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Gergues MM, Lalani LK, Kheirbek MA. Identifying dysfunctional cell types and circuits in animal models for psychiatric disorders with calcium imaging. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01942-y. [PMID: 39122815 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01942-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
A central goal of neuroscience is to understand how the brain transforms external stimuli and internal bodily signals into patterns of activity that underlie cognition, emotional states, and behavior. Understanding how these patterns of activity may be disrupted in mental illness is crucial for developing novel therapeutics. It is well appreciated that psychiatric disorders are complex, circuit-based disorders that arise from dysfunctional activity patterns generated in discrete cell types and their connections. Recent advances in large-scale, cell-type specific calcium imaging approaches have shed new light on the cellular, circuit, and network-level dysfunction in animal models for psychiatric disorders. Here, we highlight a series of recent findings over the last ~10 years from in vivo calcium imaging studies that show how aberrant patterns of activity in discrete cell types and circuits may underlie behavioral deficits in animal models for several psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. by elucidating cell types and their activity patterns. These advances in calcium imaging in pre-clinical models demonstrate the power of cell-type-specific imaging tools in understanding the underlying dysfunction in cell types, activity patterns, and neural circuits that may contribute to disease and provide new blueprints for developing more targeted therapeutics and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark M Gergues
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Lahin K Lalani
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mazen A Kheirbek
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Medeiros D, Polepalli L, Li W, Pozzo-Miller L. Altered activity of mPFC pyramidal neurons and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons during social interactions in a Mecp2 mouse model for Rett syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.06.606882. [PMID: 39149275 PMCID: PMC11326302 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.06.606882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Social memory impairments in Mecp2 knockout (KO) mice result from altered neuronal activity in the monosynaptic projection from the ventral hippocampus (vHIP) to the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The hippocampal network is hyperactive in this model for Rett syndrome, and such atypically heightened neuronal activity propagates to the mPFC through this monosynaptic projection, resulting in altered mPFC network activity and social memory deficits. However, the underlying mechanism of cellular dysfunction within this projection between vHIP pyramidal neurons (PYR) and mPFC PYRs and parvalbumin interneurons (PV-IN) resulting in social memory impairments in Mecp2 KO mice has yet to be elucidated. We confirmed social memory (but not sociability ) deficits in Mecp2 KO mice using a new 4-chamber social memory arena, designed to minimize the impact of the tethering to optical fibers required for simultaneous in vivo fiber photometry of Ca 2+ -sensor signals during social interactions. mPFC PYRs of wildtype (WT) mice showed increases in Ca 2+ signal amplitude during explorations of a novel toy mouse and interactions with both familiar and novel mice, while PYRs of Mecp2 KO mice showed smaller Ca 2+ signals during interactions only with live mice. On the other hand, mPFC PV-INs of Mecp2 KO mice showed larger Ca 2+ signals during interactions with a familiar cage-mate compared to those signals in PYRs, a difference absent in the WT mice. These observations suggest atypically heightened inhibition and impaired excitation in the mPFC network of Mecp2 KO mice during social interactions, potentially driving their deficit in social memory.
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Walker H, Frost NA. Distinct transcriptional programs define a heterogeneous neuronal ensemble for social interaction. iScience 2024; 27:110355. [PMID: 39045099 PMCID: PMC11263963 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Social interactions are encoded by the coordinated activity of heterogeneous cell types within distributed brain regions including the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, our understanding of the cell types which comprise the social ensemble has been limited by available mouse lines and reliance on single marker genes. We identified differentially active neuronal populations during social interactions by quantifying immediate-early gene (IEG) expression using snRNA-sequencing. These studies revealed that distinct prefrontal neuron populations composed of heterogeneous cell types are activated by social interaction. Evaluation of IEG expression within these recruited neuronal populations revealed cell-type and region-specific programs, suggesting that reliance on a single molecular marker is insufficient to quantify activation across all cell types. Our findings provide a comprehensive description of cell-type specific transcriptional programs invoked by social interactions and reveal insights into the neuronal populations which compose the social ensemble.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailee Walker
- University of Utah, Department of Neurology, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Frost
- University of Utah, Department of Neurology, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, USA
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Liang ZK, Xiong W, Wang C, Chen L, Zou X, Mai JW, Dong B, Guo C, Xin WJ, Luo DX, Xu T, Feng X. Resolving neuroinflammatory and social deficits in ASD model mice: Dexmedetomidine downregulates NF-κB/IL-6 pathway via α2AR. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:84-95. [PMID: 38552922 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that severely affects individuals' daily life and social development. Unfortunately, there are currently no effective treatments for ASD. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective agonist of α2 adrenergic receptor (α2AR) and is widely used as a first-line medication for sedation and hypnosis in clinical practice. In recent years, there have been reports suggesting its potential positive effects on improving emotional and cognitive functions. However, whether dexmedetomidine has therapeutic effects on the core symptoms of ASD, namely social deficits and repetitive behaviors, remains to be investigated. In the present study, we employed various behavioral tests to assess the phenotypes of animals, including the three-chamber, self-grooming, marble burying, open field, and elevated plus maze. Additionally, electrophysiological recordings, western blotting, qPCR were mainly used to investigate and validate the potential mechanisms underlying the role of dexmedetomidine. We found that intraperitoneal injection of dexmedetomidine in ASD model mice-BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice could adaptively improve their social deficits. Further, we observed a significant reduction in c-Fos positive signals and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression level in the prelimbic cortex (PrL) of the BTBR mice treated with dexmedetomidine. Enhancing or inhibiting the action of IL-6 directly affects the social behavior of BTBR mice. Mechanistically, we have found that NF-κB p65 is a key pathway regulating IL-6 expression in the PrL region. In addition, we have confirmed that the α2AR acts as a receptor switch mediating the beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine in improving social deficits. This study provides the first evidence of the beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine on core symptoms of ASD and offers a theoretical basis and potential therapeutic approach for the clinical treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng-Kai Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Xin Zou
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jing-Wen Mai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou 516000, PR China
| | - Bo Dong
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Chongqi Guo
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Wen-Jun Xin
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - De-Xing Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou Central People's Hospital, Huizhou 516000, PR China.
| | - Ting Xu
- Neuroscience Program, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Xia Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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Cording KR, Tu EM, Wang H, Agopyan-Miu AHCW, Bateup HS. Cntnap2 loss drives striatal neuron hyperexcitability and behavioral inflexibility. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593387. [PMID: 38766169 PMCID: PMC11100810 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by two major diagnostic criteria - persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). Evidence from both human and animal model studies of ASD suggest that alteration of striatal circuits, which mediate motor learning, action selection, and habit formation, may contribute to the manifestation of RRBs. CNTNAP2 is a syndromic ASD risk gene, and loss of function of Cntnap2 in mice is associated with RRBs. How loss of Cntnap2 impacts striatal neuron function is largely unknown. In this study, we utilized Cntnap2-/- mice to test whether altered striatal neuron activity contributes to aberrant motor behaviors relevant to ASD. We find that Cntnap2-/- mice exhibit increased cortical drive of striatal projection neurons (SPNs), with the most pronounced effects in direct pathway SPNs. This enhanced drive is likely due to increased intrinsic excitability of SPNs, which make them more responsive to cortical inputs. We also find that Cntnap2-/- mice exhibit spontaneous repetitive behaviors, increased motor routine learning, and cognitive inflexibility. Increased corticostriatal drive, in particular of the direct pathway, may contribute to the acquisition of repetitive, inflexible behaviors in Cntnap2 mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Emilie M. Tu
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Hongli Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
| | | | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA USA
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Tudi A, Yao M, Tang F, Zhou J, Li A, Gong H, Jiang T, Li X. Subregion preference in the long-range connectome of pyramidal neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex. BMC Biol 2024; 22:95. [PMID: 38679719 PMCID: PMC11057135 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01880-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is involved in complex functions containing multiple types of neurons in distinct subregions with preferential roles. The pyramidal neurons had wide-range projections to cortical and subcortical regions with subregional preferences. Using a combination of viral tracing and fluorescence micro-optical sectioning tomography (fMOST) in transgenic mice, we systematically dissected the whole-brain connectomes of intratelencephalic (IT) and pyramidal tract (PT) neurons in four mPFC subregions. RESULTS IT and PT neurons of the same subregion projected to different target areas while receiving inputs from similar upstream regions with quantitative differences. IT and PT neurons all project to the amygdala and basal forebrain, but their axons target different subregions. Compared to subregions in the prelimbic area (PL) which have more connections with sensorimotor-related regions, the infralimbic area (ILA) has stronger connections with limbic regions. The connection pattern of the mPFC subregions along the anterior-posterior axis showed a corresponding topological pattern with the isocortex and amygdala but an opposite orientation correspondence with the thalamus. CONCLUSIONS By using transgenic mice and fMOST imaging, we obtained the subregional preference whole-brain connectomes of IT and pyramidal tract PT neurons in the mPFC four subregions. These results provide a comprehensive resource for directing research into the complex functions of the mPFC by offering anatomical dissections of the different subregions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayizuohere Tudi
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mei Yao
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feifang Tang
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhou
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Anan Li
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Britton Chance Center for Biomedical Photonics, Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics, MoE Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xiangning Li
- HUST-Suzhou Institute for Brainsmatics, JITRI, Suzhou, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China.
