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Szymanowicz O, Drużdż A, Słowikowski B, Pawlak S, Potocka E, Goutor U, Konieczny M, Ciastoń M, Lewandowska A, Jagodziński PP, Kozubski W, Dorszewska J. A Review of the CACNA Gene Family: Its Role in Neurological Disorders. Diseases 2024; 12:90. [PMID: 38785745 PMCID: PMC11119137 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcium channels are specialized ion channels exhibiting selective permeability to calcium ions. Calcium channels, comprising voltage-dependent and ligand-gated types, are pivotal in neuronal function, with their dysregulation is implicated in various neurological disorders. This review delves into the significance of the CACNA genes, including CACNA1A, CACNA1B, CACNA1C, CACNA1D, CACNA1E, CACNA1G, and CACNA1H, in the pathogenesis of conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, dystonia, and cerebellar atrophy. Specifically, variants in CACNA1A have been linked to familial hemiplegic migraine and epileptic seizures, underscoring its importance in neurological disease etiology. Furthermore, different genetic variants of CACNA1B have been associated with migraine susceptibility, further highlighting the role of CACNA genes in migraine pathology. The complex relationship between CACNA gene variants and neurological phenotypes, including focal seizures and ataxia, presents a variety of clinical manifestations of impaired calcium channel function. The aim of this article was to explore the role of CACNA genes in various neurological disorders, elucidating their significance in conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, and cerebellar ataxias. Further exploration of CACNA gene variants and their interactions with molecular factors, such as microRNAs, holds promise for advancing our understanding of genetic neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Szymanowicz
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Artur Drużdż
- Department of Neurology, Municipal Hospital in Poznan, 61-285 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Bartosz Słowikowski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (B.S.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Sandra Pawlak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Ewelina Potocka
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Ulyana Goutor
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Mateusz Konieczny
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Małgorzata Ciastoń
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Aleksandra Lewandowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
| | - Paweł P. Jagodziński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (B.S.); (P.P.J.)
| | - Wojciech Kozubski
- Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Dorszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland; (O.S.); (S.P.); (E.P.); (U.G.); (M.K.); (M.C.); (A.L.)
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Song L, Wang Y, Feng Y, Peng H, Wang C, Duan J, Liu K, Shen X, Gu W, Qi Y, Jin S, Pang L. Bioinformatics-Based Identification of CircRNA-MicroRNA-mRNA Network for Calcific Aortic Valve Disease. Genet Res (Camb) 2023; 2023:8194338. [PMID: 37234568 PMCID: PMC10208756 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8194338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most common native valve disease. Valvular interstitial cell (VIC) osteogenic differentiation and valvular endothelial cell (VEC) dysfunction are key steps in CAVD progression. Circular RNA (circRNAs) is involved in regulating osteogenic differentiation with mesenchymal cells and is associated with multiple disease progression, but the function of circRNAs in CAVD remains unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the effect and potential significance of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks in CAVD. Methods Two mRNA datasets, one miRNA dataset, and one circRNA dataset of CAVD downloaded from GEO were used to identify DE-circRNAs, DE-miRNAs, and DE-mRNAs. Based on the online website prediction function, the common mRNAs (FmRNAs) for constructing circRNA-miRNA-mRNA networks were identified. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed on FmRNAs. In addition, hub genes were identified by PPI networks. Based on the expression of each data set, the circRNA-miRNA-hub gene network was constructed by Cytoscape (version 3.6.1). Results 32 DE-circRNAs, 206 DE-miRNAs, and 2170 DE-mRNAs were identified. Fifty-nine FmRNAs were obtained by intersection. The KEGG pathway analysis of FmRNAs was enriched in pathways in cancer, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, cell cycle, and MAPK signaling pathway. Meanwhile, transcription, nucleolus, and protein homodimerization activity were significantly enriched in GO analysis. Eight hub genes were identified based on the PPI network. Three possible regulatory networks in CAVD disease were obtained based on the biological functions of circRNAs including: hsa_circ_0026817-hsa-miR-211-5p-CACNA1C, hsa_circ_0007215-hsa-miR-1252-5p-MECP2, and hsa_circ_0007215-hsa-miR-1343-3p- RBL1. Conclusion The present bionformatics analysis suggests the functional effect for the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network in CAVD pathogenesis and provides new targets for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linghong Song
