1
|
Ronde M, van der Zee EA, Kas MJH. Default mode network dynamics: An integrated neurocircuitry perspective on social dysfunction in human brain disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105839. [PMID: 39097251 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105839] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024]
Abstract
Our intricate social brain is implicated in a range of brain disorders, where social dysfunction emerges as a common neuropsychiatric feature cutting across diagnostic boundaries. Understanding the neurocircuitry underlying social dysfunction and exploring avenues for its restoration could present a transformative and transdiagnostic approach to overcoming therapeutic challenges in these disorders. The brain's default mode network (DMN) plays a crucial role in social functioning and is implicated in various neuropsychiatric conditions. By thoroughly examining the current understanding of DMN functionality, we propose that the DMN integrates diverse social processes, and disruptions in brain communication at regional and network levels due to disease hinder the seamless integration of these social functionalities. Consequently, this leads to an altered balance between self-referential and attentional processes, alongside a compromised ability to adapt to social contexts and anticipate future social interactions. Looking ahead, we explore how adopting an integrated neurocircuitry perspective on social dysfunction could pave the way for innovative therapeutic approaches to address brain disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirthe Ronde
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, Groningen 9747 AG, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhang S, Mi P, Luan J, Sun M, Zhao X, Feng X. Fluorene-9-bisphenol acts on the gut-brain axis by regulating oxytocin signaling to disturb social behaviors in zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 255:119169. [PMID: 38763277 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have identified the exposure to ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptors may be a risk factor of neurological disorders. However, the effects of fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) in environmental exposure concentrations associated with these disorders are poorly understood. In this study, classic light-dark and social behavior tests were performed on zebrafish larvae and adults exposed BHPF exposure to evaluate social behavioral disorders and the microbiota-gut-brain axis was assessed to reveal the potential mechanisms underlying the behavioral abnormalities observed. Our results demonstrated that zebrafish larvae exposed to an environmentally relevant concentration (0.1 nM) of BHPF for 7 days showed a diminished response to external environmental factors (light or dark). Zebrafish larvae exposed to BHPF for 7 days or adults exposed to BHPF for 30 days at 1 μM displayed significant behavioral inhibition and altered social behaviors, including social recognition, social preference, and social fear contagion, indicating autism-like behaviors were induced by the exposure. BHPF exposure reduced the distribution of Nissl bodies in midbrain neurons and significantly reduced 5-hydroxytryptamine signaling. Oxytocin (OXT) levels and expression of its receptor oxtra in the gut and brain were down-regulated by BHPF exposure. In addition, the expression levels of genes related to the excitation-inhibitory balance of synaptic transmission changed. Microbiomics revealed increased community diversity and altered abundance of some microflora, such as an elevation in Bacillota and Bacteroidota and a decline in Mycoplasmatota in zebrafish guts, which might contribute to the abnormal neural circuits and autism-like behaviors induced by BHPF. Finally, the rescue effect of exogenous OXT on social behavioral defects induced by BHPF exposure was verified in zebrafish, highlighting the crucial role of OXT signaling through gut-brain axis in the regulatory mechanisms of social behaviors affected by BHPF. This study contributes to understanding the effects of environmental BHPF exposure on neuropsychiatric disorders and attracts public attention to the health risks posed by chemicals in aquatic organisms. The potential mental disorders should be considered in the safety assessments of environmental pollutants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuhui Zhang
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education. Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Ping Mi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jialu Luan
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education. Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Mingzhu Sun
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- The Institute of Robotics and Automatic Information Systems, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| | - Xizeng Feng
- College of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, The Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials, Ministry of Education. Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Massey S, Ang CS, Davidson NM, Quigley A, Rollo B, Harris AR, Kapsa RMI, Christodoulou J, Van Bergen NJ. Novel CDKL5 targets identified in human iPSC-derived neurons. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:347. [PMID: 39136782 PMCID: PMC11335273 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD) is a debilitating epileptic encephalopathy disorder affecting young children with no effective treatments. CDD is caused by pathogenic variants in Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 (CDKL5), a protein kinase that regulates key phosphorylation events in neurons. For therapeutic intervention, it is essential to understand molecular pathways and phosphorylation targets of CDKL5. Using an unbiased phosphoproteomic approach we identified novel targets of CDKL5, including GTF2I, PPP1R35, GATAD2A and ZNF219 in human iPSC-derived neuronal cells. The phosphoserine residue in the target proteins lies in the CDKL5 consensus motif. We validated direct phosphorylation of GTF2I and PPP1R35 by CDKL5 using complementary approaches. GTF2I controls axon guidance, cell cycle and neurodevelopment by regulating expression of neuronal genes. PPP1R35 is critical for centriole elongation and cilia morphology, processes that are impaired in CDD. PPP1R35 interacts with CEP131, a known CDKL5 phospho-target. GATAD2A and ZNF219 belong to the Nucleosome Remodelling Deacetylase (NuRD) complex, which regulates neuronal activity-dependent genes and synaptic connectivity. In-depth knowledge of molecular pathways regulated by CDKL5 will allow a better understanding of druggable disease pathways to fast-track therapeutic development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean Massey
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Ching-Seng Ang
- The Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Nadia M Davidson
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Anita Quigley
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Ben Rollo
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander R Harris
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3010, Australia
| | - Robert M I Kapsa
- Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Centre for Clinical Neurosciences and Neurological Research, St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, The University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - John Christodoulou
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, 3052, Australia
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nicole J Van Bergen
- Brain and Mitochondrial Research Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, 3052, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, c/o MCRI, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bar E, Fischer I, Rokach M, Elad-Sfadia G, Shirenova S, Ophir O, Trangle SS, Okun E, Barak B. Neuronal deletion of Gtf2i results in developmental microglial alterations in a mouse model related to Williams syndrome. Glia 2024; 72:1117-1135. [PMID: 38450767 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24519] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous microdeletion, characterized by hypersociability and unique neurocognitive abnormalities. Of the deleted genes, GTF2I has been linked to hypersociability in WS. We have recently shown that Gtf2i deletion from forebrain excitatory neurons, referred to as Gtf2i conditional knockout (cKO) mice leads to multi-faceted myelination deficits associated with the social behaviors affected in WS. These deficits were potentially mediated also by microglia, as they present a close relationship with oligodendrocytes. To study the impact of altered myelination, we characterized these mice in terms of microglia over the course of development. In postnatal day 30 (P30) Gtf2i cKO mice, cortical microglia displayed a more ramified state, as compared with wild type (controls). However, postnatal day 4 (P4) microglia exhibited high proliferation rates and an elevated activation state, demonstrating altered properties related to activation and inflammation in Gtf2i cKO mice compared with control. Intriguingly, P4 Gtf2i cKO-derived microglial cells exhibited significantly elevated myelin phagocytosis in vitro compared to control mice. Lastly, systemic injection of clemastine to P4 Gtf2i cKO and control mice until P30, led to a significant interaction between genotypes and treatments on the expression levels of the phagocytic marker CD68, and a significant reduction of the macrophage/microglial marker Iba1 transcript levels in the cortex of the Gtf2i cKO treated mice. Our data thus implicate microglia as important players in WS, and that early postnatal manipulation of microglia might be beneficial in treating inflammatory and myelin-related pathologies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbar Fischer
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Elad-Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sophie Shirenova
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Omer Ophir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eitan Okun
- The Leslie and Susan Gonda Multidisciplinary Brain Research Center, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Paul Feder Laboratory on Alzheimer's Disease Research, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kanlayaprasit S, Saeliw T, Thongkorn S, Panjabud P, Kasitipradit K, Lertpeerapan P, Songsritaya K, Yuwattana W, Jantheang T, Jindatip D, Hu VW, Kikkawa T, Osumi N, Sarachana T. Sex-specific impacts of prenatal bisphenol A exposure on genes associated with cortical development, social behaviors, and autism in the offspring's prefrontal cortex. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:40. [PMID: 38750585 PMCID: PMC11094985 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00614-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that prenatal BPA exposure altered the transcriptome profiles of autism-related genes in the offspring's hippocampus, disrupting hippocampal neuritogenesis and causing male-specific deficits in learning. However, the sex differences in the effects of prenatal BPA exposure on the developing prefrontal cortex, which is another brain region highly implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), have not been investigated. METHODS We obtained transcriptome data from RNA sequencing analysis of the prefrontal cortex of male and female rat pups prenatally exposed to BPA or control and reanalyzed. BPA-responsive genes associated with cortical development and social behaviors were selected for confirmation by qRT-PCR analysis. Neuritogenesis of primary cells from the prefrontal cortex of pups prenatally exposed to BPA or control was examined. The social behaviors of the pups were assessed using the two-trial and three-chamber tests. The male-specific impact of the downregulation of a selected BPA-responsive gene (i.e., Sema5a) on cortical development in vivo was interrogated using siRNA-mediated knockdown by an in utero electroporation technique. RESULTS Genes disrupted by prenatal BPA exposure were associated with ASD and showed sex-specific dysregulation. Sema5a and Slc9a9, which were involved in neuritogenesis and social behaviors, were downregulated only in males, while Anxa2 and Junb, which were also linked to neuritogenesis and social behaviors, were suppressed only in females. Neuritogenesis was increased in males and showed a strong inverse correlation with Sema5a and Slc9a9 expression levels, whereas, in the females, neuritogenesis was decreased and correlated with Anxa2 and Junb levels. The siRNA-mediated knockdown of Sema5a in males also impaired cortical development in utero. Consistent with Anxa2 and Junb downregulations, deficits in social novelty were observed only in female offspring but not in males. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that prenatal BPA exposure dysregulated the expression of ASD-related genes and functions, including cortical neuritogenesis and development and social behaviors, in a sex-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that, besides the hippocampus, BPA could also exert its adverse effects through sex-specific molecular mechanisms in the offspring's prefrontal cortex, which in turn would lead to sex differences in ASD-related neuropathology and clinical manifestations, which deserves further investigation.
