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Carlos-Lima E, Higa GSV, Viana FJC, Tamais AM, Cruvinel E, Borges FDS, Francis-Oliveira J, Ulrich H, De Pasquale R. Serotonergic Modulation of the Excitation/Inhibition Balance in the Visual Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 25:519. [PMID: 38203689 PMCID: PMC10778629 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic neurons constitute one of the main systems of neuromodulators, whose diffuse projections regulate the functions of the cerebral cortex. Serotonin (5-HT) is known to play a crucial role in the differential modulation of cortical activity related to behavioral contexts. Some features of the 5-HT signaling organization suggest its possible participation as a modulator of activity-dependent synaptic changes during the critical period of the primary visual cortex (V1). Cells of the serotonergic system are among the first neurons to differentiate and operate. During postnatal development, ramifications from raphe nuclei become massively distributed in the visual cortical area, remarkably increasing the availability of 5-HT for the regulation of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic activity. A substantial amount of evidence has demonstrated that synaptic plasticity at pyramidal neurons of the superficial layers of V1 critically depends on a fine regulation of the balance between excitation and inhibition (E/I). 5-HT could therefore play an important role in controlling this balance, providing the appropriate excitability conditions that favor synaptic modifications. In order to explore this possibility, the present work used in vitro intracellular electrophysiological recording techniques to study the effects of 5-HT on the E/I balance of V1 layer 2/3 neurons, during the critical period. Serotonergic action on the E/I balance has been analyzed on spontaneous activity, evoked synaptic responses, and long-term depression (LTD). Our results pointed out that the predominant action of 5-HT implies a reduction in the E/I balance. 5-HT promoted LTD at excitatory synapses while blocking it at inhibitory synaptic sites, thus shifting the Hebbian alterations of synaptic strength towards lower levels of E/I balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estevão Carlos-Lima
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Guilherme Shigueto Vilar Higa
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Neurogenética, Universidade Federal do ABC, São Bernardo do Campo 09210-580, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe José Costa Viana
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Alicia Moraes Tamais
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Emily Cruvinel
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
| | - Fernando da Silva Borges
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, New York, NY 11203, USA;
| | - José Francis-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química (USP), São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Roberto De Pasquale
- Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofísica, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil; (E.C.-L.); (G.S.V.H.); (E.C.); (J.F.-O.)
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2
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Bregalda A, Carducci C, Viscomi MT, Pierigè F, Biagiotti S, Menotta M, Biancucci F, Pascucci T, Leuzzi V, Magnani M, Rossi L. Myelin basic protein recovery during PKU mice lifespan and the potential role of microRNAs on its regulation. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106093. [PMID: 36948260 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) patients and PKU animal models show hypomyelination in the central nervous system and white matter damages, which are accompanied by myelin basic protein (MBP) impairment. Despite many assumptions, the primary explanation of the mentioned cerebral outcomes remains elusive. In this study, MBP protein and mRNA expression on brains of wild type (WT) and phenylketonuric (ENU2) mice were analyzed throughout mice lifespan (14-60-180-270-360-540 post-natal days, PND). The results confirmed the low MBP expression at first PND times, while revealed an unprecedented progressive MBP protein expression recovery in aged ENU2 mice. Unexpectedly, unaltered MBP mRNA expression between WT and ENU2 was always observed. Additionally, for the same time intervals, a significant decrease of the phenylalanine concentration in the peripheral blood and brain of ENU2 mice was detected, to date, for the first time. In this scenario, a translational hindrance of MBP during initial and late cerebral development in ENU2 mice was hypothesized, leading to the execution of a microRNA microarray analysis on 60 PND brains, which was followed by a proteomic assay on 60 and 360 PND brains in order to validate in silico miRNA-target predictions. Taken together, miR-218 - 1-3p, miR - 1231-3p and miR-217-5p were considered as the most impactful microRNAs, since a downregulation of their potential targets (MAG, CNTNAP2 and ANLN, respectively) can indirectly lead to a low MBP protein expression. These miRNAs, in addition, follow an opposite expression trend compared to MBP during adulthood, and their target proteins revealed a complete normalization in aged ENU2 mice. In conclusion, these results provide a new perspective on the PKU pathophysiology understanding and on a possible treatment, emphasizing the potential modulating role of differentially expressed microRNAs in MBP expression on PKU brains during PKU mouse lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Bregalda
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy.
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Viscomi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Sect. Histology and Embryology, Università Cattolica del S. Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli", IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Pierigè
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Sara Biagiotti
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Michele Menotta
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Federica Biancucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; EryDel SpA, via Antonio Meucci 3, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigia Rossi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino, PU, Italy; EryDel SpA, via Antonio Meucci 3, 20091 Bresso, Milan, Italy
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3
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Cognitive Functioning in Adults with Phenylketonuria in a Cohort of Spanish Patients. Behav Neurol 2023; 2023:9681740. [PMID: 36815863 PMCID: PMC9931468 DOI: 10.1155/2023/9681740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The early introduction of a low phenylalanine (Phe) diet has been demonstrated to be the most successful treatment in subjects with phenylketonuria (PKU), especially for preventing severe cognitive and neurological damages. However, it still concerns that even if treated in the first months of life with supplements and following a diet, they can show slight scores below people without PKU in neuropsychological assignments. We investigated 20 adults with classical PKU aged 19-48 years (mean age 29 years) and 20 heathy controls matched by age, gender, and years of education. Patients and controls were assessed with an extended neuropsychological battery, as well as psychological aspects and quality of life, also the last Phe level result was obtained. Results showed that the most affected cognitive domains are processing speed, executive functioning, memory, and also theory of mind, but very well-preserved verbal fluency, language, and visuospatial functioning. In quality of life, some significant results were seen specially in anxiety of Phe levels, anxiety of Phe levels during pregnancy, guilt if poor adherence to supplements, and if dietary protein restriction not followed. No significant results were obtained for the psychological variables. In conclusion, it has been shown that a combination of a low Phe diet, supplement intake, and keeping Phe levels in a low range seems appropriate to have the most normal and alike cognitive performance to persons without PKU.