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Xue Y, Dong HY, Feng JY, Bai MS, Li D, Yang H, Jia FY. Parent-child interaction related to brain functional alterations and development outcomes in autism spectrum disorder: A study based on resting state-fMRI. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 147:104701. [PMID: 38402713 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited study has investigated the influence of parent-child interaction on brain functional alterations and development outcomes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children. This pilot study aimed to explore the relationship between parent-child interaction, brain functional activities and development outcomes of ASD children. METHODS and Procedures: 653 ASD with an average age of 41.06 ± 10.88 months and 102 typically developmental (TD) children with an average age of 44.35 ± 18.39 months were enrolled in this study, of whom 155 ASD completed brain rs-fMRI scans. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) measured using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data reflect local brain function. The parent-child interaction was assessed by the Chinese Parent-child Interaction Scale (CPCIS). Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and developmental quotient (DQ) indicated development outcomes. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Total CPCIS score was negatively correlated with CARS total score, and positively correlated with DQ. The frequency of parent-child interaction was negatively correlated with ALFF values in the left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri (DCG.L) and ReHo values in the right superior frontal gyrus, medial (SFGmed.R)(P < 0.05, FDR correction). ALFF values in the DCG.L and ReHo values in the SFGmed.R play complete mediating roles in the relationship between parent-child interaction and performance DQ. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study suggest that parent-child interaction has an impact on autistic characteristics and DQ of ASD children. Local brain regions with functional abnormalities in the DCG.L and SFGmed.R may be a crucial factors affecting the performance development of ASD children with reduced parent-child interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xue
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of the First Hospital of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Child Health Clinical Research Center of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Han-Yu Dong
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of the First Hospital of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Child Health Clinical Research Center of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Jun-Yan Feng
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of the First Hospital of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Child Health Clinical Research Center of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Miao-Shui Bai
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of the First Hospital of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Child Health Clinical Research Center of Jilin Province, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University, Beihua University, Jilin, China
| | - Fei-Yong Jia
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of the First Hospital of Jilin University, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China; The Child Health Clinical Research Center of Jilin Province, Changchun, China.
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Zuo X, Zhang S, Bai H, Yu Q, Zhao Q, Sun M, Zhao X, Feng X. Effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in mice and protective potential of exogenous melatonin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:29385-29399. [PMID: 38573577 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33148-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) is widely used in the manufacture of plastic products and potentially disrupts several physiological processes, but its biological effects on social behavior remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of BHPF exposure on anxiety-like and social behavior in female mice and the potential mechanisms, thereby proposing a potential therapy strategy. We exposed female Balb/c mice to BHPF by oral gavage at different doses (0.5, 50 mg/kg bw/2-day) for 28 days, which were found BHPF (50 mg/kg) exposure affected motor activity in the open field test (OFT) and elevated cross maze (EPM), resulting in anxiety-like behaviors, as well as abnormal social behavioral deficits in the Social Interaction Test (SIT). Analysis of histopathological staining results showed that BHPF exposure caused damage to hippocampal neurons in the CA1/CA3/DG region and decreased Nissl pyramidal neurons in the CA1/CA3 regions of the hippocampus, as well as a decrease in parvalbumin neuron expression. In addition, BHPF exposure upregulated the expression of excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) vesicle transporter genes (Vglut1, Vglut2, VGAT, GAD67, Gabra) and axon growth gene (Dcc) in the mouse hippocampus. Interestingly, behavioral disturbances and E/I balance could be alleviated by exogenous melatonin (15 mg/kg bw/2-day) therapy. Our findings suggest that exogenous melatonin may be a potential therapy with protective potential for ameliorating or preventing BHPF-induced hippocampal neuronal damage and behavioral disturbances. This study provided new insight into the neurotoxicological effects on organisms exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and aroused our vigilance in current environmental safety about chemical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Zuo
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Shuhui Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Huijuan Bai
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qian Yu
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Qili Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Institute of Robotics & Automatic Information System, College of Artificial Intelligence, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Weijin Road 94, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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MacDowell CJ, Briones BA, Lenzi MJ, Gustison ML, Buschman TJ. Differences in the expression of cortex-wide neural dynamics are related to behavioral phenotype. Curr Biol 2024; 34:1333-1340.e6. [PMID: 38417445 PMCID: PMC10965364 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Behavior differs across individuals, ranging from typical to atypical phenotypes.1 Understanding how differences in behavior relate to differences in neural activity is critical for developing treatments of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. One hypothesis is that differences in behavior reflect individual differences in the dynamics of how information flows through the brain. In support of this, the correlation of neural activity between brain areas, termed "functional connectivity," varies across individuals2 and is disrupted in autism,3 schizophrenia,4 and depression.5 However, the changes in neural activity that underlie altered behavior and functional connectivity remain unclear. Here, we show that individual differences in the expression of different patterns of cortical neural dynamics explain variability in both functional connectivity and behavior. Using mesoscale imaging, we recorded neural activity across the dorsal cortex of behaviorally "typical" and "atypical" mice. All mice shared the same recurring cortex-wide spatiotemporal motifs of neural activity, and these motifs explained the large majority of variance in cortical activity (>75%). However, individuals differed in how frequently different motifs were expressed. These differences in motif expression explained differences in functional connectivity and behavior across both typical and atypical mice. Our results suggest that differences in behavior and functional connectivity are due to changes in the processes that select which pattern of neural activity is expressed at each moment in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camden J MacDowell
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, 125 Paterson Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Brandy A Briones
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Michael J Lenzi
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
| | - Morgan L Gustison
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Psychology, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada
| | - Timothy J Buschman
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540 USA; Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA.
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Wang L, Wang S, Mo W, Li Y, Yang Q, Tian Y, Zheng C, Yang J, Ming D. Ultrasound Stimulation Attenuates CRS-Induced Depressive Behavior by Modulating Dopamine Release in the Prefrontal Cortex. IEEE Trans Neural Syst Rehabil Eng 2024; 32:1314-1323. [PMID: 38498742 DOI: 10.1109/tnsre.2024.3378976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Depression is one of the most serious mental disorders affecting modern human life and is often caused by chronic stress. Dopamine system dysfunction is proposed to contribute to the pathophysiology of chronic stress, especially the ventral tegmental area (VTA) which mainly consists of dopaminergic neurons. Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) is a promising neuromodulation modality and multiple studies have demonstrated effective ultrasonic activation of cortical, subcortical, and related networks. However, the effects of FUS on the dopamine system and the potential link to chronic stress-induced depressive behaviors are relatively unknown. Here, we measured the effects of FUS targeting VTA on the improvement of depression-like behavior and evaluated the dopamine concentration in the downstream region - medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that targeting VTA FUS treatment alleviated chronic restraint stress (CRS) -induced anhedonia and despair behavior. Using an in vivo photometry approach, we analyzed the dopamine signal of mPFC and revealed a significant increase following the FUS, positively associated with the improvement of anhedonia behavior. FUS also protected the dopaminergic neurons in VTA from the damage caused by CRS exposure. Thus, these results demonstrated that targeting VTA FUS treatment significantly rescued the depressive-like behavior and declined dopamine level of mPFC induced by CRS. These beneficial effects of FUS might be due to protection in the DA neuron of VTA. Our findings suggest that FUS treatment could serve as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of stress-related disorders.
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Zhang Q, Wang Y, Tao J, Xia R, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Cheng J. Sex-biased single-cell genetic landscape in mice with autism spectrum disorder. J Genet Genomics 2024; 51:338-351. [PMID: 37703921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a male-biased, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 1%-2% of the population. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is a recognized risk factor for ASD, but the cellular and molecular basis of VPA-induced ASD at the single-cell resolution is unclear. Here, we aim to compare the cellular and molecular differences in the hippocampus between male and female prenatal mice with ASD at the single-cell transcriptomic level. The transcriptomes of more than 45,000 cells are assigned to 12 major cell types, including neurons, glial cells, vascular cells, and immune cells. Cell type-specific genes with altered expression after prenatal VPA exposure are analyzed, and the largest number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are found in neurons, choroid plexus epithelial cells, and microglia. In microglia, several pathways related to inflammation are found in both males and females, including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor (TLR), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, which are important for the induction of autistic-like behavior. Additionally, we note that several X-linked genes, including Bex1, Bex3, and Gria3, were among the male-specific DEGs of neurons. This pioneering study describes the landscape of the transcriptome in the hippocampus of autistic mice. The elucidation of sexual differences could provide innovative strategies for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jie Tao
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Ruixue Xia
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan University Huaihe Hospital, Kaifeng, Henan 475099, China
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Henan University Huaihe Hospital, Kaifeng, Henan 475099, China
| | - Zhirui Liu
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Jiwei Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Central Laboratory, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200062, China.
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12
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Liu QQ, Mi J, Du YY, Rong Z, Qin Y, Jiang W, Li X, Yu JY, Yang L, Du XY, Yang Q, Guo YY. Lotusine ameliorates propionic acid-induced autism spectrum disorder-like behavior in mice by activating D1 dopamine receptor in medial prefrontal cortex. Phytother Res 2024; 38:1089-1103. [PMID: 38168755 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric condition for which effective drug therapy for core clinical symptoms remains elusive. Lotusine, known for its neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neurological disorders, holds potential in addressing ASD. Nevertheless, its specific efficacy in ASD remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lotusine in ASD and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We induced an ASD mouse model through intracerebroventricular-propionic acid (ICV-PPA) injection for 7 days, followed by lotusine administration for 5 days. The efficacy of lotusine was evaluated through a battery of behavioral tests, including the three-chamber social test. The underlying mechanisms of lotusine action in ameliorating ASD-like behavior were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay. The efficacy and mechanisms of lotusine were further validated in vitro. Lotusine effectively alleviated social deficits induced by ICV-PPA injection in mice by counteracting the reduction in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency within the mPFC. Moreover, lotusine enhanced neuronal activity and ameliorated α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor dysfunction in ICV-PPA infusion mice by upregulating c-fos, p-GluA1 Ser 845, and p-GluA1 Ser 831 protein levels within the mPFC. Our findings also suggest that lotusine may exert its effects through modulation of the D1 dopamine receptor (DRD1). Furthermore, the rescuing effects of lotusine were nullified by a DRD1 antagonist in PC12 cells. In summary, our results revealed that lotusine ameliorates ASD-like behavior through targeted modulation of DRD1, ultimately enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission. These findings highlight the potential of lotusine as a nutritional supplement in the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-Qing Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Jie Mi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Ya-Ya Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Zheng Rong
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Yan Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Jiao-Yan Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Le Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Qi Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
| | - Yan-Yan Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'An, PR China
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13
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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14
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Walker H, Frost NA. Distinct transcriptional programs define a heterogeneous neuronal ensemble for social interaction. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.22.573153. [PMID: 38187723 PMCID: PMC10769355 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Reliable representations of information regarding complex behaviors including social interactions require the coordinated activity of heterogeneous cell types within distributed brain regions. Activity in the medial prefrontal cortex is critical in regulating social behavior, but our understanding of the specific cell types which comprise the social ensemble has been limited by available mouse lines and molecular tagging strategies which rely on the expression of a single marker gene. Here we sought to quantify the heterogeneous neuronal populations which are recruited during social interaction in parallel in a non-biased manner and determine how distinct cell types are differentially active during social interactions. We identify distinct populations of prefrontal neurons activated by social interaction by quantification of immediate early gene (IEG) expression in transcriptomically clustered neurons. This approach revealed variability in the recruitment of different excitatory and inhibitory populations within the medial prefrontal cortex. Furthermore, evaluation of the populations of IEGs recruited following social interaction revealed both cell-type and region-specific transcriptional programs, suggesting that reliance on a single molecular marker is insufficient to quantify activation across all cell types. Our findings provide a comprehensive description of cell-type specific transcriptional programs invoked by social interactions and reveal new insights into the heterogeneous neuronal populations which compose the social ensemble.