Collapse
Grants
- NRU59-031-HR National Research University Project, Office of Higher Education Commission
- HEA663700091 Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fund Chulalongkorn University
- GRU 6300437001-1 Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund for Supporting Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
- GRU_64_033_37_004 Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund for Supporting Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
- GRU 6506537004-1 Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund for Supporting Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University
- the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand the Second Century Fund (C2F), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- PHD/0029/2561 a Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Programme Scholarship, the Thailand Research Fund and National Research Council of Thailand
- N41A650065 a Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Programme Scholarship, the Thailand Research Fund and National Research Council of Thailand
- NRCT5-RGJ63001-018 a Royal Golden Jubilee Ph.D. Programme Scholarship, the Thailand Research Fund and National Research Council of Thailand
- GCUGR1125632108D-108 The 90th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University
- GCUGR1125632109D-109 The 90th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University
- GCUGR1125651062D-062 The 90th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University
- GCUGR1125651060D-060 The 90th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund (Ratchadaphiseksomphot Endowment Fund), Graduate School, Chulalongkorn University
- The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship
- The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship
- The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship The 100th Anniversary Chulalongkorn University Fund for Doctoral Scholarship
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
- Scholarship from the Graduate School Chulalongkorn University to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibala Aduladeja Scholarship from the Graduate School Chulalongkorn University to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of His Majesty King Bhumibala Aduladeja
- Chulalongkorn University Laboratory Animal Center (CULAC) Grant Chulalongkorn University Laboratory Animal Center (CULAC) Grant
- PMU-B; B36G660008 Program Management Unit for Human Resources and Institutional Development, Research and Innovation
- CE66_046_3700_003 Ratchadapisek Somphot Fund for Supporting Center of Excellence, Chulalongkorn University
- The National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) fund for research and innovation activity
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songphon Kanlayaprasit
- Chulalongkorn Autism Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (Chula ACE), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Soi Chula 12, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Wangmai, Pathumwan, 10330, Thailand
| | - Thanit Saeliw
- Chulalongkorn Autism Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (Chula ACE), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Soi Chula 12, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Wangmai, Pathumwan, 10330, Thailand
| | - Surangrat Thongkorn
- Chulalongkorn Autism Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (Chula ACE), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Soi Chula 12, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Wangmai, Pathumwan, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering), Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Pawinee Panjabud
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kasidit Kasitipradit
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pattanachat Lertpeerapan
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kwanjira Songsritaya
- The M.Sc. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wasana Yuwattana
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanawin Jantheang
- The Ph.D. Program in Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Depicha Jindatip
- Chulalongkorn Autism Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (Chula ACE), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Soi Chula 12, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Wangmai, Pathumwan, 10330, Thailand
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Takako Kikkawa
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Centers for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tewarit Sarachana
- Chulalongkorn Autism Research and Innovation Center of Excellence (Chula ACE), Department of Clinical Chemistry, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Soi Chula 12, Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, Wangmai, Pathumwan, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shi Z, Wang S, Chen M, Hu A, Long Q, Lee Y. The effect of music therapy on language communication and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336421. [PMID: 38774719 PMCID: PMC11106491 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336421] [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: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have shown that music therapy can be used as a therapeutic aid for clinical disorders. To evaluate the effects of music therapy (MT) on language communication and social skills in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a meta-analysis was performed on eligible studies in this field. Methods A systematic search was conducted in eight databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, the Chinese Biomedical Literature (CBM) Database, and the VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals Database. The standard mean difference (SMD) values were used to evaluate outcomes, and the pooled proportions and SMD with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were also calculated. Results Eighteen randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies were included, with a total of 1,457 children with ASD. This meta-analysis revealed that music therapy improved their language communication [SMD = -1.20; 95%CI -1.45, -0.94; χ2 (17) = 84.17, I2 = 80%, p < 0.001] and social skills [SMD = -1. 13; 95%CI -1.49, -0.78; χ2 (17) = 162.53, I2 = 90%, p < 0.001]. In addition, behavior [SMD = -1.92; 94%CI -2.56, -1.28; χ2 (13) = 235.08, I2 = 95%, p < 0.001], sensory perception [SMD = -1.62; 95%CI -2.17, -1.08; χ2 (16) = 303.80, I2 = 95%, p < 0.001], self-help [SMD = -2. 14; 95%CI -3.17, -1.10; χ2 (6) = 173.07, I2 = 97%, p < 0.001] were all improved. Conclusion Music therapy has a positive effect on the improvement of symptoms in children with ASD. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijuan Shi
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Si Wang
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | | | - Aimin Hu
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | | | - Yujun Lee
- North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
- The Graduate School of Xi’an International Studies University, Shaanxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Agranyoni O, Sur D, Amidror S, Shidlovsky N, Bagaev A, Yissachar N, Pinhasov A, Navon-Venezia S. Colon impairments and inflammation driven by an altered gut microbiota leads to social behavior deficits rescued by hyaluronic acid and celecoxib. BMC Med 2024; 22:182. [PMID: 38685001 PMCID: PMC11059729 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exact mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and social behavior are still under investigation. We aimed to explore the role of the gut microbiota in shaping social behavior deficits using selectively bred mice possessing dominant (Dom) or submissive (Sub) behavior features. Sub mice exhibit asocial, depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as systemic inflammation, all of which are shaped by their impaired gut microbiota composition. METHODS An age-dependent comparative analysis of the gut microbiota composition of Dom and Sub mice was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing, from early infancy to adulthood. Dom and Sub gastrointestinal (GI) tract anatomy, function, and immune profiling analyses were performed using histology, RT-PCR, flow cytometry, cytokine array, and dextran-FITC permeability assays. Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) levels in the colons of Dom and Sub mice were quantified using targeted metabolomics. To support our findings, adult Sub mice were orally treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) (30 mg/kg) or with the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent celecoxib (16 mg/kg). RESULTS We demonstrate that from early infancy the Sub mouse gut microbiota lacks essential bacteria for immune maturation, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. Furthermore, from birth, Sub mice possess a thicker colon mucin layer, and from early adulthood, they exhibit shorter colonic length, altered colon integrity with increased gut permeability, reduced SCFA levels and decreased regulatory T-cells, compared to Dom mice. Therapeutic intervention in adult Sub mice treated with HA, celecoxib, or both agents, rescued Sub mice phenotypes. HA treatment reduced Sub mouse gut permeability, increased colon length, and improved mouse social behavior deficits. Treatment with celecoxib increased sociability, reduced depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, and increased colon length, and a combined treatment resulted in similar effects as celecoxib administered as a single agent. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data suggest that treating colon inflammation and decreasing gut permeability can restore gut physiology and prevent social deficits later in life. These findings provide critical insights into the importance of early life gut microbiota in shaping gut immunity, functionality, and social behavior, and may be beneficial for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oryan Agranyoni
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Debpali Sur
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Sivan Amidror
- The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Nuphar Shidlovsky
- The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Anastasia Bagaev
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Nissan Yissachar
- The Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan Institute of Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| | - Shiri Navon-Venezia
- Department of Molecular Biology and the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rokach M, Portioli C, Brahmachari S, Estevão BM, Decuzzi P, Barak B. Tackling myelin deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders using drug delivery systems. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 207:115218. [PMID: 38403255 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2024.115218] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Interest in myelin and its roles in almost all brain functions has been greatly increasing in recent years, leading to countless new studies on myelination, as a dominant process in the development of cognitive functions. Here, we explore the unique role myelin plays in the central nervous system and specifically discuss the results of altered myelination in neurodevelopmental disorders. We present parallel developmental trajectories involving myelination that correlate with the onset of cognitive impairment in neurodevelopmental disorders and discuss the key challenges in the treatment of these chronic disorders. Recent developments in drug repurposing and nano/micro particle-based therapies are reviewed as a possible pathway to circumvent some of the main hurdles associated with early intervention, including patient's adherence and compliance, side effects, relapse, and faster route to possible treatment of these disorders. The strategy of drug encapsulation overcomes drug solubility and metabolism, with the possibility of drug targeting to a specific compartment, reducing side effects upon systemic administration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- May Rokach
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Corinne Portioli
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Sayanti Brahmachari
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Bianca Martins Estevão
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Boaz Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Israel; Faculty of Social Sciences, The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel-Aviv University, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Adams JW, Vinokur A, de Souza JS, Austria C, Guerra BS, Herai RH, Wahlin KJ, Muotri AR. Loss of GTF2I promotes neuronal apoptosis and synaptic reduction in human cellular models of neurodevelopment. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113867. [PMID: 38416640 PMCID: PMC11002531 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by hemizygous loss of 26-28 genes at 7q11.23, characteristically portray a hypersocial phenotype. Copy-number variations and mutations in one of these genes, GTF2I, are associated with altered sociality and are proposed to underlie hypersociality in WS. However, the contribution of GTF2I to human neurodevelopment remains poorly understood. Here, human cellular models of neurodevelopment, including neural progenitors, neurons, and three-dimensional cortical organoids, are differentiated from CRISPR-Cas9-edited GTF2I-knockout (GTF2I-KO) pluripotent stem cells to investigate the role of GTF2I in human neurodevelopment. GTF2I-KO progenitors exhibit increased proliferation and cell-cycle alterations. Cortical organoids and neurons demonstrate increased cell death and synaptic dysregulation, including synaptic structural dysfunction and decreased electrophysiological activity on a multielectrode array. Our findings suggest that changes in synaptic circuit integrity may be a prominent mediator of the link between alterations in GTF2I and variation in the phenotypic expression of human sociality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Adams
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Annabelle Vinokur
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Janaína S de Souza
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Charles Austria
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Bruno S Guerra
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Experimental Multiuser Laboratory, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, PR 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Roberto H Herai
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Experimental Multiuser Laboratory, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, PR 80215-901, Brazil
| | - Karl J Wahlin
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cho JY, Rumschlag JA, Tsvetkov E, Proper DS, Lang H, Berto S, Assali A, Cowan CW. MEF2C Hypofunction in GABAergic Cells Alters Sociability and Prefrontal Cortex Inhibitory Synaptic Transmission in a Sex-Dependent Manner. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2024; 4:100289. [PMID: 38390348 PMCID: PMC10881314 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2024.100289] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous mutations or deletions of MEF2C cause a neurodevelopmental disorder termed MEF2C haploinsufficiency syndrome (MCHS), characterized by autism spectrum disorder and neurological symptoms. In mice, global Mef2c heterozygosity has produced multiple MCHS-like phenotypes. MEF2C is highly expressed in multiple cell types of the developing brain, including GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) inhibitory neurons, but the influence of MEF2C hypofunction in GABAergic neurons on MCHS-like phenotypes remains unclear. Methods We employed GABAergic cell type-specific manipulations to study mouse Mef2c heterozygosity in a battery of MCHS-like behaviors. We also performed electroencephalography, single-cell transcriptomics, and patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetics to assess the impact of Mef2c haploinsufficiency on gene expression and prefrontal cortex microcircuits. Results Mef2c heterozygosity in developing GABAergic cells produced female-specific deficits in social preference and altered approach-avoidance behavior. In female, but not male, mice, we observed that Mef2c heterozygosity in developing GABAergic cells produced 1) differentially expressed genes in multiple cell types, including parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic neurons, 2) baseline and social-related frontocortical network activity alterations, and 3) reductions in parvalbumin cell intrinsic excitability and inhibitory synaptic transmission onto deep-layer pyramidal neurons. Conclusions MEF2C hypofunction in female, but not male, developing GABAergic cells is important for typical sociability and approach-avoidance behaviors and normal parvalbumin inhibitory neuron function in the prefrontal cortex of mice. While there is no apparent sex bias in autism spectrum disorder symptoms of MCHS, our findings suggest that GABAergic cell-specific dysfunction in females with MCHS may contribute disproportionately to sociability symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Y. Cho
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Jeffrey A. Rumschlag
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Evgeny Tsvetkov
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Divya S. Proper
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Hainan Lang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Ahlem Assali
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Christopher W. Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sepúlveda EM, Resa PL. Pragmatic skills in people with Williams syndrome: the perception of families. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:95. [PMID: 38429809 PMCID: PMC10908058 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03016-0] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most challenging linguistic areas in people with Williams Syndrome throughout their evolutionary stage is the development of pragmatic skills. The research conducted so far highlights specific problems concerning adaptation to the linguistic context and interlocutors, language comprehension, as well as other aspects interfering with verbal communication. However, until now, most scientific evidence has been based on personal assessments of this group. In a complementary manner, the goal of this study was to discover the level of pragmatic skills of people with Williams Syndrome from the point of view of the families. The sample consisted of 34 families belonging to the Williams Syndrome Association of Spain. The assessment instrument was the pragmatic awareness questionnaire, which includes 26 items related to different aspects that are part of the pragmatic area on a Likert-type scale. RESULTS The results indicate that, families consider there to be a regular to low level in all the areas assessed. The strong points seem to lie in the paralinguistic aspects, while the weakest factors are those related to the understanding of figurative language. CONCLUSIONS Therefore, it is necessary to continue insisting on the importance of language intervention in this group throughout its development to improve its level of linguistic competence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Moraleda Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Psychology, University Complutense of Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain.