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4
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Maiolati M, Tarmati V, Latagliata C, Cabib S, Orsini C. Opposite genotype-specific effects of serotoninergic treatments on Pavlovian Conditioned Approach in mice of two inbred strains C57 BL/6J and DBA/2J. Behav Pharmacol 2021; 32:392-403. [PMID: 33709985 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Individual variability in the response to pharmacological therapies is a major problem in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Comparative studies of phenotypes expressed by mice of the C57BL/6J (C57) and DBA/2J (DBA) inbred strains can help identify neurobiological determinants of this variability at preclinical levels. We have recently demonstrated that whereas young adult mice of both strains develop sign-tracking in a Pavlovian Conditioned Approach (PCA), a trait associated with dysfunctional behavior in rat models, in full adult C57 mice acquisition of this phenotype is inhibited by pre-frontal cortical (PFC) serotonin (5HT) transmission. These findings suggest a different role of 5HT transmission on sign-tracking development in mice of the two genotypes. In the present experiments, we tested the effects of the 5-HT synthesis booster 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and of the selective 5HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine on the development and expression of sign-tracking in young adult mice from both inbred strains. In mice of the C57 strain, administration of 5-HTP before each training session blocked the training-induced shift to positive PCA scores which indicates the development of sign-tracking, whereas the same treatment was ineffective in mice of DBA strain. On the other hand, a single administration of fluoxetine was ineffective in unhandled saline- and 5-HTP-treated C57 mice, whereas it enhanced the expression of positive PCA scores by mice of DBA strain treated with 5-HTP during training. These findings confirm the strain-specific inhibitory role of PFC 5-HT transmission on sign-tracking development by mice of the C57 strain and support the hypothesis that different genotype-specific neurobiological substrates of dysfunctional phenotypes contribute to variable effects of pharmacotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzia Maiolati
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza"
| | - Valeria Tarmati
- PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza"
| | | | - Simona Cabib
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Department of Experimental Neurosciences
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Orsini
- IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Department of Experimental Neurosciences
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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5
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Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU; also known as phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) deficiency) is an autosomal recessive disorder of phenylalanine metabolism, in which especially high phenylalanine concentrations cause brain dysfunction. If untreated, this brain dysfunction results in severe intellectual disability, epilepsy and behavioural problems. The prevalence varies worldwide, with an average of about 1:10,000 newborns. Early diagnosis is based on newborn screening, and if treatment is started early and continued, intelligence is within normal limits with, on average, some suboptimal neurocognitive function. Dietary restriction of phenylalanine has been the mainstay of treatment for over 60 years and has been highly successful, although outcomes are still suboptimal and patients can find the treatment difficult to adhere to. Pharmacological treatments are available, such as tetrahydrobiopterin, which is effective in only a minority of patients (usually those with milder PKU), and pegylated phenylalanine ammonia lyase, which requires daily subcutaneous injections and causes adverse immune responses. Given the drawbacks of these approaches, other treatments are in development, such as mRNA and gene therapy. Even though PAH deficiency is the most common defect of amino acid metabolism in humans, brain dysfunction in individuals with PKU is still not well understood and further research is needed to facilitate development of pathophysiology-driven treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francjan J van Spronsen
- Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
| | - Nenad Blau
- University Children's Hospital in Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cary Harding
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Nicola Longo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Annet M Bosch
- University of Amsterdam, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Metabolic Disorders, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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6
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Lu MH, Hsueh YP. Protein synthesis as a modifiable target for autism-related dendritic spine pathophysiologies. FEBS J 2021; 289:2282-2300. [PMID: 33511762 DOI: 10.1111/febs.15733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly recognized as a condition of altered brain connectivity. As synapses are fundamental subcellular structures for neuronal connectivity, synaptic pathophysiology has become one of central themes in autism research. Reports disagree upon whether the density of dendritic spines, namely excitatory synapses, is increased or decreased in ASD and whether the protein synthesis that is critical for dendritic spine formation and function is upregulated or downregulated. Here, we review recent evidence supporting a subgroup of ASD models with decreased dendritic spine density (hereafter ASD-DSD), including Nf1 and Vcp mutant mice. We discuss the relevance of branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) insufficiency in relation to unmet protein synthesis demand in ASD-DSD. In contrast to ASD-DSD, ASD models with hyperactive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) may represent the opposite end of the disease spectrum, often characterized by increases in protein synthesis and dendritic spine density (denoted ASD-ISD). Finally, we propose personalized dietary leucine as a strategy tailored to balancing protein synthesis demand, thereby ameliorating dendritic spine pathophysiologies and autism-related phenotypes in susceptible patients, especially those with ASD-DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hsuan Lu
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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7
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Hardy RA, Rached NA, Jones JA, Archer DR, Hyacinth HI. Role of age and neuroinflammation in the mechanism of cognitive deficits in sickle cell disease. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2020; 246:106-120. [PMID: 32962408 DOI: 10.1177/1535370220958011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPACT STATEMENT This study provides crucial information that could be helpful in the development of new or repurposing of existing therapies for the treatment of cognitive deficit in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). Its impact is in demonstrating for the first time that neuroinflammation and along with abnormal neuroplasticity are among the underlying mechanism of cognitive and behavioral deficits in SCD and that drugs such as minocycline which targets these pathophysiological mechanisms could be repurposed for the treatment of this life altering complication of SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raven A Hardy
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Atlanta Sickle Cell Disease Consortium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Noor Abi Rached
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jayre A Jones
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - David R Archer
- Atlanta Sickle Cell Disease Consortium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hyacinth I Hyacinth
- Neuroscience Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Atlanta Sickle Cell Disease Consortium, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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8
