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Frye RE, Rincon N, McCarty PJ, Brister D, Scheck AC, Rossignol DA. Biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 197:106520. [PMID: 38703861 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting 1 in 36 children and is associated with physiological abnormalities, most notably mitochondrial dysfunction, at least in a subset of individuals. This systematic review and meta-analysis discovered 204 relevant articles which evaluated biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD individuals. Significant elevations (all p < 0.01) in the prevalence of lactate (17%), pyruvate (41%), alanine (15%) and creatine kinase (9%) were found in ASD. Individuals with ASD had significant differences (all p < 0.01) with moderate to large effect sizes (Cohen's d' ≥ 0.6) compared to controls in mean pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, ATP, and creatine kinase. Some studies found abnormal TCA cycle metabolites associated with ASD. Thirteen controlled studies reported mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions or variations in the ASD group in blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, lymphocytes, leucocytes, granulocytes, and brain. Meta-analyses discovered significant differences (p < 0.01) in copy number of mtDNA overall and in ND1, ND4 and CytB genes. Four studies linked specific mtDNA haplogroups to ASD. A series of studies found a subgroup of ASD with elevated mitochondrial respiration which was associated with increased sensitivity of the mitochondria to physiological stressors and neurodevelopmental regression. Lactate, pyruvate, lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, carnitine, and acyl-carnitines were associated with clinical features such as delays in language, social interaction, cognition, motor skills, and with repetitive behaviors and gastrointestinal symptoms, although not all studies found an association. Lactate, carnitine, acyl-carnitines, ATP, CoQ10, as well as mtDNA variants, heteroplasmy, haplogroups and copy number were associated with ASD severity. Variability was found across biomarker studies primarily due to differences in collection and processing techniques as well as the intrinsic heterogeneity of the ASD population. Several studies reported alterations in mitochondrial metabolism in mothers of children with ASD and in neonates who develop ASD. Treatments targeting mitochondria, particularly carnitine and ubiquinol, appear beneficial in ASD. The link between mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD and common physiological abnormalities in individuals with ASD including gastrointestinal disorders, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction is outlined. Several subtypes of mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD are discussed, including one related to neurodevelopmental regression, another related to alterations in microbiome metabolites, and another related to elevations in acyl-carnitines. Mechanisms linking abnormal mitochondrial function with alterations in prenatal brain development and postnatal brain function are outlined. Given the multisystem complexity of some individuals with ASD, this review presents evidence for the mitochondria being central to ASD by contributing to abnormalities in brain development, cognition, and comorbidities such as immune and gastrointestinal dysfunction as well as neurodevelopmental regression. A diagnostic approach to identify mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD is outlined. From this evidence, it is clear that many individuals with ASD have alterations in mitochondrial function which may need to be addressed in order to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. The fact that alterations in mitochondrial metabolism may be found during pregnancy and early in the life of individuals who eventually develop ASD provides promise for early life predictive biomarkers of ASD. Further studies may improve the understanding of the role of the mitochondria in ASD by better defining subgroups and understanding the molecular mechanisms driving some of the unique changes found in mitochondrial function in those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Patrick J McCarty
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States of America.
| | | | - Adrienne C Scheck
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States of America.
| | - Daniel A Rossignol
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ, USA; Rossignol Medical Center, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
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2
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Matveeva A, Watters O, Rukhadze A, Khemka N, Gentile D, Perez IF, Llorente-Folch I, Farrell C, Lo Cacciato E, Jackson J, Piazzesi A, Wischhof L, Woods I, Halang L, Hogg M, Muñoz AG, Dillon ET, Matallanas D, Arijs I, Lambrechts D, Bano D, Connolly NMC, Prehn JHM. Integrated analysis of transcriptomic and proteomic alterations in mouse models of ALS/FTD identify early metabolic adaptions with similarities to mitochondrial dysfunction disorders. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2024; 25:135-149. [PMID: 37779364 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2023.2261979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sporadic and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in loss of motor neurons and, in some patients, associates with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Apart from the accumulation of proteinaceous deposits, emerging literature indicates that aberrant mitochondrial bioenergetics may contribute to the onset and progression of ALS/FTD. Here we sought to investigate the pathophysiological signatures of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with ALS/FTD. METHODS By means of label-free mass spectrometry (MS) and mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq), we report pre-symptomatic changes in the cortices of TDP-43 and FUS mutant mouse models. Using tissues from transgenic mouse models of mitochondrial diseases as a reference, we performed comparative analyses and extracted unique and common mitochondrial signatures that revealed neuroprotective compensatory mechanisms in response to early damage. RESULTS In this regard, upregulation of both Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long-Chain Family Member 3 (ACSL3) and mitochondrial tyrosyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (YARS2) were the most representative change in pre-symptomatic ALS/FTD tissues, suggesting that fatty acid beta-oxidation and mitochondrial protein translation are mechanisms of adaptation in response to ALS/FTD pathology. CONCLUSIONS Together, our unbiased integrative analyses unveil novel molecular components that may influence mitochondrial homeostasis in the earliest phase of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Matveeva
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Orla Watters
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ani Rukhadze
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niraj Khemka
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Debora Gentile
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ivan Fernandez Perez
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Irene Llorente-Folch
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Cliona Farrell
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | | | - Joshua Jackson
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Antonia Piazzesi
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Lena Wischhof
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Ina Woods
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Luise Halang
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marion Hogg
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Campus, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amaya Garcia Muñoz
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Eugène T Dillon
- Mass Spectrometry Resource, Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Ingrid Arijs
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diether Lambrechts
- Laboratory for Translational Genetics, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium, and
- VIB Center for Cancer Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bano
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Niamh M C Connolly
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jochen H M Prehn
- Centre for Systems Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- SFI FutureNeuro Research Centre, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Liu W, Li Y, Zhao T, Gong M, Wang X, Zhang Y, Xu L, Li W, Li Y, Jia J. The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors in Alzheimer's disease: From pathophysiology to therapeutic approaches. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 231:102534. [PMID: 37783430 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
N-Methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are involved in multiple physiopathological processes, including synaptic plasticity, neuronal network activities, excitotoxic events, and cognitive impairment. Abnormalities in NMDARs can initiate a cascade of pathological events, notably in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and even other neuropsychiatric disorders. The subunit composition of NMDARs is plastic, giving rise to a diverse array of receptor subtypes. While they are primarily found in neurons, NMDAR complexes, comprising both traditional and atypical subunits, are also present in non-neuronal cells, influencing the functions of various peripheral tissues. Furthermore, protein-protein interactions within NMDAR complexes has been linked with Aβ accumulation, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, all of which potentially served as an obligatory relay of cognitive impairment. Nonetheless, the precise mechanistic link remains to be fully elucidated. In this review, we provided an in-depth analysis of the structure and function of NMDAR, investigated their interactions with various pathogenic proteins, discussed the current landscape of NMDAR-based therapeutics, and highlighted the remaining challenges during drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Liu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Tan Zhao
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Min Gong
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Xuechu Wang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China
| | - Lingzhi Xu
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, PR China; Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, PR China; Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, PR China; Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, PR China; Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, PR China; Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, PR China; Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, PR China
| | - Jianping Jia
- Innovation Center for Neurological Disorders and Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Geriatric Cognitive Disorders, PR China; Clinical Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Memory Impairment, Capital Medical University, PR China; Center of Alzheimer's Disease, Beijing Institute of Brain Disorders, Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Disorders, Capital Medical University, PR China; Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100053, PR China.
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4
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Samra AI, Kamel AS, Abdallah DM, El Fattah MAA, Ahmed KA, El-Abhar HS. Preclinical Evidence for the Role of the Yin/Yang Angiotensin System Components in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Therapeutic Target of Astaxanthin. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3156. [PMID: 38137376 PMCID: PMC10740500 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11123156] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is emerging with an unclear etiology, hindering effective therapeutic interventions. Recent studies suggest potential renin-angiotensin system (RAS) alterations in different neurological pathologies. However, its implications in ASD are unexplored. This research fulfills the critical gap by investigating dual arms of RAS and their interplay with Notch signaling in ASD, using a valproic acid (VPA) model and assessing astaxanthin's (AST) modulatory impacts. Experimentally, male pups from pregnant rats receiving either saline or VPA on gestation day 12.5 were divided into control and VPA groups, with subsequent AST treatment in a subset (postnatal days 34-58). Behavioral analyses, histopathological investigations, and electron microscopy provided insights into the neurobehavioral and structural changes induced by AST. Molecular investigations of male pups' cortices revealed that AST outweighs the protective RAS elements with the inhibition of the detrimental arm. This established the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory axes of RAS (ACE2/Ang1-7/MasR) in the ASD context. The results showed that AST's normalization of RAS components and Notch signaling underscore a novel therapeutic avenue in ASD, impacting neuronal integrity and behavioral outcomes. These findings affirm the integral role of RAS in ASD and highlight AST's potential as a promising treatment intervention, inviting further neurological research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayat I. Samra
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Ahmed S. Kamel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Dalaal M. Abdallah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Mai A. Abd El Fattah
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt; (A.I.S.); (D.M.A.); (M.A.A.E.F.)
