1
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Mediane DH, Basu S, Cahill EN, Anastasiades PG. Medial prefrontal cortex circuitry and social behaviour in autism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110101. [PMID: 39128583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has proven to be highly enigmatic due to the diversity of its underlying genetic causes and the huge variability in symptom presentation. Uncovering common phenotypes across people with ASD and pre-clinical models allows us to better understand the influence on brain function of the many different genetic and cellular processes thought to contribute to ASD aetiology. One such feature of ASD is the convergent evidence implicating abnormal functioning of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) across studies. The mPFC is a key part of the 'social brain' and may contribute to many of the changes in social behaviour observed in people with ASD. Here we review recent evidence for mPFC involvement in both ASD and social behaviours. We also highlight how pre-clinical mouse models can be used to uncover important cellular and circuit-level mechanisms that may underly atypical social behaviours in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Mediane
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Shinjini Basu
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emma N Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul G Anastasiades
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
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2
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Garcia‐Uzquiano R, Barcia G, Losito E, Chemaly N, Kaminska A, Desguerre I, Blauwblomme T, Boddaert N, Nabbout R. Genetic testing, another important tool in presurgical evaluation of focal epilepsies in childhood. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1589-1596. [PMID: 38829689 PMCID: PMC11296104 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12964] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery may be a curative therapy for patients with drug-resistant epilepsies when focal lesions or foci are identified. Genetic testing is not yet routinely included in many presurgical evaluation programs although recent evidence support that finding a germline genetic mutation could help to better delineate the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on the expected surgery outcome. In this study, we report nine patients presenting drug-resistant focal epilepsy enrolled in presurgical evaluation. We show how the identification of genetic pathogenic variant in epilepsy known genes led to the interruption of the presurgical work-up and ruled out surgery in 7 of them. We observed that the co-existence of some recurrent clinical characteristics as early seizures' onset, frequent precipitating factors including fever, and developmental delay or intellectual disability may be useful markers for germline genetic pathogenic variants. In this group, genetic assessment should be mandatory during presurgical work up, mainly in patients with negative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or doubtful structural lesions. The integration of next generation targeted sequencing into the presurgical evaluation can improve the selection of candidates for resective surgery and fosters a personalized medicine approach with a better outcome. PLAINE LANGUAGE ABSTRACT: Genetic testing is not yet systematically included in the pre-surgical assessment of patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsies. In this study, through the description of nine patients, we underline how the integration of genomics into the presurgical work up can help in evaluating the patient candidacy to surgery and provide valuable information on expected surgery outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giulia Barcia
- Department of GeneticsNecker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological DisordersINSERM UMR 1163ParisFrance
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
| | - Emma Losito
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare EpilepsiesParisFrance
- Unit of Pediatric NeurophysiologyNecker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Nicole Chemaly
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare EpilepsiesParisFrance
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological DisordersINSERM UMR 1163ParisFrance
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
| | - Anna Kaminska
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare EpilepsiesParisFrance
- Unit of Pediatric NeurophysiologyNecker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Isabelle Desguerre
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare EpilepsiesParisFrance
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
| | - Thomas Blauwblomme
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
- Department of Pediatric NeurosurgeryNecker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Nathalie Boddaert
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
- Department of Pediatric RadiologyNecker Enfants Malades Hospital, AP‐HPParisFrance
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Reference Centre for Rare EpilepsiesParisFrance
- Imagine Institute, Laboratory of Translational Research for Neurological DisordersINSERM UMR 1163ParisFrance
- University of Paris CitéParisFrance
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3
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Falcão M, Monteiro P, Jacinto L. Tactile sensory processing deficits in genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38837765 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Altered sensory processing is a common feature in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Although altered responses to tactile stimuli are observed in over 60% of individuals with ASD, the neurobiological basis of this phenomenon is poorly understood. ASD has a strong genetic component and genetic mouse models can provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying tactile abnormalities in ASD. This review critically addresses recent findings regarding tactile processing deficits found in mouse models of ASD, with a focus on behavioral, anatomical, and functional alterations. Particular attention was given to cellular and circuit-level functional alterations, both in the peripheral and central nervous systems, with the objective of highlighting possible convergence mechanisms across models. By elucidating the impact of mutations in ASD candidate genes on somatosensory circuits and correlating them with behavioral phenotypes, this review significantly advances our understanding of tactile deficits in ASD. Such insights not only broaden our comprehension but also pave the way for future therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Falcão
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Jacinto
- Department of Biomedicine-Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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4
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Chung Y, Dienel SJ, Belch MJ, Fish KN, Ermentrout GB, Lewis DA, Chung DW. Altered Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway and prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1382-1391. [PMID: 38273110 PMCID: PMC11273323 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Deficient gamma oscillations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals with schizophrenia appear to involve impaired inhibitory drive from parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVIs). Inhibitory drive from PVIs is regulated, in part, by RNA binding fox-1 homolog 1 (Rbfox1). Rbfox1 is spliced into nuclear or cytoplasmic isoforms, which regulate alternative splicing or stability of their target transcripts, respectively. One major target of cytoplasmic Rbfox1 is vesicle associated membrane protein 1 (Vamp1). Vamp1 mediates GABA release probability from PVIs, and the loss of Rbfox1 reduces Vamp1 levels which in turn impairs cortical inhibition. In this study, we investigated if the Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway is altered in PVIs in PFC of individuals with schizophrenia by utilizing a novel strategy that combines multi-label in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In the PFC of 20 matched pairs of schizophrenia and comparison subjects, cytoplasmic Rbfox1 protein levels were significantly lower in PVIs in schizophrenia and this deficit was not attributable to potential methodological confounds or schizophrenia-associated co-occurring factors. In a subset of this cohort, Vamp1 mRNA levels in PVIs were also significantly lower in schizophrenia and were predicted by lower cytoplasmic Rbfox1 protein levels across individual PVIs. To investigate the functional impact of Rbfox1-Vamp1 alterations in schizophrenia, we simulated the effect of lower GABA release probability from PVIs on gamma power in a computational model network of pyramidal neurons and PVIs. Our simulations showed that lower GABA release probability reduces gamma power by disrupting network synchrony while minimally affecting network activity. Finally, lower GABA release probability synergistically interacted with lower strength of inhibition from PVIs in schizophrenia to reduce gamma power non-linearly. Together, our findings suggest that the Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway in PVIs is impaired in schizophrenia and that this alteration likely contributes to deficient PFC gamma power in the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Chung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Samuel J Dienel
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matthew J Belch
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kenneth N Fish
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - G Bard Ermentrout
- Department of Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David A Lewis
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel W Chung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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5
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Cherra SJ, Lamb R. Interactions between Ras and Rap signaling pathways during neurodevelopment in health and disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1352731. [PMID: 38463630 PMCID: PMC10920261 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1352731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The Ras family of small GTPases coordinates tissue development by modulating cell proliferation, cell-cell adhesion, and cellular morphology. Perturbations of any of these key steps alter nervous system development and are associated with neurological disorders. While the underlying causes are not known, genetic mutations in Ras and Rap GTPase signaling pathways have been identified in numerous neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum, neurofibromatosis, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Despite diverse clinical presentations, intersections between these two signaling pathways may provide a better understanding of how deviations in neurodevelopment give rise to neurological disorders. In this review, we focus on presynaptic and postsynaptic functions of Ras and Rap GTPases. We highlight various roles of these small GTPases during synapse formation and plasticity. Based on genomic analyses, we discuss how disease-related mutations in Ras and Rap signaling proteins may underlie human disorders. Finally, we discuss how recent observations have identified molecular interactions between these pathways and how these findings may provide insights into the mechanisms that underlie neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore J. Cherra
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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6
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Song D, Chung DW, Ermentrout GB. Mean-field analysis of synaptic alterations underlying deficient cortical gamma oscillations in schizophrenia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3938805. [PMID: 38410475 PMCID: PMC10896366 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3938805/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Deficient gamma oscillations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ) are proposed to arise from alterations in the excitatory drive to fast-spiking interneurons ( E → I ) and in the inhibitory drive from these interneurons to excitatory neurons ( I → E ) . Consistent with this idea, prior postmortem studies showed lower levels of molecular and structural markers for the strength of E → I and I → E synapses and also greater variability in E → I synaptic strength in PFC of SZ. Moreover, simulating these alterations in a network of quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) neurons revealed a synergistic effect of their interactions on reducing gamma power. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dynamical nature of this synergistic interaction at macroscopic level by deriving a mean-field description of the QIF model network that consists of all-to-all connected excitatory neurons and fast-spiking interneurons. Through a series of numerical simulations and bifurcation analyses, findings from our mean-field model showed that the macroscopic dynamics of gamma oscillations are synergistically disrupted by the interactions among lower strength of E → I and I → E synapses and greater variability in E → I synaptic strength. Furthermore, the two-dimensional bifurcation analyses showed that this synergistic interaction is primarily driven by the shift in Hopf bifurcation due to lower E → I synaptic strength. Together, these simulations predict the nature of dynamical mechanisms by which multiple synaptic alterations interact to robustly reduce PFC gamma power in SZ, and highlight the utility of mean-field model to study macroscopic neural dynamics and their alterations in the illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deying Song
- Joint Program in Neural Computation and Machine Learning, Neuroscience Institute, and Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
| | - Daniel W. Chung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
| | - G. Bard Ermentrout
- Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
- Department of Mathematics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213
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7
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Rosa E Silva I, Smetana JHC, de Oliveira JF. A comprehensive review on DDX3X liquid phase condensation in health and neurodevelopmental disorders. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 259:129330. [PMID: 38218270 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.129330] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
DEAD-box helicases are global regulators of liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a process that assembles membraneless organelles inside cells. An outstanding member of the DEAD-box family is DDX3X, a multi-functional protein that plays critical roles in RNA metabolism, including RNA transcription, splicing, nucleocytoplasmic export, and translation. The diverse functions of DDX3X result from its ability to bind and remodel RNA in an ATP-dependent manner. This capacity enables the protein to act as an RNA chaperone and an RNA helicase, regulating ribonucleoprotein complex assembly. DDX3X and its orthologs from mouse, yeast (Ded1), and C. elegans (LAF-1) can undergo LLPS, driving the formation of neuronal granules, stress granules, processing bodies or P-granules. DDX3X has been related to several human conditions, including neurodevelopmental disorders, such as intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Although the research into the pathogenesis of aberrant biomolecular condensation in neurodegenerative diseases is increasing rapidly, the role of LLPS in neurodevelopmental disorders is underexplored. This review summarizes current findings relevant for DDX3X phase separation in neurodevelopment and examines how disturbances in the LLPS process can be related to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Rosa E Silva