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Pascucci T, Colamartino M, Fiori E, Sacco R, Coviello A, Ventura R, Puglisi-Allegra S, Turriziani L, Persico AM. P-cresol Alters Brain Dopamine Metabolism and Exacerbates Autism-Like Behaviors in the BTBR Mouse. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040233. [PMID: 32294927 PMCID: PMC7226382 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction/communication, stereotypic behaviors, restricted interests, and abnormal sensory-processing. Several studies have reported significantly elevated urinary and foecal levels of p-cresol in ASD children, an aromatic compound either of environmental origin or produced by specific gut bacterial strains. Methods: Since p-cresol is a known uremic toxin, able to negatively affect multiple brain functions, the present study was undertaken to assess the effects of a single acute injection of low- or high-dose (1 or 10 mg/kg i.v. respectively) of p-cresol in behavioral and neurochemical phenotypes of BTBR mice, a reliable animal model of human ASD. Results: P-cresol significantly increased anxiety-like behaviors and hyperactivity in the open field, in addition to producing stereotypic behaviors and loss of social preference in BTBR mice. Tissue levels of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and their metabolites unveiled significantly activated dopamine turnover in amygdala as well as in dorsal and ventral striatum after p-cresol administration; no effect was recorded in medial-prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Conclusion: Our study supports a gene x environment interaction model, whereby p-cresol, acting upon a susceptible genetic background, can acutely induce autism-like behaviors and produce abnormal dopamine metabolism in the reward circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Colamartino
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fiori
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute EBRI, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Sacco
- Service for Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry and Neurogenetics, University “Campus Bio-Medico”, I-00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Annalisa Coviello
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University of Rome, I-00185 Rome, Italy; (T.P.); (M.C.); (E.F.); (A.C.); (R.V.)
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, I-00143 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Turriziani
- Interdepartmental Program “Autism 0-90”, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Interdepartmental Program “Autism 0-90”, “Gaetano Martino” University Hospital, University of Messina, I-98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence:
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9
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Xlr4 as a new candidate gene underlying vulnerability to cocaine effects. Neuropharmacology 2020; 168:108019. [PMID: 32113966 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although several studies have been performed in rodents, non-human primates and humans, the biological basis of vulnerability to develop cocaine addiction remains largely unknown. Exposure to critical early events (as Repeated Cross Fostering (RCF)) has been reported to increase sensitivity to cocaine effects in adult C57BL/6J female mice. Using a microarray approach, here we report data showing a strong engagement of X-linked lymphocyte-regulated 4a and 4b (Xlr4) genes in cocaine effects. The expression of Xlr4, a gene involved in chromatin remodeling and dendritic spine morphology, was reduced into the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) of adult RCF C57BL/6J female. We used virally mediated accumbal Xlr4 down-modulation (AAVXlr4-KD) to investigate the role of this gene in vulnerability to cocaine effects. AAVXlr4-KD animals show a potentiated behavioral and neurochemical response to cocaine, reinstatement following cocaine withdrawal and cocaine-induced spine density alterations in the Medium-Sized Spiny Neurons of NAc. We propose Xlr4 as a new candidate gene mediating the cocaine effects.
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10
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Ashe K, Kelso W, Farrand S, Panetta J, Fazio T, De Jong G, Walterfang M. Psychiatric and Cognitive Aspects of Phenylketonuria: The Limitations of Diet and Promise of New Treatments. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:561. [PMID: 31551819 PMCID: PMC6748028 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a recessive disorder of phenylalanine metabolism due to mutations in the gene for phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). Reduced PAH activity results in significant hyperphenylalaninemia, which leads to alterations in cerebral myelin and protein synthesis, as well as reduced levels of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline in the brain. When untreated, brain development is grossly disrupted and significant intellectual impairment and behavioral disturbance occur. The advent of neonatal heel prick screening has allowed for diagnosis at birth, and the institution of a phenylalanine restricted diet. Dietary treatment, particularly when maintained across neurodevelopment and well into adulthood, has resulted in markedly improved outcomes at a cognitive and psychiatric level for individuals with PKU. However, few individuals can maintain full dietary control lifelong, and even with good control, an elevated risk remains of-in particular-mood, anxiety, and attentional disorders across the lifespan. Increasingly, dietary recommendations focus on maintaining continuous dietary treatment lifelong to optimize psychiatric and cognitive outcomes, although the effect of long-term protein restricted diets on brain function remains unknown. While psychiatric illness is very common in adult PKU populations, very little data exist to guide clinicians on optimal treatment. The advent of new treatments that do not require restrictive dietary management, such as the enzyme therapy Pegvaliase, holds the promise of allowing patients a relatively normal diet alongside optimized mental health and cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Killian Ashe
- Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Kelso
- Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Farrand
- Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Julie Panetta
- Statewide Adult Metabolic Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Fazio
- Statewide Adult Metabolic Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Gerard De Jong
- Statewide Adult Metabolic Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mark Walterfang
- Neuropsychiatry Unit, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Melbourne and North-Western Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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11
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Belanger AM, Przybylska M, Gefteas E, Furgerson M, Geller S, Kloss A, Cheng SH, Zhu Y, Yew NS. Inhibiting neutral amino acid transport for the treatment of phenylketonuria. JCI Insight 2018; 3:121762. [PMID: 30046012 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.121762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuropathological effects of phenylketonuria (PKU) stem from the inability of the body to metabolize excess phenylalanine (Phe), resulting in accumulation of Phe in the blood and brain. Since the kidney normally reabsorbs circulating amino acids with high efficiency, we hypothesized that preventing the renal uptake of Phe might provide a disposal pathway that could lower systemic Phe levels. SLC6A19 is a neutral amino acid transporter responsible for absorption of the majority of free Phe in the small intestine and reuptake of Phe by renal proximal tubule cells. Transgenic KO mice lacking SLC6A19 have elevated levels of Phe and other amino acids in their urine but are otherwise healthy. Here, we crossed the Pahenu2 mouse model of PKU with the Slc6a19-KO mouse. These mutant/KO mice exhibited abundant excretion of Phe in the urine and an approximately 70% decrease in plasma Phe levels. Importantly, brain Phe levels were decreased by 50%, and the levels of key neurotransmitters were increased in the mutant/KO mice. In addition, a deficit in spatial working memory and markers of neuropathology were corrected. Finally, treatment of Pahenu2 mice with Slc6a19 antisense oligonucleotides lowered Phe levels. The results suggest that inhibition of SLC6A19 may represent a novel approach for the treatment of PKU and related aminoacidopathies.
