuals. Thus, the aim of this work was to study the effect of Tsc2 haploinsufficiency on the cytoskeletal pathology and disturbances in the proteostasis of the key cytoskeletal proteins in the brain of a TSC mouse model of ASD. Western-blot analysis indicated significant brain-structure-dependent abnormalities in the microtubule-associated protein Tau (MAP-Tau), and reduced MAP1B and neurofilament light (NF-L) protein level in 2-month-old male B6;129S4-Tsc2tm1Djk/J mice. Alongside, pathological irregularities in the ultrastructure of both MT and neurofilament (NFL) networks as well as swelling of the nerve endings were demonstrated. These changes in the level of key cytoskeletal proteins in the brain of the autistic-like TSC mice suggest the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for neuroplasticity alterations in the ASD brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Gąssowska-Dobrowolska
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz A Czapski
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Zajdel
- Electron Microscopy Research Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Frontczak-Baniewicz
- Electron Microscopy Research Unit, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Babiec
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
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Iwanski MK, Kapitein LC. Cellular cartography: Towards an atlas of the neuronal microtubule cytoskeleton. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1052245. [PMID: 37035244 PMCID: PMC10073685 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1052245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubules, one of the major components of the cytoskeleton, play a crucial role during many aspects of neuronal development and function, such as neuronal polarization and axon outgrowth. Consequently, the microtubule cytoskeleton has been implicated in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. The polar nature of microtubules is quintessential for their function, allowing them to serve as tracks for long-distance, directed intracellular transport by kinesin and dynein motors. Most of these motors move exclusively towards either the plus- or minus-end of a microtubule and some have been shown to have a preference for either dynamic or stable microtubules, those bearing a particular post-translational modification or those decorated by a specific microtubule-associated protein. Thus, it becomes important to consider the interplay of these features and their combinatorial effects on transport, as well as how different types of microtubules are organized in the cell. Here, we discuss microtubule subsets in terms of tubulin isotypes, tubulin post-translational modifications, microtubule-associated proteins, microtubule stability or dynamicity, and microtubule orientation. We highlight techniques used to study these features of the microtubule cytoskeleton and, using the information from these studies, try to define the composition, role, and organization of some of these subsets in neurons.
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Alterations in Cerebellar Microtubule Cytoskeletal Network in a ValproicAcid-Induced Rat Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123031. [PMID: 36551785 PMCID: PMC9776106 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123031] [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] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental diseases characterised by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. The growing body of evidence points to a role for cerebellar changes in ASD pathology. Some of the findings suggest that not only motor problems but also social deficits, repetitive behaviours, and mental inflexibility associated with ASD are connected with damage to the cerebellum. However, the understanding of this brain structure's functions in ASD pathology needs future investigations. Therefore, in this study, we generated a rodent model of ASD through a single prenatal administration of valproic acid (VPA) into pregnant rats, followed by cerebellar morphological studies of the offspring, focusing on the alterations of key cytoskeletal elements. The expression (Western blot) of α/β-tubulin and the major neuronal MT-associated proteins (MAP) such as MAP-Tau and MAP1B, MAP2, MAP6 (STOP) along with actin-crosslinking αII-spectrin and neurofilament light polypeptide (NF-L) was investigated. We found that maternal exposure to VPA induces a significant decrease in the protein levels of α/β-tubulin, MAP-Tau, MAP1B, MAP2, and αII-spectrin. Moreover, excessive MAP-Tau phosphorylation at (Ser396) along with key Tau-kinases activation was indicated. Immunohistochemical staining showed chromatolysis in the cerebellum of autistic-like rats and loss of Purkinje cells shedding light on one of the possible molecular mechanisms underpinning neuroplasticity alterations in the ASD brain.