- Brazilian Biosciences National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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8
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Sharif Rahmani E, Lawarde A, Lingasamy P, Moreno SV, Salumets A, Modhukur V. MBMethPred: a computational framework for the accurate classification of childhood medulloblastoma subgroups using data integration and AI-based approaches. Front Genet 2023; 14:1233657. [PMID: 37745846 PMCID: PMC10513500 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1233657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood medulloblastoma is a malignant form of brain tumor that is widely classified into four subgroups based on molecular and genetic characteristics. Accurate classification of these subgroups is crucial for appropriate treatment, monitoring plans, and targeted therapies. However, misclassification between groups 3 and 4 is common. To address this issue, an AI-based R package called MBMethPred was developed based on DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of 763 medulloblastoma samples to classify subgroups using machine learning and neural network models. The developed prediction models achieved a classification accuracy of over 96% for subgroup classification by using 399 CpGs as prediction biomarkers. We also assessed the prognostic relevance of prediction biomarkers using survival analysis. Furthermore, we identified subgroup-specific drivers of medulloblastoma using functional enrichment analysis, Shapley values, and gene network analysis. In particular, the genes involved in the nervous system development process have the potential to separate medulloblastoma subgroups with 99% accuracy. Notably, our analysis identified 16 genes that were specifically significant for subgroup classification, including EP300, CXCR4, WNT4, ZIC4, MEIS1, SLC8A1, NFASC, ASCL2, KIF5C, SYNGAP1, SEMA4F, ROR1, DPYSL4, ARTN, RTN4RL1, and TLX2. Our findings contribute to enhanced survival outcomes for patients with medulloblastoma. Continued research and validation efforts are needed to further refine and expand the utility of our approach in other cancer types, advancing personalized medicine in pediatric oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ankita Lawarde
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | | | - Sergio Vela Moreno
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Andres Salumets
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vijayachitra Modhukur
- Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Tartu, Estonia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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9
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Zhao M, Kwon SE. Interneuron-Targeted Disruption of SYNGAP1 Alters Sensory Representations in the Neocortex and Impairs Sensory Learning. J Neurosci 2023; 43:6212-6226. [PMID: 37558489 PMCID: PMC10476640 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1997-22.2023] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency in humans leads to severe neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intellectual disability, autism, epilepsy, and sensory processing deficits. However, the circuit mechanisms underlying these disorders are not well understood. In mice, a decrease of SynGAP levels results in cognitive deficits by interfering with the development of excitatory glutamatergic connections. Recent evidence suggests that SynGAP also plays a crucial role in the development and function of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether and to what extent the expression of SYNGAP1 in inhibitory interneurons contributes to cortical circuit function and related behaviors. The activity of cortical neurons has not been measured simultaneously with behavior. To address these gaps, we recorded from layer 2/3 neurons in the primary whisker somatosensory cortex (wS1) of mice while they learned to perform a whisker tactile detection task. Our results demonstrate that mice with interneuron-specific SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency exhibit learning deficits characterized by heightened behavioral responses in the absence of relevant sensory input and premature responses to unrelated sensory stimuli not associated with reward acquisition. These behavioral deficits are accompanied by specific circuit abnormalities within wS1. Interneuron-specific SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency increases detrimental neuronal correlations directly related to task performance and enhances responses to irrelevant sensory stimuli unrelated to the reward acquisition. In summary, our findings indicate that a reduction of SynGAP in inhibitory interneurons impairs sensory representation in the primary sensory cortex by disrupting neuronal correlations, which likely contributes to the observed cognitive deficits in mice with pan-neuronal SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency leads to severe neurodevelopmental disorders. The exact nature of neural circuit dysfunction caused by SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency remains poorly understood. SynGAP plays a critical role in the function of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons as well as glutamatergic pyramidal neurons in the neocortex. Whether and how decreasing SYNGAP1 level in inhibitory interneurons disrupts a behaviorally relevant circuit remains unclear. We measure neural activity and behavior in mice learning a perceptual task. Mice with interneuron-targeted disruption of SYNGAP1 display increased detrimental neuronal correlations and elevated responses to irrelevant sensory inputs, which are related to impaired task performance. These results show that cortical interneuron dysfunction contributes to sensory deficits in SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency with important implications for identifying therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhao
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
| | - Sung Eun Kwon
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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10
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Chung Y, Dienel S, Belch M, Fish K, Ermentrout G, Lewis D, Chung D. Altered Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway and prefrontal cortical dysfunction in schizophrenia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2944372. [PMID: 37398467 PMCID: PMC10312957 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2944372/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Deficient gamma oscillations in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals with schizophrenia appear to involve impaired inhibitory drive from parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVIs). Inhibitory drive from PVIs is regulated, in part, by RNA binding fox-1 homolog 1 (Rbfox1). Rbfox1 is spliced into nuclear or cytoplasmic isoforms, which regulate alternative splicing or stability of their target transcripts, respectively. One major target of cytoplasmic Rbfox1 is vesicle associated membrane protein 1 (Vamp1). Vamp1 mediates GABA release probability from PVIs, and the loss of Rbfox1 reduces Vamp1 levels which in turn impairs cortical inhibition. In this study, we investigated if the Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway is altered in PVIs in PFC of individuals with schizophrenia by utilizing a novel strategy that combines multi-label in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. In the PFC of 20 matched pairs of schizophrenia and comparison subjects, cytoplasmic Rbfox1 protein levels were significantly lower in PVIs in schizophrenia and this deficit was not attributable to potential methodological confounds or schizophrenia-associated co-occurring factors. In a subset of this cohort, Vamp1 mRNA levels in PVIs were also significantly lower in schizophrenia and were predicted by lower cytoplasmic Rbfox1 protein levels across individual PVIs. To investigate the functional impact of Rbfox1-Vamp1 alterations in schizophrenia, we simulated the effect of lower GABA release probability from PVIs on gamma power in a computational model network of pyramidal neurons and PVIs. Our simulations showed that lower GABA release probability reduces gamma power by disrupting network synchrony while minimally affecting network activity. Finally, lower GABA release probability synergistically interacted with lower strength of inhibition from PVIs in schizophrenia to reduce gamma power non-linearly. Together, our findings suggest that the Rbfox1-Vamp1 pathway in PVIs is impaired in schizophrenia and that this alteration likely contributes to deficient PFC gamma power in the illness.
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11
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Yang R, Feng X, Arias-Cavieres A, Mitchell RM, Polo A, Hu K, Zhong R, Qi C, Zhang RS, Westneat N, Portillo CA, Nobrega MA, Hansel C, Garcia Iii AJ, Zhang X. Upregulation of SYNGAP1 expression in mice and human neurons by redirecting alternative splicing. Neuron 2023; 111:1637-1650.e5. [PMID: 36917980 PMCID: PMC10198817 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
The Ras GTPase-activating protein SYNGAP1 plays a central role in synaptic plasticity, and de novo SYNGAP1 mutations are among the most frequent causes of autism and intellectual disability. How SYNGAP1 is regulated during development and how to treat SYNGAP1-associated haploinsufficiency remain challenging questions. Here, we characterize an alternative 3' splice site (A3SS) of SYNGAP1 that induces nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (A3SS-NMD) in mouse and human neural development. We demonstrate that PTBP1/2 directly bind to and promote SYNGAP1 A3SS inclusion. Genetic deletion of the Syngap1 A3SS in mice upregulates Syngap1 protein and alleviates the long-term potentiation and membrane excitability deficits caused by a Syngap1 knockout allele. We further report a splice-switching oligonucleotide (SSO) that converts SYNGAP1 unproductive isoform to the functional form in human iPSC-derived neurons. This study describes the regulation and function of SYNGAP1 A3SS-NMD, the genetic rescue of heterozygous Syngap1 knockout mice, and the development of an SSO to potentially alleviate SYNGAP1-associated haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runwei Yang
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xinran Feng
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alejandra Arias-Cavieres
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Institute for Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Robin M Mitchell
- Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Ashleigh Polo
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Institute for Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kaining Hu
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rong Zhong
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Cai Qi
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rachel S Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Nathaniel Westneat
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Cristabel A Portillo
- Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Marcelo A Nobrega
- Department of Human Genetics, the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Christian Hansel
- Department of Neurobiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Alfredo J Garcia Iii
- Section of Emergency Medicine, Department of Medicine, Institute for Integrative Physiology, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiaochang Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, Neuroscience Institute, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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12
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Maurer JJ, Choi A, An I, Sathi N, Chung S. Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder: Animal models, neural mechanisms, and therapeutics. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100095. [PMID: 37188242 PMCID: PMC10176270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is crucial for brain development. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strikingly, these sleep problems are positively correlated with the severity of ASD core symptoms such as deficits in social skills and stereotypic behavior, indicating that sleep problems and the behavioral characteristics of ASD may be related. In this review, we will discuss sleep disturbances in children with ASD and highlight mouse models to study sleep disturbances and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In addition, we will review neuromodulators controlling sleep and wakefulness and how these neuromodulatory systems are disrupted in animal models and patients with ASD. Lastly, we will address how the therapeutic interventions for patients with ASD improve various aspects of sleep. Together, gaining mechanistic insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in children with ASD will help us to develop better therapeutic interventions.
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13
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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14
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Synaptoproteomic Analysis of the Prefrontal Cortex Reveals Spatio-Temporal Changes in SYNGAP1 Following Cannabinoid Exposure in Rat Adolescence. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010698. [PMID: 36614142 PMCID: PMC9820805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The regular use of cannabis during adolescence has been associated with a number of negative life outcomes, including psychopathology and cognitive impairments. However, the exact molecular mechanisms that underlie these outcomes are just beginning to be understood. Moreover, very little is known about the spatio-temporal molecular changes that occur following cannabinoid exposure in adolescence. To understand these changes, we exposed mid-adolescent male rats to a synthetic cannabinoid (WIN 55,212-2 mesylate; WIN) and, following drug abstinence through late adolescence, we subjected the synaptosomal fractions of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to proteomic analyses. A total of N = 487 differentially expressed proteins were found in WIN-exposed animals compared to controls. Gene ontology analyses revealed enrichment of terms related to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic neurotransmitter system. Among the top differentially expressed proteins was the synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1). Using Western blotting experiments, we found that the WIN-induced upregulation of SYNGAP1 was spatio-temporal in nature, arising only in the synaptosomal fractions (not in the cytosol) and only following prolonged drug abstinence (not on abstinence day 1). Moreover, the SYNGAP1 changes were found to be specific to WIN-exposure in adolescence and not adulthood. Adolescent animals exposed to a natural cannabinoid (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol; THC) were also found to have increased levels of SYNGAP1 in the PFC. THC exposure also led to a pronounced upregulation of SYNGAP1 in the amygdala, but without any changes in the dorsal striatum, hippocampus, or nucleus accumbens. To our knowledge, this is the first study to uncover a link between cannabinoid exposure and changes in SYNGAP1 that are spatio-temporal and developmental in nature. Future studies are needed to investigate the putative role of SYNGAP1 in the negative behavioral consequences of cannabis use in adolescence.