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15
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Towner TT, Goyden MA, Coleman HJ, Drumm MK, Ritchie IP, Lieb KR, Varlinskaya EI, Werner DF. Determining the neuronal ensembles underlying sex-specific social impairments following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure. Neuropharmacology 2023; 238:109663. [PMID: 37429543 PMCID: PMC10984351 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence can have behavioral and neurobiological consequences. We have previously found that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces sex-specific social alterations indexed via decreases of social investigation and/or social preference in rats. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) regulates social interaction, and alterations within the PrL resulting from AIE may contribute to social alterations. The current study sought to determine whether AIE-induced PrL dysfunction underlies decreases in social interaction evident in adulthood. We first examined social interaction-induced neuronal activation of the PrL and several other regions of interest (ROIs) implicated in social interaction. Adolescent male and female cFos-LacZ rats were exposed to water (control) or ethanol (4 g/kg, 25% v/v) via intragastric gavage every other day between postnatal day (P) 25 and 45 (total 11 exposures). Since cFos-LacZ rats express β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a proxy for Fos, activated cells that express of β-gal can be inactivated by Daun02. In most ROIs, expression of β-gal was elevated in socially tested adult rats relative to home cage controls, regardless of sex. However, decreased social interaction-induced β-gal expression in AIE-exposed rats relative to controls was evident only in the PrL of males. A separate cohort underwent PrL cannulation surgery in adulthood and was subjected to Daun02-induced inactivation. Inactivation of PrL ensembles previously activated by social interaction reduced social investigation in control males, with no changes evident in AIE-exposed males or females. These findings highlight the role of the PrL in male social investigation and suggest an AIE-associated dysfunction of the PrL that may contribute to reduced social investigation following adolescent ethanol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor T Towner
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Matthew A Goyden
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Harper J Coleman
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Mary K Drumm
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Isabella P Ritchie
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Kayla R Lieb
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - Elena I Varlinskaya
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA
| | - David F Werner
- Neurobiology of Adolescent Drinking in Adulthood Consortium, Center for Development and Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902-6000, USA.
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16
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Chen L, Xiong XY, Yao TT, Gui LN, Luo F, Du Y, Cheng Y. Blood exosome sensing via neuronal insulin-like growth factor-1 regulates autism-related phenotypes. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106965. [PMID: 37852341 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
The development and progression of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by multiple complex molecular events, highlighting the importance of the prefrontal brain regions in this process. Exosomes are nanovesicles that play a critical role in intercellular communication. Peripheral systems influence brain function under both physiological and pathological conditions. We investigated whether this influence was mediated by the direct sensing of peripheral blood exosomes by brain cells. Administration of serum exosomes from rats with valproic acid-induced ASD resulted in ASD-related phenotypes in mice, whereas exosomes from normal rats did not exhibit such effects. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis suggested that negative regulation of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by exosome-derived miR-29b-3p may contribute to these ASD-associated effects. Further evidence showed that miR-29b-3p-enriched exosomes crossed the blood-brain barrier to reach the mPFC, subsequently inducing the suppression of IGF-1 expression in neurons. Optogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in the mPFC improved behavioral abnormalities in exosome-treated mice. The addition of exogenous IGF-1 or inhibition of miR-29b-3p expression in the mPFC also rescued the ASD-related phenotypes in mice. Importantly, administration of miR-29b-3p-enriched serum exosomes from human donors with ASD into the mouse medial prefrontal cortex was sufficient to induce hallmark ASD behaviors. Together, our findings indicate that blood-brain cross-talk is crucial for ASD pathophysiology and that the brain may sense peripheral system changes through exosomes, which could serve as the basis for future neurological therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Xi-Yue Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Research, Prevention and Treatment, Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Tong-Tong Yao
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lue-Ning Gui
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Luo
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
| | - Yong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Center on Translational Neuroscience, School of Pharmacy, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China; Institute of National Security, Minzu University of China, Beijing, China.
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17
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Hasegawa Y, Kim J, Ursini G, Jouroukhin Y, Zhu X, Miyahara Y, Xiong F, Madireddy S, Obayashi M, Lutz B, Sawa A, Brown SP, Pletnikov MV, Kamiya A. Microglial cannabinoid receptor type 1 mediates social memory deficits in mice produced by adolescent THC exposure and 16p11.2 duplication. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6559. [PMID: 37880248 PMCID: PMC10600150 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent cannabis use increases the risk for cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (Cnr1) is expressed not only in neurons and astrocytes, but also in microglia, which shape synaptic connections during adolescence. However, the role of microglia in mediating the adverse cognitive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, is not fully understood. Here, we report that in mice, adolescent THC exposure produces microglial apoptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which was exacerbated in a model of 16p11.2 duplication, a representative copy number variation (CNV) risk factor for psychiatric disorders. These effects are mediated by microglial Cnr1, leading to reduction in the excitability of mPFC pyramidal-tract neurons and deficits in social memory in adulthood. Our findings suggest the microglial Cnr1 may contribute to adverse effect of cannabis exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuto Hasegawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Juhyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Gianluca Ursini
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yan Jouroukhin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences SUNY, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiaolei Zhu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yu Miyahara
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Feiyi Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Samskruthi Madireddy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mizuho Obayashi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Beat Lutz
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research (LIR) gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Solange P Brown
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences SUNY, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Atsushi Kamiya
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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18
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Frost NA, Donohue KC, Sohal V. Context-invariant socioemotional encoding by prefrontal ensembles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.563015. [PMID: 37961143 PMCID: PMC10634670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.563015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in social interactions, anxiety-related avoidance, and flexible context- dependent behaviors, raising the question: how do prefrontal neurons represent socioemotional information across different environments? Are contextual and socioemotional representations segregated or intermixed, and does this cause socioemotional encoding to remap or generalize across environments? To address this, we imaged neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice engaged in social interactions or anxiety-related avoidance within different environments. Neuronal ensembles representing context and social interaction overlapped more than expected while remaining orthogonal. Anxiety-related representations similarly generalized across environments while remaining orthogonal to contextual information. This shows how prefrontal cortex multiplexes parallel information streams using the same neurons, rather than distinct subcircuits, achieving context-invariant encoding despite context-specific reorganization of population-level activity.
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Dawson MS, Gordon-Fleet K, Yan L, Tardos V, He H, Mui K, Nawani S, Asgarian Z, Catani M, Fernandes C, Drescher U. Sexual dimorphism in the social behaviour of Cntnap2-null mice correlates with disrupted synaptic connectivity and increased microglial activity in the anterior cingulate cortex. Commun Biol 2023; 6:846. [PMID: 37582968 PMCID: PMC10427688 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A biological understanding of the apparent sex bias in autism is lacking. Here we have identified Cntnap2 KO mice as a model system to help better understand this dimorphism. Using this model, we observed social deficits in juvenile male KO mice only. These male-specific social deficits correlated with reduced spine densities of Layer 2/3 and Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex, a forebrain region prominently associated with the control of social behaviour. Furthermore, in male KO mice, microglia showed an increased activated morphology and phagocytosis of synaptic structures compared to WT mice, whereas no differences were seen in female KO and WT mice. Our data suggest that sexually dimorphic microglial activity may be involved in the aetiology of ASD, disrupting the development of neural circuits that control social behaviour by overpruning synapses at a developmentally critical period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt S Dawson
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kevin Gordon-Fleet
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Lingxin Yan
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Vera Tardos
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Huanying He
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Kwong Mui
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Smriti Nawani
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Zeinab Asgarian
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- Molecular Therapeutics Lab, University College London, Research Department of Targeted Intervention, London, W1W 7TY, UK
| | - Marco Catani
- NatBrainLab, Departments of Neuroimaging Sciences and Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Uwe Drescher
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, IoPPN, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.
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20
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Park G, Jang WE, Kim S, Gonzales EL, Ji J, Choi S, Kim Y, Park JH, Mohammad HB, Bang G, Kang M, Kim S, Jeon SJ, Kim JY, Kim KP, Shin CY, An JY, Kim MS, Lee YS. Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via Rnf146 upregulation in a VPA-induced mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:1783-1794. [PMID: 37524878 PMCID: PMC10474298 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with impaired social behavior and communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. In addition to genetic factors, environmental factors such as prenatal drug exposure contribute to the development of ASD. However, how those prenatal factors induce behavioral deficits in the adult stage is not clear. To elucidate ASD pathogenesis at the molecular level, we performed a high-resolution mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomic analysis on the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice exposed to valproic acid (VPA) in utero, a widely used animal model of ASD. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in VPA-exposed mice showed significant overlap with ASD risk genes, including differentially expressed genes from the postmortem cortex of ASD patients. Functional annotations of the DEPs revealed significant enrichment in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is dysregulated by the upregulation of Rnf146 in VPA-exposed mice. Consistently, overexpressing Rnf146 in the PFC impaired social behaviors and altered the Wnt signaling pathway in adult mice. Furthermore, Rnf146-overexpressing PFC neurons showed increased excitatory synaptic transmission, which may underlie impaired social behavior. These results demonstrate that Rnf146 is critical for social behavior and that dysregulation of Rnf146 underlies social deficits in VPA-exposed mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Wooyoung Eric Jang
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Seoyeon Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungeun Ji
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghwan Choi
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Kim
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Hwan Park
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Geul Bang
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyung Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Soobin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Jin Jeon
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Young Kim
- Research Center for Bioconvergence Analysis, Korea Basic Science Institute, Ochang, 28119, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Pyo Kim
- Department of Applied Chemistry, Institute of Natural Science, Global Center for Pharmaceutical Ingredient Materials, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- School of Medicine and Center for Neuroscience Research, Konkuk University, Seoul, 05029, Republic of Korea.
| | - Joon-Yong An
- Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- Department of New Biology, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- New Biology Research Center, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
- Center for Cell Fate Reprogramming and Control, DGIST, Daegu, 42988, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Biomedical Science, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, 25159, Republic of Korea.