| | - Patricia López Resa
- Faculty of Psychology, University Complutense of Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhu F, Shi Q, Jiang YH, Zhang YQ, Zhao H. Impaired synaptic function and hyperexcitability of the pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex of autism-associated Shank3 mutant dogs. Mol Autism 2024; 15:9. [PMID: 38297387 PMCID: PMC10829216 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00587-4] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SHANK3 gene is a highly replicated causative gene for autism spectrum disorder and has been well characterized in multiple Shank3 mutant rodent models. When compared to rodents, domestic dogs are excellent animal models in which to study social cognition as they closely interact with humans and exhibit similar social behaviors. Using CRISPR/Cas9 editing, we recently generated a dog model carrying Shank3 mutations, which displayed a spectrum of autism-like behaviors, such as social impairment and heightened anxiety. However, the neural mechanism underlying these abnormal behaviors remains to be identified. METHODS We used Shank3 mutant dog models to examine possible relationships between Shank3 mutations and neuronal dysfunction. We studied electrophysiological properties and the synaptic transmission of pyramidal neurons from acute brain slices of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). We also examined dendrite elaboration and dendritic spine morphology in the PFC using biocytin staining and Golgi staining. We analyzed the postsynaptic density using electron microscopy. RESULTS We established a protocol for the electrophysiological recording of canine brain slices and revealed that excitatory synaptic transmission onto PFC layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in Shank3 heterozygote dogs was impaired, and this was accompanied by reduced dendrite complexity and spine density when compared to wild-type dogs. Postsynaptic density structures were also impaired in Shank3 mutants; however, pyramidal neurons exhibited hyperexcitability. LIMITATIONS Causal links between impaired PFC pyramidal neuron function and behavioral alterations remain unclear. Further experiments such as manipulating PFC neuronal activity or restoring synaptic transmission in Shank3 mutant dogs are required to assess PFC roles in altered social behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrated the feasibility of using canine brain slices as a model system to study neuronal circuitry and disease. Shank3 haploinsufficiency causes morphological and functional abnormalities in PFC pyramidal neurons, supporting the notion that Shank3 mutant dogs are new and valid animal models for autism research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feipeng Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Qi Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Yong Q Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan, 430415, China.
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nir Sade A, Levy G, Schokoroy Trangle S, Elad Sfadia G, Bar E, Ophir O, Fischer I, Rokach M, Atzmon A, Parnas H, Rosenberg T, Marco A, Elroy Stein O, Barak B. Neuronal Gtf2i deletion alters mitochondrial and autophagic properties. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1269. [PMID: 38097729 PMCID: PMC10721858 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gtf2i encodes the general transcription factor II-I (TFII-I), with peak expression during pre-natal and early post-natal brain development stages. Because these stages are critical for proper brain development, we studied at the single-cell level the consequences of Gtf2i's deletion from excitatory neurons, specifically on mitochondria. Here we show that Gtf2i's deletion resulted in abnormal morphology, disrupted mRNA related to mitochondrial fission and fusion, and altered autophagy/mitophagy protein expression. These changes align with elevated reactive oxygen species levels, illuminating Gtf2i's importance in neurons mitochondrial function. Similar mitochondrial issues were demonstrated by Gtf2i heterozygous model, mirroring the human condition in Williams syndrome (WS), and by hemizygous neuronal Gtf2i deletion model, indicating Gtf2i's dosage-sensitive role in mitochondrial regulation. Clinically relevant, we observed altered transcript levels related to mitochondria, hypoxia, and autophagy in frontal cortex tissue from WS individuals. Our study reveals mitochondrial and autophagy-related deficits shedding light on WS and other Gtf2i-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Nir Sade
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Elad Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Omer Ophir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Inbar Fischer
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Andrea Atzmon
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Hadar Parnas
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tali Rosenberg
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Asaf Marco
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orna Elroy Stein
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Shmunis School of Biomedicine & Cancer Research, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Janz P, Knoflach F, Bleicher K, Belli S, Biemans B, Schnider P, Ebeling M, Grundschober C, Benekareddy M. Selective oxytocin receptor activation prevents prefrontal circuit dysfunction and social behavioral alterations in response to chronic prefrontal cortex activation in male rats. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1286552. [PMID: 38145283 PMCID: PMC10745491 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1286552] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social behavioral changes are a hallmark of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, nevertheless the underlying neural substrates of such dysfunction remain poorly understood. Building evidence points to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as one of the key brain regions that orchestrates social behavior. We used this concept with the aim to develop a translational rat model of social-circuit dysfunction, the chronic PFC activation model (CPA). Methods Chemogenetic designer receptor hM3Dq was used to induce chronic activation of the PFC over 10 days, and the behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of prolonged PFC hyperactivity were evaluated. To test the sensitivity of this model to pharmacological interventions on longer timescales, and validate its translational potential, the rats were treated with our novel highly selective oxytocin receptor (OXTR) agonist RO6958375, which is not activating the related vasopressin V1a receptor. Results CPA rats showed reduced sociability in the three-chamber sociability test, and a concomitant decrease in neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission within the PFC as measured by electrophysiological recordings in acute slice preparation. Sub-chronic treatment with a low dose of the novel OXTR agonist following CPA interferes with the emergence of PFC circuit dysfunction, abnormal social behavior and specific transcriptomic changes. Discussion These results demonstrate that sustained PFC hyperactivity modifies circuit characteristics and social behaviors in ways that can be modulated by selective OXTR activation and that this model may be used to understand the circuit recruitment of prosocial therapies in drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Frederic Knoflach
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Bleicher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sara Belli
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Biemans
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Schnider
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ebeling
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Science, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Grundschober
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Madhurima Benekareddy
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases Discovery and Translational Area, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Calico Life Sciences, South San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kleberg JL, Hallman AEZ, Galazka MA, Riby DM, Bölte S, Willfors C, Fawcett C, Nordgren A. No transfer of arousal from other's eyes in Williams syndrome. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18397. [PMID: 37884631 PMCID: PMC10603144 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45521-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Typically developing humans automatically synchronize their arousal levels, resulting in pupillary contagion, or spontaneous adaptation of pupil size to that of others. This phenomenon emerges in infancy and is believed to facilitate social interaction. Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition characterized by a hyper-social personality and social interaction challenges. Pupillary contagion was examined in individuals with WS (n = 44), age-parallel-matched typically developing children and adults (n = 65), and infants (n = 79). Bayesian statistics were used. As a group, people with WS did not show pupillary contagion (Bayes factors supporting the null: 25-50) whereas control groups did. This suggests a very early emerging atypical developmental trajectory. In WS, higher pupillary contagion was associated with lower autistic symptoms of social communication. Diminished synchronization of arousal may explain why individuals with WS have social challenges, whereas synchronization of arousal is not a necessary correlate of high social motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lundin Kleberg
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Astrid E Z Hallman
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martyna A Galazka
- Department of Applied Information Technology, Division of Cognition and Communication, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Sven Bölte
- Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (KIND), Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
- Curtin Autism Research Group, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Charlotte Willfors
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christine Fawcett
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Frost NA, Donohue KC, Sohal V. Context-invariant socioemotional encoding by prefrontal ensembles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.563015. [PMID: 37961143 PMCID: PMC10634670 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.563015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in social interactions, anxiety-related avoidance, and flexible context- dependent behaviors, raising the question: how do prefrontal neurons represent socioemotional information across different environments? Are contextual and socioemotional representations segregated or intermixed, and does this cause socioemotional encoding to remap or generalize across environments? To address this, we imaged neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex of mice engaged in social interactions or anxiety-related avoidance within different environments. Neuronal ensembles representing context and social interaction overlapped more than expected while remaining orthogonal. Anxiety-related representations similarly generalized across environments while remaining orthogonal to contextual information. This shows how prefrontal cortex multiplexes parallel information streams using the same neurons, rather than distinct subcircuits, achieving context-invariant encoding despite context-specific reorganization of population-level activity.