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MESH Headings
- Amines
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/analysis
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/genetics
- Amino Acid Transport Systems, Neutral/metabolism
- Amino Acids, Neutral/blood
- Amino Acids, Neutral/metabolism
- Animals
- Astrocytes/metabolism
- Astrocytes/pathology
- Biological Transport/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Genetic Diseases, Inborn/therapy
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/drug effects
- Kidney Tubules, Proximal/metabolism
- Male
- Memory, Short-Term
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Morpholinos/pharmacology
- Oligonucleotides/pharmacology
- Phenylalanine/blood
- Phenylalanine/metabolism
- Phenylketonurias/pathology
- Phenylketonurias/therapy
- Renal Reabsorption/drug effects
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12
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Lu L, Ben X, Xiao L, Peng M, Zhang Y. AMP-activated protein kinase activation in mediating phenylalanine-induced neurotoxicity in experimental models of phenylketonuria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2018; 41:679-687. [PMID: 29230603 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-017-0115-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU), one of the most prevalent autosomal recessive disorders of amino acid metabolism, is characterized by abnormal accumulation of phenylalanine, which can lead to intellectual disability. The main pathologic changes in the central nervous system of untreated phenylketonuric patients are reductions in the number of axons, dendrites, and synapses in the brain. Such alterations are thought to be mainly associated with the toxic effects caused by phenylalanine. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The present study shows that a high concentration of phenylalanine remarkably inhibited neuronal neurite formation in vitro. Interestingly, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), the energy status sensor, was activated in cultured cerebral cortical neurons upon phenylalanine treatment. Pretreatment with an AMPK inhibitor ameliorated the reduction of neurite formation caused by phenylalanine. In addition, the levels of the phosphorylated AMPK, the active form of AMPK, were significantly higher in the cerebral cortices of PKU mice with elevated phenylalanine levels in this brain region compared to those in wild-type control mice, whereas the density of dendritic spines on basal secondary dendrites of pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortices of PKU mice was significantly decreased. Collectively, these findings indicate that AMPK activation is a key event in impaired neuronal dendritic development in PKU and consequently, a potential therapeutic target for developing neuroprotective strategies against phenylalanine-evoked brain injury in PKU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihua Lu
- Department of Neonatology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Ben
- Department of Neonatology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Xiao
- Department of Neonatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Peng
- Department of Neonatology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongjun Zhang
- Department of Neonatology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Anderson G, Botbol M, Canitano R, Coulon N, Roubertoux P. Repint of “Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity”. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 89:132-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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14
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Pascucci T, Rossi L, Colamartino M, Gabucci C, Carducci C, Valzania A, Sasso V, Bigini N, Pierigè F, Viscomi MT, Ventura R, Cabib S, Magnani M, Puglisi-Allegra S, Leuzzi V. A new therapy prevents intellectual disability in mouse with phenylketonuria. Mol Genet Metab 2018; 124:39-49. [PMID: 29661557 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2018.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Untreated phenylketonuria (PKU) results in severe neurodevelopmental disorders, which can be partially prevented by an early and rigorous limitation of phenylalanine (Phe) intake. Enzyme substitution therapy with recombinant Anabaena variabilis Phe Ammonia Lyase (rAvPAL) proved to be effective in reducing blood Phe levels in preclinical and clinical studies of adults with PKU. Aims of present study were: a) to gather proofs of clinical efficacy of rAvPAL treatment in preventing neurological impairment in an early treated murine model of PKU; b) to test the advantages of an alternative delivering system for rAvPAL such as autologous erythrocytes. BTBR-Pahenu2-/- mice were treated from 15 to 64 post-natal days with weekly infusions of erythrocytes loaded with rAvPAL. Behavioral, neurochemical, and brain histological markers denoting untreated PKU were examined in early treated adult mice in comparison with untreated and wild type animals. rAvPAL therapy normalized blood and brain Phe; prevented cognitive developmental failure, brain depletion of serotonin, dendritic spine abnormalities, and myelin basic protein reduction. No adverse events or inactivating immune reaction were observed. In conclusion present study testifies the clinical efficacy of rAvPAL treatment in a preclinical model of PKU and the advantages of erythrocytes as carrier of the enzyme in term of frequency of the administrations and prevention of immunological reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Rossi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; EryDel SpA, via Sasso 36, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Marco Colamartino
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Gabucci
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valzania
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Sasso
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Bigini
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Francesca Pierigè
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | | | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Magnani
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino "Carlo Bo", via Saffi 2, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy; EryDel SpA, via Sasso 36, 61029 Urbino (PU), Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Department of Psychology and Centro "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, via Ardeatina 306, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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15
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Maternal phenylketonuria syndrome: studies in mice suggest a potential approach to a continuing problem. Pediatr Res 2018; 83:889-896. [PMID: 29278642 PMCID: PMC6023696 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2017.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundUntreated phenylketonuria (PKU), one of the most common human genetic disorders, usually results in mental retardation. Although a protein-restricted artificial diet can prevent retardation, dietary compliance in adults is often poor. In pregnant PKU women, noncompliance can result in maternal PKU syndrome, where high phenylalanine (Phe) levels cause severe fetal complications. Enzyme substitution therapy using Phe ammonia lyase (PAL) corrects PKU in BTBR Phe hydroxylase (Pahenu2) mutant mice, suggesting a potential for maternal PKU syndrome treatment in humans.MethodsWe reviewed clinical data to assess maternal PKU syndrome incidence in pregnant PKU women. We treated female PKU mice (on normal diet) with PAL, stabilizing Phe at physiological levels, and mated them to assess pregnancy outcomes.ResultsPatient records show that, unfortunately, the efficacy of diet to prevent maternal PKU syndrome has not significantly improved since the problem was first noted 40 years ago. PAL treatment of pregnant PKU mice shows that offspring of PAL-treated dams survive to adulthood, in contrast to the complete lethality seen in untreated mice, or limited survival seen in mice on a PKU diet.ConclusionPAL treatment reduced maternal PKU syndrome severity in mice and may have potential for human PKU therapy.