| | - Kawkab A. Ahmed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt;
| | - Hanan S. El-Abhar
- Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University in Egypt (FUE), Cairo 11835, Egypt;
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5
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Sokol DK, Lahiri DK. Neurodevelopmental disorders and microcephaly: how apoptosis, the cell cycle, tau and amyloid-β precursor protein APPly. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1201723. [PMID: 37808474 PMCID: PMC10556256 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1201723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies promote new interest in the intersectionality between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's Disease. We have reported high levels of Amyloid-β Precursor Protein (APP) and secreted APP-alpha (sAPPa ) and low levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) peptides 1-40 and 1-42 (Aβ40, Aβ42) in plasma and brain tissue from children with ASD. A higher incidence of microcephaly (head circumference less than the 3rd percentile) associates with ASD compared to head size in individuals with typical development. The role of Aβ peptides as contributors to acquired microcephaly in ASD is proposed. Aβ may lead to microcephaly via disruption of neurogenesis, elongation of the G1/S cell cycle, and arrested cell cycle promoting apoptosis. As the APP gene exists on Chromosome 21, excess Aβ peptides occur in Trisomy 21-T21 (Down's Syndrome). Microcephaly and some forms of ASD associate with T21, and therefore potential mechanisms underlying these associations will be examined in this review. Aβ peptides' role in other neurodevelopmental disorders that feature ASD and acquired microcephaly are reviewed, including dup 15q11.2-q13, Angelman and Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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T P, Katta B, Lulu S S, Sundararajan V. Gene expression analysis reveals GRIN1, SYT1, and SYN2 as significant therapeutic targets and drug repurposing reveals lorazepam and lorediplon as potent inhibitors to manage Alzheimer's disease. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-22. [PMID: 37691428 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2256878] [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: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease and a leading cause of dementia. We aim to identify key genes for the development of therapeutic targets and biomarkers for potential treatments for AD. Meta-analysis was performed on six microarray datasets and identified the differentially expressed genes between healthy and Alzheimer's disease samples. Thereafter, we filtered out the common genes which were present in at least four microarray datasets for downstream analysis. We have constructed a gene-gene network for the common genes and identified six hub genes. Furthermore, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of these hub genes by analysing their interaction with miRNAs and transcription factors. The gene ontology analysis results highlighted the enriched terms significantly associated with hub genes. Through an extensive literature survey, we found that three of the hub genes including GRIN1, SYN2, and SYT1 were critically involved in disease development. To leverage existing drugs for potential repurposing, we predicted drug-gene interaction using the drug-gene interaction database, and performed molecular docking studies. The docking results revealed that the drug compounds had strong interactions and favorable binding with selected hub genes. Lorazepam exhibits a binding energy of -7.3 kcal/mol with GRIN1, Lorediplon exhibits binding energies of -7.7 kcal/mol and -6.3 kcal/mol with the SYT1, and SYN2 respectively. In addition, 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for the top complexes and apo protein as well. Furthermore, the MM-PBSA free energy calculations also revealed that these complexes are stable and had favorable energies. According to our study, the identified hub gene could serve as a biomarker as well as a therapeutic target for AD, and the proposed repurposed drug molecules appear to have promising efficacy in treating the disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premkumar T
- Integrative Multiomics Lab, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Bhavana Katta
- Integrative Multiomics Lab, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sajitha Lulu S
- Integrative Multiomics Lab, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vino Sundararajan
- Integrative Multiomics Lab, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
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Wang J, Gao Y, Xiao L, Lin Y, Huang L, Chen J, Liang G, Li W, Yi W, Lao J, Zhang B, Gao TM, Zhong M, Yang X. Increased NMDARs in neurons and glutamine synthetase in astrocytes underlying autistic-like behaviors of Gabrb1-/- mice. iScience 2023; 26:107476. [PMID: 37599823 PMCID: PMC10433130 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the GABA-A receptor subunit β1 (GABRB1) gene are found in autism patients. However, it remains unclear how mutations in Gabrb1 may lead to autism. We generated Gabrb1-/- mouse model, which showed autistic-like behaviors. We carried out RNA-seq on the hippocampus and found glutamatergic pathway may be involved. We further carried out single-cell RNA sequencing on the whole brain followed by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology, and metabolite detection on specific cell types. We identified the up-regulated Glul/Slc38a3 in astrocytes, Grin1/Grin2b in neurons, glutamate, and the ratio of Glu/GABA in the hippocampus. Consistent with these results, increased NMDAR-currents and reduced GABAAR-currents in the CA1 neurons were detected in Gabrb1-/- mice. NMDAR antagonist memantine or Glul inhibitor methionine sulfoximine could rescue the abnormal behaviors in Gabrb1-/- mice. Our data reveal that upregulation of the glutamatergic synapse pathway, including NMDARs at neuronal synapses and glutamine exported by astrocytes, may lead to autistic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liuyan Xiao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanmei Lin
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinfa Chen
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanmei Liang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjuan Yi
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianpei Lao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinping Yang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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9
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Garcia AX, Xu J, Cheng F, Ruppin E, Schäffer AA. Altered gene expression in excitatory neurons is associated with Alzheimer's disease and its higher incidence in women. ALZHEIMER'S & DEMENTIA (NEW YORK, N. Y.) 2023; 9:e12373. [PMID: 36873924 PMCID: PMC9983144 DOI: 10.1002/trc2.12373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder involving interactions between different cell types in the brain. Previous single-cell and bulk expression Alzheimer's studies have reported conflicting findings about the key cell types and cellular pathways whose expression is primarily altered in this disease. We re-analyzed these data in a uniform, coherent manner aiming to resolve and extend past findings. Our analysis sheds light on the observation that females have higher AD incidence than males. Methods We re-analyzed three single-cell transcriptomics datasets. We used the software Model-based Analysis of Single-cell Transcriptomics (MAST) to seek differentially expressed genes comparing AD cases to matched controls for both sexes together and each sex separately. We used the GOrilla software to search for enriched pathways among the differentially expressed genes. Motivated by the male/female difference in incidence, we studied genes on the X-chromosome, focusing on genes in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) and on genes that are heterogeneous across individuals or tissues for X-inactivation. We validated findings by analyzing bulk AD datasets from the cortex in the Gene Expression Omnibus. Results Our results resolve a contradiction in the literature, showing that by comparing AD patients to unaffected controls, excitatory neurons have more differentially expressed genes than do other cell types. Synaptic transmission and related pathways are altered in a sex-specific analysis of excitatory neurons. PAR genes and X-chromosome heterogeneous genes, including, for example, BEX1 and ELK1, may contribute to the difference in sex incidence of Alzheimer's disease. GRIN1, stood out as an overexpressed autosomal gene in cases versus controls in all three single-cell datasets and as a functional candidate gene contributing to pathways upregulated in cases. Discussion Taken together, these results point to a potential linkage between two longstanding questions concerning AD pathogenesis, involving which cell type is the most important and why females have a higher incidence than males. Highlights By reanalyzing three, published, single-cell RNAseq datasets, we resolved a contradiction in the literature and showed that when comparing AD patients to unaffected controls, excitatory neurons have more differentially expressed genes than do other cell types.Further analysis of the published single-cell datasets showed that synaptic transmission and related pathways are altered in a sex-specific analysis of excitatory neurons.Combining analysis of single-cell datasets and publicly available bulk transcriptomics datasets revealed that X-chromosome genes, such as BEX1, ELK1, and USP11, whose X-inactivation status is heterogeneous may contribute to the higher incidence in females of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Xavier Garcia
- Cancer Data Science LaboratoryCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Present address:
Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri‐Institutional MD‐PhD ProgramNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jielin Xu
- Genomic Medicine InstituteLerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Feixiong Cheng
- Genomic Medicine InstituteLerner Research InstituteCleveland ClinicClevelandOhioUSA
- Department of Molecular MedicineCleveland Clinic Lerner College of MedicineCase Western Reserve UniversityClevelandOhioUSA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer CenterCase Western Reserve University School of MedicineClevelandOhioUSA
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Cancer Data Science LaboratoryCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Alejandro A. Schäffer
- Cancer Data Science LaboratoryCenter for Cancer ResearchNational Cancer InstituteNational Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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10
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Mahony C, O'Ryan C. A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:985713. [PMID: 36506457 PMCID: PMC9732262 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.985713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular autism research is evolving toward a biopsychosocial framework that is more informed by autistic experiences. In this context, research aims are moving away from correcting external autistic behaviors and toward alleviating internal distress. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) are associated with high rates of depression, suicidality and other comorbid psychopathologies, but this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we integrate emerging characterizations of internal autistic experiences within a molecular framework to yield insight into the prevalence of psychopathology in ASC. We demonstrate that descriptions of social camouflaging and autistic burnout resonate closely with the accepted definitions for early life stress (ELS) and chronic adolescent stress (CAS). We propose that social camouflaging could be considered a distinct form of CAS that contributes to allostatic overload, culminating in a pathophysiological state that is experienced as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is thought to contribute to psychopathology via psychological and physiological mechanisms, but these remain largely unexplored by molecular researchers. Building on converging fields in molecular neuroscience, we discuss the substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in ASC to propose a novel role for mitochondrial allostatic load in the relationship between autism and psychopathology. An interplay between mitochondrial, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine signaling is increasingly implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, and these molecular players are also associated with neurodevelopmental, neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of ASC. Together, this suggests an increased exposure and underlying molecular susceptibility to ELS that increases the risk of psychopathology in ASC. This article describes an integrative framework shaped by autistic experiences that highlights novel avenues for molecular research into mechanisms that directly affect the quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals. Moreover, this framework emphasizes the need for increased access to diagnoses, accommodations, and resources to improve mental health outcomes in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Colleen O'Ryan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Caracci MO, Avila ME, Espinoza-Cavieres FA, López HR, Ugarte GD, De Ferrari GV. Wnt/β-Catenin-Dependent Transcription in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:764756. [PMID: 34858139 PMCID: PMC8632544 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.764756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by synaptic dysfunction and defects in dendritic spine morphology. In the past decade, an extensive list of genes associated with ASD has been identified by genome-wide sequencing initiatives. Several of these genes functionally converge in the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a conserved cascade essential for stem cell pluripotency and cell fate decisions during development. Here, we review current information regarding the transcriptional program of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ASD. First, we discuss that Wnt/β-catenin gain and loss of function studies recapitulate brain developmental abnormalities associated with ASD. Second, transcriptomic approaches using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) cells, featuring mutations in high confidence ASD genes, reveal a significant dysregulation in the expression of Wnt signaling components. Finally, we focus on the activity of chromatin-remodeling proteins and transcription factors considered high confidence ASD genes, including CHD8, ARID1B, ADNP, and TBR1, that regulate Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activity in multiple cell types, including pyramidal neurons, interneurons and oligodendrocytes, cells which are becoming increasingly relevant in the study of ASD. We conclude that the level of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation could explain the high phenotypical heterogeneity of ASD and be instrumental in the development of new diagnostics tools and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario O. Caracci
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel E. Avila
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy, Nucleus of Applied Research in Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences (NIAVA), Institute of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca A. Espinoza-Cavieres
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor R. López
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giorgia D. Ugarte
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giancarlo V. De Ferrari
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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12