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Zhao M, Chang Q, Yang H, Wang M, Liu Y, Lv N, Lei Q, Wei H. Epothilone D modulates autism-like behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Neuroscience 2022; 490:171-181. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Ghosh A, Singh S. Regulation Of Microtubule: Current Concepts And Relevance To Neurodegenerative Diseases. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 21:656-679. [PMID: 34323203 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210728144043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are abnormalities linked to neuronal structure and irregularities associated with the proliferation of cells, transportation, and differentiation. NDD also involves synaptic circuitry and neural network alterations known as synaptopathies. Microtubules (MTs) and MTs-associated proteins help to maintain neuronal health as well as their development. The microtubular dynamic structure plays a crucial role in the division of cells and forms mitotic spindles, thus take part in initiating stages of differentiation and polarization for various types of cells. The MTs also take part in the cellular death but MT-based cellular degenerations are not yet well excavated. In the last few years, studies have provided the protagonist activity of MTs in neuronal degeneration. In this review, we largely engrossed our discussion on the change of MT cytoskeleton structure, describing their organization, dynamics, transportation, and their failure causing NDDs. At end of this review, we are targeting the therapeutic neuroprotective strategies on clinical priority and also try to discuss the clues for the development of new MT-based therapy as a new pharmacological intervention. This will be a new potential site to block not only neurodegeneration but also promotes the regeneration of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Ghosh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga-142001 Punjab, India
| | - Shamsher Singh
- Neuroscience Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga-142001 Punjab, India
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Cuveillier C, Boulan B, Ravanello C, Denarier E, Deloulme JC, Gory-Fauré S, Delphin C, Bosc C, Arnal I, Andrieux A. Beyond Neuronal Microtubule Stabilization: MAP6 and CRMPS, Two Converging Stories. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:665693. [PMID: 34025352 PMCID: PMC8131560 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.665693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The development and function of the central nervous system rely on the microtubule (MT) and actin cytoskeletons and their respective effectors. Although the structural role of the cytoskeleton has long been acknowledged in neuronal morphology and activity, it was recently recognized to play the role of a signaling platform. Following this recognition, research into Microtubule Associated Proteins (MAPs) diversified. Indeed, historically, structural MAPs—including MAP1B, MAP2, Tau, and MAP6 (also known as STOP);—were identified and described as MT-binding and -stabilizing proteins. Extensive data obtained over the last 20 years indicated that these structural MAPs could also contribute to a variety of other molecular roles. Among multi-role MAPs, MAP6 provides a striking example illustrating the diverse molecular and cellular properties of MAPs and showing how their functional versatility contributes to the central nervous system. In this review, in addition to MAP6’s effect on microtubules, we describe its impact on the actin cytoskeleton, on neuroreceptor homeostasis, and its involvement in signaling pathways governing neuron development and maturation. We also discuss its roles in synaptic plasticity, brain connectivity, and cognitive abilities, as well as the potential relationships between the integrated brain functions of MAP6 and its molecular activities. In parallel, the Collapsin Response Mediator Proteins (CRMPs) are presented as examples of how other proteins, not initially identified as MAPs, fall into the broader MAP family. These proteins bind MTs as well as exhibiting molecular and cellular properties very similar to MAP6. Finally, we briefly summarize the multiple similarities between other classical structural MAPs and MAP6 or CRMPs.In summary, this review revisits the molecular properties and the cellular and neuronal roles of the classical MAPs, broadening our definition of what constitutes a MAP.