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16
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Nardecchia F, Orlando R, Iacovelli L, Colamartino M, Fiori E, Leuzzi V, Piccinin S, Nistico R, Puglisi-Allegra S, Di Menna L, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Pascucci T. Targeting mGlu5 Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in the Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction in a Mouse Model of Phenylketonuria. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:154. [PMID: 29615849 PMCID: PMC5864888 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied group-I metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors in Pahenu2 (ENU2) mice, which mimic the genetics and neurobiology of human phenylketonuria (PKU), a metabolic disorder characterized, if untreated, by autism, and intellectual disability (ID). Male ENU2 mice showed increased mGlu5 receptor protein levels in the hippocampus and corpus striatum (but not in the prefrontal cortex) whereas the transcript of the mGlu5 receptor was unchanged. No changes in mGlu1 receptor mRNA and protein levels were found in any of the three brain regions of ENU2 mice. We extended the analysis to Homer proteins, which act as scaffolds by linking mGlu1 and mGlu5 receptors to effector proteins. Expression of the long isoforms of Homer was significantly reduced in the hippocampus of ENU2 mice, whereas levels of the short Homer isoform (Homer 1a) were unchanged. mGlu5 receptors were less associated to immunoprecipitated Homer in the hippocampus of ENU2 mice. The lack of mGlu5 receptor-mediated long-term depression (LTD) in wild-type mice (of BTBR strain) precluded the analysis of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in ENU2 mice. We therefore performed a behavioral analysis to examine whether pharmacological blockade of mGlu5 receptors could correct behavioral abnormalities in ENU2 mice. Using the same apparatus we sequentially assessed locomotor activity, object exploration, and spatial object recognition (spatial novelty test) after displacing some of the objects from their original position in the arena. Systemic treatment with the mGlu5 receptor antagonist, MPEP (20 mg/kg, i.p.), had a striking effect in the spatial novelty test by substantially increasing the time spent in exploring the displaced objects in ENU2 mice (but not in wild-type mice). These suggest a role for mGlu5 receptors in the pathophysiology of ID in PKU and suggest that, also in adult untreated animals, cognitive dysfunction may be improved by targeting these receptors with an appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nardecchia
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Orlando
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Iacovelli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Colamartino
- Daniel Bovet Department of Psychology, Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fiori
- Daniel Bovet Department of Psychology, Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Piccinin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Nistico
- Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Daniel Bovet Department of Psychology, Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Foundation Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Daniel Bovet Department of Psychology, Neurobiology Research Center, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Foundation Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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17
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Sensitivity to cocaine in adult mice is due to interplay between genetic makeup, early environment and later experience. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:87-98. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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18
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Fiori E, Oddi D, Ventura R, Colamartino M, Valzania A, D’Amato FR, Bruinenberg V, van der Zee E, Puglisi-Allegra S, Pascucci T. Early-onset behavioral and neurochemical deficits in the genetic mouse model of phenylketonuria. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183430. [PMID: 28850618 PMCID: PMC5574541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the most common human inborn errors of metabolism, caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency, leading to high phenylalanine and low tyrosine levels in blood and brain causing profound cognitive disability, if untreated. Since 1960, population is screened for hyperphenylalaninemia shortly after birth and submitted to early treatment in order to prevent the major manifestations of the disease. However, the dietetic regimen (phenylalanine free diet) is difficult to maintain, and despite the recommendation to a strict and lifelong compliance, up to 60% of adolescents partially or totally abandons the treatment. The development and the study of new treatments continue to be sought, taking advantage of preclinical models, the most used of which is the PAHenu2 (BTBR ENU2), the genetic murine model of PKU. To date, adult behavioral and neurochemical alterations have been mainly investigated in ENU2 mice, whereas there are no clear indications about the onset of these deficiencies. Here we investigated and report, for the first time, a comprehensive behavioral and neurochemical assay of the developing ENU2 mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ENU2 mice are significantly smaller than WT until pnd 24, present a significant delay in the acquisition of tested developmental reflexes, impaired communicative, motor and social skills, and have early reduced biogenic amine levels in several brain areas. Our results extend the understanding of behavioral and cerebral abnormalities in PKU mice, providing instruments to an early preclinical evaluation of the effects of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Fiori
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- European Brain Research Institute EBRI, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Oddi
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Colamartino
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Valzania
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana D’Amato
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Institute, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vibeke Bruinenberg
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Eddy van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, GELIFES, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- * E-mail:
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19
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Unbalance between Excitation and Inhibition in Phenylketonuria, a Genetic Metabolic Disease Associated with Autism. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18050941. [PMID: 28468253 PMCID: PMC5454854 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18050941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common genetic metabolic disease with a well-documented association with autism spectrum disorders. It is characterized by the deficiency of the phenylalanine hydroxylase activity, causing plasmatic hyperphenylalaninemia and variable neurological and cognitive impairments. Among the potential pathophysiological mechanisms implicated in autism spectrum disorders is the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance which might result from alterations in excitatory/inhibitory synapse development, synaptic transmission and plasticity, downstream signalling pathways, and intrinsic neuronal excitability. Here, we investigated functional and molecular alterations in the prefrontal cortex (pFC) of BTBR-Pahenu2 (ENU2) mice, the animal model of PKU. Our data show higher frequency of inhibitory transmissions and significant reduced frequency of excitatory transmissions in the PKU-affected mice in comparison to wild type. Moreover, in the pFC of ENU2 mice, we reported higher levels of the post-synaptic cell-adhesion proteins neuroligin1 and 2. Altogether, our data point toward an imbalance in the E/I neurotransmission favouring inhibition in the pFC of ENU2 mice, along with alterations of the molecular components involved in the organization of cortical synapse. In addition to being the first evidence of E/I imbalance within cortical areas of a mouse model of PKU, our study provides further evidence of E/I imbalance in animal models of pathology associated with autism spectrum disorders.
