1
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Gao Y, Dong Q, Arachchilage KH, Risgaard R, Sheng J, Syed M, Schmidt DK, Jin T, Liu S, Knaack SA, Doherty D, Glass I, Levine JE, Wang D, Chang Q, Zhao X, Sousa AM. Multimodal analyses reveal genes driving electrophysiological maturation of neurons in the primate prefrontal cortex. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.02.543460. [PMID: 37398253 PMCID: PMC10312516 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.02.543460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critical for myriad high-cognitive functions and is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, using Patch-seq and single-nucleus multiomic analyses, we identified genes and regulatory networks governing the maturation of distinct neuronal populations in the PFC of rhesus macaque. We discovered that specific electrophysiological properties exhibited distinct maturational kinetics and identified key genes underlying these properties. We unveiled that RAPGEF4 is important for the maturation of resting membrane potential and inward sodium current in both macaque and human. We demonstrated that knockdown of CHD8, a high-confidence autism risk gene, in human and macaque organotypic slices led to impaired maturation, via downregulation of key genes, including RAPGEF4. Restoring the expression of RAPGEF4 rescued the proper electrophysiological maturation of CHD8-deficient neurons. Our study revealed regulators of neuronal maturation during a critical period of PFC development in primates and implicated such regulators in molecular processes underlying autism.
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2
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Gourisankar S, Krokhotin A, Wenderski W, Crabtree GR. Context-specific functions of chromatin remodellers in development and disease. Nat Rev Genet 2024; 25:340-361. [PMID: 38001317 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00666-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin remodellers were once thought to be highly redundant and nonspecific in their actions. However, recent human genetic studies demonstrate remarkable biological specificity and dosage sensitivity of the thirty-two adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodellers encoded in the human genome. Mutations in remodellers produce many human developmental disorders and cancers, motivating efforts to investigate their distinct functions in biologically relevant settings. Exquisitely specific biological functions seem to be an emergent property in mammals, and in many cases are based on the combinatorial assembly of subunits and the generation of stable, composite surfaces. Critical interactions between remodelling complex subunits, the nucleosome and other transcriptional regulators are now being defined from structural and biochemical studies. In addition, in vivo analyses of remodellers at relevant genetic loci have provided minute-by-minute insights into their dynamics. These studies are proposing new models for the determinants of remodeller localization and function on chromatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Gourisankar
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrey Krokhotin
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Wendy Wenderski
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald R Crabtree
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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3
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De La Fuente DC, Tamburini C, Stonelake E, Andrews R, Hall J, Owen MJ, Linden DEJ, Pocklington A, Li M. Impaired oxysterol-liver X receptor signaling underlies aberrant cortical neurogenesis in a stem cell model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113946. [PMID: 38483902 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113946] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms by which genomic risks contribute to the onset of neuropsychiatric conditions remain a key challenge and a prerequisite for successful development of effective therapies. 15q11.2 copy number variation (CNV) containing the CYFIP1 gene is associated with autism and schizophrenia. Using stem cell models, we show that 15q11.2 deletion (15q11.2del) and CYFIP1 loss of function (CYFIP1-LoF) lead to premature neuronal differentiation, while CYFIP1 gain of function (CYFIP1-GoF) favors neural progenitor maintenance. CYFIP1 dosage changes led to dysregulated cholesterol metabolism and altered levels of 24S,25-epoxycholesterol, which can mimic the 15q11.2del and CYFIP1-LoF phenotypes by promoting cortical neuronal differentiation and can restore the impaired neuronal differentiation of CYFIP1-GoF neural progenitors. Moreover, the neurogenic activity of 24S,25-epoxycholesterol is lost following genetic deletion of liver X receptor (LXRβ), while compound deletion of LXRβ in CYFIP1-/- background rescued their premature neurogenesis. This work delineates LXR-mediated oxysterol regulation of neurogenesis as a pathological mechanism in neural cells carrying 15q11.2 CNV and provides a potential target for therapeutic strategies for associated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Tamburini
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Robert Andrews
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michael J Owen
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - David E J Linden
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew Pocklington
- Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Meng Li
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Bioscience, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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4
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Basson MA. Neurodevelopmental functions of CHD8: new insights and questions. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:15-27. [PMID: 38288845 PMCID: PMC10903457 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220926] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterozygous, de novo, loss-of-function variants of the CHD8 gene are associated with a high penetrance of autism and other neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Identifying the neurodevelopmental functions of high-confidence autism risk genes like CHD8 may improve our understanding of the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that underlie autism spectrum disorders. Over the last decade, a complex picture of pleiotropic CHD8 functions and mechanisms of action has emerged. Multiple brain and non-brain cell types and progenitors appear to be affected by CHD8 haploinsufficiency. Behavioural, cellular and synaptic phenotypes are dependent on the nature of the gene mutation and are modified by sex and genetic background. Here, I review some of the CHD8-interacting proteins and molecular mechanisms identified to date, as well as the impacts of CHD8 deficiency on cellular processes relevant to neurodevelopment. I endeavour to highlight some of the critical questions that still require careful and concerted attention over the next decade to bring us closer to the goal of understanding the salient mechanisms whereby CHD8 deficiency causes neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Albert Basson
- Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, Exeter EX4 4PS, U.K
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, U.K
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5
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Chen S, Abdulla A, Yan H, Mi Q, Ding X, He J, Yan C. Proteome signatures of joint toxicity to arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in human brain organoids with optic vesicles. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 243:117875. [PMID: 38072110 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117875] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) are toxins found in the natural surroundings, and the harmful health outcomes caused by the co-exposure of such toxins have become a considerable problem. However, the joint neurotoxicity of As and Pb to neurodevelopment and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Pluripotent stem cell-derived human brain organoids are emerging animal model alternatives for understanding neurological-related diseases. Therefore, we utilized brain organoids with optic vesicles (OVB-organoids) to systematically analyze the neurotoxicity of As and Pb. After 24 h of As and/or Pb exposure, hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed that As and Pb exposure could cause disorders in the structure of the ventricular zone and general cell disarrangement in OVB-organoids. Immunostaining displayed that OVB-organoids are more susceptible to As and Pb co-exposure than independent exposure in apoptosis, proliferation, and cell differentiation. Meanwhile, even though As and Pb could both hinder cell proliferation, contrary to Pb, As could induce an increasing proportion of mitotic (G2/M) cells. The proteome landscape of OVB-organoids illustrated that Pb synergized with As in G2/M arrest and the common role of As and Pb in carcinogenesis. Besides, proteomics analyses suggested the consequential role of autophagy and Wnt pathway in the neurotoxicity of As and Pb co-exposure. Overall, our findings provide penetrating insights into the cell cycle, carcinogenesis, autophagy, and Wnt pathway underlying the As and Pb binary exposure scenarios, which could enhance our understanding of the mixture neurotoxicity mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Chen
- Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Aynur Abdulla
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Haoni Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Quanying Mi
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Xianting Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Institute for Personalized Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Jie He
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Chonghuai Yan
- Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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6
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Pedini G, Chen CL, Achsel T, Bagni C. Cancer drug repurposing in autism spectrum disorder. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:963-977. [PMID: 37940430 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with uncertain origins. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying ASD remains limited, and treatments are lacking. Genetic diversity complicates drug development. Given the complexity and severity of ASD symptoms and the rising number of diagnoses, exploring novel therapeutic strategies is essential. Here, we focus on shared molecular pathways between ASD and cancer and highlight recent progress on the repurposing of cancer drugs for ASD treatment, such as mTOR inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, and anti-inflammatory agents. We discuss how to improve trial design considering drug dose and patient age. Lastly, the discussion explores the critical aspects of side effects, commercial factors, and the efficiency of drug-screening pipelines; all of which are essential considerations in the pursuit of repurposing cancer drugs for addressing core features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Pedini
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Chin-Lin Chen
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- University of Rome Tor Vergata, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy; University of Lausanne, Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Rue du Bugnon 9, 1005, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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7