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Bouet V, Percelay S, Leroux E, Diarra B, Léger M, Delcroix N, Andrieux A, Dollfus S, Freret T, Boulouard M. A new 3-hit mouse model of schizophrenia built on genetic, early and late factors. Schizophr Res 2021; 228:519-528. [PMID: 33298334 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Whether the etiology of schizophrenia remains unknown, its multifactorial aspect is conversely now well admitted. However, most preclinical models of the disease still rely on a mono-factorial construction and do not allow discover unequivocal treatments, particularly for negative and cognitive symptoms. The main interaction factors that have been implicated in schizophrenia are a genetic predisposition and unfavorable environmental factors. Here we propose a new animal model combining a genetic predisposition (1st hit: partial deletion of MAP-6 (microtubule-associated protein)) with an early postnatal stress (2nd hit: 24 h maternal separation at post-natal day 9), and a late cannabinoid exposure during adolescence (3rd hit: tetrahydrocannabinol THC from post-natal day 32 to 52; 8 mg/kg/day). The 2-hit mice displayed spatial memory deficits, decreased cortical thickness and fractional anisotropy of callosal fibers. The 3-hit mice were more severely affected as attested by supplementary deficits such a decrease in spontaneous activity, sociability-related behavior, working memory performances, an increase in anxiety-like behavior, a decrease in hippocampus volume together with impaired integrity of corpus callosum fibers (less axons, less myelin). Taken together, these results show that the new 3-hit model displays several landmarks mimicking negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia, conferring a high relevance for research of new treatments. Moreover, this 3-hit model possesses a strong construct validity, which fits with gene x environment interactions hypothesis of schizophrenia. The 2-hit model, which associates maternal separation with THC exposure in wild-type mice gives a less severe phenotype, and could be useful for research on other forms of psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentine Bouet
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France.
| | - Solenn Percelay
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Elise Leroux
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Boubacar Diarra
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Marianne Léger
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Nicolas Delcroix
- CNRS, UMS 3408, GIP CYCERON, Bd Henri Becquerel, BP5229, 14074 Caen cedex, France
| | - Annie Andrieux
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1216, CEA, Grenoble Institut Neurosciences, 38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Sonia Dollfus
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, EA 7466 ISTS, GIP Cyceron, 14000 Caen, France; CHU de Caen, Service de Psychiatrie Adulte, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Thomas Freret
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Michel Boulouard
- Normandie Université, UNICAEN, INSERM, COMETE, CYCERON, CHYU CAEN, 14000 Caen, France
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Elevated serum neurofilament light chain in children autism spectrum disorder: A case control study. Neurotoxicology 2020; 80:87-92. [PMID: 32592719 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) levels in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to investigate whether they are related to the severity of disease. METHODS The cohorts consisted of 166 children aged 3-8 (83 children diagnosed with ASD and 83 children with typically-developing). sNfL were analyzed using Single Molecule Array (Simoa) technology. ASD symptom severity was assessed according to the Chinese version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) score. RESULTS The mean age of those included ASD was 5.1 years (standard deviations [S.D.]: 1.7) and 78.3 % were boys. The mean (SD) sNfL concentrations were significantly (P < 0.001) higher in ASD than in TP children (10.2[5.0] pg/mL and 7.1[3.2]pg/mL). For each 1 pg/mL increase of sNfL, the risk of ASD would increase by 19 % (with the OR unadjusted of 1.19 [95 % CI 1.10-1.29], P < 0.001) and 11 % (with the OR adjusted of 1.11 [1.03-1.23], P < 0.001), respectively. sNfL concentrations in children with severe ASD were higher than in those children with mild-to-moderate ASD (12.4[5.1] pg/mL vs. 8.3[4.2]pg/mL; P < 0.001). Among ASD cases, each 1 pg/mL increase of sNfL is associated with 20 % higher unadjusted or 11 % higher adjusted odds, respectively, of severe (vs. mild-to-moderate) ASD. CONCLUSIONS The data showed that sNfL was elevated in ASD and related to symptom severity, suggesting that sNfL may play a role in ASD progression.