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21
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Sato M, Nakai N, Fujima S, Choe KY, Takumi T. Social circuits and their dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3194-3206. [PMID: 37612363 PMCID: PMC10618103 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Social behaviors, how individuals act cooperatively and competitively with conspecifics, are widely seen across species. Rodents display various social behaviors, and many different behavioral paradigms have been used for investigating their neural circuit bases. Social behavior is highly vulnerable to brain network dysfunction caused by neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Studying mouse models of ASD provides a promising avenue toward elucidating mechanisms of abnormal social behavior and potential therapeutic targets for treatment. In this review, we outline recent progress and key findings on neural circuit mechanisms underlying social behavior, with particular emphasis on rodent studies that monitor and manipulate the activity of specific circuits using modern systems neuroscience approaches. Social behavior is mediated by a distributed brain-wide network among major cortical (e.g., medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), anterior cingulate cortex, and insular cortex (IC)) and subcortical (e.g., nucleus accumbens, basolateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area) structures, influenced by multiple neuromodulatory systems (e.g., oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin). We particularly draw special attention to IC as a unique cortical area that mediates multisensory integration, encoding of ongoing social interaction, social decision-making, emotion, and empathy. Additionally, a synthesis of studies investigating ASD mouse models demonstrates that dysfunctions in mPFC-BLA circuitry and neuromodulation are prominent. Pharmacological rescues by local or systemic (e.g., oral) administration of various drugs have provided valuable clues for developing new therapeutic agents for ASD. Future efforts and technological advances will push forward the next frontiers in this field, such as the elucidation of brain-wide network activity and inter-brain neural dynamics during real and virtual social interactions, and the establishment of circuit-based therapy for disorders affecting social functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Sato
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita, Sapporo, 060-8638, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakai
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Shuhei Fujima
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Katrina Y Choe
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Toru Takumi
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0047, Japan.
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22
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Hasegawa Y, Kim J, Ursini G, Jouroukhin Y, Zhu X, Miyahara Y, Xiong F, Madireddy S, Obayashi M, Lutz B, Sawa A, Brown SP, Pletnikov MV, Kamiya A. Microglial cannabinoid receptor type 1 mediates social memory deficits produced by adolescent THC exposure and 16p11.2 duplication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.24.550212. [PMID: 37546830 PMCID: PMC10402026 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.24.550212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent cannabis use increases the risk for cognitive impairments and psychiatric disorders. Cannabinoid receptor type 1 (Cnr1) is expressed not only in neurons and astrocytes, but also in microglia, which shape synaptic connections during adolescence. Nonetheless, until now, the role of microglia in mediating the adverse cognitive effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, has been unexplored. Here, we report that adolescent THC exposure produces microglial apoptosis in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which was exacerbated in the mouse model of 16p11.2 duplication, a representative copy number variation (CNV) risk factor for psychiatric disorders. These effects are mediated by microglial Cnr1, leading to reduction in the excitability of mPFC pyramidal-tract neurons and deficits in social memory in adulthood. Our findings highlight the importance of microglial Cnr1 to produce the adverse effect of cannabis exposure in genetically vulnerable individuals.
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23
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Wang Z, Yueh H, Chau M, Veenstra-VanderWeele J, O'Reilly KC. Circuits underlying social function and dysfunction. Autism Res 2023; 16:1268-1288. [PMID: 37458578 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2978] [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: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Substantial advances have been made toward understanding the genetic and environmental risk factors for autism, a neurodevelopmental disorder with social impairment as a core feature. In combination with optogenetic and chemogenetic tools to manipulate neural circuits in vivo, it is now possible to use model systems to test how specific neural circuits underlie social function and dysfunction. Here, we review the literature that has identified circuits associated with social interest (sociability), social reward, social memory, dominance, and aggression, and we outline a preliminary roadmap of the neural circuits driving these social behaviors. We highlight the neural circuitry underlying each behavioral domain, as well as develop an interactive map of how these circuits overlap across domains. We find that some of the circuits underlying social behavior are general and are involved in the control of multiple behavioral aspects, whereas other circuits appear to be specialized for specific aspects of social behavior. Our overlapping circuit map therefore helps to delineate the circuits involved in the various domains of social behavior and to identify gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwen Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hannah Yueh
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mirabella Chau
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kally C O'Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Mendez-Vazquez H, Roach RL, Nip K, Chanda S, Sathler MF, Garver T, Danzman RA, Moseley MC, Roberts JP, Koch ON, Steger AA, Lee R, Arikkath J, Kim S. The autism-associated loss of δ-catenin functions disrupts social behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2300773120. [PMID: 37216537 PMCID: PMC10235948 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2300773120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
δ-catenin is expressed in excitatory synapses and functions as an anchor for the glutamatergic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA2 subunit in the postsynaptic density. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene has been found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and results in loss of δ-catenin functions at excitatory synapses, which is presumed to underlie ASD pathogenesis in humans. However, how the G34S mutation causes loss of δ-catenin functions to induce ASD remains unclear. Here, using neuroblastoma cells, we identify that the G34S mutation increases glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-dependent δ-catenin degradation to reduce δ-catenin levels, which likely contributes to the loss of δ-catenin functions. Synaptic δ-catenin and GluA2 levels in the cortex are significantly decreased in mice harboring the δ-catenin G34S mutation. The G34S mutation increases glutamatergic activity in cortical excitatory neurons while it is decreased in inhibitory interneurons, indicating changes in cellular excitation and inhibition. δ-catenin G34S mutant mice also exhibit social dysfunction, a common feature of ASD. Most importantly, pharmacological inhibition of GSK3β activity reverses the G34S-induced loss of δ-catenin function effects in cells and mice. Finally, using δ-catenin knockout mice, we confirm that δ-catenin is required for GSK3β inhibition-induced restoration of normal social behavior in δ-catenin G34S mutant animals. Taken together, we reveal that the loss of δ-catenin functions arising from the ASD-associated G34S mutation induces social dysfunction via alterations in glutamatergic activity and that GSK3β inhibition can reverse δ-catenin G34S-induced synaptic and behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Regan L. Roach
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Kaila Nip
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
| | - Soham Chanda
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Matheus F. Sathler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Tyler Garver
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Rosaline A. Danzman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Madeleine C. Moseley
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jessica P. Roberts
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Olivia N. Koch
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | | | - Rahmi Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
| | - Jyothi Arikkath
- Developmental Neuroscience, Munore-Meyer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE68198
| | - Seonil Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Colorado State UniversityFort CollinsCO80523
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neurosciences Program, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO80523
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25
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Kim B, Kim D, Schulmann A, Patel Y, Caban-Rivera C, Kim P, Jambhale A, Johnson KR, Feng N, Xu Q, Kang SJ, Mandal A, Kelly M, Akula N, McMahon FJ, Lipska B, Marenco S, Auluck PK. Cellular Diversity in Human Subgenual Anterior Cingulate and Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex by Single-Nucleus RNA-Sequencing. J Neurosci 2023; 43:3582-3597. [PMID: 37037607 PMCID: PMC10184745 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0830-22.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Regional cellular heterogeneity is a fundamental feature of the human neocortex; however, details of this heterogeneity are still undefined. We used single-nucleus RNA-sequencing to examine cell-specific transcriptional features in the dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) and the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC), regions implicated in major psychiatric disorders. Droplet-based nuclei-capture and library preparation were performed on replicate samples from 8 male donors without history of psychiatric or neurologic disorder. Unsupervised clustering identified major neural cell classes. Subsequent iterative clustering of neurons further revealed 20 excitatory and 22 inhibitory subclasses. Inhibitory cells were consistently more abundant in the sgACC and excitatory neuron subclusters exhibited considerable variability across brain regions. Excitatory cell subclasses also exhibited greater within-class transcriptional differences between the two regions. We used these molecular definitions to determine which cell classes might be enriched in loci carrying a genetic signal in genome-wide association studies or for differentially expressed genes in mental illness. We found that the heritable signals of psychiatric disorders were enriched in neurons and that, while the gene expression changes detected in bulk-RNA-sequencing studies were dominated by glial cells, some alterations could be identified in specific classes of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Intriguingly, only two excitatory cell classes exhibited concomitant region-specific enrichment for both genome-wide association study loci and transcriptional dysregulation. In sum, by detailing the molecular and cellular diversity of the DLPFC and sgACC, we were able to generate hypotheses on regional and cell-specific dysfunctions that may contribute to the development of mental illness.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dysfunction of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex has been implicated in mood disorders, particularly major depressive disorder, and the dorsolateral PFC, a subsection of the PFC involved in executive functioning, has been implicated in schizophrenia. Understanding the cellular composition of these regions is critical to elucidating the neurobiology underlying psychiatric and neurologic disorders. We studied cell type diversity of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex and dorsolateral PFC of humans with no neuropsychiatric illness using a clustering analysis of single-nuclei RNA-sequencing data. Defining the transcriptomic profile of cellular subpopulations in these cortical regions is a first step to demystifying the cellular and molecular pathways involved in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy Kim
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Dowon Kim
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Anton Schulmann
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Yash Patel
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Carolina Caban-Rivera
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Paul Kim
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ananya Jambhale
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Kory R Johnson
- Information Technology and Bioinformatics Program, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ningping Feng
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Qing Xu
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Sun Jung Kang
- Genetic Epidemiology Research Branch, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Ajeet Mandal
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Michael Kelly
- CCR Single Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Nirmala Akula
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Francis J McMahon
- Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Barbara Lipska
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Stefano Marenco
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Pavan K Auluck
- Human Brain Collection Core, National Institute of Mental Health-Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
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26
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Towner TT, Goyden MA, Coleman HJ, Drumm MK, Ritchie IP, Lieb KR, Varlinskaya EI, Werner DF. Determining the neuronal ensembles underlying sex-specific social impairments following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.21.533653. [PMID: 36993252 PMCID: PMC10055268 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.21.533653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Binge drinking during adolescence can have behavioral and neurobiological consequences. We have previously found that adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) exposure produces a sex-specific social impairment in rats. The prelimbic cortex (PrL) regulates social behavior, and alterations within the PrL resulting from AIE may contribute to social impairments. The current study sought to determine whether AIE-induced PrL dysfunction underlies social deficits in adulthood. We first examined social stimulus-induced neuronal activation of the PrL and several other regions of interest implicated in social behavior. Male and female cFos-LacZ rats were exposed to water (control) or ethanol (4 g/kg, 25% v/v) via intragastric gavage every other day between postnatal day (P) 25 and 45 (total 11 exposures). Since cFos-LacZ rats express β-galactosidase (β-gal) as a proxy for cFos, activated cells that express of β-gal can be inactivated by Daun02. β-gal expression in most ROIs was elevated in socially tested adult rats relative to home cage controls, regardless of sex. However, differences in social stimulus-induced β-gal expression between controls and AIE-exposed rats was evident only in the PrL of males. A separate cohort underwent PrL cannulation surgery in adulthood and were subjected to Daun02-induced inactivation. Inactivation of PrL ensembles previously activated by a social stimulus led to a reduction of social behavior in control males, with no changes evident in AIE-exposed males or females. These findings highlight the role of the PrL in male social behavior and suggest an AIE-associated dysfunction of the PrL may contribute to social deficits following adolescent ethanol exposure.
