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FAZELI Z, GHADERIAN SMH, NAJMABADI H, OMRANI MD. Understanding the Molecular Basis of Fragile X Syndrome Using Differentiated Mesenchymal Stem Cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY 2022; 16:85-95. [PMID: 35222660 PMCID: PMC8753000 DOI: 10.22037/ijcn.v15i4.22070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fragile X syndrome (FXS) has been known as the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism. This disease results from the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein expression due to the expansion of CGG repeats located on the 5' untranslated region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene. MATERIALS & METHODS In the present study, the peripheral blood-mesenchymal stem cells (PB-MSCs) of two female full mutation carriers were differentiated into neuronal cells by the suppression of bone morphogenesis pathway signaling. Then, the expression of genes adjacent to CGG repeats expansion, including SLIT and NTRK-like protein 2 (SLITRK2), SLIT and NTRK-like protein 4 (SLITRK4), methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-3 (GABRA3), were evaluated in these cells using SYBR Green real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The obtained results indicated that the expression of SLITRK2 and SLITRK4 were upregulated and downregulated in the neuron-like cells differentiated from the PB-MSCs of females with FMR1 full mutation, compared to that of the normal females, respectively. Furthermore, the expression of MECP2 and GABRA3 genes were observed to be related to the phenotypic differences observed in the female FMR1 full mutation carriers. CONCLUSION The observed association of expression of genes located upstream of the FMR1 gene with phenotypic differences in the female carriers could increase the understanding of novel therapeutic targets for patients with mild symptoms of FXS and the patients affected by other FMR1-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra FAZELI
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hossein NAJMABADI
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Davood OMRANI
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Kordás K, Kis-Varga Á, Varga A, Eldering H, Bulthuis R, Lendvai B, Lévay G, Román V. Measuring sociability of mice using a novel three-chamber apparatus and algorithm of the LABORAS™ system. J Neurosci Methods 2020; 343:108841. [PMID: 32621917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2020.108841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The social approach and social novelty tests utilizing the three-chamber apparatus are widely accepted to measure social behavior of rodents. The LABORAS™ system offers a possibility to assess sociability of mice in a reliable and objective manner. NEW METHOD We assessed the capability of the LABORAS™ sociability cage and algorithm (2.6.6) to detect social behaviors in mice. Furthermore, we investigated whether the system is able to detect various levels of sociability due to genetic background or after pharmacological treatments. RESULTS By comparing manual scoring with various detection zone settings of the automated registration, the most fitting algorithm with a detection zone radius of 90 mm was identified. When different strains were investigated, C57Bl/6 J and NMRI mice proved to be social, while CD1 mice were found asocial. The system was able to detect the sociability increasing effect of R-baclofen (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) and oxytocin (12 ng i.c.v.) in asocial CD1 mice. The negative control PCP impaired social behavior of C57Bl/6 J mice (1 mg/kg i.p.) and increased social avoidance in CD1 mice (0.3 mg/kg i.p.). COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) This setup, in contrast to video frame analysis softwares, determines signal changes caused by movements of rodents allowing accurate detection and analysis of trajectories. Parallel automated measurements also allow replacing time and labor intensive, highly subjective human observational work. CONCLUSIONS The set-up provides a fast and reliable method to examine social behavior of mice in the three-chamber apparatus. The system is capable of detecting pro or antisocial activity of pharmacological agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina Kordás
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kis-Varga
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anita Varga
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Herman Eldering
- Metris B.V., Kruisweg 829c, 2132NG Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Bulthuis
- Metris B.V., Kruisweg 829c, 2132NG Hoofddorp, the Netherlands
| | - Balázs Lendvai
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - György Lévay
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Román
- Pharmacology and Drug Safety Research, Gedeon Richter Plc, Gyömrői út 19-21, 1103 Budapest, Hungary.