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Murtaza N, Uy J, Singh KK. Emerging proteomic approaches to identify the underlying pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Mol Autism 2020; 11:27. [PMID: 32317014 PMCID: PMC7171839 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00334-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteomics is the large-scale study of the total protein content and their overall function within a cell through multiple facets of research. Advancements in proteomic methods have moved past the simple quantification of proteins to the identification of post-translational modifications (PTMs) and the ability to probe interactions between these proteins, spatially and temporally. Increased sensitivity and resolution of mass spectrometers and sample preparation protocols have drastically reduced the large amount of cells required and the experimental variability that had previously hindered its use in studying human neurological disorders. Proteomics offers a new perspective to study the altered molecular pathways and networks that are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The differences between the transcriptome and proteome, combined with the various types of post-translation modifications that regulate protein function and localization, highlight a novel level of research that has not been appropriately investigated. In this review, we will discuss strategies using proteomics to study ASD and other neurological disorders, with a focus on how these approaches can be combined with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) studies. Proteomic analysis of iPSC-derived neurons have already been used to measure changes in the proteome caused by patient mutations, analyze changes in PTMs that resulted in altered biological pathways, and identify potential biomarkers. Further advancements in both proteomic techniques and human iPSC differentiation protocols will continue to push the field towards better understanding ASD disease pathophysiology. Proteomics using iPSC-derived neurons from individuals with ASD offers a window for observing the altered proteome, which is necessary in the future development of therapeutics against specific targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Murtaza
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Jarryll Uy
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada
| | - Karun K Singh
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5, Canada.
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Chang Q, Yang H, Wang M, Wei H, Hu F. Role of Microtubule-Associated Protein in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neurosci Bull 2018; 34:1119-1126. [PMID: 29936584 PMCID: PMC6246838 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-018-0246-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, along with repetitive and restrictive patterns of behaviors or interests. Normal brain development is crucial to behavior and cognition in adulthood. Abnormal brain development, such as synaptic and myelin dysfunction, is involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. Microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are important in regulating the processes of brain development, including neuron production and synaptic formation, as well as myelination. Increasing evidence suggests that the level of MAPs are changed in autistic patients and mouse models of ASD. Here, we discuss the roles of MAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Chang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China
| | - Hongen Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
| | - Fengyun Hu
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliate of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030012, China.
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A key function for microtubule-associated-protein 6 in activity-dependent stabilisation of actin filaments in dendritic spines. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3775. [PMID: 30224655 PMCID: PMC6141585 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05869-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) are implicated in synaptic function; in particular, mice deficient for MAP6 exhibit striking deficits in plasticity and cognition. How MAP6 connects to plasticity mechanisms is unclear. Here, we address the possible role of this protein in dendritic spines. We find that in MAP6-deficient cortical and hippocampal neurons, maintenance of mature spines is impaired, and can be restored by expressing a stretch of the MAP6 sequence called Mc modules. Mc modules directly bind actin filaments and mediate activity-dependent stabilisation of F-actin in dendritic spines, a key event of synaptic plasticity. In vitro, Mc modules enhance actin filament nucleation and promote the formation of stable, highly ordered filament bundles. Activity-induced phosphorylation of MAP6 likely controls its transfer to the spine cytoskeleton. These results provide a molecular explanation for the role of MAP6 in cognition, enlightening the connection between cytoskeletal dysfunction, synaptic impairment and neuropsychiatric illnesses. Microtubule-associated protein 6 (MAP6) is known to be important for synaptic plasticity and cognition, supposedly via interaction with microtubules. Here, the authors found that MAP6 is crucial for the stabilisation of enlarged synapses through its association with a different cytoskeletal element, actin.
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Potential Role of Microtubule Stabilizing Agents in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081627. [PMID: 28933765 PMCID: PMC5578018 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterized by neuroanatomical abnormalities indicative of corticogenesis disturbances. At the basis of NDDs cortical abnormalities, the principal developmental processes involved are cellular proliferation, migration and differentiation. NDDs are also considered “synaptic disorders” since accumulating evidence suggests that NDDs are developmental brain misconnection syndromes characterized by altered connectivity in local circuits and between brain regions. Microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins play a fundamental role in the regulation of basic neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal polarization and migration, neuronal branching and synaptogenesis. Here, the role of microtubule dynamics will be elucidated in regulating several neurodevelopmental steps. Furthermore, the correlation between abnormalities in microtubule dynamics and some NDDs will be described. Finally, we will discuss the potential use of microtubule stabilizing agents as a new pharmacological intervention for NDDs treatment.
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