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Cerase A, Avner P. From X-inactivation to neurodevelopment: CHD8-transcription factors (TFs) competitive binding at regulatory regions of CHD8 target genes can contribute to correct neuronal differentiation. CURRENT RESEARCH IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 5:100114. [PMID: 38020809 PMCID: PMC10663126 DOI: 10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) is a chromatin remodeler whose mutation is associated, with high penetrance, with autism. Individuals with CHD8 mutations share common symptoms such as autistic behaviour, cognitive impairment, schizophrenia comorbidity, and phenotypic features such as macrocephaly and facial defects. Chd8-deficient mouse models recapitulate most of the phenotypes seen in the brain and other organs of humans. It is known that CHD8 regulates - directly and indirectly - neuronal, autism spectrum disorder (ASDs)-associated genes and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) genes, which, in turn, regulate fundamental aspects of neuronal differentiation and brain development and function. A major characteristic of CHD8 regulation of gene expression is its non-linear and dosage-sensitive nature. CHD8 mutations appear to affect males predominantly, although the reasons for this observed sex bias remain- unknown. We have recently reported that CHD8 directly regulates X chromosome inactivation (XCI) through the transcriptional control of the Xist long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), the master regulator of mammalian XCI. We identified a role for CHD8 in regulating accessibility at the Xist promoter through competitive binding with transcription factors (TFs) at Xist regulatory regions. We speculate here that CHD8 might also regulate accessibility at neuronal/ASD targets through a similar competitive binding mechanism during neurogenesis and brain development. However, whilst such a model can reconcile the phenotypic differences observed in Chd8 knock-down (KD) vs knock-out (KO) mouse models, explaining the observed CHD8 non-linear dosage-dependent activity, it cannot on its own explain the observed disease sex bias.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Philip Avner
- EMBL Rome, Via Ramarini 32, Monterotondo, 00015, RM, Italy
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8
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Shi X, Lu C, Corman A, Nikish A, Zhou Y, Platt RJ, Iossifov I, Zhang F, Pan JQ, Sanjana NE. Heterozygous deletion of the autism-associated gene CHD8 impairs synaptic function through widespread changes in gene expression and chromatin compaction. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1750-1768. [PMID: 37802044 PMCID: PMC10577079 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Whole-exome sequencing of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) probands and unaffected family members has identified many genes harboring de novo variants suspected to play a causal role in the disorder. Of these, chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) is the most recurrently mutated. Despite the prevalence of CHD8 mutations, we have little insight into how CHD8 loss affects genome organization or the functional consequences of these molecular alterations in neurons. Here, we engineered two isogenic human embryonic stem cell lines with CHD8 loss-of-function mutations and characterized differences in differentiated human cortical neurons. We identified hundreds of genes with altered expression, including many involved in neural development and excitatory synaptic transmission. Field recordings and single-cell electrophysiology revealed a 3-fold decrease in firing rates and synaptic activity in CHD8+/- neurons, as well as a similar firing-rate deficit in primary cortical neurons from Chd8+/- mice. These alterations in neuron and synapse function can be reversed by CHD8 overexpression. Moreover, CHD8+/- neurons displayed a large increase in open chromatin across the genome, where the greatest change in compaction was near autism susceptibility candidate 2 (AUTS2), which encodes a transcriptional regulator implicated in ASD. Genes with changes in chromatin accessibility and expression in CHD8+/- neurons have significant overlap with genes mutated in probands for ASD, intellectual disability, and schizophrenia but not with genes mutated in healthy controls or other disease cohorts. Overall, this study characterizes key molecular alterations in genome structure and expression in CHD8+/- neurons and links these changes to impaired neuronal and synaptic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Shi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Congyi Lu
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alba Corman
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alexandra Nikish
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Montreal Neurological Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Randy J Platt
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zürich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Iossifov
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA; Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jen Q Pan
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Neville E Sanjana
- New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA; Department of Biology, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
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9
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Chatterjee I, Getselter D, Ghanayem N, Harari R, Davis L, Bel S, Elliott E. CHD8 regulates gut epithelial cell function and affects autism-related behaviors through the gut-brain axis. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:305. [PMID: 37783686 PMCID: PMC10545671 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02611-2] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset social behavioral deficits and repetitive behaviors. Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD8) is among the genes most strongly associated with autism. In addition to the core behavioral symptoms of autism, affected individuals frequently present with gastrointestinal symptoms that are also common among individuals harboring mutations in the gene encoding CHD8. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms whereby CHD8 affects gut function. In addition, it remains unknown whether gastrointestinal manifestations contribute to the behavioral phenotypes of autism. The current study found that mice haploinsufficient for the large isoform of Chd8 (Chd8L) exhibited increased intestinal permeability, transcriptomic dysregulation in gut epithelial cells, reduced tuft cell and goblet cell counts in the gut, and an overall increase in microbial load. Gut epithelial cell-specific Chd8 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased anxiety-related behaviors together with a decrease in tuft cell numbers. Antibiotic treatment of Chd8L haploinsufficient mice attenuated social behavioral deficits. Together, these results suggest Chd8 as a key determinant of autism-related gastrointestinal deficits, while also laying the ground for future studies on the link between GI deficits and autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ipsita Chatterjee
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Dmitriy Getselter
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Nasreen Ghanayem
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Ram Harari
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Liron Davis
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Shai Bel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel
| | - Evan Elliott
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, 13215, Israel.
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10
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Zhang M, Zhang Y, Xu Q, Crawford J, Qian C, Wang GH, Qian J, Dong XZ, Pletnikov MV, Liu CM, Zhou FQ. Neuronal Histone Methyltransferase EZH2 Regulates Neuronal Morphogenesis, Synaptic Plasticity, and Cognitive Behavior in Mice. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1512-1532. [PMID: 37326884 PMCID: PMC10533778 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01074-1] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2)-mediated trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3) regulates neural stem cell proliferation and fate specificity through silencing different gene sets in the central nervous system. Here, we explored the function of EZH2 in early post-mitotic neurons by generating a neuron-specific Ezh2 conditional knockout mouse line. The results showed that a lack of neuronal EZH2 led to delayed neuronal migration, more complex dendritic arborization, and increased dendritic spine density. Transcriptome analysis revealed that neuronal EZH2-regulated genes are related to neuronal morphogenesis. In particular, the gene encoding p21-activated kinase 3 (Pak3) was identified as a target gene suppressed by EZH2 and H3K27me3, and expression of the dominant negative Pak3 reversed Ezh2 knockout-induced higher dendritic spine density. Finally, the lack of neuronal EZH2 resulted in impaired memory behaviors in adult mice. Our results demonstrated that neuronal EZH2 acts to control multiple steps of neuronal morphogenesis during development, and has long-lasting effects on cognitive function in adult mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Qian Xu
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Joshua Crawford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Cheng Qian
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Guo-Hua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Jiang Qian
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Xin-Zhong Dong
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Mikhail V Pletnikov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA
| | - Chang-Mei Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, 21205, USA.
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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11
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Astorkia M, Liu Y, Pedrosa EM, Lachman HM, Zheng D. Molecular and network disruptions in neurodevelopment uncovered by single cell transcriptomics analysis of CHD8 heterozygous cerebral organoids. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.27.559752. [PMID: 37808768 PMCID: PMC10557718 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.27.559752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
About 100 genes have been associated with significantly increased risks of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) with an estimate of ~1000 genes that may be involved. The new challenge now is to investigate the molecular and cellular functions of these genes during neural and brain development, and then even more challenging, to link the altered molecular and cellular phenotypes to the ASD clinical manifestations. In this study, we use single cell RNA-seq analysis to study one of the top risk gene, CHD8, in cerebral organoids, which models early neural development. We identify 21 cell clusters in the organoid samples, representing non-neuronal cells, neural progenitors, and early differentiating neurons at the start of neural cell fate commitment. Comparisons of the cells with one copy of the CHD8 knockout and their isogenic controls uncover thousands of differentially expressed genes, which are enriched with function related to neural and brain development, with genes and pathways previously implicated in ASD, but surprisingly not for Schizophrenia and intellectual disability risk genes. The comparisons also find cell composition changes, indicating potential altered neural differential trajectories upon CHD8 reduction. Moreover, we find that cell-cell communications are affected in the CHD8 knockout organoids, including the interactions between neural and glial cells. Taken together, our results provide new data for understanding CHD8 functions in the early stages of neural lineage development and interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maider Astorkia
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Erika M. Pedrosa
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Herbert M. Lachman
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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12
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Medina E, Peterson S, Ford K, Singletary K, Peixoto L. Critical periods and Autism Spectrum Disorders, a role for sleep. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100088. [PMID: 36632570 PMCID: PMC9826922 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2022.100088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain development relies on both experience and genetically defined programs. Time windows where certain brain circuits are particularly receptive to external stimuli, resulting in heightened plasticity, are referred to as "critical periods". Sleep is thought to be essential for normal brain development. Importantly, studies have shown that sleep enhances critical period plasticity and promotes experience-dependent synaptic pruning in the developing mammalian brain. Therefore, normal plasticity during critical periods depends on sleep. Problems falling and staying asleep occur at a higher rate in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) relative to typical development. In this review, we explore the potential link between sleep, critical period plasticity, and ASD. First, we review the importance of critical period plasticity in typical development and the role of sleep in this process. Next, we summarize the evidence linking ASD with deficits in synaptic plasticity in rodent models of high-confidence ASD gene candidates. We then show that the high-confidence rodent models of ASD that show sleep deficits also display plasticity deficits. Given how important sleep is for critical period plasticity, it is essential to understand the connections between synaptic plasticity, sleep, and brain development in ASD. However, studies investigating sleep or plasticity during critical periods in ASD mouse models are lacking. Therefore, we highlight an urgent need to consider developmental trajectory in studies of sleep and plasticity in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Medina