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20
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Coulon N, Anderson GM, Botbol M, Canitano R, Roubertoux PL. Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:210. [PMID: 28153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular genetics have advanced current knowledge on genetic disorders associated with autism. A review of diverse genetic disorders associated with autism is presented and for the first time discussed extensively with regard to possible common underlying mechanisms leading to a similar cognitive-behavioral phenotype of autism. The possible role of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including epigenetic mechanisms, is in particular examined. Finally, the pertinence of distinguishing non-syndromic autism (isolated autism) from syndromic autism (autism associated with genetic disorders) will be reconsidered. Given the high genetic and etiological heterogeneity of autism, autism can be viewed as a behavioral syndrome related to known genetic disorders (syndromic autism) or currently unknown disorders (apparent non-syndromic autism), rather than a specific categorical mental disorder. It highlights the need to study autism phenotype and developmental trajectory through a multidimensional, non-categorical approach with multivariate analyses within autism spectrum disorder but also across mental disorders, and to conduct systematically clinical genetic examination searching for genetic disorders in all individuals (children but also adults) with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35200 Rennes, France; Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France.
| | - D Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - G M Anderson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Botbol
- Departement Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - R Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P L Roubertoux
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Inserm, UMR_S 910, 13385, Marseille, France
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21
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Bruinenberg VM, van der Goot E, van Vliet D, de Groot MJ, Mazzola PN, Heiner-Fokkema MR, van Faassen M, van Spronsen FJ, van der Zee EA. The Behavioral Consequence of Phenylketonuria in Mice Depends on the Genetic Background. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:233. [PMID: 28066199 PMCID: PMC5167755 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
To unravel the role of gene mutations in the healthy and the diseased state, countless studies have tried to link genotype with phenotype. However, over the years, it became clear that the strain of mice can influence these results. Nevertheless, identical gene mutations in different strains are often still considered equals. An example of this, is the research done in phenylketonuria (PKU), an inheritable metabolic disorder. In this field, a PKU mouse model (either on a BTBR or C57Bl/6 background) is often used to examine underlying mechanisms of the disease and/or new treatment strategies. Both strains have a point mutation in the gene coding for the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase which causes toxic concentrations of the amino acid phenylalanine in blood and brain, as found in PKU patients. Although the mutation is identical and therefore assumed to equally affect physiology and behavior in both strains, no studies directly compared the two genetic backgrounds to test this assumption. Therefore, this study compared the BTBR and C57Bl/6 wild-type and PKU mice on PKU-relevant amino acid- and neurotransmitter-levels and at a behavioral level. The behavioral paradigms were selected from previous literature on the PKU mouse model and address four domains, namely (1) activity levels, (2) motor performance, (3) anxiety and/or depression-like behavior, and (4) learning and memory. The results of this study showed comparable biochemical changes in phenylalanine and neurotransmitter concentrations. In contrast, clear differences in behavioral outcome between the strains in all four above-mentioned domains were found, most notably in the learning and memory domain. The outcome in this domain seem to be primarily due to factors inherent to the genetic background of the mouse and much less by differences in PKU-specific biochemical parameters in blood and brain. The difference in behavioral outcome between PKU of both strains emphasizes that the consequence of the PAH mutation is influenced by other factors than Phe levels alone. Therefore, future research should consider these differences when choosing one of the genetic strains to investigate the pathophysiological mechanism underlying PKU-related behavior, especially when combined with new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke M Bruinenberg
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Els van der Goot
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Danique van Vliet
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Martijn J de Groot
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Priscila N Mazzola
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Martijn van Faassen
- Laboratory Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Francjan J van Spronsen
- Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen Groningen, Netherlands
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22
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Campus P, Accoto A, Maiolati M, Latagliata C, Orsini C. Role of prefrontal 5-HT in the strain-dependent variation in sign-tracking behavior of C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:1157-69. [PMID: 26728892 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4192-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The expression of sign-tracking (ST) phenotype over goal-tracking (GT) phenotype has been associated to different aspects of impulsive behavior, and depletions of brain serotonin (5-HT) have been shown to selectively increase impulsive action as well as ST. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed at testing the relationship between reduced brain 5-HT availability and expression of ST phenotype in a genetic model of individual variation in brain 5-HT functionality. Inbred DBA/2J (DBA) mice are homozygous for the allelic variant of the TPH-2 gene causing lower brain 5-HT function in comparison with C57BL/6J (C57) inbred mice. MATERIALS Young adult (10 weeks) and adult (14 weeks) C57 and DBA mice were trained in a Pavlovian conditioned approach (PCA) paradigm. Lever-directed (ST) and magazine-directed (GT) responses were measured in 12 daily conditioning sessions. In a second experiment, effect of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) 5-HT depletion by the neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) was assessed on acquisition of ST phenotype in adult C57 mice, according to their higher 5-HT functionality compared to DBA mice. RESULTS Young adult mice of both strains developed ST phenotype, but only adult DBA mice developed ST phenotype. 5-HT depletion in the mPFC of adult C57 mice completely changed their phenotype, as shown by their increased ST. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that ST phenotype can be the expression of a transitory late developmental stage and that genetic factors determine persistence of this phenotype in adulthood. These findings also support a role of 5-HT transmission in PFC in constraining development of ST phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Campus
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - A Accoto
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - M Maiolati
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Roma, Italy
| | - C Latagliata
- Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCSS, European Center for Brain Research, Rome, Italy
| | - C Orsini
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza", Roma, Italy. .,Center for Research in Neurobiology "Daniel Bovet", University of Rome "Sapienza", Roma, Italy. .,Fondazione Santa Lucia IRCSS, European Center for Brain Research, Rome, Italy.