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15
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Wang Y, Lv Y, Li Z, Gao M, Yang X, Li Y, Shi J, Gao Z, Liu Y, Gai Z. Phenotype and genotype analyses of Chinese patients with autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 caused by SYNGAP1 gene mutations. Front Genet 2022; 13:957915. [PMID: 36583017 PMCID: PMC9792850 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.957915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autosomal dominant mental retardation type 5 (MRD5), a rare neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), and epilepsy predominantly, is caused by a heterozygous mutation in the SYNGAP1 gene. SYNGAP1 mutations have been rarely reported in the Chinese population. Here, we present an investigation of SYNGAP1 mutations in a clinical cohort with ID and DD in Shandong, a northern province in China, to further explore the genotype and phenotype correlations. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 10 children with SYNGAP1 mutations presenting ID, DD, and epilepsy who were diagnosed between January 2014 and May 2022. Clinical data and genetic tests were collected. Treatment and regular follow-ups were carried out to pay close attention to the prognosis of the patients. Results: We described 10 unrelated affected individuals with SYNGAP1 mutations, displaying ID, DD, epilepsy, or seizures. All mutations of SYNGAP1 in the 10 patients were de novo, except patient 3 whose father was unavailable, including five nonsense mutations, two frameshift mutations, two splicing mutations, and one codon deletion. Among these mutations, five were novel and the other five were previously reported. Significantly, all patients with epilepsy were sensitive to anti-seizure drugs, especially sodium valproate. Furthermore, rehabilitation training seemed to exert a more improved effect on motor development than language development for the patients. Conclusion The 10 patients carrying SYNGAP1 mutations were diagnosed as MRD5. Five novel genetic mutations were found, which expanded the mutational spectrum of the SYNGAP1 gene. The identification of these mutations in this study helps explore the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes and contributes to genetic counseling and therapeutic intervention for patients with MRD5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yuqiang Lv
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China
| | - Zilong Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China
| | - Min Gao
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jianguo Shi
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China,Epilepsy Center, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Zaifen Gao
- Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China,Epilepsy Center, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Yi Liu, ; Zhongtao Gai,
| | - Zhongtao Gai
- Pediatric Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Children’s Health and Disease, Ji’nan, China,Epilepsy Center, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China,*Correspondence: Yi Liu, ; Zhongtao Gai,
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16
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Abstract
Recent advances in genomics have revealed a wide spectrum of genetic variants associated with neurodevelopmental disorders at an unprecedented scale. An increasing number of studies have consistently identified mutations-both inherited and de novo-impacting the function of specific brain circuits. This suggests that, during brain development, alterations in distinct neural circuits, cell types, or broad regulatory pathways ultimately shaping synapses might be a dysfunctional process underlying these disorders. Here, we review findings from human studies and animal model research to provide a comprehensive description of synaptic and circuit mechanisms implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders. We discuss how specific synaptic connections might be commonly disrupted in different disorders and the alterations in cognition and behaviors emerging from imbalances in neuronal circuits. Moreover, we review new approaches that have been shown to restore or mitigate dysfunctional processes during specific critical windows of brain development. Considering the heterogeneity of neurodevelopmental disorders, we also highlight the recent progress in developing improved clinical biomarkers and strategies that will help to identify novel therapeutic compounds and opportunities for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Exposito-Alonso
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom;
- Current affiliation: Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Beatriz Rico
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, United Kingdom;
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17
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Lyu S, Xing H, Liu Y, Girdhar P, Yokoi F, Li Y. Further Studies on the Role of BTBD9 in the Cerebellum, Sleep-like Behaviors and the Restless Legs Syndrome. Neuroscience 2022; 505:78-90. [PMID: 36244636 PMCID: PMC10367443 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.10.008] [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: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Genetic analyses have linked BTBD9 to restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep regulation. Btbd9 knockout mice show RLS-like motor restlessness. Previously, we found hyperactivity of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs) in Btbd9 knockout mice, which may contribute to the motor restlessness observed. However, underlying mechanisms for PC hyperactivity in Btbd9 knockout mice are unknown. Here, we used dissociated PC recording, brain slice recording and western blot to address this question. Our dissociated recording shows that knockout PCs had increased TEA-sensitive, Ca2+-dependent K+ currents. Applying antagonist to large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BK) channels further isolated the increased current as BK current. Consistently, we found increased amplitude of afterhyperpolarization and elevated BK protein levels in the knockout mice. Dissociated recording also shows a decrease in TEA-insensitive, Ca2+-dependent K+ currents. The result is consistent with reduced amplitude of tail currents, mainly composed of small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) currents, in slice recording. Our results suggest that BK and SK channels may be responsible for the hyperactivity of knockout PCs. Recently, BTBD9 protein was shown to associate with SYNGAP1 protein. We found a decreased cerebellar level of SYNGAP1 in Btbd9 knockout mice. However, Syngap1 heterozygous knockout mice showed nocturnal, instead of diurnal, motor restlessness. Our results suggest that SYNGAP1 deficiency may not contribute directly to the RLS-like motor restlessness observed in Btbd9 knockout mice. Finally, we found that PC-specific Btbd9 knockout mice exhibited deficits in motor coordination and balance similar to Btbd9 knockout mice, suggesting that the motor effect of BTBD9 in PCs is cell-autonomous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangru Lyu
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hong Xing
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuning Liu
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Pallavi Girdhar
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Fumiaki Yokoi
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Yuqing Li
- Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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18
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Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
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19
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Kilinc M, Arora V, Creson TK, Rojas C, Le AA, Lauterborn J, Wilkinson B, Hartel N, Graham N, Reich A, Gou G, Araki Y, Bayés À, Coba M, Lynch G, Miller CA, Rumbaugh G. Endogenous Syngap1 alpha splice forms promote cognitive function and seizure protection. eLife 2022; 11:e75707. [PMID: 35394425 PMCID: PMC9064290 DOI: 10.7554/elife.75707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function variants in SYNGAP1 cause a developmental encephalopathy defined by cognitive impairment, autistic features, and epilepsy. SYNGAP1 splicing leads to expression of distinct functional protein isoforms. Splicing imparts multiple cellular functions of SynGAP proteins through coding of distinct C-terminal motifs. However, it remains unknown how these different splice sequences function in vivo to regulate neuronal function and behavior. Reduced expression of SynGAP-α1/2 C-terminal splice variants in mice caused severe phenotypes, including reduced survival, impaired learning, and reduced seizure latency. In contrast, upregulation of α1/2 expression improved learning and increased seizure latency. Mice expressing α1-specific mutations, which disrupted SynGAP cellular functions without altering protein expression, promoted seizure, disrupted synapse plasticity, and impaired learning. These findings demonstrate that endogenous SynGAP isoforms with α1/2 spliced sequences promote cognitive function and impart seizure protection. Regulation of SynGAP-αexpression or function may be a viable therapeutic strategy to broadly improve cognitive function and mitigate seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Kilinc
- Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Vineet Arora
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Thomas K Creson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Camilo Rojas
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Aliza A Le
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
| | - Julie Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
| | - Brent Wilkinson
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Nicolas Hartel
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Nicholas Graham
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Adrian Reich
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Core, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Gemma Gou
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant PauBarcelonaSpain
- Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBellaterraSpain
| | - Yoichi Araki
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimoreUnited States
| | - Àlex Bayés
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant PauBarcelonaSpain
| | - Marcelo Coba
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Gary Lynch
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, The University of CaliforniaIrvineUnited States
| | - Courtney A Miller
- Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
| | - Gavin Rumbaugh
- Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
- Departments of Neuroscience and Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research InstituteJupiterUnited States
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20
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairments in schizophrenia are associated with lower gamma oscillation power in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Gamma power depends in part on excitatory drive to fast-spiking parvalbumin interneurons (PVIs). Excitatory drive to cortical neurons varies in strength, which could affect how these neurons regulate network oscillations. The authors investigated whether variability in excitatory synaptic strength across PVIs could contribute to lower prefrontal gamma power in schizophrenia. METHODS In postmortem PFC from 20 matched pairs of comparison and schizophrenia subjects, levels of vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGlut1) and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95) proteins were quantified to assess variability in excitatory synaptic strength across PVIs. A computational model network was then used to simulate how variability in excitatory synaptic strength across fast-spiking (a defining feature of PVIs) interneurons (FSIs) regulates gamma power. RESULTS The variability of VGlut1 and PSD95 levels at excitatory inputs across PVIs was larger in schizophrenia relative to comparison subjects. This alteration was not influenced by schizophrenia-associated comorbid factors, was not present in monkeys chronically exposed to antipsychotic medications, and was not present in calretinin interneurons. In the model network, variability in excitatory synaptic strength across FSIs regulated gamma power by affecting network synchrony. Finally, greater synaptic variability interacted synergistically with other synaptic alterations in schizophrenia (i.e., fewer excitatory inputs to FSIs and lower inhibitory strength from FSIs) to robustly reduce gamma power. CONCLUSIONS The study findings suggest that greater variability in excitatory synaptic strength across PVIs, in combination with other modest synaptic alterations in these neurons, can markedly lower PFC gamma power in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Chung
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - Matthew A Geramita
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
| | - David A Lewis
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh
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21