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Sleep and Performance Research Center, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Sarah Peterson
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Sleep and Performance Research Center, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Kaitlyn Ford
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Sleep and Performance Research Center, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Kristan Singletary
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Sleep and Performance Research Center, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Lucia Peixoto
- Department of Translational Medicine and Physiology, Sleep and Performance Research Center, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
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13
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Da Silva F, Niehrs C. Multimodal Wnt signalling in the mouse neocortex. Cells Dev 2023; 174:203838. [PMID: 37060946 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2023.203838] [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: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The neocortex is the site of higher cognitive functions and its development is tightly regulated by cell signalling pathways. Wnt signalling is inexorably linked with neocortex development but its precise role remains unclear. Most studies demonstrate that Wnt/β-catenin regulates neural progenitor self-renewal but others suggest it can also promote differentiation. Wnt/STOP signalling is a novel branch of the Wnt pathway that stabilizes proteins during G2/M by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-mediated protein degradation. Recent data from Da Silva et al. (2021) demonstrate that Wnt/STOP is involved in neocortex development where, by stabilizing the neurogenic transcription factors Sox4 and Sox11, it promotes neural progenitor differentiation. The authors also show that Wnt/STOP regulates asymmetric cell division and cell cycle dynamics in apical and basal progenitors, respectively. This study reveals a division of labour in the Wnt signalling pathway by suggesting that Wnt/STOP is the primary driver of cortical neurogenesis while Wnt/β-catenin is mainly responsible for self-renewal. These results resolve a decades-old question on the role of Wnt signalling in cortical neural progenitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Da Silva
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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14
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Weinschutz Mendes H, Neelakantan U, Liu Y, Fitzpatrick SE, Chen T, Wu W, Pruitt A, Jin DS, Jamadagni P, Carlson M, Lacadie CM, Enriquez KD, Li N, Zhao D, Ijaz S, Sakai C, Szi C, Rooney B, Ghosh M, Nwabudike I, Gorodezky A, Chowdhury S, Zaheer M, McLaughlin S, Fernandez JM, Wu J, Eilbott JA, Vander Wyk B, Rihel J, Papademetris X, Wang Z, Hoffman EJ. High-throughput functional analysis of autism genes in zebrafish identifies convergence in dopaminergic and neuroimmune pathways. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112243. [PMID: 36933215 PMCID: PMC10277173 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Advancing from gene discovery in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to the identification of biologically relevant mechanisms remains a central challenge. Here, we perform parallel in vivo functional analysis of 10 ASD genes at the behavioral, structural, and circuit levels in zebrafish mutants, revealing both unique and overlapping effects of gene loss of function. Whole-brain mapping identifies the forebrain and cerebellum as the most significant contributors to brain size differences, while regions involved in sensory-motor control, particularly dopaminergic regions, are associated with altered baseline brain activity. Finally, we show a global increase in microglia resulting from ASD gene loss of function in select mutants, implicating neuroimmune dysfunction as a key pathway relevant to ASD biology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Uma Neelakantan
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Yunqing Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sarah E Fitzpatrick
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Tianying Chen
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Weimiao Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - April Pruitt
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - David S Jin
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Marina Carlson
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Cheryl M Lacadie
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Ningshan Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; SJTU-Yale Joint Center for Biostatistics and Data Science, Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Dejian Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Yale Center for Genome Analysis, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sundas Ijaz
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Catalina Sakai
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Christina Szi
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brendan Rooney
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Marcus Ghosh
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ijeoma Nwabudike
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; MD-PhD Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Andrea Gorodezky
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sumedha Chowdhury
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Meeraal Zaheer
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sarah McLaughlin
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | | | - Jia Wu
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Eilbott
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brent Vander Wyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Geriatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Jason Rihel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Xenophon Papademetris
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Zuoheng Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Ellen J Hoffman
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
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15
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Li B, Zhao H, Tu Z, Yang W, Han R, Wang L, Luo X, Pan M, Chen X, Zhang J, Xu H, Guo X, Yan S, Yin P, Zhao Z, Liu J, Luo Y, Li Y, Yang Z, Zhang B, Tan Z, Xu H, Jiang T, Jiang YH, Li S, Zhang YQ, Li XJ. CHD8 mutations increase gliogenesis to enlarge brain size in the nonhuman primate. Cell Discov 2023; 9:27. [PMID: 36878905 PMCID: PMC9988832 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-023-00525-3] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects social interaction and behavior. Mutations in the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) lead to autism symptoms and macrocephaly by a haploinsufficiency mechanism. However, studies of small animal models showed inconsistent findings about the mechanisms for CHD8 deficiency-mediated autism symptoms and macrocephaly. Using the nonhuman primate as a model system, we found that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated CHD8 mutations in the embryos of cynomolgus monkeys led to increased gliogenesis to cause macrocephaly in cynomolgus monkeys. Disrupting CHD8 in the fetal monkey brain prior to gliogenesis increased the number of glial cells in newborn monkeys. Moreover, knocking down CHD8 via CRISPR/Cas9 in organotypic monkey brain slices from newborn monkeys also enhanced the proliferation of glial cells. Our findings suggest that gliogenesis is critical for brain size in primates and that abnormal gliogenesis may contribute to ASD.
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Grants
- UL1 TR001863 NCATS NIH HHS
- This work was supported by Department of Science and Technology of Guangdong Province (2021ZT09Y007; 2020B121201006, 2018B030337001, X.J. Li), Guangzhou Key Research Program on Brain Science (202007030008, X.J. Li)the National Science Foundation of China to X.J. Li (81830032, 31872779).
- the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Fund (2019018, B. Li), the Postdoctoral Science Foundation of China (2019M653275, B. Li)
- the National Science Foundation of China to H. Zhao (32100783)
- the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (21619104, L. Wang)
- the Strategic Priority Research Program B of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDBS1020100 to Y.Q. Zhang), the National Key Research and Development Program (2019YFA0707100 and 2021ZD0203901 to Y.Q. Zhang),the National Science Foundation of China to Y.Q. Zhang (31830036 and 31921002).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuchi Tu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Rui Han
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University & Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaopeng Luo
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingtian Pan
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiusheng Chen
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huijuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyu Guo
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sen Yan
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiguang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianrong Liu
- Yuanxi Biotech Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yafeng Luo
- Yuanxi Biotech Inc., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuefeng Li
- Guangdong Landau Biotechnology Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengyi Yang
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Baogui Zhang
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiqiang Tan
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University & Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT-MRI Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University & Institute of Molecular and Functional Imaging, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzi Jiang
- Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Q Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Ministry of Education CNS Regeneration Collaborative Joint Laboratory, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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16
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Wang L, Wang B, Wu C, Wang J, Sun M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Neurodevelopmental Risk Factors, Biological Mechanism, and Precision Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24031819. [PMID: 36768153 PMCID: PMC9915249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24031819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, behaviorally defined neurodevelopmental disorder. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders has progressively increased, however, no clear diagnostic markers and specifically targeted medications for autism have emerged. As a result, neurobehavioral abnormalities, neurobiological alterations in ASD, and the development of novel ASD pharmacological therapy necessitate multidisciplinary collaboration. In this review, we discuss the development of multiple animal models of ASD to contribute to the disease mechanisms of ASD, as well as new studies from multiple disciplines to assess the behavioral pathology of ASD. In addition, we summarize and highlight the mechanistic advances regarding gene transcription, RNA and non-coding RNA translation, abnormal synaptic signaling pathways, epigenetic post-translational modifications, brain-gut axis, immune inflammation and neural loop abnormalities in autism to provide a theoretical basis for the next step of precision therapy. Furthermore, we review existing autism therapy tactics and limits and present challenges and opportunities for translating multidisciplinary knowledge of ASD into clinical practice.