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Nadeem MS, Hosawi S, Alshehri S, Ghoneim MM, Imam SS, Murtaza BN, Kazmi I. Symptomatic, Genetic, and Mechanistic Overlaps between Autism and Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1635. [PMID: 34827633 PMCID: PMC8615882 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders affecting two opposite ends of life span, i.e., childhood and old age. Both disorders pose a cumulative threat to human health, with the rate of incidences increasing considerably worldwide. In the context of recent developments, we aimed to review correlated symptoms and genetics, and overlapping aspects in the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ASD and AD. Dementia, insomnia, and weak neuromuscular interaction, as well as communicative and cognitive impairments, are shared symptoms. A number of genes and proteins linked with both disorders have been tabulated, including MECP2, ADNP, SCN2A, NLGN, SHANK, PTEN, RELN, and FMR1. Theories about the role of neuron development, processing, connectivity, and levels of neurotransmitters in both disorders have been discussed. Based on the recent literature, the roles of FMRP (Fragile X mental retardation protein), hnRNPC (heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein-C), IRP (Iron regulatory proteins), miRNAs (MicroRNAs), and α-, β0, and γ-secretases in the posttranscriptional regulation of cellular synthesis and processing of APP (amyloid-β precursor protein) have been elaborated to describe the parallel and overlapping routes and mechanisms of ASD and AD pathogenesis. However, the interactive role of genetic and environmental factors, oxidative and metal ion stress, mutations in the associated genes, and alterations in the related cellular pathways in the development of ASD and AD needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad 22310, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
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13
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Telias M, Ben-Yosef D. Pharmacological Manipulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Human Neural Precursor Cells Alters Their Differentiation Potential and Neuronal Yield. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:680018. [PMID: 34421534 PMCID: PMC8371257 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.680018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a master-regulator of cell fate during embryonic and adult neurogenesis and is therefore a major pharmacological target in basic and clinical research. Chemical manipulation of Wnt signaling during in vitro neuronal differentiation of stem cells can alter both the quantity and the quality of the derived neurons. Accordingly, the use of Wnt activators and blockers has become an integral part of differentiation protocols applied to stem cells in recent years. Here, we investigated the effects of the glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor CHIR99021, which upregulates β-catenin agonizing Wnt; and the tankyrase-1/2 inhibitor XAV939, which downregulates β-catenin antagonizing Wnt. Both drugs and their potential neurogenic and anti-neurogenic effects were studied using stable lines human neural precursor cells (hNPCs), derived from embryonic stem cells, which can be induced to generate mature neurons by chemically-defined conditions. We found that Wnt-agonism by CHIR99021 promotes induction of neural differentiation, while also reducing cell proliferation and survival. This effect was not synergistic with those of pro-neural growth factors during long-term neuronal differentiation. Conversely, antagonism of Wnt by XAV939 consistently prevented neuronal progression of hNPCs. We show here how these two drugs can be used to manipulate cell fate and how self-renewing hNPCs can be used as reliable human in vitro drug-screening platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Telias
- Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dalit Ben-Yosef
- Wolfe PGD-SC Lab, Racine IVF Unit, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Lis Maternity Hospital, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Medical School, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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14
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Borodinova AA, Balaban PM, Bezprozvanny IB, Salmina AB, Vlasova OL. Genetic Constructs for the Control of Astrocytes' Activity. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071600. [PMID: 34202359 PMCID: PMC8306323 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the current review, we aim to discuss the principles and the perspectives of using the genetic constructs based on AAV vectors to regulate astrocytes’ activity. Practical applications of optogenetic approaches utilizing different genetically encoded opsins to control astroglia activity were evaluated. The diversity of astrocytic cell-types complicates the rational design of an ideal viral vector for particular experimental goals. Therefore, efficient and sufficient targeting of astrocytes is a multiparametric process that requires a combination of specific AAV serotypes naturally predisposed to transduce astroglia with astrocyte-specific promoters in the AAV cassette. Inadequate combinations may result in off-target neuronal transduction to different degrees. Potentially, these constraints may be bypassed with the latest strategies of generating novel synthetic AAV serotypes with specified properties by rational engineering of AAV capsids or using directed evolution approach by searching within a more specific promoter or its replacement with the unique enhancer sequences characterized using modern molecular techniques (ChIP-seq, scATAC-seq, snATAC-seq) to drive the selective transgene expression in the target population of cells or desired brain regions. Realizing these strategies to restrict expression and to efficiently target astrocytic populations in specific brain regions or across the brain has great potential to enable future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia A. Borodinova
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Pavel M. Balaban
- Laboratory of Cellular Neurobiology of Learning, Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117485 Moscow, Russia;
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Ilya B. Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Alla B. Salmina
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
- Research Center of Neurology, 125367 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga L. Vlasova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia; (I.B.B.); (A.B.S.); (O.L.V.)
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15
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Sragovich S, Gershovits M, Lam JC, Li VO, Gozes I. Putative Blood Somatic Mutations in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder-Symptomatic Soldiers: High Impact of Cytoskeletal and Inflammatory Proteins. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 79:1723-1734. [DOI: 10.3233/jad-201158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: We recently discovered autism/intellectual disability somatic mutations in postmortem brains, presenting higher frequency in Alzheimer’s disease subjects, compared with the controls. We further revealed high impact cytoskeletal gene mutations, coupled with potential cytoskeleton-targeted repair mechanisms. Objective: The current study was aimed at further discerning if somatic mutations in brain diseases are presented only in the most affected tissue (the brain), or if blood samples phenocopy the brain, toward potential diagnostics. Methods: Variant calling analyses on an RNA-seq database including peripheral blood samples from 85 soldiers (58 controls and 27 with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD) was performed. Results: High (e.g., protein truncating) as well as moderate impact (e.g., single amino acid change) germline and putative somatic mutations in thousands of genes were found. Further crossing the mutated genes with autism, intellectual disability, cytoskeleton, inflammation, and DNA repair databases, identified the highest number of cytoskeletal-mutated genes (187 high and 442 moderate impact). Most of the mutated genes were shared and only when crossed with the inflammation database, more putative high impact mutated genes specific to the PTSD-symptom cohorts versus the controls (14 versus 13) were revealed, highlighting tumor necrosis factor specifically in the PTSD-symptom cohorts. Conclusion: With microtubules and neuro-immune interactions playing essential roles in brain neuroprotection and Alzheimer-related neurodegeneration, the current mutation discoveries contribute to mechanistic understanding of PTSD and brain protection, as well as provide future diagnostics toward personalized military deployment strategies and drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlomo Sragovich
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Michael Gershovits
- The Nancy & Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jacqueline C.K. Lam
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, The University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Victor O.K. Li
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Illana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology; Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Behaviors Characteristic of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Geriatric Cohort With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Early Dementia. Alzheimer Dis Assoc Disord 2020; 34:66-71. [PMID: 31517641 DOI: 10.1097/wad.0000000000000345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a heterogenous cluster of clinical phenotypes that are classically diagnosed by the time of adolescence. The possibility of late-life emergence of ASD has been poorly explored. METHODS To more fully characterize the possibility of late-life emergence of behaviors characteristic of ASD in mild cognitive impairment and AD, we surveyed caregivers of 142 older persons with cognitive impairment from the University of Kentucky Alzheimer's Disease Center Longitudinal Cohort using the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale-2. RESULTS Participants with high autism index ratings (autism "possible/very likely," n=23) reported significantly (statistically and clinically) younger age at the onset of cognitive impairment than those who scored in the autism "unlikely" range (n=119): 71.14±10.9 vs. 76.65±8.25 (P=0.034). In addition, those in the autism "possible/very likely" group demonstrated advanced severity of cognitive impairment, indicated by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes scores. DISCUSSION Data demonstrate that ASD behaviors may seem de novo of degenerative dementia and such behaviors are more prevalent in those with early onset dementia. Further work elucidating a connection between ASD and dementia could shed light on subclinical forms of ASD, identify areas of shared neuroanatomic involvement between ASD and dementias, and provide valuable insights that might hasten the development of therapeutic strategies.
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Abdul Manap AS, Madhavan P, Vijayabalan S, Chia A, Fukui K. Explicating anti-amyloidogenic role of curcumin and piperine via amyloid beta (A β) explicit pathway: recovery and reversal paradigm effects. PeerJ 2020; 8:e10003. [PMID: 33062432 PMCID: PMC7532763 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported the synergistic effects of curcumin and piperine in cell cultures as potential anti-cholinesterase and anti-amyloidogenic agents. Due to limited findings on the enrolment of these compounds on epigenetic events in AD, we aimed at elucidating the expression profiles of Aβ42-induced SH-SY5Y cells using microarray profiling. In this study, an optimized concentration of 35 µM of curcumin and piperine in combination was used to treat Aβ42 fibril and high-throughput microarray profiling was performed on the extracted RNA. This was then compared to curcumin and piperine used singularly at 49.11 µM and 25 µM, respectively. Our results demonstrated that in the curcumin treated group, from the top 10 upregulated and top 10 downregulated significantly differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05; fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ -2), there were five upregulated and three downregulated genes involved in the amyloidogenic pathway. While from top 10 upregulated and top 10 downregulated significantly differentially expressed genes (p < 0.05; fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ - 2) in the piperine treated group, there were four upregulated and three downregulated genes involved in the same pathway, whereas there were five upregulated and two downregulated genes involved (p < 0.05; fold change ≥ 2 or ≤ - 2) in the curcumin-piperine combined group. Four genes namely GABARAPL1, CTSB, RAB5 and AK5 were expressed significantly in all groups. Other genes such as ITPR1, GSK3B, PPP3CC, ERN1, APH1A, CYCS and CALM2 were novel putative genes that are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. We revealed that curcumin and piperine have displayed their actions against Aβ via the modulation of various mechanistic pathways. Alterations in expression profiles of genes in the neuronal cell model may explain Aβ pathology post-treatment and provide new insights for remedial approaches of a combined treatment using curcumin and piperine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimi Syamima Abdul Manap
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Priya Madhavan
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shantini Vijayabalan
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Adeline Chia
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Koji Fukui
- Department of Bioscience and Engineering, College of Systems Engineering and Science, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Saitama, Japan
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Jęśko H, Cieślik M, Gromadzka G, Adamczyk A. Dysfunctional proteins in neuropsychiatric disorders: From neurodegeneration to autism spectrum disorders. Neurochem Int 2020; 141:104853. [PMID: 32980494 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite fundamental differences in disease course and outcomes, neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders - ASD) and neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's disease - AD and Parkinson's disease - PD) present surprising, common traits in their molecular pathomechanisms. Uncontrolled oligomerization and aggregation of amyloid β (Aβ), microtubule-associated protein (MAP) tau, or α-synuclein (α-syn) contribute to synaptic impairment and the ensuing neuronal death in both AD and PD. Likewise, the pathogenesis of ASD may be attributed, at least in part, to synaptic dysfunction; attention has also been recently paid to irregularities in the metabolism and function of the Aβ precursor protein (APP), tau, or α-syn. Commonly affected elements include signaling pathways that regulate cellular metabolism and survival such as insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) - PI3 kinase - Akt - mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and a number of key synaptic proteins critically involved in neuronal communication. Understanding how these shared pathomechanism elements operate in different conditions may help identify common targets and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henryk Jęśko
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Grażyna Gromadzka
- Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Faculty of Medicine. Collegium Medicum, Wóycickiego 1/3, 01-938, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Department of Cellular Signalling, M. Mossakowski Medical Research Centre, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5 Pawińskiego Str., 02-106, Warsaw, Poland.