Collapse
|
19
|
Moon HJ, Shin HS, Lee SH, Hong EJ, Ahn C, Yoo YM, Jeung EB, Lee GS, An BS, Jung EM. Effects of prenatal bisphenol S and bisphenol F exposure on behavior of offspring mice. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2023; 27:260-271. [PMID: 37842186 PMCID: PMC10572065 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2023.2264905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a representative endocrine-disrupting chemical that exhibits hormonal disturbance reactions. Various alternatives, such as Bisphenol S (BPS) and Bisphenol F (BPF), are being developed. BPS and BPF (which are representative alternatives to BPA) are used in consumer products such as polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. They have structures similar to those of BPA and have also been proven to be exogenous endocrine disruptors. However, although there are many studies on BPA, there are few studies on the neurodevelopmental effects of BPS and BPF. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed neurobehavioral changes in offspring mice exposed to BPS and BPF during brain development by administering BPS and BPF to pregnant mice. We found that prenatal exposure to BPS and BPF did not affect anxiety-and depression-like behaviors, locomotion, sociability, memory, or cognition functions in offspring mice. However, exposure to BPS and BPF decreased the preference for social novelty in the offspring mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that perinatal exposure to BPS and BPF affects changes in social behaviors, but not other behavioral changes such as emotion, memory, or cognition in the offspring mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ha Jung Moon
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Seung Shin
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Ju Hong
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Changhwan Ahn
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Min Yoo
- East Coast Life Sciences Institute, College of Life Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Gangneung, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Bae Jeung
- Laboratory of Veterinary Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Veterinary Medical Center and College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun-Shik Lee
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Beum-Soo An
- Department of Biomaterials Science (BK21 Four Program), College of Natural Resources & Life Science, Pusan National University, Miryang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Man Jung
- Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Ng R, Kalinousky A, Fahrner JA, Bjornsson HT, Harris J. The social phenotype associated with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome: Autistic traits juxtaposed with high social drive and prosociality. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:2591-2601. [PMID: 37470210 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63351] [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: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to provide a descriptive overview of the social characteristics associated with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WSS). A total of 24 parents of children/adults with WSS (11F, mean age = 12.94 years, SD = 8.00) completed the Social Responsiveness Scale 2nd Edition (SRS-2); Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Almost half our sample reported a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 70% had intellectual disability. On the SDQ, over 90% of participants were rated in borderline/clinical ranges in Peer Problems, yet the majority fell within normal limits in Prosocial Behaviors. Most fell in the moderate/severe difficulties ranges across SRS-2 Social Cognition, Communication, and Restricted/Repetitive Behaviors scales (all >70%); whereas substantially less participants met these ranges for deficits in Social Awareness (50%) and Social Motivation (33.33%). A pattern of relatively strong prosocial skills and social drive in the context of difficulties with inflexible behaviors, social cognition, and communication was observed, regardless of gender, ASD or intellectual disability diagnosis. The social phenotype associated with WSS is characterized by some autistic features paired with unusually high social motivation and prosocial tendencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rowena Ng
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison Kalinousky
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jill A Fahrner
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hans Tomas Bjornsson
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
- Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Jacqueline Harris
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ophir O, Levy G, Bar E, Kimchi Feldhorn O, Rokach M, Elad Sfadia G, Barak B. Deletion of Gtf2i via Systemic Administration of AAV-PHP.eB Virus Increases Social Behavior in a Mouse Model of a Neurodevelopmental Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2273. [PMID: 37626769 PMCID: PMC10452363 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by distinctive cognitive and personality profiles which also impacts various physiological systems. The syndrome arises from the deletion of about 25 genes located on chromosome 7q11.23, including Gtf2i. Prior research indicated a strong association between pre-natal Gtf2i deletion, and the hyper-social phenotypes observed in WS, as well as myelination deficits. As most studies addressed pre-natal Gtf2i deletion in mouse models, post-natal neuronal roles of Gtf2i were unknown. To investigate the impact of post-natal deletion of neuronal Gtf2i on hyper-sociability, we intravenously injected an AAV-PHP.eB virus expressing Cre-recombinase under the control of αCaMKII, a promoter in a mouse model with floxed Gtf2i. This targeted deletion was performed in young mice, allowing for precise and efficient brain-wide infection leading to the exclusive removal of Gtf2i from excitatory neurons. As a result of such gene deletion, the mice displayed hyper-sociability, increased anxiety, impaired cognition, and hyper-mobility, relative to controls. These findings highlight the potential of systemic viral manipulation as a gene-editing technique to modulate behavior-regulating genes during the post-natal stage, thus presenting novel therapeutic approaches for addressing neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omer Ophir
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | | | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Galit Elad Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hattori T, Cherepanov SM, Sakaga R, Roboon J, Nguyen DT, Ishii H, Takarada‐Iemata M, Nishiuchi T, Kannon T, Hosomichi K, Tajima A, Yamamoto Y, Okamoto H, Sugawara A, Higashida H, Hori O. Postnatal expression of CD38 in astrocytes regulates synapse formation and adult social memory. EMBO J 2023; 42:e111247. [PMID: 37357972 PMCID: PMC10390870 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2022111247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Social behavior is essential for health, survival, and reproduction of animals; however, the role of astrocytes in social behavior remains largely unknown. The transmembrane protein CD38, which acts both as a receptor and ADP-ribosyl cyclase to produce cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR) regulates social behaviors by promoting oxytocin release from hypothalamic neurons. CD38 is also abundantly expressed in astrocytes in the postnatal brain and is important for astroglial development. Here, we demonstrate that the astroglial-expressed CD38 plays an important role in social behavior during development. Selective deletion of CD38 in postnatal astrocytes, but not in adult astrocytes, impairs social memory without any other behavioral abnormalities. Morphological analysis shows that depletion of astroglial CD38 in the postnatal brain interferes with synapse formation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus. Moreover, astroglial CD38 expression promotes synaptogenesis of excitatory neurons by increasing the level of extracellular SPARCL1 (also known as Hevin), a synaptogenic protein. The release of SPARCL1 from astrocytes is regulated by CD38/cADPR/calcium signaling. These data demonstrate a novel developmental role of astrocytes in neural circuit formation and regulation of social behavior in adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Hattori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | | | - Ryo Sakaga
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Jureepon Roboon
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Dinh Thi Nguyen
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Ishii
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Mika Takarada‐Iemata
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Takumi Nishiuchi
- Division of Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research CenterKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Takayuki Kannon
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Kazuyoshi Hosomichi
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Atsushi Tajima
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, Graduate School of Advanced Preventive Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Hiroshi Okamoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Vascular Biology, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
- Department of BiochemistryTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Akira Sugawara
- Department of Molecular EndocrinologyTohoku University Graduate School of MedicineSendaiJapan
| | - Haruhiro Higashida
- Research Center for Child Mental DevelopmentKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| | - Osamu Hori
- Department of Neuroanatomy, Graduate School of Medical SciencesKanazawa UniversityKanazawaJapan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Luo YF, Lu L, Song HY, Xu H, Zheng ZW, Wu ZY, Jiang CC, Tong C, Yuan HY, Liu XX, Chen X, Sun ML, Tang YM, Fan HY, Han F, Lu YM. Divergent projections of the prelimbic cortex mediate autism- and anxiety-like behaviors. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2343-2354. [PMID: 36690791 PMCID: PMC10611563 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-01954-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The comorbidity of autism spectrum disorder and anxiety is common, but the underlying circuitry is poorly understood. Here, Tmem74-/- mice showed autism- and anxiety-like behaviors along with increased excitability of pyramidal neurons (PNs) in the prelimbic cortex (PL), which were reversed by Tmem74 re-expression and chemogenetic inhibition in PNs of the PL. To determine the underlying circuitry, we performed conditional deletion of Tmem74 in the PNs of PL of mice, and we found that alterations in the PL projections to fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) in the dorsal striatum (dSTR) (PLPNs-dSTRFSIs) mediated the hyperexcitability of FSIs and autism-like behaviors and that alterations in the PL projections to the PNs of the basolateral amygdaloid nucleus (BLA) (PLPNs-BLAPNs) mediated the hyperexcitability of PNs and anxiety-like behaviors. However, the two populations of PNs in the PL had different spatial locations, optogenetic manipulations revealed that alterations in the activity in the PL-dSTR or PL-BLA circuits led to autism- or anxiety-like behaviors, respectively. Collectively, these findings highlight that the hyperactivity of the two populations of PNs in the PL mediates autism and anxiety comorbidity through the PL-dSTR and PL-BLA circuits, which may lead to the development of new therapeutics for the autism and anxiety comorbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fan Luo
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Lu Lu
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Heng-Yi Song
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Han Xu
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhi-Wei Zheng
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhou-Yue Wu
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Chu Tong
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Hao-Yang Yuan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiu-Xiu Liu
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Mei-Ling Sun
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ya-Min Tang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Heng-Yu Fan
- Life Sciences Institute and Innovation Center for Cell Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
- Institute of Brain Science, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Perdikaris P, Dermon CR. Altered GABAergic, glutamatergic and endocannabinoid signaling is accompanied by neuroinflammatory response in a zebrafish model of social withdrawal behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1120993. [PMID: 37284463 PMCID: PMC10239971 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1120993] [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: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deficits in social communication are in the core of clinical symptoms characterizing many neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. The occurrence of anxiety-related behavior, a common co-morbid condition in individuals with impairments in social domain, suggests the presence of overlapping neurobiological mechanisms between these two pathologies. Dysregulated excitation/inhibition balance and excessive neuroinflammation, in specific neural circuits, are proposed as common etiological mechanisms implicated in both pathologies. Methods and Results In the present study we evaluated changes in glutamatergic/GABAergic neurotransmission as well as the presence of neuroinflammation within the regions of the Social Decision-Making Network (SDMN) using a zebrafish model of NMDA receptor hypofunction, following sub-chronic MK-801 administration. MK-801-treated zebrafish are characterized by impaired social communication together with increased anxiety levels. At the molecular level, the behavioral phenotype was accompanied by increased mGluR5 and GAD67 but decreased PSD-95 protein expression levels in telencephalon and midbrain. In parallel, MK-801-treated zebrafish exhibited altered endocannabinoid signaling as indicated by the upregulation of cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) in the telencephalon. Interestingly, glutamatergic dysfunction was positively correlated with social withdrawal behavior whereas defective GABAergic and endocannabinoid activity were positively associated with anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, neuronal and astrocytic IL-1β expression was increased in regions of the SDMN, supporting the role of neuroinflammatory responses in the manifestation of MK-801 behavioral phenotype. Colocalization of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) with β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs) underlies the possible influence of noradrenergic neurotransmission to increased IL-1β expression in comorbidity between social deficits and elevated anxiety comorbidity. Discussion Overall, our results indicate the contribution of altered excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission as well as excessive neuroinflammatory responses in the manifestation of social deficits and anxiety-like behavior of MK-801-treated fish, identifying possible novel targets for amelioration of these symptoms.
Collapse
|
25
|
Jenner L, Richards C, Howard R, Moss J. Heterogeneity of Autism Characteristics in Genetic Syndromes: Key Considerations for Assessment and Support. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 10:132-146. [PMID: 37193200 PMCID: PMC10169182 DOI: 10.1007/s40474-023-00276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Elevated prevalence of autism characteristics is reported in genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability. This review summarises recent evidence on the behavioural heterogeneity of autism in the following syndromes: Fragile X, Cornelia de Lange, Williams, Prader-Willi, Angelman, Down, Smith-Magenis, and tuberous sclerosis complex. Key considerations for assessment and support are discussed. Recent Findings The profile and developmental trajectory of autism-related behaviour in these syndromes indicate some degree of syndrome specificity which may interact with broader behavioural phenotypes (e.g. hypersociability), intellectual disability, and mental health (e.g. anxiety). Genetic subtype and co-occurring epilepsy within syndromes contribute to increased significance of autism characteristics. Autism-related strengths and challenges are likely to be overlooked or misunderstood using existing screening/diagnostic tools and criteria, which lack sensitivity and specificity within these populations. Summary Autism characteristics are highly heterogeneous across genetic syndromes and often distinguishable from non-syndromic autism. Autism diagnostic assessment practices in this population should be tailored to specific syndromes. Service provisions must begin to prioritise needs-led support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Jenner
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| | | | - Rachel Howard
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| | - Joanna Moss
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, England
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Biosca-Brull J, Guardia-Escote L, Basaure P, Cabré M, Blanco J, Pérez-Fernández C, Sánchez-Santed F, Domingo JL, Colomina MT. Exposure to chlorpyrifos during pregnancy differentially affects social behavior and GABA signaling elements in an APOE- and sex-dependent manner in a transgenic mouse model. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 224:115461. [PMID: 36796608 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The massive use of chlorpyrifos (CPF) has been associated with an increased prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Some previous studies have shown that prenatal, but not postnatal, CPF exposure causes social behavior deficits in mice depending on sex while others have found that in transgenic mice models carrying the human apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε3 and ε4 allele confer different vulnerabilities to either behavioral or metabolic disorders after CPF exposure. This study aims to evaluate, in both sexes, how prenatal CPF exposure and APOE genotype impact on social behavior and its relation to changes in GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. For this purpose, apoE3 and apoE4 transgenic mice were exposed through the diet to 0 or 1 mg/kg/day of CPF, between gestational day 12 and 18. A three-chamber test was used to assess social behavior on postnatal day (PND) 45. Then, mice were sacrificed, and hippocampal samples were analyzed to study the gene expression of GABAergic and glutamatergic elements. Results showed that prenatal exposure to CPF impaired social novelty preference and increased the expression of GABA-A α1 subunit in females of both genotypes. In addition, the expression of GAD1, the ionic cotransporter KCC2 and the GABA-A α2 and α5 subunits were increased in apoE3 mice, whereas CPF treatment only accentuated the expression of GAD1 and KCC2. Nevertheless, future research is needed to evaluate whether the influences detected in the GABAergic system are present and functionally relevant in adults and old mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Biosca-Brull
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Reus, Spain.