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3
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Protic D, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Dy JB, Potter LA, Hagerman RJ. New Targeted Treatments for Fragile X Syndrome. Curr Pediatr Rev 2019; 15:251-258. [PMID: 31241016 PMCID: PMC6930353 DOI: 10.2174/1573396315666190625110748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability with prevalence rates estimated to be 1:5,000 in males and 1:8,000 in females. The increase of >200 Cytosine Guanine Guanine (CGG) repeats in the 5' untranslated region of the Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 (FMR1) gene results in transcriptional silencing on the FMR1 gene with a subsequent reduction or absence of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein involved in the maturation and elimination of synapses. In addition to intellectual disability, common features of FXS are behavioral problems, autism, language deficits and atypical physical features. There are still no currently approved curative therapies for FXS, and clinical management continues to focus on symptomatic treatment of comorbid behaviors and psychiatric problems. Here we discuss several treatments that target the neurobiological pathway abnormal in FXS. These medications are clinically available at present and the data suggest that these medications can be helpful for those with FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana Protic
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Maria J Salcedo-Arellano
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Jeanne Barbara Dy
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,MedMom Institute for Human Development, Pasig City, Philippines.,Department of Pediatrics, The Medical City, Ortigas Avenue, Pasig City, NCR, Philippines.,School of Medicine and Public Health, Ateneo de Manila University, Pasig City, NCR, Philippines
| | - Laura A Potter
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, CA, United States
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4
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Wanke KA, Devanna P, Vernes SC. Understanding Neurodevelopmental Disorders: The Promise of Regulatory Variation in the 3'UTRome. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:548-557. [PMID: 29289333 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders have a strong genetic component, but despite widespread efforts, the specific genetic factors underlying these disorders remain undefined for a large proportion of affected individuals. Given the accessibility of exome sequencing, this problem has thus far been addressed from a protein-centric standpoint; however, protein-coding regions only make up ∼1% to 2% of the human genome. With the advent of whole genome sequencing we are in the midst of a paradigm shift as it is now possible to interrogate the entire sequence of the human genome (coding and noncoding) to fill in the missing heritability of complex disorders. These new technologies bring new challenges, as the number of noncoding variants identified per individual can be overwhelming, making it prudent to focus on noncoding regions of known function, for which the effects of variation can be predicted and directly tested to assess pathogenicity. The 3'UTRome is a region of the noncoding genome that perfectly fulfills these criteria and is of high interest when searching for pathogenic variation related to complex neurodevelopmental disorders. Herein, we review the regulatory roles of the 3'UTRome as binding sites for microRNAs or RNA binding proteins, or during alternative polyadenylation. We detail existing evidence that these regions contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and outline strategies for identification and validation of novel putatively pathogenic variation in these regions. This evidence suggests that studying the 3'UTRome will lead to the identification of new risk factors, new candidate disease genes, and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai A Wanke
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Sinclair D, Featherstone R, Naschek M, Nam J, Du A, Wright S, Pance K, Melnychenko O, Weger R, Akuzawa S, Matsumoto M, Siegel SJ. GABA-B Agonist Baclofen Normalizes Auditory-Evoked Neural Oscillations and Behavioral Deficits in the Fmr1 Knockout Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. eNeuro 2017; 4:ENEURO.0380-16.2017. [PMID: 28451631 PMCID: PMC5394929 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0380-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition resulting from FMR1 gene mutation that leads to intellectual disability, autism-like symptoms, and sensory hypersensitivity. Arbaclofen, a GABA-B agonist, has shown efficacy in some individuals with FXS but has become unavailable after unsuccessful clinical trials, prompting interest in publicly available, racemic baclofen. The present study investigated whether racemic baclofen can remediate abnormalities of neural circuit function, sensory processing, and behavior in Fmr1 knockout mice, a rodent model of fragile X syndrome. Fmr1 knockout mice showed increased baseline and auditory-evoked high-frequency gamma (30-80 Hz) power relative to C57BL/6 controls, as measured by electroencephalography. These deficits were accompanied by decreased T maze spontaneous alternation, decreased social interactions, and increased open field center time, suggestive of diminished working memory, sociability, and anxiety-like behavior, respectively. Abnormal auditory-evoked gamma oscillations, working memory, and anxiety-related behavior were normalized by treatment with baclofen, but impaired sociability was not. Improvements in working memory were evident predominantly in mice whose auditory-evoked gamma oscillations were dampened by baclofen. These findings suggest that racemic baclofen may be useful for targeting sensory and cognitive disturbances in fragile X syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinclair