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17
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Jiang D, Li T, Guo C, Tang TS, Liu H. Small molecule modulators of chromatin remodeling: from neurodevelopment to neurodegeneration. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:10. [PMID: 36647159 PMCID: PMC9841685 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-00953-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic changes in chromatin conformation alter the organization and structure of the genome and further regulate gene transcription. Basically, the chromatin structure is controlled by reversible, enzyme-catalyzed covalent modifications to chromatin components and by noncovalent ATP-dependent modifications via chromatin remodeling complexes, including switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF), inositol-requiring 80 (INO80), imitation switch (ISWI) and chromodomain-helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) complexes. Recent studies have shown that chromatin remodeling is essential in different stages of postnatal and adult neurogenesis. Chromatin deregulation, which leads to defects in epigenetic gene regulation and further pathological gene expression programs, often causes a wide range of pathologies. This review first gives an overview of the regulatory mechanisms of chromatin remodeling. We then focus mainly on discussing the physiological functions of chromatin remodeling, particularly histone and DNA modifications and the four classes of ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling enzymes, in the central and peripheral nervous systems under healthy and pathological conditions, that is, in neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we provide an update on the development of potent and selective small molecule modulators targeting various chromatin-modifying proteins commonly associated with neurodegenerative diseases and their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Jiang
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tingting Li
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Caixia Guo
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Tie-Shan Tang
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China
| | - Hongmei Liu
- grid.458458.00000 0004 1792 6416State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101 China ,grid.512959.3Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, 100101 China
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18
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Lee SY, Kweon H, Kang H, Kim E. Age-differential sexual dimorphisms in CHD8-S62X-mutant mouse synapses and transcriptomes. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1111388. [PMID: 36873104 PMCID: PMC9978779 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1111388] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Chd8+/N2373K mice with a human C-terminal-truncating mutation (N2373K) display autistic-like behaviors in juvenile and adult males but not in females. In contrast, Chd8+/S62X mice with a human N-terminal-truncating mutation (S62X) display behavioral deficits in juvenile males (not females) and adult males and females, indicative of age-differential sexually dimorphic behaviors. Excitatory synaptic transmission is suppressed and enhanced in male and female Chd8+/S62X juveniles, respectively, but similarly enhanced in adult male and female mutants. ASD-like transcriptomic changes are stronger in newborn and juvenile (but not adult) Chd8+/S62X males but in newborn and adult (not juvenile) Chd8+/S62X females. These results point to age-differential sexual dimorphisms in Chd8+/S62X mice at synaptic and transcriptomic levels, in addition to the behavioral level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Yeon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanseul Kweon
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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19
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The autism risk factor CHD8 is a chromatin activator in human neurons and functionally dependent on the ERK-MAPK pathway effector ELK1. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22425. [PMID: 36575212 PMCID: PMC9794786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23614-x] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein CHD8 is the most frequently mutated gene in autism spectrum disorder. Despite its prominent disease involvement, little is known about its molecular function in the human brain. CHD8 is a chromatin regulator which binds to the promoters of actively transcribed genes through genomic targeting mechanisms which have yet to be fully defined. By generating a conditional loss-of-function and an endogenously tagged allele in human pluripotent stem cells, we investigated the molecular function and the interaction of CHD8 with chromatin in human neurons. Chromatin accessibility analysis and transcriptional profiling revealed that CHD8 functions as a transcriptional activator at its target genes in human neurons. Furthermore, we found that CHD8 chromatin targeting is cell context-dependent. In human neurons, CHD8 preferentially binds at ETS motif-enriched promoters. This enrichment is particularly prominent on the promoters of genes whose expression significantly changes upon the loss of CHD8. Indeed, among the ETS transcription factors, we identified ELK1 as being most highly correlated with CHD8 expression in primary human fetal and adult cortical neurons and most highly expressed in our stem cell-derived neurons. Remarkably, ELK1 was necessary to recruit CHD8 specifically to ETS motif-containing sites. These findings imply that ELK1 and CHD8 functionally cooperate to regulate gene expression and chromatin states at MAPK/ERK target genes in human neurons. Our results suggest that the MAPK/ERK/ELK1 axis potentially contributes to the pathogenesis caused by CHD8 mutations in human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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20
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Kerschbamer E, Arnoldi M, Tripathi T, Pellegrini M, Maturi S, Erdin S, Salviato E, Di Leva F, Sebestyén E, Dassi E, Zarantonello G, Benelli M, Campos E, Basson M, Gusella J, Gustincich S, Piazza S, Demichelis F, Talkowski M, Ferrari F, Biagioli M. CHD8 suppression impacts on histone H3 lysine 36 trimethylation and alters RNA alternative splicing. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:12809-12828. [PMID: 36537238 PMCID: PMC9825192 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruptive mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 gene (CHD8) have been recurrently associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Here we investigated how chromatin reacts to CHD8 suppression by analyzing a panel of histone modifications in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors. CHD8 suppression led to significant reduction (47.82%) in histone H3K36me3 peaks at gene bodies, particularly impacting on transcriptional elongation chromatin states. H3K36me3 reduction specifically affects highly expressed, CHD8-bound genes and correlates with altered alternative splicing patterns of 462 genes implicated in 'regulation of RNA splicing' and 'mRNA catabolic process'. Mass spectrometry analysis uncovered a novel interaction between CHD8 and the splicing regulator heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L (hnRNPL), providing the first mechanistic insights to explain the CHD8 suppression-derived splicing phenotype, partly implicating SETD2, a H3K36me3 methyltransferase. In summary, our results point toward broad molecular consequences of CHD8 suppression, entailing altered histone deposition/maintenance and RNA processing regulation as important regulatory processes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Kerschbamer
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Arnoldi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Takshashila Tripathi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Miguel Pellegrini
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Samuele Maturi
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Serkan Erdin
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elisa Salviato
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Leva
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Endre Sebestyén
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Erik Dassi
- Laboratory of RNA Regulatory Networks, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giulia Zarantonello
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Matteo Benelli
- Bioinformatics Unit, Hospital of Prato, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Prato, Italy
| | - Eric Campos
- Genetics & Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M Albert Basson
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Silvano Piazza
- Bioinformatic facility, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO) University of Trento, Italy
| | - Francesca Demichelis
- Laboratory of Computational and Functional Oncology, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michael E Talkowski
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Francesco Ferrari
- IFOM, the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Genetics ‘Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza’, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marta Biagioli
- NeuroEpigenetics laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology, (CIBIO) University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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21
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Hayot G, Massonot M, Keime C, Faure E, Golzio C. Loss of autism-candidate CHD8 perturbs neural crest development and intestinal homeostatic balance. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 6:6/1/e202201456. [PMID: 36375841 PMCID: PMC9664244 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with mutations in CHD8 present with gastrointestinal complaints, yet the underlying mechanisms are understudied. Here, using a stable constitutive chd8 mutant zebrafish model, we found that the loss of chd8 leads to a reduced number of vagal neural crest cells (NCCs), enteric neural and glial progenitors, emigrating from the neural tube, and that their early migration capability was altered. At later stages, although the intestinal colonization by NCCs was complete, we found the decreased numbers of both serotonin-producing enterochromaffin cells and NCC-derived serotonergic neurons, suggesting an intestinal hyposerotonemia in the absence of chd8 Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses revealed an altered expression of key receptors and enzymes in serotonin and acetylcholine signaling pathways. The tissue examination of chd8 mutants revealed a thinner intestinal epithelium accompanied by an accumulation of neutrophils and the decreased numbers of goblet cells and eosinophils. Last, single-cell sequencing of whole intestines showed a global disruption of the immune balance with a perturbed expression of inflammatory interleukins and changes in immune cell clusters. Our findings propose a causal developmental link between chd8, NCC development, intestinal homeostasis, and autism-associated gastrointestinal complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaëlle Hayot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Mathieu Massonot
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Céline Keime
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elodie Faure
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Christelle Golzio
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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22
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Dong C, Zhao C, Chen X, Berry K, Wang J, Zhang F, Liao Y, Han R, Ogurek S, Xu L, Zhang L, Lin Y, Zhou W, Xin M, Lim DA, Campbell K, Nakafuku M, Waclaw RR, Lu QR. Conserved and Distinct Functions of the Autism-Related Chromatin Remodeler CHD8 in Embryonic and Adult Forebrain Neurogenesis. J Neurosci 2022; 42:8373-8392. [PMID: 36127134 PMCID: PMC9653284 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2400-21.2022] [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: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler CHD8 represents a high-confidence risk factor in autism, a multistage progressive neurologic disorder, however the underlying stage-specific functions remain elusive. In this study, by analyzing Chd8 conditional knock-out mice (male and female), we find that CHD8 controls cortical neural stem/progenitor cell (NSC) proliferation and survival in a stage-dependent manner. Strikingly, inducible genetic deletion reveals that CHD8 is required for the production and fitness of transit-amplifying intermediate progenitors (IPCs) essential for upper-layer neuron expansion in the embryonic cortex. p53 loss of function partially rescues apoptosis and neurogenesis defects in the Chd8-deficient brain. Further, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling indicates that CHD8 regulates the chromatin accessibility landscape to activate neurogenesis-promoting factors including TBR2, a key regulator of IPC neurogenesis, while repressing DNA damage- and p53-induced apoptotic programs. In the adult brain, CHD8 depletion impairs forebrain neurogenesis by impeding IPC differentiation from NSCs in both subventricular and subgranular zones; however, unlike in embryos, it does not affect NSC proliferation and survival. Treatment with an antidepressant approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), fluoxetine, partially restores adult hippocampal neurogenesis in Chd8-ablated mice. Together, our multistage functional studies identify temporally specific roles for CHD8 in developmental and adult neurogenesis, pointing to a potential strategy to enhance neurogenesis in the CHD8-deficient brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The role of the high-confidence autism gene CHD8 in neurogenesis remains incompletely understood. Here, we identify a stage-specific function of CHD8 in development of NSCs in developing and adult brains by conserved, yet spatiotemporally distinct, mechanisms. In embryonic cortex, CHD8 is critical for the proliferation, survival, and differentiation of both NSC and IPCs during cortical neurogenesis. In adult brain, CHD8 is required for IPC generation but not the proliferation and survival of adult NSCs. Treatment with FDA-approved antidepressant fluoxetine partially rescues the adult neurogenesis defects in CHD8 mutants. Thus, our findings help resolve CHD8 functions throughout life during embryonic and adult neurogenesis and point to a potential avenue to promote neurogenesis in CHD8 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Chuntao Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Kalen Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Yunfei Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Rong Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Sean Ogurek
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Lingli Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Yifeng Lin
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Wenhao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China
| | - Mei Xin
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Daniel A Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143
| | - Kenneth Campbell
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Masato Nakafuku
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Ronald R Waclaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
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23
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Lee SY, Kweon H, Kang H, Kim E. Age-differential sexual dimorphism in CHD8-S62X-mutant mouse behaviors. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1022306. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1022306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are ~4-times more common in males than females, and CHD8 (a chromatin remodeler)-related ASD shows a strong male bias (~4:1), although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Chd8-mutant mice with a C-terminal protein-truncating mutation (N2373K) display male-preponderant behavioral deficits as juveniles and adults, although whether this also applies to other Chd8 mutations remains unknown. In addition, it remains unclear whether sexually dimorphic phenotypes in Chd8-mutant mice are differentially observed in males and females across different ages. We here generated new Chd8-mutant (knock-in) mice carrying a patient-derived mutation causing an N-terminal and stronger protein truncation (Chd8+/S62X mice) and characterized the mice by behavioral analyses. Juvenile Chd8+/S62X mice displayed male-preponderant autistic-like behaviors; hypoactivity and enhanced mother-seeking/attachment behavior in males but not in females. Adult male and female Chd8+/S62X mice showed largely similar deficits in repetitive and anxiety-like behavioral domains. Therefore, the CHD8-S62X mutation induces ASD-like behaviors in juvenile male mice and adult male and female mice, pointing to an age-differential sexual dimorphism and also distinct sexual dimorphisms in different Chd8 mutations (N2373K and S62X).