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19
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Hayes AJ, Melrose J. Electro‐Stimulation, a Promising Therapeutic Treatment Modality for Tissue Repair: Emerging Roles of Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Electro‐Regulatory Mediators of Intrinsic Repair Processes. ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/adtp.202000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J. Hayes
- Bioimaging Research Hub Cardiff School of Biosciences Cardiff University Cardiff Wales CF10 3AX UK
| | - James Melrose
- Raymond Purves Bone and Joint Research Laboratory Kolling Institute Northern Sydney Local Health District Faculty of Medicine and Health University of Sydney Royal North Shore Hospital St. Leonards NSW 2065 Australia
- Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering University of New South Wales Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
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20
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Abdelzaher LA, Hussein OA, Ashry IEM. The Novel Potential Therapeutic Utility of Montelukast in Alleviating Autistic Behavior Induced by Early Postnatal Administration of Thimerosal in Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:129-150. [PMID: 32303879 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Thimerosal (THIM) is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in many biological and medical products including many vaccines. It has been accused of being a possible etiological factor for some neurodevelopmental disorders such as autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). In our study, the potential therapeutic effect of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat seasonal allergies and asthma, on THIM mice model (ASDs model) was examined. METHODOLOGY Newborn mice were randomly distributed into three groups: (Group 1) Control (Cont.) group received saline injections. (Group 2) THIM-treated (THIM) group received THIM intramuscular (IM) at a dose of 3000 μg Hg/kg on postnatal days 7, 9, 11, and 15. (Group 3) Montelukast-treated (Monte) group received THIM followed by montelukast sodium (10 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneal (IP) for 3 weeks. Mice were evaluated for growth development, social interactions, anxiety, locomotor activity, and cognitive function. Brain histopathology, alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs), nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), apoptotic factor (Bax), and brain injury markers were evaluated as well. RESULTS THIIM significantly impaired social activity and growth development. Montelukast mitigated THIM-induced social deficit probably through α7nAChRs upregulation, NF-κB p65, Bax, and brain injury markers downregulation, thus suppressing THIM-induced neuronal toxicity and inflammation. CONCLUSION Neonatal exposure to THIM can induce growth retardation and abnormal social interactions similar to those observed in ASDs. Some of these abnormalities could be ameliorated by montelukast via upregulation of α7nAChRs that inhibited NF-κB activation and significant suppression of neuronal injury and the associated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna A Abdelzaher
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ola A Hussein
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - I E M Ashry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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21
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Santos G, Borges JMP, Avila-Rodriguez M, Gaíno SB, Barreto GE, Rúbio ÉP, Aguiar RM, Galembeck E, Bromochenkel CB, de Oliveira DM. Copper and Neurotoxicity in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Pharm Des 2019; 25:4747-4754. [PMID: 31845627 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191217091939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Free radicals (FR) act on living organisms and present unpaired electrons in the molecular orbitals of oxygen or nitrogen species. They are classified as redox reactions and account for a wide range of processes in biological systems. Genetic and environmental factors may alter the levels of FR in the cell, leading to deleterious consequences such as membrane lipid peroxidation, protein nitration, enzyme, carbohydrate and DNA damage, ultimately resulting in premature aging and a pro-inflammatory microenvironment as observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). O2 radical ability to act as a Lewis base and to form a complex with metal transition such as iron and copper (Lewis acids) leads to biomolecules oxidation at physiological pH, thus increasing the possibility of injury and oxidative damage in biological tissues. In this review, we discuss the role of metals, like copper, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP) derivative (s-APP-alpha) as an antioxidant and a possible adjuvant in the treatment of some autistic spectrum disorder symptoms (ASD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesivaldo Santos
- Department of Biological Science, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Julita M P Borges
- Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Érika P Rúbio
- Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Rosane M Aguiar
- Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Galembeck
- Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas-São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Djalma M de Oliveira
- Department of Science and Technology, State University of Southwestern of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil
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22
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Excitation/inhibition imbalance and impaired neurogenesis in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. Rev Neurosci 2019; 30:807-820. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2019-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance controls the synaptic inputs to prevent the inappropriate responses of neurons to input strength, and is required to restore the initial pattern of network activity. Various neurotransmitters affect synaptic plasticity within neural networks via the modulation of neuronal E/I balance in the developing and adult brain. Less is known about the role of E/I balance in the control of the development of the neural stem and progenitor cells in the course of neurogenesis and gliogenesis. Recent findings suggest that neural stem and progenitor cells appear to be the target for the action of GABA within the neurogenic or oligovascular niches. The same might be true for the role of neuropeptides (i.e. oxytocin) in neurogenic niches. This review covers current understanding of the role of E/I balance in the regulation of neuroplasticity associated with social behavior in normal brain, and in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies are required to decipher the GABA-mediated regulation of postnatal neurogenesis and synaptic integration of newly-born neurons as a potential target for the treatment of brain diseases.
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23
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Castora FJ. Mitochondrial function and abnormalities implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:83-108. [PMID: 30599156 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondria are the powerhouse that generate over 90% of the ATP produced in cells. In addition to its role in energy production, the mitochondrion also plays a major role in carbohydrate, fatty acid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, programmed cell death (apoptosis), generation of and protection against reactive oxygen species (ROS), immune response, regulation of intracellular calcium ion levels and even maintenance of gut microbiota. With its essential role in bio-energetic as well as non-energetic biological processes, it is not surprising that proper cellular, tissue and organ function is dependent upon proper mitochondrial function. Accordingly, mitochondrial dysfunction has been shown to be directly linked to a variety of medical disorders, particularly neuromuscular disorders and increasing evidence has linked mitochondrial dysfunction to neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Rett Syndrome (RS) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Over the last 40 years there has been a dramatic increase in the diagnosis of ASD and, more recently, an increasing body of evidence indicates that mitochondrial dysfunction plays an important role in ASD development. In this review, the latest evidence linking mitochondrial dysfunction and abnormalities in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to the pathogenesis of autism will be presented. This review will also summarize the results of several recent `approaches used for improving mitochondrial function that may lead to new therapeutic approaches to managing and/or treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J Castora
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA; Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
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24
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Sokol DK, Maloney B, Westmark CJ, Lahiri DK. Novel Contribution of Secreted Amyloid-β Precursor Protein to White Matter Brain Enlargement in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:165. [PMID: 31024350 PMCID: PMC6469489 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The most replicated neuroanatomical finding in autism is the tendency toward brain overgrowth, especially in younger children. Research shows that both gray and white matter are enlarged. Proposed mechanisms underlying brain enlargement include abnormal inflammatory and neurotrophic signals that lead to excessive, aberrant dendritic connectivity via disrupted pruning and cell adhesion, and enlargement of white matter due to excessive gliogenesis and increased myelination. Amyloid-β protein precursor (βAPP) and its metabolites, more commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD), are also dysregulated in autism plasma and brain tissue samples. This review highlights findings that demonstrate how one βAPP metabolite, secreted APPα, and the ADAM family α-secretases, may lead to increased brain matter, with emphasis on increased white matter as seen in autism. sAPPα and the ADAM family α-secretases contribute to the anabolic, non-amyloidogenic pathway, which is in contrast to the amyloid (catabolic) pathway known to contribute to Alzheimer disease. The non-amyloidogenic pathway could produce brain enlargement via genetic mechanisms affecting mRNA translation and polygenic factors that converge on molecular pathways (mitogen-activated protein kinase/MAPK and mechanistic target of rapamycin/mTOR), promoting neuroinflammation. A novel mechanism linking the non-amyloidogenic pathway to white matter enlargement is proposed: α-secretase and/or sAPPα, activated by ERK receptor signaling activates P13K/AKt/mTOR and then Rho GTPases favoring myelination via oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) activation of cofilin. Applying known pathways in AD to autism should allow further understanding and provide options for new drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah K. Sokol
- Pediatrics Section, Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Cara J. Westmark
- Department of Neurology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana Alzheimers Disease Center, Department of Psychiatry, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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25
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Carter CJ. Autism genes and the leukocyte transcriptome in autistic toddlers relate to pathogen interactomes, infection and the immune system. A role for excess neurotrophic sAPPα and reduced antimicrobial Aβ. Neurochem Int 2019; 126:36-58. [PMID: 30862493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal and early childhood infections have been implicated in autism. Many autism susceptibility genes (206 Autworks genes) are localised in the immune system and are related to immune/infection pathways. They are enriched in the host/pathogen interactomes of 18 separate microbes (bacteria/viruses and fungi) and to the genes regulated by bacterial toxins, mycotoxins and Toll-like receptor ligands. This enrichment was also observed for misregulated genes from a microarray study of leukocytes from autistic toddlers. The upregulated genes from this leukocyte study also matched the expression profiles in response to numerous infectious agents from the Broad Institute molecular signatures database. They also matched genes related to sudden infant death syndrome and autism comorbid conditions (autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, epilepsy and cardiomyopathy) as well as to estrogen and thyrotropin responses and to those upregulated by different types of stressors including oxidative stress, hypoxia, endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultraviolet radiation or 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene, a hapten used to develop allergic skin reactions in animal models. The oxidative/integrated stress response is also upregulated in the autism brain and may contribute to myelination problems. There was also a marked similarity between the expression signatures of autism and Alzheimer's disease, and 44 shared autism/Alzheimer's disease genes are almost exclusively expressed in the blood-brain barrier. However, in contrast to Alzheimer's disease, levels of the antimicrobial peptide beta-amyloid are decreased and the levels of the neurotrophic/myelinotrophic soluble APP alpha are increased in autism, together with an increased activity of α-secretase. sAPPα induces an increase in glutamatergic and a decrease in GABA-ergic synapses creating and excitatory/inhibitory imbalance that has also been observed in autism. A literature survey showed that multiple autism genes converge on APP processing and that many are able to increase sAPPalpha at the expense of beta-amyloid production. A genetically programmed tilt of this axis towards an overproduction of neurotrophic/gliotrophic sAPPalpha and underproduction of antimicrobial beta-amyloid may explain the brain overgrowth and myelination dysfunction, as well as the involvement of pathogens in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Carter
- PolygenicPathways, 41C Marina, Saint Leonard's on Sea, TN38 0BU, East Sussex, UK.