| | - Laia Guardia-Escote
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Pia Basaure
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain
| | - Maria Cabré
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jordi Blanco
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Reus, Spain
| | - Cristian Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120, Almeria, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Research Group in Neurobehavior and Health (NEUROLAB), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Department of Psychology and Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Tarragona, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Reus, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Coskunpinar EM, Tur S, Cevher Binici N, Yazan Songür C. Association of GABRG3, GABRB3, HTR2A Gene Variants with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Gene 2023; 870:147399. [PMID: 37019319 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral disorder characterized by impaired social communication, repetitive and restricted patterns of behavior, activity, or interest, and altered emotional processing. Reported prevalence is 4 times higher in men and it has increased in recent years. Immunological, environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors play a role in the pathophysiology of autism. Many neurochemical pathways and neuroanatomical events are effective in determining the disease. It is still unclear how the main symptoms of autism occur because of this complex and heterogeneous situation. In this study, we focused on gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) and serotonin, which are thought to contribute to the etiology of autism; it is aimed to elucidate the mechanism of the disease by investigating variant changes in the GABA receptor subunit genes GABRB3, GABRG3 and the HTR2A gene, which encodes one of the serotonin receptors. 200 patients with ASD between the ages of 3-9 and 100 healthy volunteers were included in the study. Genomic DNA isolation was performed from peripheral blood samples taken from volunteers. Genotyping was performed using the RFLP method with PCR specific for specific variants. Data were analyzed with SPSS v25.0 program. According to the data obtained in our study; In terms of HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) genotypes, the homozygous C genotype carrying frequency in the patient group and the homozygous T genotype carrying frequency in the GABRG3 (rs140679 C/T) genotypes were found to be significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (*p: 0.0001, p: 0.0001). It was determined that the frequency of individuals with homozygous genotype was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group and having homozygous genotypes increased the disease risk approximately 1.8 times. In terms of GABRB3 (rs2081648 T/C) genotypes, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of carrying homozygous C genotype in the patient group compared to the control group (p: 0.36). According to the results of our study, we think that the HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) polymorphism is effective in modulating the empathic and autistic characteristics of individuals, and that the HTR2A (rs6313 T102C) polymorphism is more distributed in the post-synaptic membranes in individuals with a higher number of C alleles. We believe that this situation can be attributed to the spontaneous stimulatory distribution of the HTR2A gene in the postsynaptic membranes because of T102C transformation. In genetically based autism cases, carrying the point mutation in the rs6313 variant of the HTR2A gene and the C allele and the point mutation in the rs140679 variant of the GABRG3 gene and accordingly carrying the T allele provide a predisposition to the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ender M Coskunpinar
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Turkey.
| | - Seymanur Tur
- Department of Medical Biology, School of Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Turkey.
| | - Nagihan Cevher Binici
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Cisel Yazan Songür
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences Dr. Behcet Uz Child Disease and Pediatric Surgery Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Cortese S, McGinn K, Højlund M, Apter A, Arango C, Baeza I, Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J, Castro-Fornieles J, Coghill D, Cohen D, Grünblatt E, Hoekstra PJ, James A, Jeppesen P, Nagy P, Pagsberg AK, Parellada M, Persico AM, Purper-Ouakil D, Roessner V, Santosh P, Simonoff E, Stevanovic D, Stringaris A, Vitiello B, Walitza S, Weizman A, Wohlfarth T, Wong ICK, Zalsman G, Zuddas A, Moreno C, Solmi M, Correll CU. The Future of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychopharmacology: A Systematic Review of Phase 2, 3, or 4 Randomized Controlled Trials of Pharmacologic Agents Without Regulatory Approval or for Unapproved Indications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105149. [PMID: 37001575 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to identify promising novel medications for child and adolescent mental health problems. We systematically searched https://clinicaltrials.gov/ and https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ (from 01/01/2010-08/23/2022) for phase 2 or 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of medications without regulatory approval in the US, Europe or Asia, including also RCTs of dietary interventions/probiotics. Additionally, we searched phase 4 RCTs of agents targeting unlicensed indications for children/adolescents with mental health disorders. We retrieved 234 ongoing or completed RCTs, including 26 (11%) with positive findings on ≥ 1 primary outcome, 43 (18%) with negative/unavailable results on every primary outcome, and 165 (70%) without publicly available statistical results. The only two compounds with evidence of significant effects that were replicated in ≥ 1 additional RCT without any negative RCTs were dasotraline for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and carbetocin for hyperphagia in Prader-Willi syndrome. Among other strategies, targeting specific symptom dimensions in samples stratified based on clinical characteristics or established biomarkers may increase chances of success in future development programmes.
Collapse
|
29
|
Trangle SS, Rosenberg T, Parnas H, Levy G, Bar E, Marco A, Barak B. In individuals with Williams syndrome, dysregulation of methylation in non-coding regions of neuronal and oligodendrocyte DNA is associated with pathology and cortical development. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1112-1127. [PMID: 36577841 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01921-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous micro-deletion in the WS critical region (WSCR) and is characterized by hyper-sociability and neurocognitive abnormalities. Nonetheless, whether and to what extent WSCR deletion leads to epigenetic modifications in the brain and induces pathological outcomes remains largely unknown. By examining DNA methylation in frontal cortex, we revealed genome-wide disruption in the methylome of individuals with WS, as compared to typically developed (TD) controls. Surprisingly, differentially methylated sites were predominantly annotated as introns and intergenic loci and were found to be highly enriched around binding sites for transcription factors that regulate neuronal development, plasticity and cognition. Moreover, by utilizing enhancer-promoter interactome data, we confirmed that most of these loci function as active enhancers in the human brain or as target genes of transcriptional networks associated with myelination, oligodendrocyte (OL) differentiation, cognition and social behavior. Cell type-specific methylation analysis revealed aberrant patterns in the methylation of active enhancers in neurons and OLs, and important neuron-glia interactions that might be impaired in individuals with WS. Finally, comparison of methylation profiles from blood samples of individuals with WS and healthy controls, along with other data collected in this study, identified putative targets of endophenotypes associated with WS, which can be used to define brain-risk loci for WS outside the WSCR locus, as well as for other associated pathologies. In conclusion, our study illuminates the brain methylome landscape of individuals with WS and sheds light on how these aberrations might be involved in social behavior and physiological abnormalities. By extension, these results may lead to better diagnostics and more refined therapeutic targets for WS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Tali Rosenberg
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Hadar Parnas
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
| | - Gilad Levy
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.,The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel
| | - Asaf Marco
- Neuro-Epigenetics Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
| | - Boaz Barak
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel. .,Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 6997801, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kleberg JL, Willfors C, Björlin Avdic H, Riby D, Galazka MA, Guath M, Nordgren A, Strannegård C. Social feedback enhances learning in Williams syndrome. Sci Rep 2023; 13:164. [PMID: 36599864 PMCID: PMC9813264 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26055-8] [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: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic condition characterized by high social interest and approach motivation as well as intellectual disability and anxiety. Despite the fact that social stimuli are believed to have an increased intrinsic reward value in WS, it is not known whether this translates to learning and decision making. Genes homozygously deleted in WS are linked to sociability in the general population, making it a potential model condition for understanding the social brain. Probabilistic reinforcement learning was studied with either social or non-social rewards for correct choices. Social feedback improved learning in individuals with Williams syndrome but not in typically developing controls or individuals with other intellectual disabilities. Computational modeling indicated that these effects on social feedback were mediated by a shift towards higher weight given to rewards relative to punishments and increased choice consistency. We conclude that reward learning in WS is characterized by high volatility and a tendency to learn how to avoid punishment rather than how to gain rewards. Social feedback can partly normalize this pattern and promote adaptive reward learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lundin Kleberg
- grid.10548.380000 0004 1936 9377Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Willfors
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanna Björlin Avdic
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah Riby
- grid.8250.f0000 0000 8700 0572Department of Psychology, Centre for Developmental Disorders, Durham University, Durham, UK
| | - Martyna A. Galazka
- grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mona Guath
- grid.8993.b0000 0004 1936 9457Department of Psychology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden ,grid.1649.a000000009445082XDepartment of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Strannegård
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.8761.80000 0000 9919 9582Division of Cognition and Communication, Department of Applied IT, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
SCGN deficiency is a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:3. [PMID: 36588101 PMCID: PMC9806109 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01225-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects 1-2% of all children and poses a great social and economic challenge for the globe. As a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, the development of its treatment is extremely challenging. Multiple pathways have been linked to the pathogenesis of ASD, including signaling involved in synaptic function, oxytocinergic activities, immune homeostasis, chromatin modifications, and mitochondrial functions. Here, we identify secretagogin (SCGN), a regulator of synaptic transmission, as a new risk gene for ASD. Two heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in SCGN are presented in ASD probands. Deletion of Scgn in zebrafish or mice leads to autism-like behaviors and impairs brain development. Mechanistically, Scgn deficiency disrupts the oxytocin signaling and abnormally activates inflammation in both animal models. Both ASD probands carrying Scgn mutations also show reduced oxytocin levels. Importantly, we demonstrate that the administration of oxytocin and anti-inflammatory drugs can attenuate ASD-associated defects caused by SCGN deficiency. Altogether, we identify a convergence between a potential autism genetic risk factor SCGN, and the pathological deregulation in oxytocinergic signaling and immune responses, providing potential treatment for ASD patients suffering from SCGN deficiency. Our study also indicates that it is critical to identify and stratify ASD patient populations based on their disease mechanisms, which could greatly enhance therapeutic success.