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24
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Coakley-Youngs E, Ranatunga M, Richardson S, Getti G, Shorter S, Fivaz M. Autism-associated CHD8 keeps proliferation of human neural progenitors in check by lengthening the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Biol Open 2022; 11:276883. [PMID: 36222238 PMCID: PMC9548376 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058941] [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: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
De novo mutations (DNMs) in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8) are associated with a specific subtype of autism characterized by enlarged heads and distinct cranial features. The vast majority of these DNMs are heterozygous loss-of-function mutations with high penetrance for autism. CHD8 is a chromatin remodeler that preferentially regulates expression of genes implicated in early development of the cerebral cortex. How CHD8 haploinsufficiency alters the normal developmental trajectory of the brain is poorly understood and debated. Using long-term single-cell imaging, we show that disruption of a single copy of CHD8 in human neural precursor cells (NPCs) markedly shortens the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Consistent with faster progression of CHD8+/− NPCs through G1 and the G1/S checkpoint, we observed increased expression of E cyclins and elevated phosphorylation of Erk in these mutant cells – two central signaling pathways involved in S phase entry. Thus, CHD8 keeps proliferation of NPCs in check by lengthening G1, and mono-allelic disruption of this gene alters cell-cycle timing in a way that favors self-renewing over neurogenic cell divisions. Our findings further predict enlargement of the neural progenitor pool in CHD8+/− developing brains, providing a mechanistic basis for macrocephaly in this autism subtype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Coakley-Youngs
- Stem Cell & Gene Editing Laboratory, University of Greenwich at Medway 1 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
| | - Medhavi Ranatunga
- University of Greenwich at Medway 2 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
| | - Simon Richardson
- Exogenics Laboratory, University of Greenwich at Medway 3 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
| | - Giulia Getti
- University of Greenwich at Medway 2 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
| | - Susan Shorter
- Stem Cell & Gene Editing Laboratory, University of Greenwich at Medway 1 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
| | - Marc Fivaz
- Stem Cell & Gene Editing Laboratory, University of Greenwich at Medway 1 , Faculty of Science and Engineering, Kent ME4 4TB , UK
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25
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Wang J, Wang A, Tian K, Hua X, Zhang B, Zheng Y, Kong X, Li W, Xu L, Wang J, Li Z, Liu Y, Zhou Y. A Ctnnb1 enhancer regulates neocortical neurogenesis by controlling the abundance of intermediate progenitors. Cell Discov 2022; 8:74. [PMID: 35915089 PMCID: PMC9343459 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-022-00421-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
β-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt signaling plays a plethora of roles in neocortex (Ncx) development, but its function in regulating the abundance of intermediate progenitors (IPs) is elusive. Here we identified neCtnnb1, an evolutionarily conserved cis-regulatory element with typical enhancer features in developing Ncx. neCtnnb1 locates 55 kilobase upstream of and spatially close to the promoter of Ctnnb1, the gene encoding β-catenin. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated activation or interference of the neCtnnb1 locus enhanced or inhibited transcription of Ctnnb1. neCtnnb1 drove transcription predominantly in the subventricular zone of developing Ncx. Knock-out of neCtnnb1 in mice resulted in compromised expression of Ctnnb1 and the Wnt reporter in developing Ncx. Importantly, knock-out of neCtnnb1 lead to reduced production and transit-amplification of IPs, which subsequently generated fewer upper-layer Ncx projection neurons (PNs). In contrast, enhancing the canonical Wnt signaling by stabilizing β-catenin in neCtnnb1-active cells promoted the production of IPs and upper-layer Ncx PNs. ASH2L was identified as the key trans-acting factor that associates with neCtnnb1 and Ctnnb1’s promoter to maintain Ctnnb1’s transcription in both mouse and human Ncx progenitors. These findings advance understanding of transcriptional regulation of Ctnnb1, and provide insights into mechanisms underlying Ncx expansion during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junbao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Andi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kuan Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojiao Hua
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yue Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangfei Kong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lichao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan Central Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiqiang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University; Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Medical Research Institute at School of Medicine; The RNA Institute, College of Life Sciences; Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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26
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Tu Z, Fan C, Davis AK, Hu M, Wang C, Dandamudi A, Seu KG, Kalfa TA, Lu QR, Zheng Y. Autism-associated chromatin remodeler CHD8 regulates erythroblast cytokinesis and fine-tunes the balance of Rho GTPase signaling. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111072. [PMID: 35830790 PMCID: PMC9302451 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111072] [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: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD8 is an ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling factor whose monoallelic mutation defines a subtype of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Previous work found that CHD8 is required for the maintenance of hematopoiesis by integrating ATM-P53-mediated survival of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here, by using Chd8F/FMx1-Cre combined with a Trp53F/F mouse model that suppresses apoptosis of Chd8−/− HSPCs, we identify CHD8 as an essential regulator of erythroid differentiation. Chd8−/−P53−/− mice exhibited severe anemia conforming to congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) phenotypes. Loss of CHD8 leads to drastically decreased numbers of orthochromatic erythroblasts and increased binucleated and multinucleated basophilic erythroblasts with a cytokinesis failure in erythroblasts. CHD8 binds directly to the gene bodies of multiple Rho GTPase signaling genes in erythroblasts, and loss of CHD8 results in their dysregulated expression, leading to decreased RhoA and increased Rac1 and Cdc42 activities. Our study shows that autism-associated CHD8 is essential for erythroblast cytokinesis. Tu et al. report that CHD8, an autism-related chromatin remodeler, is essential for erythroid differentiation. Loss of CHD8 leads to unbalanced Rho GTPase signaling and defective erythroblast cytokinesis, mimicking that of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Tu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Higher Education Joint Laboratory of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510150, China; Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Cuiqing Fan
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Ashely K Davis
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Mengwen Hu
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Akhila Dandamudi
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Katie G Seu
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Theodosia A Kalfa
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Q Richard Lu
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Cancer and Blood Diseases Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
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27
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Jiang CC, Lin LS, Long S, Ke XY, Fukunaga K, Lu YM, Han F. Signalling pathways in autism spectrum disorder: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:229. [PMID: 35817793 PMCID: PMC9273593 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01081-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and complex neurodevelopmental disorder which has strong genetic basis. Despite the rapidly rising incidence of autism, little is known about its aetiology, risk factors, and disease progression. There are currently neither validated biomarkers for diagnostic screening nor specific medication for autism. Over the last two decades, there have been remarkable advances in genetics, with hundreds of genes identified and validated as being associated with a high risk for autism. The convergence of neuroscience methods is becoming more widely recognized for its significance in elucidating the pathological mechanisms of autism. Efforts have been devoted to exploring the behavioural functions, key pathological mechanisms and potential treatments of autism. Here, as we highlight in this review, emerging evidence shows that signal transduction molecular events are involved in pathological processes such as transcription, translation, synaptic transmission, epigenetics and immunoinflammatory responses. This involvement has important implications for the discovery of precise molecular targets for autism. Moreover, we review recent insights into the mechanisms and clinical implications of signal transduction in autism from molecular, cellular, neural circuit, and neurobehavioural aspects. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives are discussed with regard to novel strategies predicated on the biological features of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chen Jiang
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Li-Shan Lin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Sen Long
- Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Mental Health Center Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310013, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Ke
- Child Mental Health Research Center, Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of CNS Drug Innovation, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Ying-Mei Lu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
| | - Feng Han
- International Joint Laboratory for Drug Target of Critical Illnesses; Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular & Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Institute of Brain Science, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China. .,Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, 215002, China.
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28
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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29
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Lim HK, Yoon JH, Song M. Autism Spectrum Disorder Genes: Disease-Related Networks and Compensatory Strategies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:922840. [PMID: 35726297 PMCID: PMC9206533 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.922840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian brain comprises structurally and functionally distinct regions. Each of these regions has characteristic molecular mechanisms that mediate higher-order tasks, such as memory, learning, emotion, impulse, and motor control. Many genes are involved in neuronal signaling and contribute to normal brain development. Dysfunction of essential components of neural signals leads to various types of brain disorders. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social deficits, communication challenges, and compulsive repetitive behaviors. Long-term genetic studies have uncovered key genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, such as SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, neurexin 1, and chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8. In addition, disease-associated networks have been identified using animal models, and the understanding of the impact of these genes on disease susceptibility and compensation is deepening. In this review, we examine rescue strategies using key models of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Kyung Lim
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Jong Hyuk Yoon
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Group, Korea Brain Research Institute, Daegu, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jong Hyuk Yoon,
| | - Minseok Song
- Department of Life Sciences, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
- Minseok Song,
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30
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Lv Y, Lin W. Comprehensive analysis of the expression, prognosis, and immune infiltrates for CHDs in human lung cancer. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:29. [PMID: 35467222 PMCID: PMC9038980 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00489-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) family, a group of genes that regulate nucleosome spacing and access to transcription factors, contributes to tumorigenesis in various cancers. However, the roles of CHD family members in lung cancer remain poorly understood. METHODS We investigated the transcriptional, survival, and immune data of CHDs in patients with lung cancer from the Oncomine, UALCAN, GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, TCGA, TIMER, cBioPortal, and CR2Cancer databases. Then, perform functional enrichment analysis of CHDs was performed using the Metascape. Finally, the expression of CHD7, CHD8 and DNA damage response genes were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot.The effects of CHD7 or CHD8 knockdown on A549 and PC9 cells were measured in vitro by flow cytometry, cell viability and colony formation assays. RESULTS We found that except for CHD5, nearly all members of CHDs in lung cancer showed altered expression compared with adjacent normal tissues. Moreover, the abnormal expression levels of CHDs were related to the clinical outcome of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and, to a lesser extent, patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma, which were significantly associated with the immune infiltrating levels of immune cells. Furthermore, the functions of CHDs and their neighboring genes are mainly related to DNA repair, the cell cycle, and organelle organization. Finally, cellular experiments conducted in vitro confirmed that CHD7/8 played indispensable roles in DNA damage signaling and cell cycle progression in lung adenocarcinoma cells. CONCLUSION This study implied that CHD family members, especially in subclass III, are potential targets of precision therapy and new biomarkers for patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lv
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenchu Lin
- High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of High Magnetic Field and Ion Beam Physical Biology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, Anhui, People's Republic of China.