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - R Featherstone
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - M Naschek
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - J Nam
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - A Du
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Wright
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - K Pance
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - O Melnychenko
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - R Weger
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Akuzawa
- Neuroscience Research Unit, DDR, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - M Matsumoto
- Neuroscience Research Unit, DDR, Astellas Pharma Inc., Tsukuba-Shi, Ibaraki 305-8585, Japan
| | - S J Siegel
- Translational Neuroscience Program Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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6
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Dean DD, Muthuswamy S, Agarwal S. Fragile X syndrome: Current insight. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmhg.2016.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Lee HM, Kim Y. Drug Repurposing Is a New Opportunity for Developing Drugs against Neuropsychiatric Disorders. SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2016; 2016:6378137. [PMID: 27073698 PMCID: PMC4814692 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6378137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Better the drugs you know than the drugs you do not know. Drug repurposing is a promising, fast, and cost effective method that can overcome traditional de novo drug discovery and development challenges of targeting neuropsychiatric and other disorders. Drug discovery and development targeting neuropsychiatric disorders are complicated because of the limitations in understanding pathophysiological phenomena. In addition, traditional de novo drug discovery and development are risky, expensive, and time-consuming processes. One alternative approach, drug repurposing, has emerged taking advantage of off-target effects of the existing drugs. In order to identify new opportunities for the existing drugs, it is essential for us to understand the mechanisms of action of drugs, both biologically and pharmacologically. By doing this, drug repurposing would be a more effective method to develop drugs against neuropsychiatric and other disorders. Here, we review the difficulties in drug discovery and development in neuropsychiatric disorders and the extent and perspectives of drug repurposing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Min Lee
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, 115 Mason Farm Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Yuna Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Duke University, 905 S. LaSalle Street, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Oikonomakis V, Kosma K, Mitrakos A, Sofocleous C, Pervanidou P, Syrmou A, Pampanos A, Psoni S, Fryssira H, Kanavakis E, Kitsiou-Tzeli S, Tzetis M. Recurrent copy number variations as risk factors for autism spectrum disorders: analysis of the clinical implications. Clin Genet 2016; 89:708-18. [PMID: 26777411 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) is currently considered a first-tier diagnostic assay for the investigation of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), developmental delay and intellectual disability of unknown etiology. High-resolution arrays were utilized for the identification of copy number variations (CNVs) in 195 ASD patients of Greek origin (126 males, 69 females). CMA resulted in the detection of 65 CNVs, excluding the known polymorphic copy number polymorphisms also found in the Database of Genomic Variants, for 51/195 patients (26.1%). Parental DNA testing in 20/51 patients revealed that 17 CNVs were de novo, 6 paternal and 3 of maternal origin. The majority of the 65 CNVs were deletions (66.1%), of which 5 on the X-chromosome while the duplications, of which 7 on the X-chromosome, were rarer (22/65, 33.8%). Fifty-one CNVs from a total of 65, reported for our cohort of ASD patients, were of diagnostic significance and well described in the literature while 14 CNVs (8 losses, 6 gains) were characterized as variants of unknown significance and need further investigation. Among the 51 patients, 39 carried one CNV, 10 carried two CNVs and 2 carried three CNVs. The use of CMA, its clinical validity and utility was assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Oikonomakis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - K Kosma
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Mitrakos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - C Sofocleous