Collapse
|
32
|
Singh A, Kaileh M, De S, Mazan-Mamczarz K, Bayarsaihan D, Sen R, Roy AL. Transcription factor TFII-I fine tunes innate properties of B lymphocytes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1067459. [PMID: 36756127 PMCID: PMC9900109 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1067459] [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: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ubiquitously expressed transcription factor TFII-I is a multifunctional protein with pleiotropic roles in gene regulation. TFII-I associated polymorphisms are implicated in Sjögren's syndrome and Lupus in humans and, germline deletion of the Gtf2i gene in mice leads to embryonic lethality. Here we report a unique role for TFII-I in homeostasis of innate properties of B lymphocytes. Loss of Gtf2i in murine B lineage cells leads to an alteration in transcriptome, chromatin landscape and associated transcription factor binding sites, which exhibits myeloid-like features and coincides with enhanced sensitivity to LPS induced gene expression. TFII-I deficient B cells also show increased switching to IgG3, a phenotype associated with inflammation. These results demonstrate a role for TFII-I in maintaining immune homeostasis and provide clues for GTF2I polymorphisms associated with B cell dominated autoimmune diseases in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amit Singh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mary Kaileh
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Supriyo De
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Krystyna Mazan-Mamczarz
- Laboratory of Genetics & Genomics, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dashzeveg Bayarsaihan
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Ranjan Sen
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ananda L Roy
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abnormal Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Clin Neuroradiol 2022; 32:1087-1096. [PMID: 35543744 DOI: 10.1007/s00062-022-01173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to explore changes of brain dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigate their relationship with clinical manifestations. METHODS Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data were acquired from 78 adult ASD patients from autism brain imaging data exchange datasets, and 65 age-matched healthy controls subjects from the local community. Independent component analysis was conducted to evaluate dFNC patterns on the basis of 13 independent components (ICs) within 11 resting-state networks (RSN), namely, auditory network (AUDN), basal ganglia network (BGN), language network (LN), sensorimotor network (SMN), precuneus network (PUCN), salience network (SN), visuospatial network (VSN), dorsal default mode network (dDMN), high visual network (hVIS), primary visual network (pVIS), ventral default mode network (vDMN). Fraction time, mean dwell time, number of transitions, and RSN connectivity were calculated for group comparisons. Correlation analyses were performed between abnormal metrics and autism diagnostic observation schedule (ADOS) scores. RESULTS Compared with controls, ASD patients had higher fraction time and mean dwell time in state 2 (P = 0.017, P = 0.014). Reduced dFNC was found in the SMN with PUCN, SMN with hVIS, and increased dFNC was observed in the dDMN with SN in state 2 in the ASD group. Fraction time and mean dwell time was positively correlated with stereotyped behavior scores of ADOS. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated the importance of evaluating transient alterations in specific neural networks of adult ASD patients. The abnormal metrics and connectivity may be related to symptoms such as stereotyped behavior.
Collapse
|
34
|
Okazaki S, Kimura R, Otsuka I, Tomiwa K, Funabiki Y, Hagiwara M, Murai T, Hishimoto A. Epigenetic aging in Williams syndrome. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:1553-1562. [PMID: 35416284 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a microdeletion at the 7q11.23 region and is characterized by diverse symptoms encompassing physical and cognitive features. WS was reported to be associated to altered DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns. However, due to the limited information from long-term studies, it remains unclear whether WS accelerates aging. Genome-wide DNAm profiles can serve as "epigenetic clocks" to help estimate biological aging along with age-related markers, such as plasma proteins and telomere length. METHODS We investigated GrimAge, DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTL), and other epigenetic clocks in blood samples of 32 patients with WS and 32 healthy controls. RESULTS We observed a significant acceleration in GrimAge, DNAmTL, and other epigenetic clocks in patients with WS as compared with those of controls. In addition, several GrimAge components, such as adrenomedullin, growth differentiation factor-15, leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, were altered in patients with WS. CONCLUSIONS This study provides novel evidence supporting the hypothesis that WS may be associated to accelerated biological aging. A better understanding of the overall underlying biological effects of WS can provide new foundations for improved patient care; thus, long-term follow-up studies are still warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Okazaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryo Kimura
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ikuo Otsuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Yasuko Funabiki
- Department of Cognitive and Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Hagiwara
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akitoyo Hishimoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Yokohama City University Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Megagiannis P, Suresh R, Rouleau GA, Zhou Y. Reversibility and therapeutic development for neurodevelopmental disorders, insights from genetic animal models. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 191:114562. [PMID: 36183904 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114562] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) encompass a broad spectrum of conditions resulting from atypical brain development. Over the past decades, we have had the fortune to witness enormous progress in diagnosis, etiology discovery, modeling, and mechanistic understanding of NDDs from both fundamental and clinical research. Here, we review recent neurobiological advances from experimental models of NDDs. We introduce several examples and highlight breakthroughs in reversal studies of phenotypes using genetically engineered models of NDDs. The in-depth understanding of brain pathophysiology underlying NDDs and evaluations of reversibility in animal models paves the foundation for discovering novel treatment options. We discuss how the expanding property of cutting-edge technologies, such as gene editing and AAV-mediated gene delivery, are leveraged in animal models for the therapeutic development of NDDs. We envision opportunities and challenges toward faithful modeling and fruitful clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Platon Megagiannis
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Rahul Suresh
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Kumar H, Diwan V, Sharma B. Protective Effect of Nimodipine Against Valproic-acid Induced Biochemical and Behavioral Phenotypes of Autism. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 20:725-736. [PMID: 36263647 PMCID: PMC9606438 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2022.20.4.725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective Present study was designed to investigate behavioral and biochemical role of nimodipine in prenatal valproic acid (Pre-VPA) induced autism in rats. Methods Valproic acid was utilized to induce autistic phenotypes in Wistar rats. The rats were assessed for social behavior. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC) were utilized for various biochemical assessments, whereas cerebellum was used to assess blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Results Pre-VPA rats showed reduction social interaction. Pre-VPA administration were decreased PFC levels of interleukin- 10 (IL-10), and glutathione along with hippocampus cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Also, the animals have shown increase in PFC levels of IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, Evans blue leakage and water content. Nimodipine countered Pre-VPA administered reduction in social interaction, CREB, BDNF, inflammation, oxidative stress, BBB permeability. Conclusion Pre-VPA has induced autistic phenotype, which were attenuated by nimodipine in rats. Nimodipine and other calcium channel blockers should further investigate to check the management of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hariom Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
| | - Vishal Diwan
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bhupesh Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India
- CNS Pharmacology, Conscience Research, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ma B, Shan X, Yu J, Zhu T, Li R, Lv H, Cheng H, Zhang T, Wang L, Wei F, Meng B, Yuan X, Mei B, Zhang XY, Li WG, Li F. Social deficits via dysregulated Rac1-dependent excitability control of prefrontal cortical neurons and increased GABA/glutamate ratios. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111722. [PMID: 36450249 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying symptom-specific convergent mechanisms for neurodevelopmental disorders is a promising strategy in advancing therapies. Here, we show that bidirectional dysregulation of Rac1 activity in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) dictates shared social deficits in mice. Selective upregulation or downregulation of Rac1 activity in glutamatergic or fast-spiking GABAergic neurons results in excessive or inadequate control of excitability combined with a decrease in glutamate or an increase in GABA concentrations and an increase in the GABA/glutamate ratio, which is responsible for social deficits. Notably, the autism model of Shank3B knockout mice exhibits aberrantly enhanced Rac1 activity, reduced glutamate concentrations, and pyramidal neuron excitability in mPFC accompanied with social deficits, which were corrected by either excitatory-neuron-specific downregulation of Rac1 activity or upregulation of neuronal excitability. Thus, this work shows a convergence between genetic autism risk factors, dysregulation of Rac1 signaling, and excitation-inhibition imbalance, enabling mechanism-based stratification of patients with social deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bingke Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xingyue Shan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Juehua Yu
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China; Center for Experimental Studies and Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650032, China
| | - Tailin Zhu
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Ren Li
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education - Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hui Lv
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Haidi Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Feiyang Wei
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Bo Meng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Xiaobing Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Bing Mei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Functional Genomics (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China.
| | - Xiao-Yong Zhang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education - Key Laboratory of Computational Neuroscience and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Wei-Guang Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Institute for Translational Brain Research, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and Ministry of Education Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Brain and Behavioral Research Unit of Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research and Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric Department, Shanghai Xinhua Children's Hospital, Shanghai 200092, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Navarro-Romero A, Galera-López L, Ortiz-Romero P, Llorente-Ovejero A, de Los Reyes-Ramírez L, Bengoetxea de Tena I, Garcia-Elias A, Mas-Stachurska A, Reixachs-Solé M, Pastor A, de la Torre R, Maldonado R, Benito B, Eyras E, Rodríguez-Puertas R, Campuzano V, Ozaita A. Cannabinoid signaling modulation through JZL184 restores key phenotypes of a mouse model for Williams-Beuren syndrome. eLife 2022; 11:72560. [PMID: 36217821 PMCID: PMC9553213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72560] [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: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams–Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic multisystemic disorder characterized by mild-to-moderate intellectual disability and hypersocial phenotype, while the most life-threatening features are cardiovascular abnormalities. Nowadays, there are no pharmacological treatments to directly ameliorate the main traits of WBS. The endocannabinoid system (ECS), given its relevance for both cognitive and cardiovascular function, could be a potential druggable target in this syndrome. We analyzed the components of the ECS in the complete deletion (CD) mouse model of WBS and assessed the impact of its pharmacological modulation in key phenotypes relevant for WBS. CD mice showed the characteristic hypersociable phenotype with no preference for social novelty and poor short-term object-recognition performance. Brain cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) in CD male mice showed alterations in density and coupling with no detectable change in main endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoid signaling modulation with subchronic (10 days) JZL184, a selective inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase, specifically normalized the social and cognitive phenotype of CD mice. Notably, JZL184 treatment improved cardiovascular function and restored gene expression patterns in cardiac tissue. These results reveal the modulation of the ECS as a promising novel therapeutic approach to improve key phenotypic alterations in WBS. Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare disorder that causes hyper-social behavior, intellectual disability, memory problems, and life-threatening overgrowth of the heart. Behavioral therapies can help improve the cognitive and social aspects of the syndrome and surgery is sometimes used to treat the effects on the heart, although often with limited success. However, there are currently no medications available to treat WBS. The endocannabinoid system – which consists of cannabis-like chemical messengers that bind to specific cannabinoid receptor proteins – has been shown to influence cognitive and social behaviors, as well as certain functions of the heart. This has led scientists to suspect that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in WBS, and drugs modifying this network of chemical messengers could help treat the rare condition. To investigate, Navarro-Romero, Galera-López et al. studied mice which had the same genetic deletion found in patients with WBS. Similar to humans, the male mice displayed hyper-social behaviors, had memory deficits and enlarged hearts. Navarro-Romero, Galera-López et al. found that these mutant mice also had differences in the function of the receptor protein cannabinoid type-1 (CB1). The genetically modified mice were then treated with an experimental drug called JZL184 that blocks the breakdown of endocannabinoids which bind to the CB1 receptor. This normalized the number and function of receptors in the brains of the WBS mice, and reduced their social and memory symptoms. The treatment also restored the animals’ heart cells to a more normal size, improved the function of their heart tissue, and led to lower blood pressure. Further experiments revealed that the drug caused the mutant mice to activate many genes in their heart muscle cells to the same level as normal, healthy mice. These findings suggest that JZL184 or other drugs targeting the endocannabinoid system may help ease the symptoms associated with WBS. More studies are needed to test the drug’s effectiveness in humans with this syndrome. Furthermore, the dramatic effect JZL184 has on the heart suggests that it might also help treat high blood pressure or conditions that cause the overgrowth of heart cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Navarro-Romero