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26
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The exploration of novel Alzheimer's therapeutic agents from the pool of FDA approved medicines using drug repositioning, enzyme inhibition and kinetic mechanism approaches. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:2513-2526. [PMID: 30551512 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel drug development is onerous, time consuming and overpriced process with particularly low success and relatively high enfeebling rates. To overcome this burden, drug repositioning approach is being used to predict the possible therapeutic effects of FDA approved drugs in different diseases. Herein, we designed a computational and enzyme inhibitory mechanistic approach to fetch the promising drugs from the pool of FDA approved drugs against AD. The binding interaction patterns and conformations of screened drugs within active region of AChE were confirmed through molecular docking profiles. The possible associations of selected drugs with AD genes were predicted by pharmacogenomics analysis and confirmed through data mining. The stability behaviour of docked complexes (Drugs-AChE) were checked by MD simulations. The possible therapeutic potential of repositioned drugs against AChE were checked by in vitro analysis. Taken together, Cinitapride displayed a comparable results with standard and can be used as possible therapeutic agent in the treatment of AD.
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27
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Lopatina OL, Komleva YK, Gorina YV, Olovyannikova RY, Trufanova LV, Hashimoto T, Takahashi T, Kikuchi M, Minabe Y, Higashida H, Salmina AB. Oxytocin and excitation/inhibition balance in social recognition. Neuropeptides 2018; 72:1-11. [PMID: 30287150 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Social recognition is the sensitive domains of complex behavior critical for identification, interpretation and storage of socially meaningful information. Social recognition develops throughout childhood and adolescent, and is affected in a wide variety of psychiatric disorders. Recently, new data appeared on the molecular mechanisms of these processes, particularly, the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) ratio which is modified during development, and then E/I balance is established in the adult brain. While E/I imbalance has been proposed as a mechanism for schizophrenia, it also seems to be the common mechanism in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In addition, there is a strong suggestion that the oxytocinergic system is related to GABA-mediated E/I control in the context of brain socialization. In this review, we attempt to summarize the underpinning molecular mechanisms of E/I balance and its imbalance, and related biomarkers in the brain in healthiness and pathology. In addition, because there are increasing interest on oxytocin in the social neuroscience field, we will pay intensive attention to the role of oxytocin in maintaining E/I balance from the viewpoint of its effects on improving social impairment in psychiatric diseases, especially in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L Lopatina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yulia K Komleva
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Raisa Ya Olovyannikova
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Lyudmila V Trufanova
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia
| | - Takanori Hashimoto
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Takahashi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Kikuchi
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Yoshio Minabe
- Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Alla B Salmina
- Depatment of Biochemistry, Medical, Pharmaceutical & Toxicological Chemistry, Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk 660022, Russia; Department of Basic Research on Social Recognition and Memory, Research Center for Child Mental Development, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan.
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28
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Patel J, Lukkes JL, Shekhar A. Overview of genetic models of autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 241:1-36. [PMID: 30447752 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopment disorders that are characterized by heterogenous cognitive deficits and genetic factors. As more ASD risk genes are identified, genetic animal models have been developed to parse out the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. In this review, we discuss a subset of genetic models of ASD, focusing on those that have been widely studied and strongly linked to ASD. We focus our discussion of these models in the context of the theories and potential mechanisms of ASD, including disruptions in cell growth and proliferation, spine dynamics, synaptic transmission, excitation/inhibition balance, intracellular signaling, neuroinflammation, and behavior. In addition to ASD pathophysiology, we examine the limitations and challenges that genetic models pose for the study of ASD biology. We end with a review of innovative techniques and concepts of ASD pathology that can be further applied to and studied using genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jheel Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jodi L Lukkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Indiana Clinical and Translation Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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29
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Shinde P, Mohan L, Kumar A, Dey K, Maddi A, Patananan AN, Tseng FG, Chang HY, Nagai M, Santra TS. Current Trends of Microfluidic Single-Cell Technologies. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3143. [PMID: 30322072 PMCID: PMC6213733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19103143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The investigation of human disease mechanisms is difficult due to the heterogeneity in gene expression and the physiological state of cells in a given population. In comparison to bulk cell measurements, single-cell measurement technologies can provide a better understanding of the interactions among molecules, organelles, cells, and the microenvironment, which can aid in the development of therapeutics and diagnostic tools. In recent years, single-cell technologies have become increasingly robust and accessible, although limitations exist. In this review, we describe the recent advances in single-cell technologies and their applications in single-cell manipulation, diagnosis, and therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pallavi Shinde
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
| | - Loganathan Mohan
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
| | - Amogh Kumar
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
| | - Koyel Dey
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
| | - Anjali Maddi
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
| | - Alexander N Patananan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Fan-Gang Tseng
- Department of Engineering and System Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 30071, Taiwan.
| | - Hwan-You Chang
- Department of Medical Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu City 30071, Taiwan.
| | - Moeto Nagai
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, Toyohashi 441-8580, Japan.
| | - Tuhin Subhra Santra
- Department of Engineering Design, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Tamil Nadu 600036, India.
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30
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Liu Y, Liang Y, Cicek AE, Li Z, Li J, Muhle RA, Krenzer M, Mei Y, Wang Y, Knoblauch N, Morrison J, Zhao S, Jiang Y, Geller E, Ionita-Laza I, Wu J, Xia K, Noonan JP, Sun ZS, He X. A Statistical Framework for Mapping Risk Genes from De Novo Mutations in Whole-Genome-Sequencing Studies. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:1031-1047. [PMID: 29754769 PMCID: PMC5992125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Analysis of de novo mutations (DNMs) from sequencing data of nuclear families has identified risk genes for many complex diseases, including multiple neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Most of these efforts have focused on mutations in protein-coding sequences. Evidence from genome-wide association studies (GWASs) strongly suggests that variants important to human diseases often lie in non-coding regions. Extending DNM-based approaches to non-coding sequences is challenging, however, because the functional significance of non-coding mutations is difficult to predict. We propose a statistical framework for analyzing DNMs from whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data. This method, TADA-Annotations (TADA-A), is a major advance of the TADA method we developed earlier for DNM analysis in coding regions. TADA-A is able to incorporate many functional annotations such as conservation and enhancer marks, to learn from data which annotations are informative of pathogenic mutations, and to combine both coding and non-coding mutations at the gene level to detect risk genes. It also supports meta-analysis of multiple DNM studies, while adjusting for study-specific technical effects. We applied TADA-A to WGS data of ∼300 autism-affected family trios across five studies and discovered several autism risk genes. The software is freely available for all research uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Liu
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yanyu Liang
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15123, USA
| | - A Ercument Cicek
- Computational Biology Department, School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15123, USA; Computer Engineering Department, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Zhongshan Li
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jinchen Li
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | | | - Martina Krenzer
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yue Mei
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China
| | - Nicholas Knoblauch
- Committee on Genetics, Genomics and Systems Biology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jean Morrison
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Siming Zhao
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yi Jiang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - Evan Geller
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | - Jinyu Wu
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410078, China
| | - James P Noonan
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Zhong Sheng Sun
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100000, China; Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
| | - Xin He
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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Hertz-Picciotto I, Schmidt RJ, Krakowiak P. Understanding environmental contributions to autism: Causal concepts and the state of science. Autism Res 2018; 11:554-586. [PMID: 29573218 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of neurodevelopment, the rapidity of early neurogenesis, and over 100 years of research identifying environmental influences on neurodevelopment serve as backdrop to understanding factors that influence risk and severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This Keynote Lecture, delivered at the May 2016 annual meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, describes concepts of causation, outlines the trajectory of research on nongenetic factors beginning in the 1960s, and briefly reviews the current state of this science. Causal concepts are introduced, including root causes; pitfalls in interpreting time trends as clues to etiologic factors; susceptible time windows for exposure; and implications of a multi-factorial model of ASD. An historical background presents early research into the origins of ASD. The epidemiologic literature from the last fifteen years is briefly but critically reviewed for potential roles of, for example, air pollution, pesticides, plastics, prenatal vitamins, lifestyle and family factors, and maternal obstetric and metabolic conditions during her pregnancy. Three examples from the case-control CHildhood Autism Risks from Genes and the Environment Study are probed to illustrate methodological approaches to central challenges in observational studies: capturing environmental exposure; causal inference when a randomized controlled clinical trial is either unethical or infeasible; and the integration of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental influences on development. We conclude with reflections on future directions, including exposomics, new technologies, the microbiome, gene-by-environment interaction in the era of -omics, and epigenetics as the interface of those two. As the environment is malleable, this research advances the goal of a productive and fulfilling life for all children, teen-agers and adults. Autism Res 2018, 11: 554-586. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY This Keynote Lecture, delivered at the 2016 meeting of the International Society for Autism Research, discusses evidence from human epidemiologic studies of prenatal factors contributing to autism, such as pesticides, maternal nutrition and her health. There is no single cause for autism. Examples highlight the features of a high-quality epidemiology study, and what comprises a compelling case for causation. Emergent research directions hold promise for identifying potential interventions to reduce disabilities, enhance giftedness, and improve lives of those with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Rebecca J Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
| | - Paula Krakowiak
- Department of Public Health Sciences, MIND Institute (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), University of California, Davis, Davis, California