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Buller-Peralta I, Maicas-Royo J, Lu Z, Till SM, Wood ER, Kind PC, Escudero J, Gonzalez-Sulser A. Abnormal brain state distribution and network connectivity in a SYNGAP1 rat model. Brain Commun 2022; 4:fcac263. [PMID: 36349120 PMCID: PMC9638780 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcac263] [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: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SYNGAP1 gene are one of the common predictors of neurodevelopmental disorders, commonly resulting in individuals developing autism, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and sleep deficits. EEG recordings in neurodevelopmental disorders show potential to identify clinically translatable biomarkers to both diagnose and track the progress of novel therapeutic strategies, as well as providing insight into underlying pathological mechanisms. In a rat model of SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency in which the exons encoding the calcium/lipid binding and GTPase-activating protein domains have been deleted (Syngap+/Δ-GAP ), we analysed the duration and occurrence of wake, non-rapid eye movement and rapid eye movement brain states during 6 h multi-electrode EEG recordings. We find that although Syngap+/Δ-GAP animals spend an equivalent percent time in wake and sleep states, they have an abnormal brain state distribution as the number of wake and non-rapid eye movement bouts are reduced and there is an increase in the average duration of both wake and non-rapid eye movement epochs. We perform connectivity analysis by calculating the average imaginary coherence between electrode pairs at varying distance thresholds during these states. In group averages from pairs of electrodes at short distances from each other, a clear reduction in connectivity during non-rapid eye movement is present between 11.5 Hz and 29.5 Hz, a frequency range that overlaps with sleep spindles, oscillatory phenomena thought to be important for normal brain function and memory consolidation. Sleep abnormalities were mostly uncorrelated to the electrophysiological signature of absence seizures, spike and wave discharges, as was the imaginary coherence deficit. Sleep spindles occurrence, amplitude, power and spread across multiple electrodes were not reduced in Syngap+/Δ-GAP rats, with only a small decrease in duration detected. Nonetheless, by analysing the dynamic imaginary coherence during sleep spindles, we found a reduction in high-connectivity instances between short-distance electrode pairs. Finally comparing the dynamic imaginary coherence during sleep spindles between individual electrode pairs, we identified a group of channels over the right somatosensory, association and visual cortices that have a significant reduction in connectivity during sleep spindles in mutant animals. This matched a significant reduction in connectivity during spindles when averaged regional comparisons were made. These data suggest that Syngap+/Δ-GAP rats have altered brain state dynamics and EEG connectivity, which may have clinical relevance for SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Buller-Peralta
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jorge Maicas-Royo
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Zhuoen Lu
- School of Engineering, Institute for Digital Communications, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sally M Till
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Emma R Wood
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Peter C Kind
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Escudero
- School of Engineering, Institute for Digital Communications, University of Edinburgh, EH9 3JL Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Gonzalez-Sulser
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9XD Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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22
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Contractor A, Ethell IM, Portera-Cailliau C. Cortical interneurons in autism. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1648-1659. [PMID: 34848882 PMCID: PMC9798607 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The mechanistic underpinnings of autism remain a subject of debate and controversy. Why do individuals with autism share an overlapping set of atypical behaviors and symptoms, despite having different genetic and environmental risk factors? A major challenge in developing new therapies for autism has been the inability to identify convergent neural phenotypes that could explain the common set of symptoms that result in the diagnosis. Although no striking macroscopic neuropathological changes have been identified in autism, there is growing evidence that inhibitory interneurons (INs) play an important role in its neural basis. In this Review, we evaluate and interpret this evidence, focusing on recent findings showing reduced density and activity of the parvalbumin class of INs. We discuss the need for additional studies that investigate how genes and the environment interact to change the developmental trajectory of INs, permanently altering their numbers, connectivity and circuit engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anis Contractor
- Department of Neuroscience Feinberg School of Medicine, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, UC Riverside School of Medicine, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Portera-Cailliau
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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23
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Carreño-Muñoz MI, Chattopadhyaya B, Agbogba K, Côté V, Wang S, Lévesque M, Avoli M, Michaud JL, Lippé S, Di Cristo G. Sensory processing dysregulations as reliable translational biomarkers in SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency. Brain 2021; 145:754-769. [PMID: 34791091 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amongst the numerous genes associated with intellectual disability, SYNGAP1 stands out for its frequency and penetrance of loss-of-function variants found in patients, as well as the wide range of co-morbid disorders associated with its mutation. Most studies exploring the pathophysiological alterations caused by Syngap1 haploinsufficiency in mouse models have focused on cognitive problems and epilepsy, however whether and to what extent sensory perception and processing are altered by Syngap1 haploinsufficiency is less clear. By performing EEG recordings in awake mice, we identified specific alterations in multiple aspects of auditory and visual processing, including increased baseline gamma oscillation power, increased theta/gamma phase amplitude coupling following stimulus presentation and abnormal neural entrainment in response to different sensory modality-specific frequencies. We also report lack of habituation to repetitive auditory stimuli and abnormal deviant sound detection. Interestingly, we found that most of these alterations are present in human patients as well, thus making them strong candidates as translational biomarkers of sensory-processing alterations associated with SYNGAP1/Syngap1 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabel Carreño-Muñoz
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Kristian Agbogba
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Valérie Côté
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Siyan Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maxime Lévesque
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Massimo Avoli
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippé
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Graziella Di Cristo
- Centre de Recherche, CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ), Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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24
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Liu Y, Ouyang P, Zheng Y, Mi L, Zhao J, Ning Y, Guo W. A Selective Review of the Excitatory-Inhibitory Imbalance in Schizophrenia: Underlying Biology, Genetics, Microcircuits, and Symptoms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:664535. [PMID: 34746116 PMCID: PMC8567014 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.664535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder characterized by specific positive and negative primary symptoms, social behavior disturbances and cognitive deficits (e.g., impairment in working memory and cognitive flexibility). Mounting evidence suggests that altered excitability and inhibition at the molecular, cellular, circuit and network level might be the basis for the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. In the past decades, human and animal studies have identified that glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmissions are critically involved in several cognitive progresses, including learning and memory. The purpose of this review is, by analyzing emerging findings relating to the balance of excitatory and inhibitory, ranging from animal models of schizophrenia to clinical studies in patients with early onset, first-episode or chronic schizophrenia, to discuss how the excitatory-inhibitory imbalance may relate to the pathophysiology of disease phenotypes such as cognitive deficits and negative symptoms, and highlight directions for appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Ouyang
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yingjun Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Mi
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingping Zhao
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,The First School of Clinical Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenbin Guo
- National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders and Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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25
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Verma V, Kumar MJV, Sharma K, Rajaram S, Muddashetty R, Manjithaya R, Behnisch T, Clement JP. Pharmacological intervention in young adolescents rescues synaptic physiology and behavioural deficits in Syngap1 +/- mice. Exp Brain Res 2021; 240:289-309. [PMID: 34739555 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency in SYNGAP1 is implicated in intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and affects the maturation of dendritic spines. The abnormal spine development has been suggested to cause a disbalance of excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) neurotransmission at distinct developmental periods. In addition, E/I imbalances in Syngap1+/- mice might be due to abnormalities in K+-Cl- co-transporter function (NKCC1, KCC2), in a maner similar to the murine models of Fragile-X and Rett syndromes. To study whether an altered intracellular chloride ion concentration represents an underlying mechanism of modified function of GABAergic synapses in Dentate Gyrus Granule Cells of Syngap1+/- recordings were performed at different developmental stages of the mice. We observed depolarised neurons at P14-15 as illustrated by decreased Cl- reversal potential in Syngap1+/- mice. The KCC2 expression was decreased compared to Wild-type (WT) mice at P14-15. The GSK-3β inhibitor, 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (6BIO) that crosses the blood-brain barrier, was tested to restore the function of GABAergic synapses. We discovered that the intraperitoneal administration of 6BIO during the critical period or young adolescents [P30 to P80 (4-week to 10-week)] normalised an altered E/I balance, the deficits of synaptic plasticity, and behavioural performance like social novelty, anxiety, and memory of the Syngap1+/- mice. In summary, altered GABAergic function in Syngap1+/- mice is due to reduced KCC2 expression leading to an increase in the intracellular chloride concentration that can be counteracted by the 6BIO, which restored cognitive, emotional, and social symptoms by pharmacological intervention, particularly in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - M J Vijay Kumar
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Kavita Sharma
- International Centre for Material Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Sridhar Rajaram
- International Centre for Material Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Ravi Manjithaya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India.,Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Thomas Behnisch
- Institutes of Brain Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, 560064, India.
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26
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Syngap1 regulates experience-dependent cortical ensemble plasticity by promoting in vivo excitatory synapse strengthening. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2100579118. [PMID: 34404727 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2100579118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of autism risk genes regulate synapse function, including plasticity, which is believed to contribute to behavioral abnormalities. However, it remains unclear how impaired synapse plasticity contributes to network-level processes linked to adaptive behaviors, such as experience-dependent ensemble plasticity. We found that Syngap1, a major autism risk gene, promoted measures of experience-dependent excitatory synapse strengthening in the mouse cortex, including spike-timing-dependent glutamatergic synaptic potentiation and presynaptic bouton formation. Synaptic depression and bouton elimination were normal in Syngap1 mice. Within cortical networks, Syngap1 promoted experience-dependent increases in somatic neural activity in weakly active neurons. In contrast, plastic changes to highly active neurons from the same ensemble that paradoxically weaken with experience were unaffected. Thus, experience-dependent excitatory synapse strengthening mediated by Syngap1 shapes neuron-specific plasticity within cortical ensembles. We propose that other genes regulate neuron-specific weakening within ensembles, and together, these processes function to redistribute activity within cortical networks during experience.