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A Specific Nutrient Combination Attenuates the Reduced Expression of PSD-95 in the Proximal Dendrites of Hippocampal Cell Body Layers in a Mouse Model of Phenylketonuria. Nutrients 2016; 8:185. [PMID: 27102170 PMCID: PMC4848654 DOI: 10.3390/nu8040185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The inherited metabolic disease phenylketonuria (PKU) is characterized by increased concentrations of phenylalanine in the blood and brain, and as a consequence neurotransmitter metabolism, white matter, and synapse functioning are affected. A specific nutrient combination (SNC) has been shown to improve synapse formation, morphology and function. This could become an interesting new nutritional approach for PKU. To assess whether treatment with SNC can affect synapses, we treated PKU mice with SNC or an isocaloric control diet and wild-type (WT) mice with an isocaloric control for 12 weeks, starting at postnatal day 31. Immunostaining for post-synaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95), a post-synaptic density marker, was carried out in the hippocampus, striatum and prefrontal cortex. Compared to WT mice on normal chow without SNC, PKU mice on the isocaloric control showed a significant reduction in PSD-95 expression in the hippocampus, specifically in the granular cell layer of the dentate gyrus, with a similar trend seen in the cornus ammonis 1 (CA1) and cornus ammonis 3 (CA3) pyramidal cell layer. No differences were found in the striatum or prefrontal cortex. PKU mice on a diet supplemented with SNC showed improved expression of PSD-95 in the hippocampus. This study gives the first indication that SNC supplementation has a positive effect on hippocampal synaptic deficits in PKU mice.
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Effects of lack of microRNA-34 on the neural circuitry underlying the stress response and anxiety. Neuropharmacology 2016; 107:305-316. [PMID: 27026110 PMCID: PMC5573597 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Stress-related psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, are complex diseases that have genetic, and environmental causes. Stressful experiences increase the release of prefrontal amygdala neurotransmitters, a response that is relevant to cognitive, emotional, and behavioral coping. Moreover, exposure to stress elicits anxiety-like behavior and dendritic remodeling in the amygdala. Members of the miR-34 family have been suggested to regulate synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission processes, which mediate stress-related disorders. Using mice that harbored targeted deletions of all 3 members of the miR-34-family (miR-34-TKO), we evaluated acute stress-induced basolateral amygdala (BLA)-GABAergic and medial prefrontal cortex (mpFC) aminergic outflow by intracerebral in vivo microdialysis. Moreover, we also examined fear conditioning/extinction, stress-induced anxiety, and dendritic remodeling in the BLA of stress-exposed TKO mice. We found that TKO mice showed resilience to stress-induced anxiety and facilitation in fear extinction. Accordingly, no significant increase was evident in aminergic prefrontal or amygdala GABA release, and no significant acute stress-induced amygdalar dendritic remodeling was observed in TKO mice. Differential GRM7, 5-HT2C, and CRFR1 mRNA expression was noted in the mpFC and BLA between TKO and WT mice. Our data demonstrate that the miR-34 has a critical function in regulating the behavioral and neurochemical response to acute stress and in inducing stress-related amygdala neuroplasticity.
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Pascucci T, Giacovazzo G, Andolina D, Accoto A, Fiori E, Ventura R, Orsini C, Conversi D, Carducci C, Leuzzi V, Puglisi-Allegra S. Behavioral and neurochemical characterization of new mouse model of hyperphenylalaninemia. PLoS One 2013; 8:e84697. [PMID: 24376837 PMCID: PMC3869930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) refers to all clinical conditions characterized by increased amounts of phenylalanine (PHE) in blood and other tissues. According to their blood PHE concentrations under a free diet, hyperphenylalaninemic patients are commonly classified into phenotypic subtypes: classical phenylketonuria (PKU) (PHE > 1200 µM/L), mild PKU (PHE 600-1200 µM/L) and persistent HPA (PHE 120-600 µM/L) (normal blood PHE < 120 µM/L). The current treatment for hyperphenylalaninemic patients is aimed to keep blood PHE levels within the safe range of 120-360 µM/L through a PHE-restricted diet, difficult to achieve. If untreated, classical PKU presents variable neurological and mental impairment. However, even mildly elevated blood PHE levels, due to a bad compliance to dietary treatment, produce cognitive deficits involving the prefrontal cortical areas, extremely sensible to PHE-induced disturbances. The development of animal models of different degrees of HPA is a useful tool for identifying the metabolic mechanisms underlying cognitive deficits induced by PHE. In this paper we analyzed the behavioral and biochemical phenotypes of different forms of HPA (control, mild-HPA, mild-PKU and classic-PKU), developed on the base of plasma PHE concentrations. Our results demonstrated that mice with different forms of HPA present different phenotypes, characterized by increasing severity of behavioral symptoms and brain aminergic deficits moving from mild HPA to classical PKU forms. In addition, our data identify preFrontal cortex and amygdala as the most affected brain areas and confirm the highest susceptibility of brain serotonin metabolism to mildly elevated blood PHE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giacomo Giacovazzo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Applicate e Biotecnologiche, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Accoto
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Elena Fiori
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Cristina Orsini
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - David Conversi
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Claudia Carducci
- Dipartimento di Medicina sperimentale e Patologia, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Leuzzi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Neurologiche, Psichiatriche e Riabilitative dell'Età Evolutiva, Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Puglisi-Allegra
- Dipartimento di Psicologia and Centro “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza - Università di Roma, Roma, Italy
- Fondazione Santa Lucia, IRCCS, Roma, Italy