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27
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Gao MM, Shi H, Yan HJ, Long YS. Proteome profiling of the prefrontal cortex of Fmr1 knockout mouse reveals enhancement of complement and coagulation cascades. J Proteomics 2023; 274:104822. [PMID: 36646274 DOI: 10.1016/j.jprot.2023.104822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) deficit resulted from mutations in its encoded fragile X mental retardation 1 (Fmr1) gene is a common inherited cause of Fragile X syndrome (FXS) characterized by intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The FMRP absence-induced altered gene expression in prefrontal cortex (PFC) are associated with autistic behaviors. However, there lacks a large-scale protein profiling in the PFC upon loss of FMRP. This study used a TMT-labeled proteomic analysis to identify a protein profile of the PFC in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. A total of 5886 proteins were identified in the PFC with 100 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in response to FMRP deficiency. Bioinformatical analyses showed that these DAPs were mostly enriched in immune system, extracellular part and complement and coagulation cascades. The complement and coagulation cascades include 6 upregulated proteins (SERPING1, C1QA, C3, FGA, FGB and FGG), which are associated with fibrin degradation, cell lysis, degranulation chemotaxis and phagocytosis linked to activation of immune and inflammatory responses. Thus, our data provide an altered protein profile upon loss of FMRP in the PFC, and suggest that the enhancement of complement and coagulation cascades might contribute to etiological and pathogenic roles of ASD in FXS. SIGNIFICANCE: The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurobiological disorders characterized by deficits in social interaction barriers and other abnormal behaviors, is still elusive. Autistic-like phenotypes are present in both Fragile X syndrome (FXS) patients and FMRP-deficiency FXS models. Given that prefrontal cortex is a critical brain area for social interaction, the FMRP absence induced-changes of a subset of proteins might contribute to ASD in FXS. Using a comprehensive proteomic analysis, this study provides a prefrontal protein profile of the FMRP-absent mouse with a total of 100 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). Bioinformatic analyses suggest that these DAPs are mainly involved in the regulations of immune system and complement and coagulation cascades. We also show that 6 upregulated proteins (SERPING1, C1QA, C3, FGA, FGB and FGG) in the complement and coagulation cascades are associated with fibrin degradation, cell lysis, degranulation chemotaxis and phagocytosis regarding dysregulation of immune and inflammatory responses in the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, this study suggests that these FMRP-deficient DAPs in the prefrontal cortex might contribute to the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Mei Gao
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hang Shi
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Hua-Juan Yan
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China
| | - Yue-Sheng Long
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Neurogenetics and Channelopathies of Guangdong Province and the Ministry of Education of China, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510260, China.
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28
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Mendez-Vazquez H, Roach RL, Nip K, Sathler MF, Garver T, Danzman RA, Moseley MC, Roberts JP, Koch ON, Steger AA, Lee R, Arikkath J, Kim S. The autism-associated loss of δ-catenin functions disrupts social behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.12.523372. [PMID: 36711484 PMCID: PMC9882145 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.12.523372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
δ-catenin is expressed in excitatory synapses and functions as an anchor for the glutamatergic AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluA2 subunit in the postsynaptic density. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene is found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and induces loss of δ-catenin functions at excitatory synapses, which is presumed to underlie ASD pathogenesis in humans. However, how the G34S mutation causes loss of δ-catenin functions to induce ASD remains unclear. Here, using neuroblastoma cells, we discover that the G34S mutation generates an additional phosphorylation site for glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). This promotes δ-catenin degradation and causes the reduction of δ-catenin levels, which likely contributes to the loss of δ-catenin functions. Synaptic δ-catenin and GluA2 levels in the cortex are significantly decreased in mice harboring the δ-catenin G34S mutation. The G34S mutation increases glutamatergic activity in cortical excitatory neurons while it is decreased in inhibitory interneurons, indicating changes in cellular excitation and inhibition. δ-catenin G34S mutant mice also exhibit social dysfunction, a common feature of ASD. Most importantly, inhibition of GSK3β activity reverses the G34S-induced loss of δ-catenin function effects in cells and mice. Finally, using δ-catenin knockout mice, we confirm that δ-catenin is required for GSK3β inhibition-induced restoration of normal social behaviors in δ-catenin G34S mutant animals. Taken together, we reveal that the loss of δ-catenin functions arising from the ASD-associated G34S mutation induces social dysfunction via alterations in glutamatergic activity and that GSK3β inhibition can reverse δ-catenin G34S-induced synaptic and behavioral deficits. Significance Statement δ-catenin is important for the localization and function of glutamatergic AMPA receptors at synapses in many brain regions. The glycine 34 to serine (G34S) mutation in the δ-catenin gene is found in autism patients and results in the loss of δ-catenin functions. δ-catenin expression is also closely linked to other autism-risk genes involved in synaptic structure and function, further implying that it is important for the autism pathophysiology. Importantly, social dysfunction is a key characteristic of autism. Nonetheless, the links between δ-catenin functions and social behaviors are largely unknown. The significance of the current research is thus predicated on filling this gap by discovering the molecular, cellular, and synaptic underpinnings of the role of δ-catenin in social behaviors.
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29
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Zhong JG, Lan WT, Feng YQ, Li YH, Shen YY, Gong JH, Zou Z, Hou X. Associations between dysbiosis gut microbiota and changes of neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids in valproic acid model rats. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1077821. [PMID: 37035670 PMCID: PMC10073564 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1077821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The microbiota-gut-brain axis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder, but its specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the associations of changes in neurotransmitters and short-chain fatty acids with alterations in gut microbiota in valproic acid model rats. Methods: The autism model rats were established by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA). The Morris water maze test, open field test, and three-chamber test were conducted to assess the behaviors of rats. 16S rRNA gene sequences extracted from fecal samples were used to assess the gut microbial composition. Gas and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy was used to identify short-chain fatty acids in fecal samples and neurotransmitters in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Results: The results showed that 28 bacterial taxa between valproic acid model rats and control rats were identified, and the most differential bacterial taxa in valproic acid model rats and control rats belonged to metagenomic species and Lactobacillus intestinalis. Acetic acid, butyric acid, valeric acid, isobutyric acid, and isovaleric acid were significantly decreased in the valproic acid model rats compared to those in control rats. Five neurotransmitters (threonine, kynurenine, tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, denoted as 5-HIAA, and betaine aldehyde chloride, denoted as BAC) were significantly decreased, whereas betaine was increased in the prefrontal cortex of valproic acid model rats compared to control rats. A variety of neurotransmitters (≥4) were correlated with Pseudomonas, Collisella, and Streptococcus at the genus level, and they were also related to the decrease of short-chain fatty acids. Discussion: According to this study, we can preliminarily infer that gut microbiota or their metabolic productions (such as SCFAs) may influence central neurotransmitter metabolism through related pathways of the gut-brain axis. These results provide microbial and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) frameworks for understanding the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in autism spectrum disorder and shed new light on autism spectrum disorder treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiu-Gen Zhong
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Wan-Ting Lan
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Qing Feng
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yin-Hua Li
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Ying Shen
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Heng Gong
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi Zou
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi Zou, ; Xiaohui Hou,
| | - Xiaohui Hou
- School of Sport and Health, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Zhi Zou, ; Xiaohui Hou,
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30
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Lanjewar AL, Jagetia S, Khan ZM, Eagleson KL, Levitt P. Subclass-specific expression patterns of MET receptor tyrosine kinase during development in medial prefrontal and visual cortices. J Comp Neurol 2023; 531:132-148. [PMID: 36201439 PMCID: PMC9691614 DOI: 10.1002/cne.25418] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Met encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase (MET) that is expressed during development and regulates cortical synapse maturation. Conditional deletion of Met in the nervous system during embryonic development leads to deficits in adult contextual fear learning, a medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-dependent cognitive task. MET also regulates the timing of critical period plasticity for ocular dominance in primary visual cortex (V1). However, the underlying circuitry responsible remains unknown. Therefore, this study determines the broad expression patterns of MET throughout postnatal development in mPFC and V1 projection neurons (PNs), providing insight into similarities and differences in the neuronal subtypes and temporal patterns of MET expression between cortical areas. Using a transgenic mouse line that expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) in Met+ neurons, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were performed to visualize MET-GFP+ cell bodies and PN subclass-specific protein markers. Analyses reveal that the MET expression is highly enriched in infragranular layers of mPFC, but in supragranular layers of V1. Interestingly, temporal regulation of the percentage of MET+ neurons across development not only differs between cortical regions but also is distinct between lamina within a cortical region. Further, MET is expressed predominantly in the subcerebral PN subclass in mPFC, but the intratelencephalic PN subclass in V1. The data suggest that MET signaling influences the development of distinct circuits in mPFC and V1 that underlie subcerebral and intracortical functional deficits following Met deletion, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L. Lanjewar
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of PediatricsKeck School of Medicine of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Neuroscience Graduate ProgramUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sonum Jagetia
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of PediatricsKeck School of Medicine of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Zuhayr M. Khan
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of PediatricsKeck School of Medicine of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Kathie L. Eagleson
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of PediatricsKeck School of Medicine of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Neurogenetics, Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA,Department of PediatricsKeck School of Medicine of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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31
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Abstract
Verifying causal effects of neural circuits is essential for proving a direct circuit-behavior relationship. However, techniques for tagging only active neurons with high spatiotemporal precision remain at the beginning stages. Here we develop the soma-targeted Cal-Light (ST-Cal-Light) which selectively converts somatic calcium rise triggered by action potentials into gene expression. Such modification simultaneously increases the signal-to-noise ratio of reporter gene expression and reduces the light requirement for successful labeling. Because of the enhanced efficacy, the ST-Cal-Light enables the tagging of functionally engaged neurons in various forms of behaviors, including context-dependent fear conditioning, lever-pressing choice behavior, and social interaction behaviors. We also target kainic acid-sensitive neuronal populations in the hippocampus which subsequently suppress seizure symptoms, suggesting ST-Cal-Light's applicability in controlling disease-related neurons. Furthermore, the generation of a conditional ST-Cal-Light knock-in mouse provides an opportunity to tag active neurons in a region- or cell-type specific manner via crossing with other Cre-driver lines. Thus, the versatile ST-Cal-Light system links somatic action potentials to behaviors with high temporal precision, and ultimately allows functional circuit dissection at a single cell resolution.