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Research Institute for the Study of Genetic and Malignant Diseases in Childhood, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - P Pervanidou
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Syrmou
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Pampanos
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Genetics, "Alexandra" University Maternal Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - S Psoni
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - H Fryssira
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kanavakis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Research Institute for the Study of Genetic and Malignant Diseases in Childhood, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - S Kitsiou-Tzeli
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M Tzetis
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Inhibition of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Reverses Autistic-Like Phenotypes Caused by Deficiency of the Translation Repressor eIF4E Binding Protein 2. J Neurosci 2015; 35:11125-32. [PMID: 26245973 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.4615-14.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Exacerbated mRNA translation during brain development has been linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Deletion of the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 2 gene (Eif4ebp2), encoding the suppressor of mRNA translation initiation 4E-BP2, leads to an imbalance in excitatory-to-inhibitory neurotransmission and ASD-like behaviors. Inhibition of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) mGluR1 and mGluR5 reverses the autistic phenotypes in several ASD mouse models. Importantly, these receptors control synaptic physiology via activation of mRNA translation. We investigated the potential reversal of autistic-like phenotypes in Eif4ebp2(-/-) mice by using antagonists of mGluR1 (JNJ16259685) or mGluR5 (fenobam). Augmented hippocampal mGluR-induced long-term depression (LTD; or chemically induced mGluR-LTD) in Eif4ebp2(-/-) mice was rescued by mGluR1 or mGluR5 antagonists. While rescue by mGluR5 inhibition occurs through the blockade of a protein synthesis-dependent component of LTD, normalization by mGluR1 antagonists requires the activation of protein synthesis. Synaptically induced LTD was deficient in Eif4ebp2(-/-) mice, and this deficit was not rescued by group I mGluR antagonists. Furthermore, a single dose of mGluR1 (0.3 mg/kg) or mGluR5 (3 mg/kg) antagonists in vivo reversed the deficits in social interaction and repetitive behaviors (marble burying) in Eif4ebp2(-/-) mice. Our results demonstrate that Eif4ebp2(-/-) mice serve as a relevant model to test potential therapies for ASD symptoms. In addition, we provide substantive evidence that the inhibition of mGluR1/mGluR5 is an effective treatment for physiological and behavioral alterations caused by exacerbated mRNA translation initiation. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Exacerbated mRNA translation during brain development is associated with several autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We recently demonstrated that the deletion of a negative regulator of mRNA translation initiation, the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2, leads to ASD-like behaviors and increased excitatory synaptic activity. Here we demonstrated that autistic behavioral and electrophysiological phenotypes can be treated in adult mice with antagonists of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which have been previously used in other ASD models (i.e., fragile X syndrome). These findings support the use of group I mGluR antagonists as a potential therapy that extends to autism models involving exacerbated mRNA translation initiation.
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Rescue of dendritic spine phenotype in Fmr1 KO mice with the mGluR5 antagonist AFQ056/Mavoglurant. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1227-35. [PMID: 23254376 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-012-2947-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/02/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism. The disease is a result of lack of expression of the fragile X mental retardation protein. Brain tissues of patients with FXS and mice with FMRP deficiency have shown an abnormal dendritic spine phenotype. We investigated the dendritic spine length and density of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in 2-, 10-, and 25-week-old Fmr1 knockout (KO). Next, we studied the effects of long-term treatment with an mGluR5 antagonist, AFQ056/Mavoglurant, on the spine phenotype in adult Fmr1 KO mice. We observed alterations in the spine phenotype during development, with a decreased spine length in 2-week-old Fmr1 KO mice compared with age-match wild-type littermates, but with increased spine length in Fmr1 KO mice compared with 10- and 25-week-old wild-type controls. No difference was found in spine density at any age. We report a rescue of the abnormal spine length in adult Fmr1 KO mice after a long-term treatment with AFQ056/Mavoglurant. This finding suggests that long-term treatment at later stage is sufficient to reverse the structural spine abnormalities and represents a starting point for future studies aimed at improving treatments for FXS.