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27
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Côté V, Knoth IS, Agbogba K, Vannasing P, Côté L, Major P, Michaud JL, Barlaam F, Lippé S. Differential auditory brain response abnormalities in two intellectual disability conditions: SYNGAP1 mutations and Down syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol 2021; 132:1802-1812. [PMID: 34130248 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.03.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Altered sensory processing is common in intellectual disability (ID). Here, we study electroencephalographic responses to auditory stimulation in human subjects presenting a rare condition (mutations in SYNGAP1) which causes ID, epilepsy and autism. METHODS Auditory evoked potentials, time-frequency and inter-trial coherence analyses were used to compare subjects with SYNGAP1 mutations with Down syndrome (DS) and neurotypical (NT) participants (N = 61 ranging from three to 19 years of age). RESULTS Altered synchronization in the brain responses to sound were found in both ID groups. The SYNGAP1 mutations group showed less phase-locking in early time windows and lower frequency bands compared to NT, and in later time windows compared to NT and DS. Time-frequency analysis showed more power in beta-gamma in the SYNGAP1 group compared to NT participants. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated reduced synchronization as well as more high frequencies power in SYNGAP1 mutations, while maintained synchronization was found in the DS group. These results might reflect dysfunctional sensory information processing caused by excitation/inhibition imbalance, or an imperfect compensatory mechanism in SYNGAP1 mutations individuals. SIGNIFICANCE Our study is the first to reveal brain response abnormalities in auditory sensory processing in SYNGAP1 mutations individuals, that are distinct from DS, another ID condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Côté
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Inga S Knoth
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Lucie Côté
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe Major
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques L Michaud
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pediatrics and Neurosciences, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Fanny Barlaam
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippé
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada; CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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28
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Chakraborty R, Vijay Kumar MJ, Clement JP. Critical aspects of neurodevelopment. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 180:107415. [PMID: 33647449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Organisms have the unique ability to adapt to their environment by making use of external inputs. In the process, the brain is shaped by experiences that go hand-in-hand with optimisation of neural circuits. As such, there exists a time window for the development of different brain regions, each unique for a particular sensory modality, wherein the propensity of forming strong, irreversible connections are high, referred to as a critical period of development. Over the years, this domain of neurodevelopmental research has garnered considerable attention from many scientists, primarily because of the intensive activity-dependent nature of development. This review discusses the cellular, molecular, and neurophysiological bases of critical periods of different sensory modalities, and the disorders associated in cases the regulators of development are dysfunctional. Eventually, the neurobiological bases of the behavioural abnormalities related to developmental pathologies are discussed. A more in-depth insight into the development of the brain during the critical period of plasticity will eventually aid in developing potential therapeutics for several neurodevelopmental disorders that are categorised under critical period disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranabir Chakraborty
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India
| | - M J Vijay Kumar
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India.
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29
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Holter MC, Hewitt LT, Nishimura KJ, Knowles SJ, Bjorklund GR, Shah S, Fry NR, Rees KP, Gupta TA, Daniels CW, Li G, Marsh S, Treiman DM, Olive MF, Anderson TR, Sanabria F, Snider WD, Newbern JM. Hyperactive MEK1 Signaling in Cortical GABAergic Neurons Promotes Embryonic Parvalbumin Neuron Loss and Defects in Behavioral Inhibition. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:3064-3081. [PMID: 33570093 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Many developmental syndromes have been linked to genetic mutations that cause abnormal ERK/MAPK activity; however, the neuropathological effects of hyperactive signaling are not fully understood. Here, we examined whether hyperactivation of MEK1 modifies the development of GABAergic cortical interneurons (CINs), a heterogeneous population of inhibitory neurons necessary for cortical function. We show that GABAergic-neuron specific MEK1 hyperactivation in vivo leads to increased cleaved caspase-3 labeling in a subpopulation of immature neurons in the embryonic subpallial mantle zone. Adult mutants displayed a significant loss of parvalbumin (PV), but not somatostatin, expressing CINs and a reduction in perisomatic inhibitory synapses on excitatory neurons. Surviving mutant PV-CINs maintained a typical fast-spiking phenotype but showed signs of decreased intrinsic excitability that coincided with an increased risk of seizure-like phenotypes. In contrast to other mouse models of PV-CIN loss, we discovered a robust increase in the accumulation of perineuronal nets, an extracellular structure thought to restrict plasticity. Indeed, we found that mutants exhibited a significant impairment in the acquisition of behavioral response inhibition capacity. Overall, our data suggest PV-CIN development is particularly sensitive to hyperactive MEK1 signaling, which may underlie certain neurological deficits frequently observed in ERK/MAPK-linked syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Holter
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Lauren T Hewitt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Kenji J Nishimura
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.,Interdepartmental Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sara J Knowles
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | | | - Shiv Shah
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Noah R Fry
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Katherina P Rees
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Tanya A Gupta
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Carter W Daniels
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Guohui Li
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Steven Marsh
- Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA
| | | | | | - Trent R Anderson
- College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Federico Sanabria
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - William D Snider
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jason M Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
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30
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Aten S, Kalidindi A, Yoon H, Rumbaugh G, Hoyt KR, Obrietan K. SynGAP is expressed in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus and regulates circadian-gated locomotor activity and light-entrainment capacity. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 53:732-749. [PMID: 33174316 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus functions as the master circadian clock. The phasing of the SCN oscillator is locked to the daily solar cycle, and an intracellular signaling cassette from the small GTPase Ras to the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is central to this entrainment process. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of SynGAP-a GTPase-activating protein that serves as a negative regulator of Ras signaling-within the murine SCN. Using a combination of immunohistochemical and Western blotting approaches, we show that SynGAP is broadly expressed throughout the SCN. In addition, temporal profiling assays revealed that SynGAP expression is regulated over the circadian cycle, with peak expression occurring during the circadian night. Further, time-of-day-gated expression of SynGAP was not observed in clock arrhythmic BMAL1 null mice, indicating that the daily oscillation in SynGAP is driven by the inherent circadian timing mechanism. We also show that SynGAP phosphorylation at serine 1138-an event that has been found to modulate its functional efficacy-is regulated by clock time and is responsive to photic input. Finally, circadian phenotypic analysis of Syngap1 heterozygous mice revealed enhanced locomotor activity, increased sensitivity to light-evoked clock entrainment, and elevated levels of light-evoked MAPK activity, which is consistent with the role of SynGAP as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling. These findings reveal that SynGAP functions as a modulator of SCN clock entrainment, an effect that may contribute to sleep and circadian abnormalities observed in patients with SYNGAP1 gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Aten
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anisha Kalidindi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hyojung Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gavin Rumbaugh
- Scripps Research, Department of Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA.,Scripps Research, Department of Molecular Medicine, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Kari R Hoyt
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Karl Obrietan
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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31
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Lévesque M, Gao H, Southward C, Langlois JMP, Léna C, Courtemanche R. Cerebellar Cortex 4-12 Hz Oscillations and Unit Phase Relation in the Awake Rat. Front Syst Neurosci 2020; 14:475948. [PMID: 33240052 PMCID: PMC7683574 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2020.475948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oscillations in the granule cell layer (GCL) of the cerebellar cortex have been related to behavior and could facilitate communication with the cerebral cortex. These local field potential (LFP) oscillations, strong at 4–12 Hz in the rodent cerebellar cortex during awake immobility, should also be an indicator of an underlying influence on the patterns of the cerebellar cortex neuronal firing during rest. To address this hypothesis, cerebellar cortex LFPs and simultaneous single-neuron activity were collected during LFP oscillatory periods in the GCL of awake resting rats. During these oscillatory episodes, different types of units across the GCL and Purkinje cell layers showed variable phase-relation with the oscillatory cycles. Overall, 74% of the Golgi cell firing and 54% of the Purkinje cell simple spike (SS) firing were phase-locked with the oscillations, displaying a clear phase relationship. Despite this tendency, fewer Golgi cells (50%) and Purkinje cell’s SSs (25%) showed an oscillatory firing pattern. Oscillatory phase-locked spikes for the Golgi and Purkinje cells occurred towards the peak of the LFP cycle. GCL LFP oscillations had a strong capacity to predict the timing of Golgi cell spiking activity, indicating a strong influence of this oscillatory phenomenon over the GCL. Phase-locking was not as prominent for the Purkinje cell SS firing, indicating a weaker influence over the Purkinje cell layer, yet a similar phase relation. Overall, synaptic activity underlying GCL LFP oscillations likely exert an influence on neuronal population firing patterns in the cerebellar cortex in the awake resting state and could have a preparatory neural network shaping capacity serving as a neural baseline for upcoming cerebellar operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxime Lévesque
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - HongYing Gao
- Institut de Biologie, CNRS UMR 8197-U 1024, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Carla Southward
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - J M Pierre Langlois
- Département de Génie Informatique et Génie Logiciel, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Clément Léna
- Institut de Biologie, CNRS UMR 8197-U 1024, École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France
| | - Richard Courtemanche
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Center for Studies in Behavioral Neurobiology, Concordia University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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32
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Wang Y, Wei H, Tong J, Ji M, Yang J. pSynGAP1 disturbance-mediated hippocampal oscillation network impairment might contribute to long-term neurobehavioral abnormities in sepsis survivors. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:23146-23164. [PMID: 33203791 PMCID: PMC7746391 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Although more patients survive sepsis and are increasingly discharged from the hospital, they often experience long-term cognitive and psychological impairment with significant socioeconomic impact. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we showed that LPS induced long-term neurobehavioral abnormities, as reflected by significantly decreased freezing time to context and sucrose preference. Using a high-throughput quantitative proteomic screen, we showed that phosphorylation of synaptic GTPase-activating protein 1 (pSynGAP1) was identified as the hub of synaptic plasticity and was significantly decreased following LPS exposure. This decreased pSynGAP was associated with significantly lower theta and gamma oscillations in the CA1 of the hippocampus. Notably, restoration of pSynGAP1 by roscovitine was able to reverse most of these abnormities. Taken together, our study suggested that pSynGAP1 disturbance-mediated hippocampal oscillation network impairment might play a critical role in long-term neurobehavioral abnormities of sepsis survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Tong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Muhuo Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jianjun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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33