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32
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Wang Y, Bai Y, Xiao X, Wang L, Wei G, Guo M, Song X, Tian Y, Ming D, Yang J, Zheng C. Low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation reverses social avoidance behavior in mice experiencing social defeat stress. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:5580-5596. [PMID: 35188969 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The excitatory neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) respond to social stimuli. However, little is known about how the neural activity is altered during social avoidance, and whether it could act as a target of low-intensity focused ultrasound stimulation (LIFUS) to rescue social deficits. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of neuronal activities and inflammatory responses underlying the effect of LIFUS on social avoidance. We found that chronic LIFUS stimulation can effectively improve social avoidance in the defeated mice. Calcium imaging recordings by fiber photometry in the defeated mice showed inhibited ensemble activity during social behaviors. LIFUS instantaneously triggered the mPFC neuronal activities, and chronic LIFUS significantly enhanced their neuronal excitation related to social interactions. We further found that the excessive activation of microglial cells and the overexpression of the inflammation signaling, i.e. Toll-like receptors(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappaB(NF-КB), in mPFC were significantly inhibited by LIFUS. These results suggest that the LIFUS may inhibit social avoidance behavior by reducing activation of the inflammatory response, increasing neuronal excitation, and protecting the integrity of the neuronal structure in the mPFC. Our findings raised the possibility of LIFUS being applied as novel neuromodulation for social avoidance treatment in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimeng Wang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China.,School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Ganjiang Wei
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingkun Guo
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xizi Song
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Yutao Tian
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Dong Ming
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China.,School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jiajia Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China.,School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Chenguang Zheng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neuroengineering, Tianjin 300072, China.,School of Precision Instruments and Optoelectronics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tianjin University, #92 Weijin Road, Tianjin 300072, China
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33
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Zhao Z, Zeng F, Wang H, Wu R, Chen L, Wu Y, Li S, Shao J, Wang Y, Wu J, Feng Z, Gao W, Hu Y, Wang A, Cheng H, Zhang J, Chen L, Wu H. Encoding of social novelty by sparse GABAergic neural ensembles in the prelimbic cortex. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabo4884. [PMID: 36044579 PMCID: PMC9432833 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abo4884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Although the prelimbic (PrL) area is associated with social behaviors, the neural ensembles that regulate social preference toward novelty or familiarity remain unknown. Using miniature two-photon microscopy (mTPM) to visualize social behavior-associated neuronal activity within the PrL in freely behaving mice, we found that the Ca2+ transients of GABAergic neurons were more highly correlated with social behaviors than those of glutamatergic neurons. Chemogenetic suppression of social behavior-activated GABAergic neurons in the PrL disrupts social novelty behaviors. Restoring the MeCP2 level in PrL GABAergic neurons in MECP2 transgenic (MECP2-TG) mice rescues the social novelty deficits. Moreover, we identified and characterized sparsely distributed NewPNs and OldPNs of GABAergic interneurons in the PrL preferentially responsible for new and old mouse exploration, respectively. Together, we propose that social novelty information may be encoded by the responses of NewPNs and OldPNs in the PrL area, possibly via synergistic actions on both sides of the seesaw.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | | | - Hanbin Wang
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Runlong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Liping Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Shen Li
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Shao
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Junjie Wu
- College of Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Zhiheng Feng
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Weizheng Gao
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Yanhui Hu
- Beijing Transcend Vivoscope Biotech Co. Ltd., 100094 Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Optical Communication System and Networks, School of Electronics, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Heping Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Jue Zhang
- College of Engineering, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- Academy of Advanced Interdisciplinary Study, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Liangyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Cardiometabolic Molecular Medicine, Institute of Molecular Medicine, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, College of Future Technology, Peking University, 100871 Beijing, China
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China
- National Biomedical Imaging Center, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Haitao Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850 Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration, Coinnovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, 102206 Beijing, China
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34
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Wei JA, Han Q, Luo Z, Liu L, Cui J, Tan J, Chow BKC, So KF, Zhang L. Amygdala neural ensemble mediates mouse social investigation behaviors. Natl Sci Rev 2022; 10:nwac179. [PMID: 36845323 PMCID: PMC9952061 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwac179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate social investigation behaviors are critical for animal survival and are regulated by both neural circuits and neuroendocrine factors. Our understanding of how neuropeptides regulate social interest, however, is incomplete at the current stage. In this study, we identified the expression of secretin (SCT) in a subpopulation of excitatory neurons in the basolateral amygdala. With distinct molecular and physiological features, BLASCT+ cells projected to the medial prefrontal cortex and were necessary and sufficient for promoting social investigation behaviors, whilst other basolateral amygdala neurons were anxiogenic and antagonized social behaviors. Moreover, the exogenous application of secretin effectively promoted social interest in both healthy and autism spectrum disorder model mice. These results collectively demonstrate a previously unrecognized group of amygdala neurons for mediating social behaviors and suggest promising strategies for social deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Linglin Liu
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jing Cui
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jiahui Tan
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Billy K C Chow
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China,State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China,Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou 510030, China,BiolandLaboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou 510006, China,Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong 220619, China,Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation Institute, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao 266113, China,Institute of Clinical Research for Mental Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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35
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Huo Y, Lu W, Tian Y, Hou Q, Man HY. Prkn knockout mice show autistic-like behaviors and aberrant synapse formation. iScience 2022; 25:104573. [PMID: 35789851 PMCID: PMC9249611 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with high genetic heterogeneity, affecting one in 44 children in the United States. Recent genomic sequencing studies from autistic human individuals indicate that PARK2, a gene that has long been considered in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, is involved in ASD. Here, we report that Prkn knockout (KO) mice demonstrate autistic-like behaviors including impaired social interaction, elevated repetitive behaviors, and deficits in communication. In addition, Prkn KO mice show reduced neuronal activity in the context of sociability in the prelimbic cortex. Cell morphological examination of layer 5 prelimbic cortical neurons shows a reduction in dendritic arborization and spine number. Furthermore, biochemistry and immunocytochemistry analyses reveal alterations in synapse density and the molecular composition of synapses. These findings indicate that Prkn is implicated in brain development and suggest the potential use of the Prkn KO mouse as a model for autism research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuda Huo
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Wen Lu
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Qingming Hou
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Heng-Ye Man
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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36
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Pattern decorrelation in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex enables social preference and requires MeCP2. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3899. [PMID: 35794118 PMCID: PMC9259602 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31578-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Sociability is crucial for survival, whereas social avoidance is a feature of disorders such as Rett syndrome, which is caused by loss-of-function mutations in MECP2. To understand how a preference for social interactions is encoded, we used in vivo calcium imaging to compare medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) activity in female wild-type and Mecp2-heterozygous mice during three-chamber tests. We found that mPFC pyramidal neurons in Mecp2-deficient mice are hypo-responsive to both social and nonsocial stimuli. Hypothesizing that this limited dynamic range restricts the circuit's ability to disambiguate coactivity patterns for different stimuli, we suppressed the mPFC in wild-type mice and found that this eliminated both pattern decorrelation and social preference. Conversely, stimulating the mPFC in MeCP2-deficient mice restored social preference, but only if it was sufficient to restore pattern decorrelation. A loss of social preference could thus indicate impaired pattern decorrelation rather than true social avoidance.