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11
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Siniscalco D, Cirillo A, Bradstreet JJ, Antonucci N. Epigenetic findings in autism: new perspectives for therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4261-73. [PMID: 24030655 PMCID: PMC3799534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by dysfunctions in social interactions, communications, restricted interests, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Despite extensive genetic and biological research, significant controversy surrounds our understanding of the specific mechanisms of their pathogenesis. However, accumulating evidence points to the involvement of epigenetic modifications as foundational in creating ASD pathophysiology. Epigenetic modifications or the alteration of DNA transcription via variations in DNA methylation and histone modifications but without alterations in the DNA sequence, affect gene regulation. These alterations in gene expression, obtained through DNA methylation and/or histone modifications, result from transcriptional regulatory influences of environmental factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, various toxicants, immunological effects, and pharmaceuticals. As such these effects are epigenetic regulators which determine the final biochemistry and physiology of the individual. In contrast to psychopharmacological interventions, bettering our understanding of how these gene-environmental interactions create autistic symptoms should facilitate the development of therapeutic targeting of gene expression for ASD biomedical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples; via S. Maria di Costantinopoli, Napoli 16-80138, Italy
- Centre for Autism—La Forza del Silenzio, Caserta 81036, Italy
- Cancellautismo—Non-Profit Association for Autism Care, Florence 50132, Italy
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-0-81-566-5880; Fax: +39-0-81-566-7503
| | - Alessandra Cirillo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council of Italy; Naples 80128, Italy; E-Mail:
| | | | - Nicola Antonucci
- Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, Bari 70126, Italy; E-Mail:
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12
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Castrén ML, Castrén E. BDNF in fragile X syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2013; 76 Pt C:729-36. [PMID: 23727436 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Revised: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic disorder that is caused by the absence of FMR1 protein (FMRP). FXS serves as an excellent model disorder for studies investigating disturbed molecular mechanisms and synapse function underlying cognitive impairment, autism, and behavioral disturbance. Abnormalities in dendritic spines and synaptic transmission in the brain of FXS individuals and mouse models for FXS indicate perturbations in the development, maintenance, and plasticity of neuronal network connectivity. However, numerous alterations are found during the early development in FXS, including abnormal differentiation of neural progenitors and impaired migration of newly born neurons. Several aspects of FMRP function are modulated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. Here, we review the evidence of the role for BDNF in the developing and adult FXS brain. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'BDNF Regulation of Synaptic Structure, Function, and Plasticity'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija L Castrén
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 63, FIN-00014 Helsinki, Finland; Rinnekoti Foundation, Rinnekodintie 10, FIN-02980 Espoo, Finland.
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Melancon BJ, Utley TJ, Sevel C, Mattmann ME, Cheung YY, Bridges TM, Morrison RD, Sheffler DJ, Niswender CM, Daniels JS, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Wood MR. Development of novel M1 antagonist scaffolds through the continued optimization of the MLPCN probe ML012. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:5035-40. [PMID: 22749871 PMCID: PMC3883446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2012.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This Paper describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule M(1) antagonist (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After several rounds of modifications of the parent compound, we arrived at a new azetidine scaffold that displayed improved potency while maintaining a desirable level of selectivity over other muscarinic receptor subtypes. Data for representative molecules 7w (VU0452865) and 12a (VU0455691) are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J Melancon
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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14
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Melancon BJ, Lamers AP, Bridges TM, Sulikowski GA, Utley TJ, Sheffler DJ, Noetzel MJ, Morrison RD, Daniels JS, Niswender CM, Jones CK, Conn PJ, Lindsley CW, Wood MR. Development of a more highly selective M(1) antagonist from the continued optimization of the MLPCN Probe ML012. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2012; 22:1044-8. [PMID: 22197142 PMCID: PMC3434972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2011.11.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This Letter describes the continued optimization of an MLPCN probe molecule (ML012) through an iterative parallel synthesis approach. After exploring extensive modifications throughout the parent structure, we arrived at a more highly M(1)-selective antagonist, compound 13l (VU0415248). Muscarinic subtype selectivity across all five human and rat receptors for 13l, along with rat selectivity for the lead compound (ML012), is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J. Melancon
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Alexander P. Lamers
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas M. Bridges
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Gary A. Sulikowski
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas J. Utley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Douglas J. Sheffler
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Meredith J. Noetzel
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Ryan D. Morrison
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - J. Scott Daniels
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Colleen M. Niswender
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Carrie K. Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - P. Jeffrey Conn
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Craig W. Lindsley
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Michael R. Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt Specialized Chemistry Center for Probe Development (MLPCN), Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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15
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Hopkins CR. ACS chemical neuroscience molecule spotlight on STX209 (arbaclofen). ACS Chem Neurosci 2011; 2:381. [PMID: 22860166 DOI: 10.1021/cn200061g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
STX209 (arbaclofen) is a γ-amino butyric acid type B (GABA(B)) receptor agonist from Seaside Therapeutics currently in clinical trials for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The company has initiated a phase 2b study after positive results from a phase 2a trial, announced September 2010 (http://www.seasidetherapeutics.com/sites/default/files/STX209_ASD_P2b Trial_Initiation%206%2021%202011%20Final.pdf).
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey R. Hopkins
- Department of Pharmacology and Vanderbilt Center for Neuroscience Drug Discovery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-6600, United States
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