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31
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Villa CE, Cheroni C, Dotter CP, López-Tóbon A, Oliveira B, Sacco R, Yahya AÇ, Morandell J, Gabriele M, Tavakoli MR, Lyudchik J, Sommer C, Gabitto M, Danzl JG, Testa G, Novarino G. CHD8 haploinsufficiency links autism to transient alterations in excitatory and inhibitory trajectories. Cell Rep 2022; 39:110615. [PMID: 35385734 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding 8 (CHD8) gene are a frequent cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While its phenotypic spectrum often encompasses macrocephaly, implicating cortical abnormalities, how CHD8 haploinsufficiency affects neurodevelopmental is unclear. Here, employing human cerebral organoids, we find that CHD8 haploinsufficiency disrupted neurodevelopmental trajectories with an accelerated and delayed generation of, respectively, inhibitory and excitatory neurons that yields, at days 60 and 120, symmetrically opposite expansions in their proportions. This imbalance is consistent with an enlargement of cerebral organoids as an in vitro correlate of patients' macrocephaly. Through an isogenic design of patient-specific mutations and mosaic organoids, we define genotype-phenotype relationships and uncover their cell-autonomous nature. Our results define cell-type-specific CHD8-dependent molecular defects related to an abnormal program of proliferation and alternative splicing. By identifying cell-type-specific effects of CHD8 mutations, our study uncovers reproducible developmental alterations that may be employed for neurodevelopmental disease modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Emanuele Villa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Cheroni
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Christoph P Dotter
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Alejandro López-Tóbon
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Bárbara Oliveira
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Roberto Sacco
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Aysan Çerağ Yahya
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Jasmin Morandell
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Michele Gabriele
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Mojtaba R Tavakoli
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Julia Lyudchik
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Christoph Sommer
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | | | - Johann G Danzl
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; Human Technopole, Viale Rita Levi Montalcini 1, 20157 Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy.
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology (IST) Austria, 3400 Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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32
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Developmental pyrethroid exposure and age influence phenotypes in a Chd8 haploinsufficient autism mouse model. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5555. [PMID: 35365720 PMCID: PMC8975859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09533-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Hundreds of genes have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including loss-of-function mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (Chd8). Environmental factors also are implicated in autism risk and have the potential to exacerbate phenotypes in genetically sensitized backgrounds. Here we investigate transcriptional and behavioral phenotypes in a Chd8 haploinsufficient (Chd8V986*/+) mouse line exposed to the pesticide deltamethrin (DM) from conception to postnatal day 22. Vehicle-exposed Chd8V986*/+ mice displayed ASD-associated phenotypes, including anxiety-like behavior and altered sociability, replicating a previous study with this mouse line. A core set of genes was altered in Chd8V986*/+ mice at multiple ages, including Usp11, Wars2, Crlf2, and Eglf6, and proximity ligation data indicated direct binding of CHD8 to the 5’ region of these genes. Moreover, oligodendrocyte and neurodegenerative transcriptional phenotypes were apparent in 12 and 18 month old Chd8V986*/+ mice. Following DM exposure, the mutant mice displayed an exacerbated phenotype in the elevated plus maze, and genes associated with vascular endothelial cells were downregulated in the cerebral cortex of older Chd8V986*/+ animals. Our study reveals a gene x environment interaction with a Chd8 haploinsufficient mouse line and points to the importance of investigating phenotypes in ASD animal models across the lifespan.
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33
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Changes to gut amino acid transporters and microbiome associated with increased E/I ratio in Chd8 +/- mouse model of ASD-like behavior. Nat Commun 2022; 13:1151. [PMID: 35241668 PMCID: PMC8894489 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28746-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social communication deficits and stereotyped behaviors, may be associated with changes to the gut microbiota. However, how gut commensal bacteria modulate brain function in ASD remains unclear. Here, we used chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) haploinsufficient mice as a model of ASD to elucidate the pathways through which the host and gut microbiota interact with each other. We found that increased levels of amino acid transporters in the intestines of the mouse model of ASD contribute to the high level of serum glutamine and the increased excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio in the brain. In addition, elevated α-defensin levels in the haploinsufficient mice resulted in dysregulation of the gut microbiota characterized by a reduced abundance of Bacteroides. Furthermore, supplementation with Bacteroides uniformis improved the ASD-like behaviors and restored the E/I ratio in the brain by decreasing intestinal amino acid transport and the serum glutamine levels. Our study demonstrates associations between changes in the gut microbiota and amino acid transporters, and ASD-like behavioral and electrophysiology phenotypes, in a mouse model. The gut microbiota has been shown to modulate the neural function via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Here, the authors show that Bacteroides uniformis, a gut commensal bacterium, restores the ASD-like phenotypes by reducing intestinal amino acid transport in an ASD mouse model.
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34
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Lo T, Kushima I, Aleksic B, Kato H, Nawa Y, Hayashi Y, Otgonbayar G, Kimura H, Arioka Y, Mori D, Ozaki N. Sequencing of selected chromatin remodelling genes reveals increased burden of rare missense variants in ASD patients from the Japanese population. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:154-167. [PMID: 35699097 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2072193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Chromatin remodelling is an important process in neural development and is related to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ) aetiology. To further elucidate the involvement of chromatin remodelling genes in the genetic aetiology of ASD and SCZ in the Japanese population, we performed a case-control study. Targeted sequencing was conducted on coding regions of four BAF chromatin remodelling complex genes: SMARCA2, SMARCA4, SMARCC2, and ARID1B in 185 ASD, 432 SCZ patients, and 517 controls. 27 rare non-synonymous variants were identified in ASD and SCZ patients, including 25 missense, one in-frame deletion in SMRACA4, and one frame-shift variant in SMARCC2. Association analysis was conducted to investigate the burden of rare variants in BAF genes in ASD and SCZ patients. Significant enrichment of rare missense variants in BAF genes, but not synonymous variants, was found in ASD compared to controls. Rare pathogenic variants indicated by in silico tools were significantly enriched in ASD, but not statistically significant in SCZ. Pathogenic-predicted variants were located in disordered binding regions and may confer risk for ASD and SCZ by disrupting protein-protein interactions. Our study supports the involvement of rare missense variants of BAF genes in ASD and SCZ susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzuyao Lo
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Branko Aleksic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Kato
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Nawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yu Hayashi
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Gantsooj Otgonbayar
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuko Arioka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan.,Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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35
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Chen X, Chen T, Dong C, Chen H, Dong X, Yang L, Hu L, Wang H, Wu B, Yao Y, Xiong Y, Xiong M, Lin Y, Zhou W. Deletion of CHD8 in cerebellar granule neuron progenitors leads to severe cerebellar hypoplasia, ataxia and psychiatric behavior in mice. J Genet Genomics 2022; 49:859-869. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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36
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Kotajima-Murakami H, Hagihara H, Sato A, Hagino Y, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Nishito Y, Takamatsu Y, Uchino S, Miyakawa T, Ikeda K. Exposure to GABA A Receptor Antagonist Picrotoxin in Pregnant Mice Causes Autism-Like Behaviors and Aberrant Gene Expression in Offspring. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821354. [PMID: 35185658 PMCID: PMC8850354 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) through GABAA receptor signaling in the immature brain plays a key role in the development of neuronal circuits. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance in the mature brain has been investigated as a pathophysiological mechanism of ASD. However, whether and how disturbances of GABA signaling in embryos that are caused by GABAA receptor inhibitors cause ASD-like pathophysiology are poorly understood. The present study examined whether exposure to the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin causes ASD-like pathophysiology in offspring by conducting behavioral tests from the juvenile period to adulthood and performing gene expression analyses in mature mouse brains. Here, we found that male mice that were prenatally exposed to picrotoxin exhibited a reduction of active interaction time in the social interaction test in both adolescence and adulthood. The gene expression analyses showed that picrotoxin-exposed male mice exhibited a significant increase in the gene expression of odorant receptors. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed a strong correlation between social interaction and enrichment of the "odorant binding" pathway gene module. Our findings suggest that exposure to a GABAA receptor inhibitor during the embryonic period induces ASD-like behavior, and impairments in odorant function may contribute to social deficits in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Kotajima-Murakami
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan.,Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, Utsunomiya-Shi, Japan
| | - Hideo Hagihara
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake-Shi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Japan
| | - Yoko Hagino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan
| | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-Ku, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-Ku, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan
| | - Yukio Takamatsu
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan
| | - Shigeo Uchino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan.,Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, Utsunomiya-Shi, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake-Shi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Setagaya-Ku, Japan
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37
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Yan Y, Tian M, Li M, Zhou G, Chen Q, Xu M, Hu Y, Luo W, Guo X, Zhang C, Xie H, Wu QF, Xiong W, Liu S, Guan JS. ASH1L haploinsufficiency results in autistic-like phenotypes in mice and links Eph receptor gene to autism spectrum disorder. Neuron 2022; 110:1156-1172.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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38