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Neves de Oliveira BH, Dalmaz C, Zeidán-Chuliá F. Network-Based Identification of Altered Stem Cell Pluripotency and Calcium Signaling Pathways in Metastatic Melanoma. Med Sci (Basel) 2018. [PMID: 29518019 PMCID: PMC5872180 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignancy of cancer has been linked to distinct subsets of stem-like cells, the so-called cancer stem cells (CSCs), which persist during treatment and seem to lead to drug-resistant recurrence. Metastatic spread of cancer cells is one of the hallmarks of malignancy and contributes to most human melanoma-related deaths. Recently, overlapping groups of proteins and pathways were shown to regulate stem cell migration and cancer metastasis, raising the question of whether genes/proteins involved in stem cell pluripotency may have important implications when applied to the biology of cancer metastasis. Furthermore, it is well known that ion channels and receptors, particularly those responsible for calcium (Ca2+) signal generation, are critical in determining the cellular fate of stem cells (SCs). In the present study, we searched for evidence of altered stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling-related genes in the context of melanoma metastasis. We did this by using network analysis of gene expression in tissue biopsies from three different independent datasets of patients. First, we created an in silico network model (“STEMCa” interactome) showing the landscape of interactions between stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling-related genes/proteins, and demonstrated that around 51% (151 out of 294) of the genes within this model displayed significant changes of expression (False Discovery Rate (FDR), corrected p-value < 0.05) in at least one of the datasets of melanoma metastasis when compared with primary tumor biopsies (controls). Analysis of the properties (degree and betweenness) of the topological network revealed 27 members as the most central hub (HB) and nonhub-bottlenecks (NH-B) among the 294 genes/proteins of the whole interactome. From those representative genes, CTNNB1, GNAQ, GSK3B, GSTP1, MAPK3, PPP1CC, PRKACA, and SMAD4 showed equal up- or downregulation (corrected p-value < 0.05) in at least 2 independent datasets of melanoma metastases samples and PTPN11 showed upregulation (corrected p-value < 0.05) in three of them when compared with control samples. We postulate that altered expression of stem cell pluripotency and Ca2+ signaling pathway-related genes may contribute to the metastatic transformation, with these central members being an optimal candidate group of biomarkers and in silico therapeutic targets for melanoma metastasis, which deserve further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Hur Neves de Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Carla Dalmaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Fares Zeidán-Chuliá
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS 90035-003, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas y de la Salud, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Turku, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
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Chang CC, Chang YT, Huang CW, Tsai SJ, Hsu SW, Huang SH, Lee CC, Chang WN, Lui CC, Lien CY. Associations of Bcl-2 rs956572 genotype groups in the structural covariance network in early-stage Alzheimer's disease. ALZHEIMERS RESEARCH & THERAPY 2018; 10:17. [PMID: 29422088 PMCID: PMC5806294 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-018-0344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease, and genetic differences may mediate neuronal degeneration. In humans, a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) gene, rs956572, has been found to significantly modulate Bcl-2 protein expression in the brain. The Bcl-2 AA genotype has been associated with reduced Bcl-2 levels and lower gray matter volume in healthy populations. We hypothesized that different Bcl-2 genotype groups may modulate large-scale brain networks that determine neurobehavioral test scores. Methods Gray matter structural covariance networks (SCNs) were constructed in 104 patients with AD using T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with seed-based correlation analysis. The patients were stratified into two genotype groups on the basis of Bcl-2 expression (G carriers, n = 76; A homozygotes, n = 28). Four SCNs characteristic of AD were constructed from seeds in the default mode network, salience network, and executive control network, and cognitive test scores served as the major outcome factor. Results For the G carriers, influences of the SCNs were observed mostly in the default mode network, of which the peak clusters anchored by the posterior cingulate cortex seed determined the cognitive test scores. In contrast, genetic influences in the A homozygotes were found mainly in the executive control network, and both the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex seed and the interconnected peak clusters were correlated with the clinical scores. Despite a small number of cases, the A homozygotes showed greater covariance strength than the G carriers among all four SCNs. Conclusions Our results suggest that the Bcl-2 rs956572 polymorphism is associated with different strengths of structural covariance in AD that determine clinical outcomes. The greater covariance strength in the four SCNs shown in the A homozygotes suggests that different Bcl-2 polymorphisms play different modulatory roles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13195-018-0344-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Psychiatric Department, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hua Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Neng Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Chung Lui
- Division of Medical Imaging, E-Da Cancer Hospital and I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yi Lien
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, No. 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
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Lin PH, Tsai SJ, Huang CW, Mu-En L, Hsu SW, Lee CC, Chen NC, Chang YT, Lan MY, Chang CC. Dose-dependent genotype effects of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on default mode network in early stage Alzheimer's disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54200-54214. [PMID: 27494844 PMCID: PMC5342335 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In humans, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to play a pivotal role in neurocognition, and its gene contains a functional polymorphism (Val66Met) that may explain individual differences in brain volume and memory-related activity.In this study, we enrolled 186 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients who underwent 3D T1 magnetic resonance imaging, and explored the gray matter (GM) structural covariance networks (SCN). The patients were divided into three groups according to their genotype: Met/Met (n = 45), Val/Met (n = 86) and Val/Val (n = 55). Seed-based analysis was performed focusing on four SCN networks. Neurobehavioral scores served as the major outcome factor.Only peak cluster volumes of default mode medial temporal lobe network showed significant genotype interactions, of which the interconnected peak clusters showed dose-dependent genotype effects. There were also significant correlations between the cognitive test scores and interconnected-cluster volumes, especially in the orbitofrontal cortex.These findings support the hypothesis that BDNF rs6265 polymorphisms modulate entorhinal cortex-interconnected clusters and the valine allele was associated with stronger structural covariance patterns that determined the cognitive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Health and Beauty, Shu-Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Psychiatric Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Health and Beauty, Shu-Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Liu Mu-En
- Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Ching Chen
- Department of Health and Beauty, Shu-Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Health and Beauty, Shu-Zen College of Medicine and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Min-Yu Lan
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Lee CC, Hsu SW, Huang CW, Chang WN, Chen SF, Wu MK, Chang CC, Hwang LC, Chen PC. Effects of Homocysteine on white matter diffusion parameters in Alzheimer's disease. BMC Neurol 2017; 17:192. [PMID: 28985720 PMCID: PMC5639619 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-017-0970-7] [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: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical features of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are related to brain network degeneration, and hyperhomocysteinemia is related to greater white matter hyperintensities. We investigated the changes in four diffusion tensor imaging parameters in the white matter of patients with early stage AD, examined their associations with homocysteine level, and tested the clinical significance of the diffusion tensor imaging parameters and homocysteine level in correlation analysis with cognitive test scores. Methods We enrolled 132 patients with AD and analyzed white matter (WM) macrostructural changes using diffusion tensor neuroimaging parameters including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusion (MD), axial diffusivity (axial-D) and radial diffusivity (RD). Two neuroimaging post-processing analyses were performed to provide complementary data. First, we calculated 11 major bundle microstructural integrities using a WM parcellation algorithm, and correlated them with serum homocysteine levels to explore whether the fiber bundles were affected by homocysteine. Second, we used tract-based spatial statistics to explore the anatomical regions associated with homocysteine levels. Changes in cognitive test scores caused by homocysteine served as the major outcome factor. Results The results suggested that homocysteine levels did not have a direct impact on cross-sectional cognitive test scores, but that they were inversely correlated with renal function, B12 and folate levels. Topographies showing independent correlations with homocysteine in FA and MD were more diffusely located compared to the posterior brain regions in axial-D and RD. In the association bundle analysis, homocysteine levels were significantly correlated with the four diffusion parameters even after correcting for confounders, however no association between homocysteine and WM to predict cognitive outcomes was established. Conclusions In our patients with AD, homocysteine levels were associated with renal dysfunction and decreased levels of vitamin B12 and folate, all of which require clinical attention as they may have been associated with impaired WM microstructural integrity and modulated cognitive performance in cross-sectional observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chang Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Electrical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Neng Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sz-Fan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Kung Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Lain-Chyr Hwang
- Department of Electrical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Chou Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Huang CW, Hsu SW, Tsai SJ, Chen NC, Liu ME, Lee CC, Huang SH, Chang WN, Chang YT, Tsai WC, Chang CC. Genetic effect of interleukin-1 beta (C-511T) polymorphism on the structural covariance network and white matter integrity in Alzheimer's disease. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:12. [PMID: 28100246 PMCID: PMC5242022 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0791-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory processes play a pivotal role in the degenerative process of Alzheimer’s disease. In humans, a biallelic (C/T) polymorphism in the promoter region (position-511) (rs16944) of the interleukin-1 beta gene has been significantly associated with differences in the secretory capacity of interleukin-1 beta. In this study, we investigated whether this functional polymorphism mediates the brain networks in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Methods We enrolled a total of 135 patients with Alzheimer’s disease (65 males, 70 females), and investigated their gray matter structural covariance networks using 3D T1 magnetic resonance imaging and their white matter macro-structural integrities using fractional anisotropy. The patients were classified into two genotype groups: C-carriers (n = 108) and TT-carriers (n = 27), and the structural covariance networks were constructed using seed-based analysis focusing on the default mode network medial temporal or dorsal medial subsystem, salience network and executive control network. Neurobehavioral scores were used as the major outcome factors for clinical correlations. Results There were no differences between the two genotype groups in the cognitive test scores, seed, or peak cluster volumes and white matter fractional anisotropy. The covariance strength showing C-carriers > TT-carriers was the entorhinal-cingulum axis. There were two peak clusters (Brodmann 6 and 10) in the salience network and four peak clusters (superior prefrontal, precentral, fusiform, and temporal) in the executive control network that showed C-carriers < TT-carriers in covariance strength. The salience network and executive control network peak clusters in the TT group and the default mode network peak clusters in the C-carriers strongly predicted the cognitive test scores. Conclusions Interleukin-1 beta C-511 T polymorphism modulates the structural covariance strength on the anterior brain network and entorhinal-interconnected network which were independent of the white matter tract integrity. Depending on the specific C-511 T genotype, different network clusters could predict the cognitive tests. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-017-0791-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Wei Huang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Wei Hsu
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Niaosung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Psychiatric Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Psychiatric Division, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Ching Chen
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Mu-En Liu
- Psychiatric Department of Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chang Lee
- Department of Radiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Niaosung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Hua Huang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Niaosung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Weng-Neng Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Ting Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Tsai
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Chih Chang
- Department of Neurology, Cognition and Aging Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, #123, Ta-Pei Road, Niaosung, Kaohsiung County, 833, Taiwan.