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Dos Reis EA, Rieger E, de Souza SS, Rasia-Filho AA, Wannmacher CMD. Effects of a co-treatment with pyruvate and creatine on dendritic spines in rat hippocampus and posterodorsal medial amygdala in a phenylketonuria animal model. Metab Brain Dis 2013; 28:509-17. [PMID: 23430365 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-013-9389-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most frequent aminoacidopathy that damage the central nervous system and is characterized by neural injury, mental retardation and accumulation of phenylalanine and its metabolites in plasma and tissues. So far, the only effective protection against brain injury is the administration of special phenylalanine-free diets. Animals with lesions in the hippocampus and amygdala had behavioral impairments indicating the importance of the integrity of these brain structures in learning and memory tasks which are disability characteristics of patients affected by PKU. In the present study we aimed to test the effect of the combination of two energetic and antioxidant compounds-pyruvate and creatine (intraperitoneal injections of 0.2 mg/g of body weight and 0.4 mg/g of body weight, respectively, treatment from the 7th to the 28th postnatal day)-in animals subjected to a chronic model of PKU. To assess likely effects, the density of dendritic spines in the hippocampal CA1 region and in the posterodorsal medial amygdala of 60-day-old male rats were analyzed under confocal microscopy. Present results showed that the co-treatment with pyruvate and creatine prevented the reduction in dendritic spine density in the stratum radiatum of the CA1 hippocampal field and in the posterodorsal medial amygdala of PKU animals. If this can also occur in PKU patients, it is possible that creatine and pyruvate may help to prevent brain damage in patients under specific diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Araújo Dos Reis
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Serotonergic modulation of LTP at excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the developing rat visual cortex. Neuroscience 2013; 238:148-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2013] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Pascucci T, Giacovazzo G, Andolina D, Conversi D, Cruciani F, Cabib S, Puglisi-Allegra S. In vivo catecholaminergic metabolism in the medial prefrontal cortex of ENU2 mice: an investigation of the cortical dopamine deficit in phenylketonuria. J Inherit Metab Dis 2012; 35:1001-9. [PMID: 22447154 PMCID: PMC3470696 DOI: 10.1007/s10545-012-9473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2011] [Revised: 02/27/2012] [Accepted: 02/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Phenylketonuria (PKU) is an inherited metabolic disease characterized by plasma hyperphenylalaninemia and several neurological symptoms that can be controlled by rigorous dietetic treatment. The cellular mechanisms underlying impaired brain functions are still unclear. It has been proposed, however, that phenylalanine interference in cognitive functions depends on impaired dopamine (DA) transmission in the prefrontal cortical area due to reduced availability of the precursor tyrosine. Here, using Pah(enu2) (ENU2) mice, the genetic murine model of PKU, we investigated all metabolic steps of catecholamine neurotransmission within the medial preFrontal Cortex (mpFC), availability of the precursor tyrosine, synthesis and release, to find an easy way to reinstate normal cortical DA neurotransmission. METHODS AND RESULTS Analysis of blood and brain levels of tyrosine showed reduced plasma and cerebral levels of tyrosine in ENU2 mice. Western blot analysis demonstrated deficient tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in mpFC of ENU2 mice. Cortical TH activity, determined in vivo by measuring the accumulation of l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) in mpFC after inhibition of L-aromatic acid decarboxylase with NSD-1015, was reduced in ENU2 mice. Finally, a very low dose of L-DOPA, which bypasses the phenylalanine-inhibited metabolic steps, restored DA prefrontal transmission to levels found in healthy mice. CONCLUSION The data suggests that a strategy of using tyrosine supplementation to treat PKU is unlikely to be effective, whereas small dose L-DOPA administration is likely to have a positive therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pascucci
- Department of Psychology and Centre Daniel Bovet, Sapienza University, via dei Marsi 78, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Arg kinase regulates prefrontal dendritic spine refinement and cocaine-induced plasticity. J Neurosci 2012; 32:2314-23. [PMID: 22396406 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2730-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is characterized by vulnerability to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders including drug addiction, as well as prefrontal cortical refinement that culminates in structural stability in adulthood. Neuronal refinement and stabilization are hypothesized to confer resilience to poor decision making and addictive-like behaviors, although intracellular mechanisms are largely unknown. We characterized layer V prefrontal dendritic spine development and refinement in adolescent wild-type mice and mice lacking the cytoskeletal regulatory protein Abl-related gene (Arg) kinase. Relative to hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, which exhibited a nearly linear increase in spine density up to postnatal day 60 (P60), wild-type prefrontal spine density peaked at P31, and then declined by 18% by P56-P60. In contrast, dendritic spines in mice lacking Arg destabilized by P31, leading to a net loss in both structures. Destabilization corresponded temporally to the emergence of exaggerated psychomotor sensitivity to cocaine. Moreover, cocaine reduced dendritic spine density in wild-type orbitofrontal cortex and enlarged remaining spine heads, but arg(-/-) spines were unresponsive. Local application of Arg or actin polymerization inhibitors exaggerated cocaine sensitization, as did reduced gene dosage of the Arg substrate, p190RhoGAP. Genetic and pharmacological Arg inhibition also retarded instrumental reversal learning and potentiated responding for reward-related cues, providing evidence that Arg regulates both psychomotor sensitization and decision-making processes implicated in addiction. These findings also indicate that structural refinement in the adolescent orbitofrontal cortex mitigates psychostimulant sensitivity and support the emerging perspective that the structural response to cocaine may, at any age, have behaviorally protective consequences.
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