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37
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Yang L, Xia Z, Feng J, Zhang M, Miao P, Nie Y, Zhang X, Hao Z, Hu R. Retinoic Acid Supplementation Rescues the Social Deficits in Fmr1 Knockout Mice. Front Genet 2022; 13:928393. [PMID: 35783275 PMCID: PMC9247356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with the underlying etiology yet incompletely understood and no cure treatment. Patients of fragile X syndrome (FXS) also manifest symptoms, e.g. deficits in social behaviors, that are core traits with ASD. Several studies demonstrated that a mutual defect in retinoic acid (RA) signaling was observed in FXS and ASD. However, it is still unknown whether RA replenishment could pose a positive effect on autistic-like behaviors in FXS. Herein, we found that RA signaling was indeed down-regulated when the expression of FMR1 was impaired in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, RA supplementation rescued the atypical social novelty behavior, but failed to alleviate the defects in sociability behavior or hyperactivity, in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model. The repetitive behavior and motor coordination appeared to be normal. The RNA sequencing results of the prefrontal cortex in Fmr1 KO mice indicated that deregulated expression of Foxp2, Tnfsf10, Lepr and other neuronal genes was restored to normal after RA treatment. Gene ontology terms of metabolic processes, extracellular matrix organization and behavioral pathways were enriched. Our findings provided a potential therapeutic intervention for social novelty defects in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhixiong Xia
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Nie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Zijian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Ronggui Hu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
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38
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Dufour A, Dumon C, Gouty-Colomer LA, Eftekhari S, Ferrari DC, Ben-Ari Y. Prenatal reduction of E14.5 embryonically fate-mapped pyramidal neurons in a mouse model of autism. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:3875-3888. [PMID: 35636970 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although several observations suggest that the constitutive biological, genetic or physiological changes leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) start in utero, their early impact on the number and density of neurons in the brain remains unknown. Using genetic fate mapping associated with the iDISCO clearing method we identified and counted a selective population of neocortical and hippocampal pyramidal neurons in the in utero valproate (VPA) mouse model of autism. We report that one day before birth the number of pyramidal neurons born at E14.5 in the neocortex and hippocampus of VPA-mice is smaller than in age-matched controls. VPA also induced a reduction of the neocortical -but not hippocampal- volume one day before birth. Interestingly, VPA-mice present an increase in both neocortical and hippocampal volumes 2 days after birth compared to controls. These results suggest that the VPA-exposed hippocampus and neocortex differ substantially from controls during the highly complex perinatal period, and specially one day before birth, reflecting the early pathogenesis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Dufour
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | - Camille Dumon
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | | | - Sanaz Eftekhari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
| | - Diana C Ferrari
- Fundamental Research Department, Neurochlore, Marseille, France
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39
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Lv H, Gu X, Shan X, Zhu T, Ma B, Zhang HT, Bambini-Junior V, Zhang T, Li WG, Gao X, Li F. Nanoformulated Bumetanide Ameliorates Social Deficiency in BTBR Mice Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870577. [PMID: 35693812 PMCID: PMC9179025 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with few medication options. Bumetanide, an FDA-approved diuretic, has been proposed as a viable candidate to treat core symptoms of ASD, however, neither the brain region related to its effect nor the cell-specific mechanism(s) is clear. The availability of nanoparticles provides a viable way to identify pharmacological mechanisms for use in ASD. Here, we found that treatment with bumetanide, in a systemic and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) region-specific way, attenuated social deficits in BTBR mice. Furthermore, using poly (ethylene glycol)-poly(l-lactide) (PEG-PLA) nanoparticles [NP(bumetanide)], we showed that the administration of NP(bumetanide) in a mPFC region-specific way also alleviated the social deficits of BTBR mice. Mechanistically, the behavioral effect of NP(bumetanide) was dependent on selective microglia-specific targeting in the mPFC. Pharmacological depletion of microglia significantly reduced the effect of nanoencapsulation and depletion of microglia alone did not improve the social deficits in BTBR mice. These findings suggest the potential therapeutic capabilities of nanotechnology for ASD, as well as the relevant link between bumetanide and immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lv
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Gu
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Universities Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingyue Shan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tailin Zhu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingke Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao-Tian Zhang
- Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education (MOE)-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoling Gao
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Universities Collaborative Innovation Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Li, ; Xiaoling Gao,
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric & Child Primary Care, Brain and Behavioural Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Li, ; Xiaoling Gao,
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40
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Kuga N, Abe R, Takano K, Ikegaya Y, Sasaki T. Prefrontal-amygdalar oscillations related to social behavior in mice. eLife 2022; 11:78428. [PMID: 35580019 PMCID: PMC9113747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala are involved in the regulation of social behavior and associated with psychiatric diseases but their detailed neurophysiological mechanisms at a network level remain unclear. We recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) while male mice engaged on social behavior. We found that in wild-type mice, both the dmPFC and BLA increased 4–7 Hz oscillation power and decreased 30–60 Hz power when they needed to attend to another target mouse. In mouse models with reduced social interactions, dmPFC 4–7 Hz power further increased especially when they exhibited social avoidance behavior. In contrast, dmPFC and BLA decreased 4–7 Hz power when wild-type mice socially approached a target mouse. Frequency-specific optogenetic manipulations replicating social approach-related LFP patterns restored social interaction behavior in socially deficient mice. These results demonstrate a neurophysiological substrate of the prefrontal cortex and amygdala related to social behavior and provide a unified pathophysiological understanding of neuronal population dynamics underlying social behavioral deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahoko Kuga
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Reimi Abe
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kotomi Takano
- School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuji Ikegaya
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Institute for AI and Beyond, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Information and Neural Networks, National Institute of Information and Communications Technology, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuya Sasaki
- Laboratory of Chemical Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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41
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Qi C, Chen A, Mao H, Hu E, Ge J, Ma G, Ren K, Xue Q, Wang W, Wu S. Excitatory and Inhibitory Synaptic Imbalance Caused by Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Deficits During Development in a Valproic Acid Mouse Model of Autism. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:860275. [PMID: 35465089 PMCID: PMC9019547 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.860275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, such as medication during pregnancy, are one of the major causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Valproic acid (VPA) intake during pregnancy has been reported to dramatically elevate autism risk in offspring. Recently, researchers have proposed that VPA exposure could induce excitatory or inhibitory synaptic dysfunction. However, it remains to be determined whether and how alterations in the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance contribute to VPA-induced ASD in a mouse model. In the present study, we explored changes in the E/I balance during different developmental periods in a VPA mouse model. We found that typical markers of pre- and postsynaptic excitatory and inhibitory function involved in E/I balance markedly decreased during development, reflecting difficulties in the development of synaptic plasticity in VPA-exposed mice. The expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin that promotes the formation and maturation of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses during postnatal development, was severely reduced in the VPA-exposed group. Treatment with exogenous BDNF during the critical E/I imbalance period rescued synaptic functions and autism-like behaviors, such as social defects. With these results, we experimentally showed that social dysfunction in the VPA mouse model of autism might be caused by E/I imbalance stemming from BDNF deficits during the developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuchu Qi
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Andi Chen
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Honghui Mao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Erling Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Junye Ge
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Center for Teacher Professional Ability Development, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guaiguai Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Yan’an University, Yan’an, China
| | - Keke Ren
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qian Xue
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenting Wang,
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Shengxi Wu,
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42
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Choe KY, Bethlehem RAI, Safrin M, Dong H, Salman E, Li Y, Grinevich V, Golshani P, DeNardo LA, Peñagarikano O, Harris NG, Geschwind DH. Oxytocin normalizes altered circuit connectivity for social rescue of the Cntnap2 knockout mouse. Neuron 2022; 110:795-808.e6. [PMID: 34932941 PMCID: PMC8944915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural basis of abnormal social behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remains incompletely understood. Here we used two complementary but independent brain-wide mapping approaches, mouse resting-state fMRI and c-Fos-iDISCO+ imaging, to construct brain-wide activity and connectivity maps of the Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mouse model of ASD. At the macroscale level, we detected reduced functional coupling across social brain regions despite general patterns of hyperconnectivity across major brain structures. Oxytocin administration, which rescues social deficits in KO mice, strongly stimulated many brain areas and normalized connectivity patterns. Notably, chemogenetically triggered release of endogenous oxytocin strongly stimulated the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a forebrain nucleus implicated in social reward. Furthermore, NAc-targeted approaches to activate local oxytocin receptors sufficiently rescued their social deficits. Our findings establish circuit- and systems-level mechanisms of social deficits in Cntnap2 KO mice and reveal the NAc as a region that can be modulated by oxytocin to promote social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Y Choe
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Richard A I Bethlehem
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Martin Safrin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elena Salman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research for Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laura A DeNardo
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vizcaya 48940, Spain
| | - Neil G Harris
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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43
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Markopoulos A, Inserra A, De Gregorio D, Gobbi G. Evaluating the Potential Use of Serotonergic Psychedelics in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:749068. [PMID: 35177979 PMCID: PMC8846292 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.749068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical and preclinical evidence points towards empathogenic and prosocial effects elicited by psychedelic compounds, notably the serotonin 5-HT2A agonists lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin, N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), and their derivatives. These findings suggest a therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds for some of the behavioural traits associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by atypical social behaviour. In this review, we highlight evidence suggesting that psychedelics may potentially ameliorate some of the behavioural atypicalities of ASD, including reduced social behaviour and highly co-occurring anxiety and depression. Next, we discuss dysregulated neurobiological systems in ASD and how they may underlie or potentially limit the therapeutic effects of psychedelics. These phenomena include: 1) synaptic function, 2) serotonergic signaling, 3) prefrontal cortex activity, and 4) thalamocortical signaling. Lastly, we discuss clinical studies from the 1960s and 70s that assessed the use of psychedelics in the treatment of children with ASD. We highlight the positive behavioural outcomes of these studies, including enhanced mood and social behaviour, as well as the adverse effects of these trials, including increases in aggressive behaviour and dissociative and psychotic states. Despite preliminary evidence, further studies are needed to determine whether the benefits of psychedelic treatment in ASD outweigh the risks associated with the use of these compounds in this population, and if the 5-HT2A receptor may represent a target for social-behavioural disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Markopoulos
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gabriella Gobbi
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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44
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Krüttner S, Falasconi A, Valbuena S, Galimberti I, Bouwmeester T, Arber S, Caroni P. Absence of familiarity triggers hallmarks of autism in mouse model through aberrant tail-of-striatum and prelimbic cortex signaling. Neuron 2022; 110:1468-1482.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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45
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Sotoyama H, Inaba H, Iwakura Y, Namba H, Takei N, Sasaoka T, Nawa H. The dual role of dopamine in the modulation of information processing in the prefrontal cortex underlying social behavior. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22160. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101637r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Sotoyama
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
| | - Hiroyoshi Inaba
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
| | - Yuriko Iwakura
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
- Department of Brain Tumor Biology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
| | - Hisaaki Namba
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Wakayama Medical University Wakayama Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Takei
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
- Department of Brain Tumor Biology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
| | - Toshikuni Sasaoka
- Department of Comparative & Experimental Medicine Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nawa
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology Brain Research Institute, Niigata University Niigata Japan
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Wakayama Medical University Wakayama Japan
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46
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Distinct Roles for Prefrontal Dopamine D1 and D2 Neurons in Social Hierarchy. J Neurosci 2022; 42:313-324. [PMID: 34844989 PMCID: PMC8802944 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0741-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) controls dominance hierarchies in groups of animals. Dopamine (DA) strongly modulates PFC activity mainly through D1 receptors (D1Rs) and D2 receptors (D2Rs). Still, it is unclear how these two subpopulations of DA receptor-expressing neurons in the PFC regulate social dominance hierarchy. Here, we demonstrate distinct roles for prefrontal D1R- and D2R-expressing neurons in establishing social hierarchy, with D1R+ neurons determining dominance and D2R+ neurons for subordinate. Ex vivo whole-cell recordings revealed that the dominant status of male mice correlates with rectifying AMPAR transmission and stronger excitatory synaptic strength onto D1R+ neurons in PFC pyramidal neurons. In contrast, the submissive status is associated with higher neuronal excitability in D2R+ neurons. Moreover, simultaneous manipulations of synaptic efficacy of D1R+ neurons in dominant male mice and neuronal excitability of D2R+ neurons of their male subordinates switch their dominant-subordinate relationship. These results reveal that prefrontal D1R+ and D2R+ neurons have distinct but synergistic functions in the dominance hierarchy, and DA-mediated regulation of synaptic strengths acts as a powerful behavioral determinant of intermale social rank.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Dominance hierarchy exists widely among animals who confront social conflict. Studies have indicated that social status largely relies on the neuronal activity in the PFC, but how dopamine influences social hierarchy via subpopulation of prefrontal neurons is still elusive. Here, we explore the cell type-specific role of dopamine receptor-expressing prefrontal neurons in the dominance-subordinate relationship. We found that the synaptic strength of D1 receptor-expressing neurons determines the dominant status, whereas hyperactive D2-expressing neurons are associated with the subordinate status. These findings highlight how social conflicts recruit distinct cortical microcircuits to drive different behaviors and reveal how D1- and D2-receptor enriched neurocircuits in the PFC establish a social hierarchy.