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Zarantonello G, Arnoldi M, Filosi M, Tebaldi T, Spirito G, Barbieri A, Gustincich S, Sanges R, Domenici E, Di Leva F, Biagioli M. Natural SINEUP RNAs in Autism Spectrum Disorders: RAB11B-AS1 Dysregulation in a Neuronal CHD8 Suppression Model Leads to RAB11B Protein Increase. Front Genet 2021; 12:745229. [PMID: 34880900 PMCID: PMC8647803 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.745229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD8 represents one of the highest confidence genetic risk factors implied in Autism Spectrum Disorders, with most mutations leading to CHD8 haploinsufficiency and the insurgence of specific phenotypes, such as macrocephaly, facial dysmorphisms, intellectual disability, and gastrointestinal complaints. While extensive studies have been conducted on the possible consequences of CHD8 suppression and protein coding RNAs dysregulation during neuronal development, the effects of transcriptional changes of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) remain unclear. In this study, we focused on a peculiar class of natural antisense lncRNAs, SINEUPs, that enhance translation of a target mRNA through the activity of two RNA domains, an embedded transposable element sequence and an antisense region. By looking at dysregulated transcripts following CHD8 knock down (KD), we first identified RAB11B-AS1 as a potential SINEUP RNA for its domain configuration. Then we demonstrated that such lncRNA is able to increase endogenous RAB11B protein amounts without affecting its transcriptional levels. RAB11B has a pivotal role in vesicular trafficking, and mutations on this gene correlate with intellectual disability and microcephaly. Thus, our study discloses an additional layer of molecular regulation which is altered by CHD8 suppression. This represents the first experimental confirmation that naturally occurring SINEUP could be involved in ASD pathogenesis and underscores the importance of dysregulation of functional lncRNAs in neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Zarantonello
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Arnoldi
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Michele Filosi
- Laboratory of Neurogenomic Biomarkers, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Toma Tebaldi
- Section of Hematology, Yale Cancer Center and Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States.,Laboratory of RNA and Disease Data Science, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Spirito
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Area of Neuroscience, International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Anna Barbieri
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Stefano Gustincich
- Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Remo Sanges
- Laboratory of Computational Genomics, Area of Neuroscience, International School of Advanced Studies (SISSA), Trieste, Italy.,Central RNA Laboratory, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Domenici
- Laboratory of Neurogenomic Biomarkers, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy.,Fondazione The Microsoft Research - University of Trento Centre for Computational and Systems Biology (COSBI), Rovereto, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Leva
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Biagioli
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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Caracci MO, Avila ME, Espinoza-Cavieres FA, López HR, Ugarte GD, De Ferrari GV. Wnt/β-Catenin-Dependent Transcription in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:764756. [PMID: 34858139 PMCID: PMC8632544 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.764756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by synaptic dysfunction and defects in dendritic spine morphology. In the past decade, an extensive list of genes associated with ASD has been identified by genome-wide sequencing initiatives. Several of these genes functionally converge in the regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a conserved cascade essential for stem cell pluripotency and cell fate decisions during development. Here, we review current information regarding the transcriptional program of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ASD. First, we discuss that Wnt/β-catenin gain and loss of function studies recapitulate brain developmental abnormalities associated with ASD. Second, transcriptomic approaches using patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) cells, featuring mutations in high confidence ASD genes, reveal a significant dysregulation in the expression of Wnt signaling components. Finally, we focus on the activity of chromatin-remodeling proteins and transcription factors considered high confidence ASD genes, including CHD8, ARID1B, ADNP, and TBR1, that regulate Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activity in multiple cell types, including pyramidal neurons, interneurons and oligodendrocytes, cells which are becoming increasingly relevant in the study of ASD. We conclude that the level of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation could explain the high phenotypical heterogeneity of ASD and be instrumental in the development of new diagnostics tools and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario O. Caracci
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Miguel E. Avila
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Agronomy, Nucleus of Applied Research in Veterinary and Agronomic Sciences (NIAVA), Institute of Natural Sciences, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca A. Espinoza-Cavieres
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Héctor R. López
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giorgia D. Ugarte
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Giancarlo V. De Ferrari
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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40
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Abstract
Chromatin is highly dynamic, undergoing continuous global changes in its structure and type of histone and DNA modifications governed by processes such as transcription, repair, replication, and recombination. Members of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) family of enzymes are ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers that are intimately involved in the regulation of chromatin dynamics, altering nucleosomal structure and DNA accessibility. Genetic studies in yeast, fruit flies, zebrafish, and mice underscore essential roles of CHD enzymes in regulating cellular fate and identity, as well as proper embryonic development. With the advent of next-generation sequencing, evidence is emerging that these enzymes are subjected to frequent DNA copy number alterations or mutations and show aberrant expression in malignancies and other human diseases. As such, they might prove to be valuable biomarkers or targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrej Alendar
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066CX, The Netherlands
| | - Anton Berns
- Division of Molecular Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam 1066CX, The Netherlands
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41
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CHD8 safeguards early neuroectoderm differentiation in human ESCs and protects from apoptosis during neurogenesis. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:981. [PMID: 34686651 PMCID: PMC8536677 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The chromatin remodeler CHD8, which belongs to the ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers CHD family, is one of the most high-risk mutated genes in autism spectrum disorders. However, the role of CHD8 in neural differentiation and the mechanism of CHD8 in autism remains unclear, despite there are a few studies based on the CHD8 haploinsufficient models. Here, we generate the CHD8 knockout human ESCs by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and characterize the effect of loss-of-function of CHD8 on pluripotency maintenance and lineage determination by utilizing efficient directed differentiation protocols. The results show loss-of-function of CHD8 does not affect human ESC maintenance although having slight effect on proliferation and cell cycle. Interestingly, CHD8 depletion results in defective neuroectoderm differentiation, along with severe cell death in neural progenitor stage. Transcriptome analysis also indicates CHD8 does not alter the expression of pluripotent genes in ESC stage, but in neural progenitor cells depletion of CHD8 induces the abnormal expression of the apoptosis genes and suppresses neuroectoderm-related genes. These results provide the evidence that CHD8 plays an essential role in the pluripotency exit and neuroectoderm differentiation as well as the regulation of apoptosis during neurogenesis.
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42
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Ciptasari U, van Bokhoven H. The phenomenal epigenome in neurodevelopmental disorders. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R42-R50. [PMID: 32766754 PMCID: PMC7530535 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of chromatin structure due to epimutations is a leading genetic etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, collectively known as chromatinopathies. We show that there is an increasing level of convergence from the high diversity of genes that are affected by mutations to the molecular networks and pathways involving the respective proteins, the disrupted cellular and subcellular processes, and their consequence for higher order cellular network function. This convergence is ultimately reflected by specific phenotypic features shared across the various chromatinopathies. Based on these observations, we propose that the commonly disrupted molecular and cellular anomalies might provide a rational target for the development of symptomatic interventions for defined groups of genetically distinct neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ummi Ciptasari
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans van Bokhoven
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud university medical center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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43
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Kawamura A, Katayama Y, Nishiyama M, Shoji H, Tokuoka K, Ueta Y, Miyata M, Isa T, Miyakawa T, Hayashi-Takagi A, Nakayama KI. Oligodendrocyte dysfunction due to Chd8 mutation gives rise to behavioral deficits in mice. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:1274-1291. [PMID: 32142125 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the gene encoding the chromatin remodeler CHD8 are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). CHD8 haploinsufficiency also results in autistic phenotypes in humans and mice. Although myelination defects have been observed in individuals with ASD, whether oligodendrocyte dysfunction is responsible for autistic phenotypes has remained unknown. Here we show that reduced expression of CHD8 in oligodendrocytes gives rise to abnormal behavioral phenotypes in mice. CHD8 was found to regulate the expression of many myelination-related genes and to be required for oligodendrocyte maturation and myelination. Ablation of Chd8 specifically in oligodendrocytes of mice impaired myelination, slowed action potential propagation and resulted in behavioral deficits including increased social interaction and anxiety-like behavior, with similar effects being apparent in Chd8 heterozygous mutant mice. Our results thus indicate that CHD8 is essential for myelination and that dysfunction of oligodendrocytes as a result of CHD8 haploinsufficiency gives rise to several neuropsychiatric phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuki Kawamura
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Katayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nishiyama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kota Tokuoka
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ueta
- Department of Physiology I (Neurophysiology), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Mariko Miyata
- Department of Physiology I (Neurophysiology), Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo 162-8666, Japan
| | - Tadashi Isa
- Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan
| | - Akiko Hayashi-Takagi
- Laboratory of Medical Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8512, Japan.,PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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44
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Weissberg O, Elliott E. The Mechanisms of CHD8 in Neurodevelopment and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081133. [PMID: 34440307 PMCID: PMC8393912 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 8 (CHD8) has been identified as one of the genes with the strongest association with autism. The CHD8 protein is a transcriptional regulator that is expressed in nearly all cell types and has been implicated in multiple cellular processes, including cell cycle, cell adhesion, neuronal development, myelination, and synaptogenesis. Considering the central role of CHD8 in the genetics of autism, a deeper understanding of the physiological functions of CHD8 is important to understand the development of the autism phenotype and potential therapeutic targets. Different CHD8 mutant mouse models were developed to determine autism-like phenotypes and to fully understand their mechanisms. Here, we review the current knowledge on CHD8, with an emphasis on mechanistic lessons gained from animal models that have been studied.