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Sun BL, Li WW, Wang J, Xu YL, Sun HL, Tian DY, Wang YJ, Yao XQ. Gut Microbiota Alteration and Its Time Course in a Tauopathy Mouse Model. J Alzheimers Dis 2020; 70:399-412. [PMID: 31177213 DOI: 10.3233/jad-181220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a role in neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota are altered in tauopathies remains largely unknown. This study was aimed to examine the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota in tauopathies, as well as the correlation with pathological changes in the brain. We collected fecal samples from 32 P301L tau transgenic mice and 32 age- and gender-matched littermate mice at different ages. The 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing technique was used to analyze the microbiota composition in feces. Brain tau pathology levels were measured by immunohistochemistry. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiota significantly changed with aging. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, while Firmicutes were decreased in P301L mice compared with that in Wt mice after 3 months of age. In addition, Actinobacteria was decreased in P301L mice at 3 and 6 months of age, meanwhile Tenericutes was decreased in P301L mice at 10 months of age. Moreover, several specific macrobiota were highly associated with the levels of AT8-tau or pT231-tau protein in the brain. Our findings suggest that gut microbiota changed with aging, as well as in the tauopathy mice model. Modulation of the gut microbiota may be a potential strategy for treatment of tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin-Lu Sun
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei-Wei Li
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya-Li Xu
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao-Lun Sun
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ding-Yuan Tian
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Jiang Wang
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Qing Yao
- Department of Neurology and Centre for Clinical Neuroscience, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
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34
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Huang S, Kirkwood A. Endocannabinoid Signaling Contributes to Experience-Induced Increase of Synaptic Release Sites From Parvalbumin Interneurons in Mouse Visual Cortex. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:571133. [PMID: 33192316 PMCID: PMC7556304 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.571133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During postnatal development of the visual cortex between eye-opening to puberty, visual experience promotes a gradual increase in the strength of inhibitory synaptic connections from parvalbumin-positive interneurons (PV-INs) onto layer 2/3 pyramidal cells. However, the detailed connectivity properties and molecular mechanisms underlying these developmental changes are not well understood. Using dual-patch clamp in brain slices from G42 mice, we revealed that both connection probability and the number of synaptic release sites contributed to the enhancement of synaptic strength. The increase of release site number was hindered by dark rearing from eye-opening and rescued by 3-days re-exposure to the normal visual environment. The effect of light re-exposure on restoring synaptic release sites in dark reared mice was mimicked by the agonist of cannabinoid-1 (CB1) receptors and blocked by an antagonist of these receptors, suggesting a role for endocannabinoid signaling in light-induced maturation of inhibitory connectivity from PV-INs to pyramidal cells during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyong Huang
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore, MD, United States.,The Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alfredo Kirkwood
- The Mind/Brain Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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35
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Maekawa M, Ohnishi T, Toyoshima M, Shimamoto-Mitsuyama C, Hamazaki K, Balan S, Wada Y, Esaki K, Takagai S, Tsuchiya KJ, Nakamura K, Iwata Y, Nara T, Iwayama Y, Toyota T, Nozaki Y, Ohba H, Watanabe A, Hisano Y, Matsuoka S, Tsujii M, Mori N, Matsuzaki H, Yoshikawa T. A potential role of fatty acid binding protein 4 in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa145. [PMID: 33225276 PMCID: PMC7667725 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social communication and interaction, as well as repetitive and characteristic patterns of behaviour. Although the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, being overweight or obesity during infancy and low weight at birth are known as risks, suggesting a metabolic aspect. In this study, we investigated adipose tissue development as a pathophysiological factor of autism spectrum disorder by examining the serum levels of adipokines and other metabolic markers in autism spectrum disorder children (n = 123) and typically developing children (n = 92) at 4–12 years of age. Among multiple measures exhibiting age-dependent trajectories, the leptin levels displayed different trajectory patterns between autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children, supporting an adipose tissue-dependent mechanism of autism spectrum disorder. Of particular interest, the levels of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) were significantly lower in autism spectrum disorder children than in typically developing subjects, at preschool age (4–6 years old: n = 21 for autism spectrum disorder and n = 26 for typically developing). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis discriminated autism spectrum disorder children from typically developing children with a sensitivity of 94.4% and a specificity of 75.0%. We re-sequenced the exons of the FABP4 gene in a Japanese cohort comprising 659 autism spectrum disorder and 1000 control samples, and identified two rare functional variants in the autism spectrum disorder group. The Trp98Stop, one of the two variants, was transmitted to the proband from his mother with a history of depression. The disruption of the Fabp4 gene in mice evoked autism spectrum disorder-like behavioural phenotypes and increased spine density on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons, which has been observed in the postmortem brains of autism spectrum disorder subjects. The Fabp4 knockout mice had an altered fatty acid composition in the cortex. Collectively, these results suggest that an ‘adipo-brain axis’ may underlie the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder, with FABP4 as a potential molecule for use as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Maekawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Correspondence to: Motoko Maekawa, Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-city, Saitama 351-0198, Japan. E-mail:
| | - Tetsuo Ohnishi
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Manabu Toyoshima
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Kei Hamazaki
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Shabeesh Balan
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yuina Wada
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kayoko Esaki
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shu Takagai
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kenji J Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Fukude Nishi Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nara
- Department of Rehabilitation, Miyagi Children's Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yayoi Nozaki
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hisako Ohba
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akiko Watanabe
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuko Hisano
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shigeru Matsuoka
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Oita, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Tsujii
- School of Contemporary Sociology, Chukyo University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Norio Mori
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Fukude Nishi Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Saitama, Japan
- Correspondence may also be addressed to: Takeo Yoshikawa. E-mail:
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36
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Gou G, Roca-Fernandez A, Kilinc M, Serrano E, Reig-Viader R, Araki Y, Huganir RL, de Quintana-Schmidt C, Rumbaugh G, Bayés À. SynGAP splice variants display heterogeneous spatio-temporal expression and subcellular distribution in the developing mammalian brain. J Neurochem 2020; 154:618-634. [PMID: 32068252 PMCID: PMC7754318 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The SynGAP protein is a major regulator of synapse biology and neural circuit function. Genetic variants linked to epilepsy and intellectual disability disrupt synaptic function and neural excitability. SynGAP has been involved in multiple signaling pathways and can regulate small GTPases with very different roles. Yet, the molecular bases behind this pleiotropy are poorly understood. We hypothesize that different SynGAP isoforms will mediate different sets of functions and that deciphering their spatio-temporal expression and subcellular localization will accelerate understanding their multiple functions. Using isoform-specific antibodies recognizing SynGAP in mouse and human samples we found distinctive developmental expression patterns for all SynGAP isoforms in five mouse brain areas. Particularly noticeable was the delayed expression of SynGAP-α1 isoforms, which directly bind to postsynaptic density-95, in cortex and hippocampus during the first 2 weeks of postnatal development. Suggesting that during this period other isoforms would have a more prominent role. Furthermore, we observed subcellular localization differences between isoforms, particularly throughout postnatal development. Consistent with previous reports, SynGAP was enriched in the postsynaptic density in the mature forebrain. However, SynGAP was predominantly found in non-synaptic locations in a period of early postnatal development highly sensitive to SynGAP levels. While, α1 isoforms were always found enriched in the postsynaptic density, α2 isoforms changed from a non-synaptic to a mostly postsynaptic density localization with age and β isoforms were always found enriched in non-synaptic locations. The differential expression and subcellular distribution of SynGAP isoforms may contribute to isoform-specific regulation of small GTPases, explaining SynGAP pleiotropy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Gou
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | | | - Murat Kilinc
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Elena Serrano
- Biobank, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rita Reig-Viader
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Yoichi Araki
- 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
| | - Richard L Huganir
- 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
| | | | - Gavin Rumbaugh
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Àlex Bayés
- Molecular Physiology of the Synapse Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
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37
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Piras IS, Bleul C, Schrauwen I, Talboom J, Llaci L, De Both MD, Naymik MA, Halliday G, Bettencourt C, Holton JL, Serrano GE, Sue LI, Beach TG, Stefanova N, Huentelman MJ. Transcriptional profiling of multiple system atrophy cerebellar tissue highlights differences between the parkinsonian and cerebellar sub-types of the disease. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2020; 8:76. [PMID: 32493431 PMCID: PMC7268362 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-020-00950-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare adult-onset neurodegenerative disease of unknown cause, with no effective therapeutic options, and no cure. Limited work to date has attempted to characterize the transcriptional changes associated with the disease, which presents as either predominating parkinsonian (MSA-P) or cerebellar (MSC-C) symptoms. We report here the results of RNA expression profiling of cerebellar white matter (CWM) tissue from two independent cohorts of MSA patients (n = 66) and healthy controls (HC; n = 66). RNA samples from bulk brain tissue and from oligodendrocytes obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM) were sequenced. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained and were examined before and after stratifying by MSA clinical sub-type.We detected the highest number of DEGs in the MSA-C group (n = 747) while only one gene was noted in MSA-P, highlighting the larger dysregulation of the transcriptome in the MSA-C CWM. Results from both bulk tissue and LCM analysis showed a downregulation of oligodendrocyte genes and an enrichment for myelination processes with a key role noted for the QKI gene. Additionally, we observed a significant upregulation of neuron-specific gene expression in MSA-C and enrichment for synaptic processes. A third cluster of genes was associated with the upregulation of astrocyte and endothelial genes, two cell types with a key role in inflammation processes. Finally, network analysis in MSA-C showed enrichment for β-amyloid related functional classes, including the known Alzheimer's disease (AD) genes, APP and PSEN1.This is the largest RNA profiling study ever conducted on post-mortem brain tissue from MSA patients. We were able to define specific gene expression signatures for MSA-C highlighting the different stages of the complex neurodegenerative cascade of the disease that included alterations in several cell-specific transcriptional programs. Finally, several results suggest a common transcriptional dysregulation between MSA and AD-related genes despite the clinical and neuropathological distinctions between the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio S Piras
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Christiane Bleul
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Isabelle Schrauwen
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Present Address: Department of Neurology, Center for Statistical Genetics, Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Joshua Talboom
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Lorida Llaci
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Present address: Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Genetics and Genomics Program, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Matthew D De Both
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Marcus A Naymik
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Glenda Halliday
- The University of Sydney Brain and Mind Centre and Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Medical Science, and Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Conceicao Bettencourt
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders and Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Janice L Holton
- Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorders and Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Geidy E Serrano
- Civin Laboratory of Neuropathology at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ, 85351, USA
| | - Lucia I Sue
- Civin Laboratory of Neuropathology at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ, 85351, USA
| | - Thomas G Beach
- Civin Laboratory of Neuropathology at Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ, 85351, USA
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neurobiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Matthew J Huentelman