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47
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Moussa AJ, Wester JC. Cell-type specific transcriptomic signatures of neocortical circuit organization and their relevance to autism. Front Neural Circuits 2022; 16:982721. [PMID: 36213201 PMCID: PMC9545608 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2022.982721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A prevailing challenge in neuroscience is understanding how diverse neuronal cell types select their synaptic partners to form circuits. In the neocortex, major classes of excitatory projection neurons and inhibitory interneurons are conserved across functionally distinct regions. There is evidence these classes form canonical circuit motifs that depend primarily on their identity; however, regional cues likely also influence their choice of synaptic partners. We mined the Allen Institute's single-cell RNA-sequencing database of mouse cortical neurons to study the expression of genes necessary for synaptic connectivity and physiology in two regions: the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM) and the primary visual cortex (VISp). We used the Allen's metadata to parse cells by clusters representing major excitatory and inhibitory classes that are common to both ALM and VISp. We then performed two types of pairwise differential gene expression analysis: (1) between different neuronal classes within the same brain region (ALM or VISp), and (2) between the same neuronal class in ALM and VISp. We filtered our results for differentially expressed genes related to circuit connectivity and developed a novel bioinformatic approach to determine the sets uniquely enriched in each neuronal class in ALM, VISp, or both. This analysis provides an organized set of genes that may regulate synaptic connectivity and physiology in a cell-type-specific manner. Furthermore, it identifies candidate mechanisms for circuit organization that are conserved across functionally distinct cortical regions or that are region dependent. Finally, we used the SFARI Human Gene Module to identify genes from this analysis that are related to risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Our analysis provides clear molecular targets for future studies to understand neocortical circuit organization and abnormalities that underlie autistic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Moussa
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jason C Wester
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
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48
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Fereshetyan K, Chavushyan V, Danielyan M, Yenkoyan K. Assessment of behavioral, morphological and electrophysiological changes in prenatal and postnatal valproate induced rat models of autism spectrum disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23471. [PMID: 34873263 PMCID: PMC8648736 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02994-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders, that are characterized by core symptoms, such as alterations of social communication and restrictive or repetitive behavior. The etiology and pathophysiology of disease is still unknown, however, there is a strong interaction between genetic and environmental factors. An intriguing point in autism research is identification the vulnerable time periods of brain development that lack compensatory homeostatic corrections. Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug with a pronounced teratogenic effect associated with a high risk of ASD, and its administration to rats during the gestation is used for autism modeling. It has been hypothesized that valproate induced damage and functional alterations of autism target structures may occur and evolve during early postnatal life. Here, we used prenatal and postnatal administrations of VPA to investigate the main behavioral features which are associated with autism spectrum disorders core symptoms were tested in early juvenile and adult rats. Neuroanatomical lesion of autism target structures and electrophysiological studies in specific neural circuits. Our results showed that prenatal and early postnatal administration of valproate led to the behavioral alterations that were similar to ASD. Postnatally treated group showed tendency to normalize in adulthood. We found pronounced structural changes in the brain target regions of prenatally VPA-treated groups, and an absence of abnormalities in postnatally VPA-treated groups, which confirmed the different severity of VPA across different stages of brain development. The results of this study clearly show time dependent effect of VPA on neurodevelopment, which might be explained by temporal differences of brain regions' development process. Presumably, postnatal administration of valproate leads to the dysfunction of synaptic networks that is recovered during the lifespan, due to the brain plasticity and compensatory ability of circuit refinement. Therefore, investigations of compensatory homeostatic mechanisms activated after VPA administration and directed to eliminate the defects in postnatal brain, may elucidate strategies to improve the course of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarine Fereshetyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Vergine Chavushyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.501896.3Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Relations, L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology NAS, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Margarita Danielyan
- grid.427559.80000 0004 0418 5743Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025 Yerevan, Armenia ,grid.501896.3Laboratory of Histochemistry and Electromicroscopy, L. A. Orbeli Institute of Physiology NAS, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin Yenkoyan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, 2 Koryun Str., 0025, Yerevan, Armenia. .,Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University named after M. Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia.
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49
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Zhang S, Jiao Z, Zhao X, Sun M, Feng X. Environmental exposure to 17β-trenbolone during adolescence inhibits social interaction in male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117710. [PMID: 34243057 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is a critical period for growth and development. This period is sensitive to external stimuli, which ultimately affects the development of nerves and the formation of social behaviour. 17β-Trenbolone (17β-TBOH) is an endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which had been widely reported in aquatic vertebrates. But there is little known about the effects of 17β-TBOH on mammals, especially on adolescent neurodevelopment. In this study, we found that 17β-TBOH acute 1 h exposure can cause the activation of the dopamine circuit in pubertal male balb/c mice. At present, there is little known about the effects of puberty exposure of endocrine disruptors on these neurons/nerve pathways. Through a series of behavioural tests, exposure to 80 μgkg-1 d-1 of 17β-TBOH during adolescence increased the anxiety-like behaviour of mice and reduced the control of wheel-running behaviour and the response of social interaction behaviour. The results of TH immunofluorescence staining showed that exposure to 17β-TBOH reduced dopamine axon growth in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). In addition, the results of real-time PCR showed that exposure to 17β-TBOH not only down-regulated the expression of dopamine axon development genes, but also affected the balance of excitatory/inhibitory signals in mPFC. In this research, we reveal the effects of 17β-TBOH exposure during adolescence on mammalian behaviour and neurodevelopment, and provide a reference for studying the origin of adolescent diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhi Zhang
- College of Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zihao Jiao
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
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50
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Mehta A, Shirai Y, Kouyama-Suzuki E, Zhou M, Yoshizawa T, Yanagawa T, Mori T, Tabuchi K. IQSEC2 Deficiency Results in Abnormal Social Behaviors Relevant to Autism by Affecting Functions of Neural Circuits in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex. Cells 2021; 10:2724. [PMID: 34685703 PMCID: PMC8534507 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
IQSEC2 is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for ADP-ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6), of which protein is exclusively localized to the postsynaptic density of the excitatory synapse. Human genome studies have revealed that the IQSEC2 gene is associated with X-linked neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, and autism. In this study, we examined the behavior and synapse function in IQSEC2 knockout (KO) mice that we generated using CRIPSR/Cas9-mediated genome editing to solve the relevance between IQSEC2 deficiency and the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. IQSEC2 KO mice exhibited autistic behaviors, such as overgrooming and social deficits. We identified that up-regulation of c-Fos expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) induced by social stimulation was significantly attenuated in IQSEC2 KO mice. Whole cell electrophysiological recording identified that synaptic transmissions mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and γ-aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) were significantly decreased in pyramidal neurons in layer 5 of the mPFC in IQSEC2 KO mice. Reexpression of IQSEC2 isoform 1 in the mPFC of IQSEC2 KO mice using adeno-associated virus (AAV) rescued both synaptic and social deficits, suggesting that impaired synaptic function in the mPFC is responsible for social deficits in IQSEC2 KO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuradha Mehta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
| | - Yoshinori Shirai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
| | - Emi Kouyama-Suzuki
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
| | - Mengyun Zhou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
| | - Takahiro Yoshizawa
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan;
| | - Toru Yanagawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8575, Japan;
| | - Takuma Mori
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
- Department of NeuroHealth Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Tabuchi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan; (A.M.); (Y.S.); (E.K.-S.); (M.Z.); (T.M.)
- Department of NeuroHealth Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
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