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Westmark CJ, Sokol DK, Maloney B, Lahiri DK. Novel roles of amyloid-beta precursor protein metabolites in fragile X syndrome and autism. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:1333-41. [PMID: 27573877 PMCID: PMC5580495 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and is associated with up to 5% of autism cases. Several promising drugs are in preclinical testing for FXS; however, bench-to-bedside plans for the clinic are severely limited due to lack of validated biomarkers and outcome measures. Published work from our laboratories has demonstrated altered levels of amyloid-beta (Aβ) precursor protein (APP) and its metabolites in FXS and idiopathic autism. Westmark and colleagues have focused on β-secretase (amyloidogenic) processing and the accumulation of Aβ peptides in adult FXS models, whereas Lahiri and Sokol have studied α-secretase (non-amyloidogenic or anabolic) processing and altered levels of sAPPα and Aβ in pediatric autism and FXS. Thus, our groups have hypothesized a pivotal role for these Alzheimer's disease (AD)-related proteins in the neurodevelopmental disorders of FXS and autism. In this review, we discuss the contribution of APP metabolites to FXS and autism pathogenesis as well as the potential use of these metabolites as blood-based biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Our future focus is to identify key underlying mechanisms through which APP metabolites contribute to FXS and autism condition-to-disease pathology. Positive outcomes will support utilizing APP metabolites as blood-based biomarkers in clinical trials as well as testing drugs that modulate APP processing as potential disease therapeutics. Our studies to understand the role of APP metabolites in developmental conditions such as FXS and autism are a quantum leap for the neuroscience field, which has traditionally restricted any role of APP to AD and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara J. Westmark
- University of Wisconsin, Department of Neurology, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Deborah K. Sokol
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Bryan Maloney
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
| | - Debomoy K. Lahiri
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatric Research, Indianapolis, IN USA
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Puig-Alcaraz C, Fuentes-Albero M, Cauli O. Relationship between adipic acid concentration and the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2016; 242:39-45. [PMID: 27259135 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 05/20/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dicarboxylic acids are an important source of information about metabolism and potential physiopathological alterations in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We measured the concentration between dicarboxylic adipic and suberic acids in children with an ASD and typically-developing (TD) children and analyzed any relationships between the severity of the core symptoms of ASDs and other clinical features (drugs, supplements, drugs, or diet). The core symptoms of autism were evaluated using the DSM-IV criteria, and adipic acid and suberic acid were measured in urine samples. Overall, no increase in the concentration of adipic acid in children with ASDs compared to TD children, however when considering vitamin B supplementation in ASD there were significantly increased level of urinary adipic acid in children with an ASD not taking vitamin B supplementation compared to supplemented children or to TD children. No significant difference were observed in suberic acid. Interestingly, the increase in adipic acid concentration was significantly and indirectly correlated with the severity of the deficit in socialization and communication skills in children with an ASD. Therefore, therapeutic treatments aimed at decreasing adipic acid concentration might not be beneficial for treating the core symptoms of ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Puig-Alcaraz
- Area of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Hospital of Sagunto, Sagunto, Valencia, Spain; Departamento de Medicina y Cirugía, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, Castellón de la Plana, 12006 Castellón, Spain
| | | | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Folmsbee SS, Wilcox DR, Tyberghein K, De Bleser P, Tourtellotte WG, van Hengel J, van Roy F, Gottardi CJ. αT-catenin in restricted brain cell types and its potential connection to autism. J Mol Psychiatry 2016; 4:2. [PMID: 27330745 PMCID: PMC4915096 DOI: 10.1186/s40303-016-0017-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent genetic association studies have linked the cadherin-based adherens junction protein alpha-T-catenin (αT-cat, CTNNA3) with the development of autism. Where αT-cat is expressed in the brain, and how its loss could contribute to this disorder, are entirely unknown. METHODS We used the αT-cat knockout mouse to examine the localization of αT-cat in the brain, and we used histology and immunofluorescence analysis to examine the neurobiological consequences of its loss. RESULTS We found that αT-cat comprises the ependymal cell junctions of the ventricles of the brain, and its loss led to compensatory upregulation of αE-cat expression. Notably, αT-cat was not detected within the choroid plexus, which relies on cell junction components common to typical epithelial cells. While αT-cat was not detected in neurons of the cerebral cortex, it was abundantly detected within neuronal structures of the molecular layer of the cerebellum. Although αT-cat loss led to no overt differences in cerebral or cerebellar structure, RNA-sequencing analysis from wild type versus knockout cerebella identified a number of disease-relevant signaling pathways associated with αT-cat loss, such as GABA-A receptor activation. CONCLUSIONS These findings raise the possibility that the genetic associations between αT-cat and autism may be due to ependymal and cerebellar defects, and highlight the potential importance of a seemingly redundant adherens junction component to a neurological disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Sai Folmsbee
- />Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />The Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 240 East Huron St., McGaw Pavilion, M-323, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Douglas R. Wilcox
- />Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />The Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 240 East Huron St., McGaw Pavilion, M-323, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Koen Tyberghein
- />Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- />Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter De Bleser
- />Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- />Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Warren G. Tourtellotte
- />Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />The Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 240 East Huron St., McGaw Pavilion, M-323, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Jolanda van Hengel
- />Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- />Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
- />Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frans van Roy
- />Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- />Inflammation Research Center, Flanders Institute for Biotechnology (VIB), B-9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cara J. Gottardi
- />Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
- />The Driskill Graduate Training Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 240 East Huron St., McGaw Pavilion, M-323, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
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Teng BL, Nikolova VD, Riddick NV, Agster KL, Crowley JJ, Baker LK, Koller BH, Pedersen CA, Jarstfer MB, Moy SS. Reversal of social deficits by subchronic oxytocin in two autism mouse models. Neuropharmacology 2016; 105:61-71. [PMID: 26748053 PMCID: PMC4873352 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2015] [Revised: 11/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Social deficits are a hallmark feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental syndromes. Although there is no standard treatment for social dysfunction, clinical studies have identified oxytocin as a potential therapeutic with prosocial efficacy. We have previously reported that peripheral oxytocin treatment can increase sociability and ameliorate repetitive stereotypy in adolescent mice from the C58/J model of ASD-like behavior. In the present study, we determined that prosocial oxytocin effects were not limited to the adolescent period, since C58/J mice, tested in adulthood, demonstrated significant social preference up to 2 weeks following subchronic oxytocin treatment. Oxytocin was also evaluated in adult mice with underexpression of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor NR1 subunit (encoded by Grin1), a genetic model of autism- and schizophrenia-like behavior. Subchronic oxytocin had striking prosocial efficacy in male Grin1 knockdown mice; in contrast, chronic regimens with clozapine (66 mg/kg/day) or risperidone (2 mg/kg/day) failed to reverse deficits in sociability. Neither the subchronic oxytocin regimen, nor chronic treatment with clozapine or risperidone, reversed impaired prepulse inhibition in the Grin1 knockdown mice. Overall, these studies demonstrate oxytocin can enhance sociability in mouse models with divergent genotypes and behavioral profiles, adding to the evidence that this neurohormone could have therapeutic prosocial efficacy across a spectrum of developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian L Teng
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Natallia V Riddick
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Kara L Agster
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - James J Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lorinda K Baker
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Beverly H Koller
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Cort A Pedersen
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michael B Jarstfer
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Tuand K, Stijnen P, Volders K, Declercq J, Nuytens K, Meulemans S, Creemers J. Nuclear Localization of the Autism Candidate Gene Neurobeachin and Functional Interaction with the NOTCH1 Intracellular Domain Indicate a Role in Regulating Transcription. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151954. [PMID: 26999814 PMCID: PMC4801420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurobeachin (NBEA) is an autism spectrum disorders (ASD) candidate gene. NBEA deficiency affects regulated secretion, receptor trafficking, synaptic architecture and protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated phosphorylation. NBEA is a large multidomain scaffolding protein. From N- to C-terminus, NBEA has a concanavalin A-like lectin domain flanked by armadillo repeats (ACA), an A-kinase anchoring protein domain that can bind to PKA, a domain of unknown function (DUF1088) and a BEACH domain, preceded by a pleckstrin homology-like domain and followed by WD40 repeats (PBW). Although most of these domains mediate protein-protein interactions, no interaction screen has yet been performed. METHODS Yeast two-hybrid screens with the ACA and PBW domain modules of NBEA gave a list of interaction partners, which were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment. Neuro-2a cells were used for confocal microscopy and nuclear extraction analysis. NOTCH-mediated transcription was studied with luciferase reporter assays and qRT-PCR, combined with NBEA knockdown or overexpression. RESULTS Both domain modules showed a GO enrichment for the nucleus. PBW almost exclusively interacted with transcription regulators, while ACA interacted with a number of PKA substrates. NBEA was partially localized in the nucleus of Neuro-2a cells, albeit much less than in the cytoplasm. A nuclear localization signal was found in the DUF1088 domain, which was shown to contribute to the nuclear localization of an EGFP-DPBW fusion protein. Yeast two-hybrid identified the Notch1 intracellular domain as a physical interactor of the PBW domain and a role for NBEA as a negative regulator in Notch-mediated transcription was demonstrated. CONCLUSION Defining novel interaction partners of conserved NBEA domain modules identified a role for NBEA as transcriptional regulator in the nucleus. The physical interaction of NBEA with NOTCH1 is most relevant for ASD pathogenesis because NOTCH signaling is essential for neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krizia Tuand
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Stijnen
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien Volders
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Kim Nuytens
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Autism Research consortium (LAuRes), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - John Creemers
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Zeidán-Chuliá F, Gürsoy M, Neves de Oliveira BH, Özdemir V, Könönen E, Gürsoy UK. A Systems Biology Approach to Reveal Putative Host-Derived Biomarkers of Periodontitis by Network Topology Characterization of MMP-REDOX/NO and Apoptosis Integrated Pathways. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2016; 5:102. [PMID: 26793622 PMCID: PMC4707239 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontitis, a formidable global health burden, is a common chronic disease that destroys tooth-supporting tissues. Biomarkers of the early phase of this progressive disease are of utmost importance for global health. In this context, saliva represents a non-invasive biosample. By using systems biology tools, we aimed to (1) identify an integrated interactome between matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-REDOX/nitric oxide (NO) and apoptosis upstream pathways of periodontal inflammation, and (2) characterize the attendant topological network properties to uncover putative biomarkers to be tested in saliva from patients with periodontitis. Hence, we first generated a protein-protein network model of interactions ("BIOMARK" interactome) by using the STRING 10 database, a search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins, with "Experiments" and "Databases" as input options and a confidence score of 0.400. Second, we determined the centrality values (closeness, stress, degree or connectivity, and betweenness) for the "BIOMARK" members by using the Cytoscape software. We found Ubiquitin C (UBC), Jun proto-oncogene (JUN), and matrix metalloproteinase-14 (MMP14) as the most central hub- and non-hub-bottlenecks among the 211 genes/proteins of the whole interactome. We conclude that UBC, JUN, and MMP14 are likely an optimal candidate group of host-derived biomarkers, in combination with oral pathogenic bacteria-derived proteins, for detecting periodontitis at its early phase by using salivary samples from patients. These findings therefore have broader relevance for systems medicine in global health as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fares Zeidán-Chuliá