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45
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Tu Z, Wang C, Davis AK, Hu M, Zhao C, Xin M, Lu QR, Zheng Y. The chromatin remodeler CHD8 governs hematopoietic stem/progenitor survival by regulating ATM-mediated P53 protein stability. Blood 2021; 138:221-233. [PMID: 34292326 PMCID: PMC8310427 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020009997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chd8 gene encodes a member of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) family of SNF2H-like adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-dependent chromatin remodeler, the mutations of which define a subtype of autism spectrum disorders. Increasing evidence from recent studies indicates that ATP-dependent chromatin-remodeling genes are involved in the control of crucial gene-expression programs in hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) regulation. In this study, we identified CHD8 as a specific and essential regulator of normal hematopoiesis. Loss of Chd8 leads to severe anemia, pancytopenia, bone marrow failure, and engraftment failure related to a drastic depletion of HSPCs. CHD8 forms a complex with ATM and its deficiency increases chromatin accessibility and drives genomic instability in HSPCs causing an activation of ATM kinase that further stabilizes P53 protein by phosphorylation and leads to increased HSPC apoptosis. Deletion of P53 rescues the apoptotic defects of HSPCs and restores overall hematopoiesis in Chd8-/- mice. Our findings demonstrate that chromatin organization by CHD8 is uniquely necessary for the maintenance of hematopoiesis by integrating the ATM-P53-mediated survival of HSPCs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
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46
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El Khouri E, Ghoumid J, Haye D, Giuliano F, Drevillon L, Briand-Suleau A, De La Grange P, Nau V, Gaillon T, Bienvenu T, Jacquemin-Sablon H, Goossens M, Amselem S, Giurgea I. Wnt/β-catenin pathway and cell adhesion deregulation in CSDE1-related intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3572-3585. [PMID: 33867523 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01072-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Among the genetic factors playing a key role in the etiology of intellectual disabilities (IDs) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), several encode RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). In this study, we deciphered the molecular and cellular bases of ID-ASD in a patient followed from birth to the age of 21, in whom we identified a de novo CSDE1 (Cold Shock Domain-containing E1) nonsense variation. CSDE1 encodes an RBP that regulates multiple cellular pathways by monitoring the translation and abundance of target transcripts. Analyses performed on the patient's primary fibroblasts showed that the identified CSDE1 variation leads to haploinsufficiency. We identified through RNA-seq assays the Wnt/β-catenin signaling and cellular adhesion as two major deregulated pathways. These results were further confirmed by functional studies involving Wnt-specific luciferase and substrate adhesion assays. Additional data support a disease model involving APC Down-Regulated-1 (APCDD1) and cadherin-2 (CDH2), two components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, CDH2 being also pivotal for cellular adhesion. Our study, which relies on both the deep phenotyping and long-term follow-up of a patient with CSDE1 haploinsufficiency and on ex vivo studies, sheds new light on the CSDE1-dependent deregulated pathways in ID-ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- E El Khouri
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, Département de Génétique médicale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - J Ghoumid
- Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Service de Génétique Clinique, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU Lille, Lille, France
| | - D Haye
- Service de Génétique Médicale Centre, Hospitalo-Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - F Giuliano
- Service de Génétique Médicale Centre, Hospitalo-Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - L Drevillon
- Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,CHU Caen Normandie, Caen, France
| | - A Briand-Suleau
- Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.,Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, INSERM UMR1266 - Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP) and University of Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - V Nau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, Département de Génétique médicale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - T Gaillon
- Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - T Bienvenu
- Service de Génétique et Biologie Moléculaires, Hôpital Cochin, INSERM UMR1266 - Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP) and University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - H Jacquemin-Sablon
- INSERM UMR1053 Bordeaux Research in Translational Oncology, BaRITOn, Bordeaux, France
| | - M Goossens
- Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France
| | - S Amselem
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, Département de Génétique médicale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - I Giurgea
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Maladies génétiques d'expression pédiatrique, Département de Génétique médicale, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Trousseau, Paris, France. .,Département de Génétique, Groupe Hospitalier Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
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47
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Gozal E, Jagadapillai R, Cai J, Barnes GN. Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2021. [PMID: 34169527 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes. Cover Image for this issue: https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15081.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Gozal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rekha Jagadapillai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Gregory N Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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48
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Gozal E, Jagadapillai R, Cai J, Barnes GN. Potential crosstalk between sonic hedgehog-WNT signaling and neurovascular molecules: Implications for blood-brain barrier integrity in autism spectrum disorder. J Neurochem 2021; 159:15-28. [PMID: 34169527 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease originating from combined genetic and environmental factors. Post-mortem human studies and some animal ASD models have shown brain neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. However, the signaling pathways leading to these inflammatory findings and vascular alterations are currently unclear. The BBB plays a critical role in controlling brain homeostasis and immune response. Its dysfunction can result from developmental genetic abnormalities or neuroinflammatory processes. In this review, we explore the role of the Sonic Hedgehog/Wingless-related integration site (Shh/Wnt) pathways in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and BBB development. The balance between Wnt-β-catenin and Shh pathways controls angiogenesis, barriergenesis, neurodevelopment, central nervous system (CNS) morphogenesis, and neuronal guidance. These interactions are critical to maintain BBB function in the mature CNS to prevent the influx of pathogens and inflammatory cells. Genetic mutations of key components of these pathways have been identified in ASD patients and animal models, which correlate with the severity of ASD symptoms. Disruption of the Shh/Wnt crosstalk may therefore compromise BBB development and function. In turn, impaired Shh signaling and glial activation may cause neuroinflammation that could disrupt the BBB. Elucidating how ASD-related mutations of Shh/Wnt signaling could cause BBB leaks and neuroinflammation will contribute to our understanding of the role of their interactions in ASD pathophysiology. These observations may provide novel targeted therapeutic strategies to prevent or alleviate ASD symptoms while preserving normal developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Gozal
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Rekha Jagadapillai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Gregory N Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
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The role of GABAergic signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:290-307. [PMID: 33772226 PMCID: PMC9001156 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
GABAergic inhibition shapes the connectivity, activity and plasticity of the brain. A series of exciting new discoveries provides compelling evidence that disruptions in a number of key facets of GABAergic inhibition have critical roles in the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These facets include the generation, migration and survival of GABAergic neurons, the formation of GABAergic synapses and circuit connectivity, and the dynamic regulation of the efficacy of GABAergic signalling through neuronal chloride transporters. In this Review, we discuss recent work that elucidates the functions and dysfunctions of GABAergic signalling in health and disease, that uncovers the contribution of GABAergic neural circuit dysfunction to NDD aetiology and that leverages such mechanistic insights to advance precision medicine for the treatment of NDDs.
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50
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Oxytocin ameliorates impaired social behavior in a Chd8 haploinsufficiency mouse model of autism. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:32. [PMID: 33933000 PMCID: PMC8088024 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by the core symptoms of impaired social interactions. Increasing evidence suggests that ASD has a strong genetic link with mutations in chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8), a gene encoding a chromatin remodeler. It has previously been shown that Chd8 haplodeficient male mice manifest ASD-like behavioral characteristics such as anxiety and altered social behavior. Along with that, oxytocin (OT) is one of the main neuropeptides involved in social behavior. Administration of OT has shown improvement of social behavior in genetic animal models of ASD. The present study was undertaken to further explore behavioral abnormalities of Chd8 haplodeficient mice of both sexes, their link with OT, and possible effects of OT administration. First, we performed a battery of behavioral tests on wild-type and Chd8+/∆SL female and male mice. Next, we measured plasma OT levels and finally studied the effects of intraperitoneal OT injection on observed behavioral deficits. Results We showed general anxiety phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL mice regardless of sex, the depressive phenotype in Chd8+/∆SL female mice only and bidirectional social deficit in female and male mice. We observed decreased level of OT in Chd+/∆SL mice, possibly driven by males. Mice injected by OT demonstrated recovery of social behavior, while reduced anxiety was observed only in male mice. Conclusions Here, we demonstrated that abnormal social behaviors were observed in both male and female Chd8+/∆SL mice. The ability of peripheral OT administration to affect such behaviors along with altered plasma OT levels indicated a possible link between Chd8 + /∆SL and OT in the pathogenesis of ASD as well as the possible usefulness of OT as a therapeutic tool for ASD patients with CHD8 mutations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00631-6.
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