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lorena Galera-López
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Ortiz-Romero
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, and centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Llorente-Ovejero
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Lucía de Los Reyes-Ramírez
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iker Bengoetxea de Tena
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | - Anna Garcia-Elias
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aleksandra Mas-Stachurska
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina Reixachs-Solé
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Begoña Benito
- Group of Cardiovascular Experimental and Translational Research (GET-CV), Vascular Biology and Metabolism, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR),, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBER-CV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Eyras
- EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network at the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,The John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.,Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael Rodríguez-Puertas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain.,Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, and centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andres Ozaita
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Xu D, Meng Y, An S, Meng W, Li H, Zhang W, Xue Y, Lan X, Wang X, Li M, Zhang X, Zhihao Z, Zhao Y, Yang H, Zhang C, Zhang R, Zhen Z. Swimming exercise is a promising early intervention for autism-like behavior in Shank3 deletion rats. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 29:78-90. [PMID: 36221783 PMCID: PMC9804047 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13920] [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: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SHANK3 is an important excitatory postsynaptic scaffold protein, and its mutations lead to genetic cause of neurodevelopmental diseases including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), Philan McDermid syndrome (PMS), and intellectual disability (ID). Early prevention and treatment are important for Shank3 gene mutation disease. Swimming has been proven to have a positive effect on neurodegenerative diseases. METHODS Shank3 gene exon 11-21 knockout rats were intervened by a 40 min/day, 5 day/week for 8-week protocol. After the intervention, the rats were tested to behavioral measures such as learning and memory, and the volume and H-spectrum of the brain were measured using MRI; hippocampal dendritic spines were measured using Golgi staining and laser confocal. RESULTS The results showed that Shank3-deficient rats had significant deficits in social memory, object recognition, and water maze learning decreased hippocampal volume and number of neurons, and lower levels of related scaffold proteins and receptor proteins were found in Shank3-deficient rats. CONCLUSION It is suggested that early swimming exercise has a positive effect on Shank3 gene-deficient rats, which provides a new therapeutic strategy for the prevention and recovery of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dan Xu
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina,Sports and Health Editorial OfficePeople's education pressBeijingChina
| | - Yunchen Meng
- Department of P.E.China University of Mining and Technology‐BeijingBeijingChina
| | - Shasha An
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Wenshu Meng
- College of Life SciencesBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Hanran Li
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences and Department of PsychologyUniversity of MacauTaipaMacau
| | - Weinan Zhang
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yaqi Xue
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xinyu Lan
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Neuroscience Research InstitutePeking UniversityBeijingChina,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning CommissionPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxi Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and MoxibustionChina Academy of Chinese Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Mingjuan Li
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Neuroscience Research InstitutePeking UniversityBeijingChina,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning CommissionPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhang Zhihao
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yu Zhao
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Haodong Yang
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chen Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain ProtectionCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical SciencesPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Neuroscience Research InstitutePeking UniversityBeijingChina,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning CommissionPeking UniversityBeijingChina,Autism Research Center of Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingChina,Department of Integration of Chinese and Western MedicineSchool of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhiping Zhen
- College of P.E and SportsBeijing Normal UniversityBeijingChina
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Social Behavior Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911077. [PMID: 36232395 PMCID: PMC9570008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) characterized by impaired social communication and repetitive behavior, among other symptoms. ASD is highly heritable, with SHANK3 being one of the high-risk genes for ASD. In recent years, knowledge has been growing regarding the neuroplasticity effect induced by hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and its potential use for ASD. Here, we characterized the effect of HBOT on a mouse model for ASD with the human genetic condition of InsG3680 mutation in the Shank3 gene. As compared to placebo, HBOT improved social behavior and reduced neuroinflammation in the cortex of the InsG3680(+/+) mice. Specifically, HBOT induced upregulation of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igf1) expression levels and reduced the number of Iba1-positive cells in the mouse model for ASD compared to placebo control. Together, our research suggests that HBOT has the potential to improve the clinical outcome of ASD by ameliorating some of the core pathophysiological processes responsible for the development of the disorder.
Collapse
|
41
|
SH3- and actin-binding domains connect ADNP and SHANK3, revealing a fundamental shared mechanism underlying autism. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3316-3327. [PMID: 35538192 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01603-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
De novo heterozygous mutations in activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) cause autistic ADNP syndrome. ADNP mutations impair microtubule (MT) function, essential for synaptic activity. The ADNP MT-associating fragment NAPVSIPQ (called NAP) contains an MT end-binding protein interacting domain, SxIP (mimicking the active-peptide, SKIP). We hypothesized that not all ADNP mutations are similarly deleterious and that the NAPV portion of NAPVSIPQ is biologically active. Using the eukaryotic linear motif (ELM) resource, we identified a Src homology 3 (SH3) domain-ligand association site in NAP responsible for controlling signaling pathways regulating the cytoskeleton, namely NAPVSIP. Altogether, we mapped multiple SH3-binding sites in ADNP. Comparisons of the effects of ADNP mutations p.Glu830synfs*83, p.Lys408Valfs*31, p.Ser404* on MT dynamics and Tau interactions (live-cell fluorescence-microscopy) suggested spared toxic function in p.Lys408Valfs*31, with a regained SH3-binding motif due to the frameshift insertion. Site-directed-mutagenesis, abolishing the p.Lys408Valfs*31 SH3-binding motif, produced MT toxicity. NAP normalized MT activities in the face of all ADNP mutations, although, SKIP, missing the SH3-binding motif, showed reduced efficacy in terms of MT-Tau interactions, as compared with NAP. Lastly, SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains protein 3 (SHANK3), a major autism gene product, interact with the cytoskeleton through an actin-binding motif to modify behavior. Similarly, ELM analysis identified an actin-binding site on ADNP, suggesting direct SH3 and indirect SHANK3/ADNP associations. Actin co-immunoprecipitations from mouse brain extracts showed NAP-mediated normalization of Shank3-Adnp-actin interactions. Furthermore, NAP treatment ameliorated aberrant behavior in mice homozygous for the Shank3 ASD-linked InsG3680 mutation, revealing a fundamental shared mechanism between ADNP and SHANK3.
Collapse
|
42
|
Akbari M, Eghtedarian R, Hussen BM, Eslami S, Taheri M, Neishabouri SM, Ghafouri-Fard S. Assessment of Expression of Regulatory T Cell Differentiation Genes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:939224. [PMID: 35860502 PMCID: PMC9289514 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.939224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been shown to affect the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Differentiation of this group of T cells has been found to be regulated by a group of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In this study, we have examined the expression of five lncRNAs that regulate this process in the blood samples of ASD cases compared with controls. These lncRNAs were FOXP3 regulating long intergenic non-coding RNA (FLICR), MAF transcriptional regulator RNA (MAFTRR), NEST (IFNG-AS1), RNA component of mitochondrial RNA processing endoribonuclease (RMRP), and Th2 cytokine locus control region (TH2-LCR). Expression of RMRP was significantly lower in total ASD cases compared to controls [expression ratio (95% CI) = 0.11 (0.08–0.18), adjusted P-value < 0.0001]. This pattern was also detected in both men and women cases compared with corresponding controls [expression ratio (95% CI) = 0.15 (0.08–0.29) and 0.08 (0.03–0.2), respectively]. Likewise, expression of NEST was reduced in total cases and cases among men and women compared with corresponding controls [expression ratio (95% CI) = 0.2 (0.14–0.28); 0.22 (0.12–0.37); and 0.19 (0.09–0.43), respectively; adjusted P-value < 0.0001]. Lastly, FLICR was downregulated in total cases and cases among both boys and girls compared with matched controls [expression ratio (95% CI) = 0.1 (0.06–0.19); 0.19 (0.08–0.46); and 0.06 (0.01–0.21), respectively; adjusted P-value < 0.0001]. These three lncRNAs had appropriate diagnostic power for differentiation of ASD cases from controls. Cumulatively, our study supports dysregulation of Treg-related lncRNAs in patients with ASD and suggests these lncRNAs as proper peripheral markers for ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadarian Akbari
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Eghtedarian
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Solat Eslami
- Dietary Supplements and Probiotic Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Seyedeh Morvarid Neishabouri
- Department of Psychiatric, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Seyedeh Morvarid Neishabouri,
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Microglial Tmem59 Deficiency Impairs Phagocytosis of Synapse and Leads to Autism-Like Behaviors in Mice. J Neurosci 2022; 42:4958-4979. [PMID: 35606143 PMCID: PMC9233448 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1644-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic abnormality is an important pathologic feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and responsible for various behavioral defects in these neurodevelopmental disorders. Microglia are the major immune cells in the brain and also play an important role in synapse refinement. Although dysregulated synaptic pruning by microglia during the brain development has been associated with ASDs, the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we observed that expression of Transmembrane protein 59 (TMEM59), a protein recently shown to regulate microglial function, was decreased in autistic patients. Furthermore, we found that both male and female mice with either complete or microglia-specific loss of Tmem59 developed ASD-like behaviors. Microglial TMEM59-deficient mice also exhibited enhanced excitatory synaptic transmission, increased dendritic spine density, and elevated levels of excitatory synaptic proteins in synaptosomes. TMEM59-deficient microglia had impaired capacity for synapse engulfment both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we demonstrated that TMEM59 interacted with the C1q receptor CD93 and TMEM59 deficiency promoted CD93 protein degradation in microglia. Downregulation of CD93 in microglia also impaired synapse engulfment. These findings identify a crucial role of TMEM59 in modulating microglial function on synapse refinement during brain development and suggest that TMEM59 deficiency may contribute to ASDs through disrupting phagocytosis of excitatory synapse and thus distorting the excitatory-inhibitory (E/I) neuronal activity balance.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Microglia play an important role in synapse refinement. Dysregulated synaptic pruning by microglia during brain development has been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the underlying mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated. Herein, we observe that the expression of Transmembrane protein 59 (TMEM59), an autophagy-related protein, is decreased in autistic patients. Moreover, we find ASD-like behaviors in mice with complete loss and with microglia-specific loss of Tmem59 Mechanistic studies reveal that TMEM59 deficiency in microglia impairs their synapse engulfment ability likely through destabilizing the C1q receptor CD93, thereby leading to enhanced excitatory neurotransmission and increased dendritic spine density. Our findings demonstrate a crucial role of microglial TMEM59 in early neuronal development and provide new insight into the etiology of ASDs.
Collapse
|
44
|
Williams syndrome: reduced orienting to other's eyes in a hypersocial phenotype. J Autism Dev Disord 2022:10.1007/s10803-022-05563-6. [PMID: 35445369 PMCID: PMC9020553 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05563-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic condition associated with high sociability, intellectual disability, and social cognitive challenges. Attention to others’ eyes is crucial for social understanding. Orienting to, and from other’s eyes was studied in WS (n = 37, mean age = 23, age range 9–53). The WS group was compared to a typically developing comparison participants (n = 167) in stratified age groups from infancy to adulthood. Typically developing children and adults were quicker and more likely to orient to eyes than the mouth. This bias was absent in WS. The WS group had reduced peak saccadic velocities, indicating hypo-arousal. The current study indicates reduced orienting to others’ eyes in WS, which may affect social interaction skills.