- Neurogenomics Division, The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
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38
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Berthoux C, Hamieh AM, Rogliardo A, Doucet EL, Coudert C, Ango F, Grychowska K, Chaumont‐Dubel S, Zajdel P, Maldonado R, Bockaert J, Marin P, Bécamel C. Early 5-HT 6 receptor blockade prevents symptom onset in a model of adolescent cannabis abuse. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10605. [PMID: 32329240 PMCID: PMC7207164 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis abuse during adolescence confers an increased risk for developing later in life cognitive deficits reminiscent of those observed in schizophrenia, suggesting common pathological mechanisms that remain poorly characterized. In line with previous findings that revealed a role of 5-HT6 receptor-operated mTOR activation in cognitive deficits of rodent developmental models of schizophrenia, we show that chronic administration of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to mice during adolescence induces a long-lasting activation of mTOR in prefrontal cortex (PFC), alterations of excitatory/inhibitory balance, intrinsic properties of layer V pyramidal neurons, and long-term depression, as well as cognitive deficits in adulthood. All are prevented by administrating a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist or rapamycin, during adolescence. In contrast, they are still present 2 weeks after the same treatments delivered at the adult stage. Collectively, these findings suggest a role of 5-HT6 receptor-operated mTOR signaling in abnormalities of cortical network wiring elicited by THC at a critical period of PFC maturation and highlight the potential of 5-HT6 receptor antagonists as early therapy to prevent cognitive symptom onset in adolescent cannabis abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Camille Coudert
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
- Department of Adult PsychiatryMontpellier University HospitalMontpellierFrance
| | - Fabrice Ango
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Katarzyna Grychowska
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakówPoland
| | | | - Pawel Zajdel
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakówPoland
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryDepartment of Experimental and Health SciencesPompeu Fabra UniversityBarcelonaSpain
| | - Joël Bockaert
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Philippe Marin
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Carine Bécamel
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
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39
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Sullivan BJ, Ammanuel S, Kipnis PA, Araki Y, Huganir RL, Kadam SD. Low-Dose Perampanel Rescues Cortical Gamma Dysregulation Associated With Parvalbumin Interneuron GluA2 Upregulation in Epileptic Syngap1 +/- Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 87:829-842. [PMID: 32107006 PMCID: PMC7166168 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Loss-of-function SYNGAP1 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and epilepsy. SYNGAP1 is a Ras GTPase-activating protein that underlies the formation and experience-dependent regulation of postsynaptic densities. The mechanisms that contribute to this proposed monogenic cause of intellectual disability and epilepsy remain unresolved. METHODS We established the phenotype of the epileptogenesis in a Syngap1+/- mouse model using 24-hour video electroencephalography (vEEG)/electromyography recordings at advancing ages. We administered an acute low dose of perampanel, a Food and Drug Administration-approved AMPA receptor (AMPAR) antagonist, during a follow-on 24-hour vEEG to investigate the role of AMPARs in Syngap1 haploinsufficiency. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the region- and location-specific differences in the expression of the GluA2 AMPAR subunit. RESULTS A progressive worsening of the epilepsy with emergence of multiple seizure phenotypes, interictal spike frequency, sleep dysfunction, and hyperactivity was identified in Syngap1+/- mice. Interictal spikes emerged predominantly during non-rapid eye movement sleep in 24-hour vEEG of Syngap1+/- mice. Myoclonic seizures occurred at behavioral-state transitions both in Syngap1+/- mice and during an overnight EEG from a child with SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency. In Syngap1+/- mice, EEG spectral power analyses identified a significant loss of gamma power modulation during behavioral-state transitions. A significant region-specific increase of GluA2 AMPAR subunit expression in the somas of parvalbumin-positive interneurons was identified. CONCLUSIONS Acute dosing with perampanel significantly rescued behavioral state-dependent cortical gamma homeostasis, identifying a novel mechanism implicating Ca2+-impermeable AMPARs on parvalbumin-positive interneurons underlying circuit dysfunction in SYNGAP1 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan J Sullivan
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Simon Ammanuel
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Pavel A Kipnis
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yoichi Araki
- Department of Neuroscience, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Neuroscience, Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shilpa D Kadam
- Neuroscience Laboratory, Hugo Moser Research Institute, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
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40
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Russo I, Gavello D, Menna E, Vandael D, Veglia C, Morello N, Corradini I, Focchi E, Alfieri A, Angelini C, Bianchi FT, Morellato A, Marcantoni A, Sassoè-Pognetto M, Ottaviani MM, Yekhlef L, Giustetto M, Taverna S, Carabelli V, Matteoli M, Carbone E, Turco E, Defilippi P. p140Cap Regulates GABAergic Synaptogenesis and Development of Hippocampal Inhibitory Circuits. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:91-105. [PMID: 29161354 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuronal scaffold protein p140Cap was investigated during hippocampal network formation. p140Cap is present in presynaptic GABAergic terminals and its genetic depletion results in a marked alteration of inhibitory synaptic activity. p140Cap-/- cultured neurons display higher frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) with no changes of their mean amplitude. Consistent with a potential presynaptic alteration of basal GABA release, p140Cap-/- neurons exhibit a larger synaptic vesicle readily releasable pool, without any variation of single GABAA receptor unitary currents and number of postsynaptic channels. Furthermore, p140Cap-/- neurons show a premature and enhanced network synchronization and appear more susceptible to 4-aminopyridine-induced seizures in vitro and to kainate-induced seizures in vivo. The hippocampus of p140Cap-/- mice showed a significant increase in the number of both inhibitory synapses and of parvalbumin- and somatostatin-expressing interneurons. Specific deletion of p140Cap in forebrain interneurons resulted in increased susceptibility to in vitro epileptic events and increased inhibitory synaptogenesis, comparable to those observed in p140Cap-/- mice. Altogether, our data demonstrate that p140Cap finely tunes inhibitory synaptogenesis and GABAergic neurotransmission, thus regulating the establishment and maintenance of the proper hippocampal excitatory/inhibitory balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Russo
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Gavello
- Department of Drug Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Centre of Excellence, Torino, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Menna
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Milano, Italy.,Istituto Clinico Humanitas, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - David Vandael
- Department of Drug Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Centre of Excellence, Torino, Italy
| | - Carola Veglia
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Noemi Morello
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Irene Corradini
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Milano, Italy.,Istituto Clinico Humanitas, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Alfieri
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Costanza Angelini
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Federico Tommaso Bianchi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morellato
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Department of Drug Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Centre of Excellence, Torino, Italy
| | - Marco Sassoè-Pognetto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Latefa Yekhlef
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Torino, Italy
| | - Stefano Taverna
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Carabelli
- Department of Drug Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Centre of Excellence, Torino, Italy
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Milano, Italy.,Istituto Clinico Humanitas, IRCCS, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science, University of Torino, Torino, Italy.,NIS Centre of Excellence, Torino, Italy
| | - Emilia Turco
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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41
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Rodent genetic models of neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2020; 24:66-69. [PMID: 31870697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2019.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are characterised by cognitive, social and motor deficits and are highly comorbid with intractable epilepsies. Through advances in genetic sequencing technologies a vast number of genes have been implicated in NDDs. State-of-the-art gene-editing techniques have led to the generation of hundreds of mouse models of NDDs. As an example, rodent models of Rett and Dravet syndromes as well as the syndromes caused by mutations in CDKL5 and Syngap1 display cognitive deficits in conjunction with seizure phenotypes. These models allow researchers to understand the underlying mechanisms as well as develop novel treatment strategies that can potentially be translated to the clinic. Furthermore, it may be possible to gain insights into the contribution of epilepsy to the progression of cognitive, social and motor phenotypes in NDDs.
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42
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Huang P, Guo YD, Zhang HW. Identification of Hub Genes in Pediatric Medulloblastoma by Multiple-Microarray Analysis. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 70:522-531. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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43
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Nakajima R, Takao K, Hattori S, Shoji H, Komiyama NH, Grant SGN, Miyakawa T. Comprehensive behavioral analysis of heterozygous Syngap1 knockout mice. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2019; 39:223-237. [PMID: 31323176 PMCID: PMC7292322 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Synaptic Ras GTPase-activating protein 1 (SYNGAP1) regulates synaptic plasticity through AMPA receptor trafficking. SYNGAP1 mutations have been found in human patients with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Almost every individual with SYNGAP1-related ID develops epilepsy, and approximately 50% have ASD. SYNGAP1-related ID is estimated to account for at least 1% of ID cases. In mouse models with Syngap1 mutations, strong cognitive and affective dysfunctions have been reported, yet some findings are inconsistent across studies. To further understand the behavioral significance of the SYNGAP1 gene, we assessed various domains of behavior in Syngap1 heterozygous mutant mice using a behavioral test battery. METHODS Male mice with a heterozygous mutation in the Syngap1 gene (Syngap1-/+ mice) created by Seth Grant's group were subjected to a battery of comprehensive behavioral tests, which examined general health, and neurological screens, rotarod, hot plate, open field, light/dark transition, elevated plus maze, social interaction, prepulse inhibition, Porsolt forced swim, tail suspension, gait analysis, T-maze, Y-maze, Barnes maze, contextual and cued fear conditioning, and home cage locomotor activity. To control for type I errors due to multiple-hypothesis testing, P-values below the false discovery rate calculated by the Benjamini-Hochberg method were considered as study-wide statistically significant. RESULTS Syngap1-/+ mice showed increased locomotor activity, decreased prepulse inhibition, and impaired working and reference spatial memory, consistent with preceding studies. Impairment of context fear memory and increased startle reflex in Syngap1 mutant mice could not be reproduced. Significant decreases in sensitivity to painful stimuli and impaired motor function were observed in Syngap1-/+ mice. Decreased anxiety-like behavior and depression-like behavior were noted, although increased locomotor activity is a potential confounding factor of these phenotypes. Increased home cage locomotor activity indicated hyperlocomotor activity not only in specific behavioral test conditions but also in familiar environments. CONCLUSION In Syngap1-/+ mice, we could reproduce most of the previously reported cognitive and emotional deficits. The decreased sensitivity to painful stimuli and impaired motor function that we found in Syngap1-/+ mice are consistent with the common characteristics of patients with SYNGAP-related ID. We further confirmed that the Syngap1 heterozygote mouse recapitulates the symptoms of ID and ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Nakajima
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical ScienceFujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Division of Animal Resources and Development, Life Science Research CenterUniversity of ToyamaToyamaJapan
- Section of Behavior Patterns, Center for Genetic Analysis of BehaviorNational Institute for Physiological SciencesOkazakiJapan
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical ScienceFujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical ScienceFujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
| | - Noboru H. Komiyama
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, The Patrick Wild Centre for Research into Autism, Fragile X Syndrome & Intellectual DisabilitiesThe University of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Seth G. N. Grant
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain SciencesUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical ScienceFujita Health UniversityToyoakeJapan
- Section of Behavior Patterns, Center for Genetic Analysis of BehaviorNational Institute for Physiological SciencesOkazakiJapan