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do SulPorto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of TurkuTurku, Finland
| | - Mervi Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku Turku, Finland
| | - Ben-Hur Neves de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vural Özdemir
- Faculty of Communications and Office of the President, International Technology and Innovation Policy, Gaziantep UniversityGaziantep, Turkey; Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Amrita University)Kollam, India
| | - Eija Könönen
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of TurkuTurku, Finland; Oral Health Care, Welfare DivisionTurku, Finland
| | - Ulvi K Gürsoy
- Department of Periodontology, Institute of Dentistry, University of Turku Turku, Finland
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Higdon R, Earl RK, Stanberry L, Hudac CM, Montague E, Stewart E, Janko I, Choiniere J, Broomall W, Kolker N, Bernier RA, Kolker E. The promise of multi-omics and clinical data integration to identify and target personalized healthcare approaches in autism spectrum disorders. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 19:197-208. [PMID: 25831060 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2015.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Complex diseases are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, creating a difficult challenge for diagnosis and defining subtypes. This review article describes how distinct disease subtypes can be identified through integration and analysis of clinical and multi-omics data. A broad shift toward molecular subtyping of disease using genetic and omics data has yielded successful results in cancer and other complex diseases. To determine molecular subtypes, patients are first classified by applying clustering methods to different types of omics data, then these results are integrated with clinical data to characterize distinct disease subtypes. An example of this molecular-data-first approach is in research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), a spectrum of social communication disorders marked by tremendous etiological and phenotypic heterogeneity. In the case of ASD, omics data such as exome sequences and gene and protein expression data are combined with clinical data such as psychometric testing and imaging to enable subtype identification. Novel ASD subtypes have been proposed, such as CHD8, using this molecular subtyping approach. Broader use of molecular subtyping in complex disease research is impeded by data heterogeneity, diversity of standards, and ineffective analysis tools. The future of molecular subtyping for ASD and other complex diseases calls for an integrated resource to identify disease mechanisms, classify new patients, and inform effective treatment options. This in turn will empower and accelerate precision medicine and personalized healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Higdon
- 1 Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis Laboratory, Seattle Children's Research Institute , Seattle, Washington
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Contreras JA, Goñi J, Risacher SL, Sporns O, Saykin AJ. The Structural and Functional Connectome and Prediction of Risk for Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2015; 2:234-245. [PMID: 27034914 PMCID: PMC4809258 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-015-0056-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The human connectome refers to a comprehensive description of the brain's structural and functional connections in terms of brain networks. As the field of brain connectomics has developed, data acquisition, subsequent processing and modeling, and ultimately the representation of the connectome have become better defined and integrated with network science approaches. In this way, the human connectome has provided a way to elucidate key features of not only the healthy brain but also diseased brains. The field has quickly evolved, offering insights into network disruptions that are characteristic for specific neurodegenerative disorders. In this paper, we provide a brief review of the field of brain connectomics, as well as a more in-depth survey of recent studies that have provided new insights into brain network pathologies, including those found in Alzheimer's disease (AD), patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and finally in people classified as being "at risk". Until the emergence of brain connectomics, most previous studies had assessed neurodegenerative diseases mainly by focusing on specific and dispersed locales in the brain. Connectomics-based approaches allow us to model the brain as a network, which allows for inferences about how dynamic changes in brain function would be affected in relation to structural changes. In fact, looking at diseases using network theory gives rise to new hypotheses on mechanisms of pathophysiology and clinical symptoms. Finally, we discuss the future of this field and how understanding both the functional and structural connectome can aid in gaining sharper insight into changes in biological brain networks associated with cognitive impairment and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey A. Contreras
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Program, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Joaquín Goñi
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Program, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Shannon L. Risacher
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Program, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Olaf Sporns
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Andrew J. Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Medical Neuroscience Program, Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Puig-Alcaraz C, Fuentes-Albero M, Calderón J, Garrote D, Cauli O. Increased homocysteine levels correlate with the communication deficit in children with autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:1031-7. [PMID: 26070768 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The clinical significance of high levels of homocysteine in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unknown. An experimental study was conducted in order to evaluate the concentration of homocysteine in children with ASD and typically developing children and to analyse any relationships with the severity of core symptoms of ASD and other clinical features (drugs, co-morbidities, gender, age, diet). Core symptoms of autism were evaluated by DSM-IV criteria. Homocysteine, glutathione, methionine, 3-nitrotyrosine were measured in urine. The increase in homocysteine concentration was significantly and directly correlated with the severity of the deficit in communication skills, but was unrelated to deficit in socialisation or repetitive/restricted behaviour. Urinary homocysteine concentration may be a possible biomarker for communication deficits in ASD and a potential diagnostic tool useful to evaluate new treatment options since no treatment for core symptoms of ASD are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Puig-Alcaraz
- Area of Mental Health and Psychiatry, Hospital of Sagunto, Sagunto, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, c/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010 Valencia, Spain.
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Up-Regulation of Oligodendrocyte Lineage Markers in the Cerebellum of Autistic Patients: Evidence from Network Analysis of Gene Expression. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4019-4025. [PMID: 26189831 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder manifested by impaired social interaction, deficits in communication skills, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. In neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders, glial cells undergo morphological, biochemical, and functional rearrangements, which are critical for neuronal development, neurotransmission, and synaptic connectivity. Cerebellar function is not limited to motor coordination but also contributes to cognition and may be affected in autism. Oligodendrocytes and specifically oligodendroglial precursors are highly susceptible to oxidative stress and excitotoxic insult. In the present study, we searched for evidence for developmental oligodendropathy in the context of autism by performing a network analysis of gene expression of cerebellar tissue. We created an in silico network model (OLIGO) showing the landscape of interactions between oligodendrocyte markers and demonstrated that more than 50 % (16 out of 30) of the genes within this model displayed significant changes of expression (corrected p value <0.05) in the cerebellum of autistic patients. In particular, we found up-regulation of OLIG2-, MBP-, OLIG1-, and MAG-specific oligodendrocyte markers. We postulate that aberrant expression of oligodendrocyte-specific genes, potentially related to changes in oligodendrogenesis, may contribute to abnormal cerebellar development, impaired myelination, and anomalous synaptic connectivity in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
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Bakos J, Bacova Z, Grant SG, Castejon AM, Ostatnikova D. Are Molecules Involved in Neuritogenesis and Axon Guidance Related to Autism Pathogenesis? Neuromolecular Med 2015; 17:297-304. [PMID: 25989848 DOI: 10.1007/s12017-015-8357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous disease, and numerous alterations of gene expression come into play to attempt to explain potential molecular and pathophysiological causes. Abnormalities of brain development and connectivity associated with alterations in cytoskeletal rearrangement, neuritogenesis and elongation of axons and dendrites might represent or contribute to the structural basis of autism pathology. Slit/Robo signaling regulates cytoskeletal remodeling related to axonal and dendritic branching. Components of its signaling pathway (ABL and Cdc42) are suspected to be molecular bases of alterations of normal development. The present review describes the most important mechanisms underlying neuritogenesis, axon pathfinding and the role of GTPases in neurite outgrowth, with special emphasis on alterations associated with autism spectrum disorders. On the basis of analysis of publicly available microarray data, potential biomarkers of autism are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Vlarska 3, Bratislava, Slovakia,
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Naviaux JC, Wang L, Li K, Bright AT, Alaynick WA, Williams KR, Powell SB, Naviaux RK. Antipurinergic therapy corrects the autism-like features in the Fragile X (Fmr1 knockout) mouse model. Mol Autism 2015; 6:1. [PMID: 25705365 PMCID: PMC4334917 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-6-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study was designed to test a new approach to drug treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in the Fragile X (Fmr1) knockout mouse model. Methods We used behavioral analysis, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, electron microscopy, and western analysis to test the hypothesis that the disturbances in social behavior, novelty preference, metabolism, and synapse structure are treatable with antipurinergic therapy (APT). Results Weekly treatment with the purinergic antagonist suramin (20 mg/kg intraperitoneally), started at 9 weeks of age, restored normal social behavior, and improved metabolism, and brain synaptosomal structure. Abnormalities in synaptosomal glutamate, endocannabinoid, purinergic, and IP3 receptor expression, complement C1q, TDP43, and amyloid β precursor protein (APP) were corrected. Comprehensive metabolomic analysis identified 20 biochemical pathways associated with symptom improvements. Seventeen pathways were shared with human ASD, and 11 were shared with the maternal immune activation (MIA) model of ASD. These metabolic pathways were previously identified as functionally related mediators of the evolutionarily conserved cell danger response (CDR). Conclusions The data show that antipurinergic therapy improves the multisystem, ASD-like features of both the environmental MIA, and the genetic Fragile X models. These abnormalities appeared to be traceable to mitochondria and regulated by purinergic signaling. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/2040-2392-6-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane C Naviaux
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA
| | - Lin Wang
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA
| | - Kefeng Li
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA
| | - A Taylor Bright
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA
| | - William A Alaynick
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA
| | - Kenneth R Williams
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; General Atomics, Inc, San Diego, CA USA
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Robert K Naviaux
- The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 214 Dickinson St., Bldg CTF, Rm C102, San Diego, CA 92103-8467 USA ; Veterans Affairs Center for Excellence in Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), La Jolla, CA USA
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