Collapse
|
45
|
Echevarria-Cooper DM, Hawkins NA, Misra SN, Huffman AM, Thaxton T, Thompson CH, Ben-Shalom R, Nelson AD, Lipkin AM, George AL, Bender KJ, Kearney JA. Cellular and behavioral effects of altered NaV1.2 sodium channel ion permeability in Scn2aK1422E mice. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:2964-2988. [PMID: 35417922 PMCID: PMC9433730 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variants in SCN2A, encoding the NaV1.2 voltage-gated sodium channel, are associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders with overlapping phenotypes. Some variants fit into a framework wherein gain-of-function missense variants that increase neuronal excitability lead to developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, while loss-of-function variants that reduce neuronal excitability lead to intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with or without co-morbid seizures. One unique case less easily classified using this framework is the de novo missense variant SCN2A-p.K1422E, associated with infant-onset developmental delay, infantile spasms and features of ASD. Prior structure–function studies demonstrated that K1422E substitution alters ion selectivity of NaV1.2, conferring Ca2+ permeability, lowering overall conductance and conferring resistance to tetrodotoxin (TTX). Based on heterologous expression of K1422E, we developed a compartmental neuron model incorporating variant channels that predicted reductions in peak action potential (AP) speed. We generated Scn2aK1422E mice and characterized effects on neurons and neurological/neurobehavioral phenotypes. Cultured cortical neurons from heterozygous Scn2aK1422E/+ mice exhibited lower current density with a TTX-resistant component and reversal potential consistent with mixed ion permeation. Recordings from Scn2aK1442E/+ cortical slices demonstrated impaired AP initiation and larger Ca2+ transients at the axon initial segment during the rising phase of the AP, suggesting complex effects on channel function. Scn2aK1422E/+ mice exhibited rare spontaneous seizures, interictal electroencephalogram abnormalities, altered induced seizure thresholds, reduced anxiety-like behavior and alterations in olfactory-guided social behavior. Overall, Scn2aK1422E/+ mice present with phenotypes similar yet distinct from other Scn2a models, consistent with complex effects of K1422E on NaV1.2 channel function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis M Echevarria-Cooper
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Nicole A Hawkins
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Sunita N Misra
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611.,Departments of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611.,Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Alexandra M Huffman
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Tyler Thaxton
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Christopher H Thompson
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Roy Ben-Shalom
- Mind Institute and Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States 95817
| | - Andrew D Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA 94158
| | - Anna M Lipkin
- Department of Neurology, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA 94158.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA 94158
| | - Alfred L George
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| | - Kevin J Bender
- Department of Neurology, Kavli Institute for Fundamental Neuroscience, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA 94158
| | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Departments of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, IL, USA 60611.,Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA, 60611
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Xu Z, Tian Y, Li AX, Tang J, Jing XY, Deng C, Mo Z, Wang J, Lai J, Liu X, Guo X, Li T, Li S, Wang L, Lu Z, Chen Z, Liu XA. Menthol Flavor in E-Cigarette Vapor Modulates Social Behavior Correlated With Central and Peripheral Changes of Immunometabolic Signalings. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:800406. [PMID: 35359576 PMCID: PMC8960730 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.800406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) has been increasing dramatically worldwide. More than 8,000 flavors of e-cigarettes are currently marketed and menthol is one of the most popular flavor additives in the electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). There is a controversy over the roles of e-cigarettes in social behavior, and little is known about the potential impacts of flavorings in the ENDS. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effects of menthol flavor in ENDS on the social behavior of long-term vapor-exposed mice with a daily intake limit, and the underlying immunometabolic changes in the central and peripheral systems. We found that the addition of menthol flavor in nicotine vapor enhanced the social activity compared with the nicotine alone. The dramatically reduced activation of cellular energy measured by adenosine 5′ monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling in the hippocampus were observed after the chronic exposure of menthol-flavored ENDS. Multiple sera cytokines including C5, TIMP-1, and CXCL13 were decreased accordingly as per their peripheral immunometabolic responses to menthol flavor in the nicotine vapor. The serum level of C5 was positively correlated with the alteration activity of the AMPK-ERK signaling in the hippocampus. Our current findings provide evidence for the enhancement of menthol flavor in ENDS on social functioning, which is correlated with the central and peripheral immunometabolic disruptions; this raises the vigilance of the cautious addition of various flavorings in e-cigarettes and the urgency of further investigations on the complex interplay and health effects of flavoring additives with nicotine in e-cigarettes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhibin Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ye Tian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - A.-Xiang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiahang Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Jing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chunshan Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhizhun Mo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaxuan Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan Lai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuemei Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuantong Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Shenzhen, Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zuxin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Neher Neural Plasticity Laboratory, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Zuxin Chen,
| | - Xin-an Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science-Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zuxin Chen,
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Choe KY, Bethlehem RAI, Safrin M, Dong H, Salman E, Li Y, Grinevich V, Golshani P, DeNardo LA, Peñagarikano O, Harris NG, Geschwind DH. Oxytocin normalizes altered circuit connectivity for social rescue of the Cntnap2 knockout mouse. Neuron 2022; 110:795-808.e6. [PMID: 34932941 PMCID: PMC8944915 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The neural basis of abnormal social behavior in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) remains incompletely understood. Here we used two complementary but independent brain-wide mapping approaches, mouse resting-state fMRI and c-Fos-iDISCO+ imaging, to construct brain-wide activity and connectivity maps of the Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mouse model of ASD. At the macroscale level, we detected reduced functional coupling across social brain regions despite general patterns of hyperconnectivity across major brain structures. Oxytocin administration, which rescues social deficits in KO mice, strongly stimulated many brain areas and normalized connectivity patterns. Notably, chemogenetically triggered release of endogenous oxytocin strongly stimulated the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a forebrain nucleus implicated in social reward. Furthermore, NAc-targeted approaches to activate local oxytocin receptors sufficiently rescued their social deficits. Our findings establish circuit- and systems-level mechanisms of social deficits in Cntnap2 KO mice and reveal the NAc as a region that can be modulated by oxytocin to promote social interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Y Choe
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Richard A I Bethlehem
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0SZ, UK
| | - Martin Safrin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Hongmei Dong
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elena Salman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Department of Neuropeptide Research for Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Peyman Golshani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Laura A DeNardo
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Olga Peñagarikano
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Vizcaya 48940, Spain
| | - Neil G Harris
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Oliveras I, Soria-Ruiz O, Sampedro-Viana D, Cañete T, Tobeña A, Fernández-Teruel A. Social preference in Roman rats: age and sex variations relevance for modeling negative schizophrenia-like features. Physiol Behav 2022; 247:113722. [PMID: 35077728 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113722] [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: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Social withdrawal is one of the most relevant negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Animal models that mimic schizophrenia's symptoms, in general, and negative symptoms, in particular, are difficult to develop because of the high complexity of symptoms and neurochemical disturbances that schizophrenia patients display throughout their lives. In recent years we have shown that Roman High- Avoidance (RHA) rats exhibit some phenotypes that are thought to represent positive symptoms, cognitive/attentional symptoms, as well as some negative symptoms of the disease. In the present study, we aimed at elucidating whether the social interaction (SI) deficits exhibited by adult male RHA rats, compared to their Roman Low-Avoidance (RLA) counterparts, are also present during adolescence, as well as whether there are between-strain differences in adolescent and adult female rats. The results of the present study show that adult male RHA rats exhibited a deficit in social preference compared to their RLA counterparts. Such a deficit was not observed in adolescent RHA rats or female rats of any age. The results also show that the adult male rats of both strains had significant decreases in social preference compared to the adolescent male rats. Additionally, we also show that female adult RHA rats have greater social preference than their male counterparts. These results seem to be in line with previous rodent and human studies and add face validity to the RHA rats as a model of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Oliveras
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - OscarJ Soria-Ruiz
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel Sampedro-Viana
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Cañete
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adolf Tobeña
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alberto Fernández-Teruel
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Psychiatry & ForensicMedicine, Institute of Neurosciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Grad M, Nir A, Levy G, Trangle SS, Shapira G, Shomron N, Assaf Y, Barak B. Altered White Matter and microRNA Expression in a Murine Model Related to Williams Syndrome Suggests That miR-34b/c Affects Brain Development via Ptpru and Dcx Modulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11010158. [PMID: 35011720 PMCID: PMC8750756 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a de novo hemizygous deletion of ~26 genes from chromosome 7q11.23, among them the general transcription factor II-I (GTF2I). By studying a novel murine model for the hypersociability phenotype associated with WS, we previously revealed surprising aberrations in myelination and cell differentiation properties in the cortices of mutant mice compared to controls. These mutant mice had selective deletion of Gtf2i in the excitatory neurons of the forebrain. Here, we applied diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and fiber tracking, which showed a reduction in the number of streamlines in limbic outputs such as the fimbria/fornix fibers and the stria terminalis, as well as the corpus callosum of these mutant mice compared to controls. Furthermore, we utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis of cortical small RNAs' expression (RNA-Seq) levels to identify altered expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), including two from the miR-34 cluster, known to be involved in prominent processes in the developing nervous system. Luciferase reporter assay confirmed the direct binding of miR-34c-5p to the 3'UTR of PTPRU-a gene involved in neural development that was elevated in the cortices of mutant mice relative to controls. Moreover, we found an age-dependent variation in the expression levels of doublecortin (Dcx)-a verified miR-34 target. Thus, we demonstrate the substantial effect a single gene deletion can exert on miRNA regulation and brain structure, and advance our understanding and, hopefully, treatment of WS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meitar Grad
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Ariel Nir
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Gilad Levy
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
| | - Sari Schokoroy Trangle
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Guy Shapira
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Edmond J. Safra Center for Bioinformatics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Yaniv Assaf
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Faculty of Life Sciences, School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (M.G.); (A.N.); (G.L.); (N.S.); (Y.A.)
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Garrido D, Beretta S, Grabrucker S, Bauer HF, Bayer D, Sala C, Verpelli C, Roselli F, Bockmann J, Proepper C, Catanese A, Boeckers TM. Shank2/3 double knockout-based screening of cortical subregions links the retrosplenial area to the loss of social memory in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4994-5006. [PMID: 36100669 PMCID: PMC9763120 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Shank protein family are master scaffolds of the postsynaptic architecture and mutations within the SHANK genes are causally associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We generated a Shank2-Shank3 double knockout mouse that is showing severe autism related core symptoms, as well as a broad spectrum of comorbidities. We exploited this animal model to identify cortical brain areas linked to specific autistic traits by locally deleting Shank2 and Shank3 simultaneously. Our screening of 10 cortical subregions revealed that a Shank2/3 deletion within the retrosplenial area severely impairs social memory, a core symptom of ASD. Notably, DREADD-mediated neuronal activation could rescue the social impairment triggered by Shank2/3 depletion. Data indicate that the retrosplenial area has to be added to the list of defined brain regions that contribute to the spectrum of behavioural alterations seen in ASDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Débora Garrido
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefania Beretta
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Grabrucker
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Helen Friedericke Bauer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - David Bayer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carlo Sala
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Roselli
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Proepper
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alberto Catanese
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| |
Collapse
|