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Agarwal M, Johnston MV, Stafstrom CE. SYNGAP1 mutations: Clinical, genetic, and pathophysiological features. Int J Dev Neurosci 2019; 78:65-76. [PMID: 31454529 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SYNGAP1 is a gene that encodes the cytosolic protein SYNGAP1 (SYNaptic GTPase Activating Protein), an essential component of the postsynaptic density at excitatory glutamatergic neurons. SYNGAP1 plays critical roles in synaptic development, structure, function, and plasticity. Mutations in SYNGAP1 result in a neurodevelopmental disorder termed Mental retardation-type 5 (MRD5, OMIM #612621) with a phenotype consisting of intellectual disability, motor impairments, and epilepsy, attesting to the importance of this protein for normal brain development. Here we review the clinical and pathophysiological aspects of SYNGAP1 mutations with a focus on their effect on synaptogenesis, neural circuit function, and cellular plasticity. We conclude by comparing the molecular pathogenesis of SYNGAP1 mutations with those of another neurodevelopmental disorder that affects dendritic function and cellular plasticity, fragile X syndrome. Insights into the molecular similarities and differences underlying these disorders could lead to rationale therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mudit Agarwal
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Michael V Johnston
- Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, The Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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45
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Jiang X, Lupien-Meilleur A, Tazerart S, Lachance M, Samarova E, Araya R, Lacaille JC, Rossignol E. Remodeled cortical inhibition prevents motor seizures in generalized epilepsy. Ann Neurol 2019; 84:436-451. [PMID: 30048010 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deletions of CACNA1A, encoding the α1 subunit of CaV 2.1 channels, cause epilepsy with ataxia in humans. Whereas the deletion of Cacna1a in γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) interneurons (INs) derived from the medial ganglionic eminence (MGE) impairs cortical inhibition and causes generalized seizures in Nkx2.1Cre ;Cacna1ac/c mice, the targeted deletion of Cacna1a in somatostatin-expressing INs (SOM-INs), a subset of MGE-derived INs, does not result in seizures, indicating a crucial role of parvalbumin-expressing (PV) INs. Here we identify the cellular and network consequences of Cacna1a deletion specifically in PV-INs. METHODS We generated PVCre ;Cacna1ac/c mutant mice carrying a conditional Cacna1a deletion in PV neurons and evaluated the cortical cellular and network outcomes of this mutation by combining immunohistochemical assays, in vitro electrophysiology, 2-photon imaging, and in vivo video-electroencephalographic recordings. RESULTS PVCre ;Cacna1ac/c mice display reduced cortical perisomatic inhibition and frequent absences but only rare motor seizures. Compared to Nkx2.1Cre ;Cacna1ac/c mice, PVCre ;Cacna1ac/c mice have a net increase in cortical inhibition, with a gain of dendritic inhibition through sprouting of SOM-IN axons, largely preventing motor seizures. This beneficial compensatory remodeling of cortical GABAergic innervation is mTORC1-dependent and its inhibition with rapamycin leads to a striking increase in motor seizures. Furthermore, we show that a direct chemogenic activation of cortical SOM-INs prevents motor seizures in a model of kainate-induced seizures. INTERPRETATION Our findings provide novel evidence suggesting that the remodeling of cortical inhibition, with an mTOR-dependent gain of dendritic inhibition, determines the seizure phenotype in generalized epilepsy and that mTOR inhibition can be detrimental in epilepsies not primarily due to mTOR hyperactivation. Ann Neurol 2018;84:436-451.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Jiang
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center.,Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sabrina Tazerart
- Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Elena Samarova
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center.,Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roberto Araya
- Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Claude Lacaille
- Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elsa Rossignol
- Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center.,Department of Neurosciences and the Central Nervous System Research Group, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Su P, Lai TKY, Lee FHF, Abela AR, Fletcher PJ, Liu F. Disruption of SynGAP–dopamine D1 receptor complexes alters actin and microtubule dynamics and impairs GABAergic interneuron migration. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/593/eaau9122. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aau9122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)–ergic interneuron migration is implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) promotes GABAergic interneuron migration, which is disrupted in various neurological disorders, some of which are also associated with mutations in the gene encoding synaptic Ras–guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein (SynGAP). Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying these associations and their possible connection. In prenatal mouse brain tissue, we found a previously unknown interaction between the D1R and SynGAP. This D1R-SynGAP interaction facilitated D1R localization to the plasma membrane and promoted D1R-mediated downstream signaling pathways, including phosphorylation of protein kinase A and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. These effects were blocked by a peptide (TAT-D1Rpep) that disrupted the D1R-SynGAP interaction. Furthermore, disrupting this complex in mice during embryonic development resulted in pronounced and selective deficits in the tangential migration of GABAergic interneurons, possibly due to altered actin and microtubule dynamics. Our results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms regulating interneuron development and suggest that disruption of the D1R-SynGAP interaction may underlie SYNGAP1 mutation–related neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Gataullina S, Bienvenu T, Nabbout R, Huberfeld G, Dulac O. Gene mutations in paediatric epilepsies cause NMDA-pathy, and phasic and tonic GABA-pathy. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:891-898. [PMID: 30680721 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to disentangle mechanisms of epileptogenesis in monogenic epilepsies in children. We reviewed paediatric monogenic epilepsies excluding brain malformation or an inborn error of metabolism, but including the gene function whether there is loss-of-function or gain-of-function, age at gene expression when available, and associated epilepsy syndrome. Genes for which at least five patients with similar epilepsy phenotype had been reported were selected. Three mechanisms are shared by most monogenic epilepsies: (1) excess of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) transmission activation (NMDA-pathies); (2) abnormal gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transmission with reduced inhibition (phasic GABA-pathies); and (3) tonic activation of extrasynaptic GABAA receptors by extracellular GABA (tonic GABA-pathies). NMDA-pathies comprise early epileptic encephalopathy with suppression-burst, neonatal/infantile benign seizures, West and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, and encephalopathy with continuous spike waves in slow sleep, thus brief seizures with major interictal spiking. Phasic GABA-pathies comprise mostly generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus and Dravet syndrome, thus long-lasting seizures with mild interictal spiking. Tonic GABA-pathies cause epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures and Angelman syndrome, thus major high-amplitude slow-wave activity. This pathophysiological approach to monogenic epilepsies provides diagnostic clues and helps to guide treatment strategy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: In paediatric monogenic epilepsies, electroclinical patterns point to three main mechanisms: NMDA-pathies, and phasic and tonic GABA-pathies. Antiepileptic treatment choice could be guided by each of these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Gataullina
- Service d' Explorations Fonctionnelles multidisciplinaires Hôpital Antoine Béclère, AP-HP, Clamart, France.,Inserm U1129, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity, CEA Gif/Yvette, Pôle de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.,Service de Pédiatrie, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal, Montreuil, France
| | - Thierry Bienvenu
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Hôpital Cochin, Paris Centre University Group, Paris, France.,Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Rima Nabbout
- Centre de Reference Épilepsies Rares, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Gilles Huberfeld
- Inserm U1129, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity, CEA Gif/Yvette, Pôle de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.,Clinical Neurophysiology Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbone University, AP-HP, Paris, France.,Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Pathophysiology, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNR UMR 7421, Inserm U1050, Labex MemolifePSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Dulac
- Inserm U1129, Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity, CEA Gif/Yvette, Pôle de Recherche et d'Enseignement Supérieur Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France.,AdPueriVitam, Antony, France
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Cardoso AR, Lopes-Marques M, Silva RM, Serrano C, Amorim A, Prata MJ, Azevedo L. Essential genetic findings in neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Genomics 2019; 13:31. [PMID: 31288856 PMCID: PMC6617629 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-019-0216-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a growing medical challenge in modern societies. Ever-increasing sophisticated diagnostic tools have been continuously revealing a remarkably complex architecture that embraces genetic mutations of distinct types (chromosomal rearrangements, copy number variants, small indels, and nucleotide substitutions) with distinct frequencies in the population (common, rare, de novo). Such a network of interacting players creates difficulties in establishing rigorous genotype-phenotype correlations. Furthermore, individual lifestyles may also contribute to the severity of the symptoms fueling a large spectrum of gene-environment interactions that have a key role on the relationships between genotypes and phenotypes.Herein, a review of the genetic discoveries related to NDDs is presented with the aim to provide useful general information for the medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana R Cardoso
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mónica Lopes-Marques
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel M Silva
- Department of Medical Sciences and iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.,Present Address: Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Health (CIIS), Institute of Health Sciences (ICS), Universidade Católica Portuguesa, 3504-505, Viseu, Portugal
| | - Catarina Serrano
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - António Amorim
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria J Prata
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal
| | - Luísa Azevedo
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Population Genetics and Evolution Group, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007, Porto, Portugal.
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Verma V, Paul A, Amrapali Vishwanath A, Vaidya B, Clement JP. Understanding intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders from common mouse models: synapses to behaviour. Open Biol 2019; 9:180265. [PMID: 31185809 PMCID: PMC6597757 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal brain development is highly dependent on the timely coordinated actions of genetic and environmental processes, and an aberration can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of co-occurring NDDs that affect between 3% and 5% of the world population, thus presenting a great challenge to society. This problem calls for the need to understand the pathobiology of these disorders and to design new therapeutic strategies. One approach towards this has been the development of multiple analogous mouse models. This review discusses studies conducted in the mouse models of five major monogenic causes of ID and ASDs: Fmr1, Syngap1, Mecp2, Shank2/3 and Neuroligins/Neurnexins. These studies reveal that, despite having a diverse molecular origin, the effects of these mutations converge onto similar or related aetiological pathways, consequently giving rise to the typical phenotype of cognitive, social and emotional deficits that are characteristic of ID and ASDs. This convergence, therefore, highlights common pathological nodes that can be targeted for therapy. Other than conventional therapeutic strategies such as non-pharmacological corrective methods and symptomatic alleviation, multiple studies in mouse models have successfully proved the possibility of pharmacological and genetic therapy enabling functional recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijaya Verma
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Abhik Paul
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Anjali Amrapali Vishwanath
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - Bhupesh Vaidya
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research , Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, Karnataka, India
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50
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Brimble E, Lee-Messer C, Nagy PL, Propst J, Ruzhnikov MRZ. Clinical Transcriptome Sequencing Confirms Activation of a Cryptic Splice Site in Suspected SYNGAP1-Related Disorder. Mol Syndromol 2019; 9:295-299. [PMID: 30800045 DOI: 10.1159/000492706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
SYNGAP1 encodes a brain-specific Ras GTPase activating protein (GAP) that regulates synaptic strength in glutamatergic neurons. Pathogenic variants in this gene are associated with a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual and developmental disabilities, generalized epilepsy, hypotonia, and autism spectrum disorders. We describe a young male with suspected SYNGAP1-related disorder given clinical overlap and identification of an intronic variant of uncertain significance; clinical transcriptome analysis demonstrated activation of a cryptic acceptor splice site resulting in frameshift and introduction of a stop codon. This report highlights the utility of functional studies newly available to clinical practice in confirming a suspected genetic diagnosis, which can directly impact medical management and preclude the need for additional diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Brimble
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford, CA
| | | | | | - Jennifer Propst
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Maura R Z Ruzhnikov
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford, CA.,Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford Medicine, Stanford, CA
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