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yubing Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Yufei Feng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chengyan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Juncang Duan
- Department of Cardiology, Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kejian Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Xihua Shen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Wenyi Gu
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia
| | - Yan Qi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang and Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Lijuan Pang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases (First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University), Department of Pathology and Key Laboratory for Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, China
- Department of Pathology, Central People's Hospital of Zhanjiang and Zhanjiang Central Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
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van den Oord EJCG, Xie LY, Zhao M, Campbell TL, Turecki G, Kähler AK, Dean B, Mors O, Hultman CM, Staunstrup NH, Aberg KA. Genes implicated by a methylome-wide schizophrenia study in neonatal blood show differential expression in adult brain samples. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2088-2094. [PMID: 37106120 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a disabling disorder involving genetic predisposition in combination with environmental influences that likely act via dynamic alterations of the epigenome and the transcriptome but its detailed pathophysiology is largely unknown. We performed cell-type specific methylome-wide association study of neonatal blood (N = 333) from individuals who later in life developed schizophrenia and controls. Suggestively significant associations (P < 1.0 × 10-6) were detected in all cell-types and in whole blood with methylome-wide significant associations in monocytes (P = 2.85 × 10-9-4.87 × 10-9), natural killer cells (P = 1.72 × 10-9-7.82 × 10-9) and B cells (P = 3.8 × 10-9). Validation of methylation findings in post-mortem brains (N = 596) from independent schizophrenia cases and controls showed significant enrichment of transcriptional differences (enrichment ratio = 1.98-3.23, P = 2.3 × 10-3-1.0 × 10-5), with specific highly significant differential expression for, for example, BDNF (t = -6.11, P = 1.90 × 10-9). In addition, expression difference in brain significantly predicted schizophrenia (multiple correlation = 0.15-0.22, P = 3.6 × 10-4-4.5 × 10-8). In summary, using a unique design combining pre-disease onset (neonatal) blood methylomic data and post-disease onset (post-mortem) brain transcriptional data, we have identified genes of likely functional relevance that are associated with schizophrenia susceptibility, rather than confounding disease associated artifacts. The identified loci may be of clinical value as a methylation-based biomarker for early detection of increased schizophrenia susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J C G van den Oord
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lin Y Xie
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Min Zhao
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Thomas L Campbell
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Anna K Kähler
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Brian Dean
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ole Mors
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital - Psychiatry, Risskov, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Christina M Hultman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicklas H Staunstrup
- iPSYCH, The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Karolina A Aberg
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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Shi J, Liu D, Jin Q, Chen X, Zhang R, Shi T, Zhu S, Zhang Y, Zong X, Wang C, Li L. Whole-Transcriptome Analysis of Repeated Low-Level Sarin-Exposed Rat Hippocampus and Identification of Cerna Networks to Investigate the Mechanism of Sarin-Induced Cognitive Impairment. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040627. [PMID: 37106826 PMCID: PMC10136365 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Sarin is a potent organophosphorus nerve agent that causes cognitive dysfunction, but its underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, a rat model of repeated low-level sarin exposure was established using the subcutaneous injection of 0.4 × LD50 for 21 consecutive days. Sarin-exposed rats showed persistent learning and memory impairment and reduced hippocampal dendritic spine density. A whole-transcriptome analysis was applied to study the mechanism of sarin-induced cognitive impairment, and a total of 1035 differentially expressed mRNA (DEmRNA), including 44 DEmiRNA, 305 DElncRNA, and 412 DEcircRNA, were found in the hippocampus of sarin-treated rats. According to Gene Ontology (GO) annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment, and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) analysis, these DERNAs were mainly involved in neuronal synaptic plasticity and were related to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The circRNA/lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network was constructed, in which Circ_Fmn1, miR-741-3p, miR-764-3p, miR-871-3p, KIF1A, PTPN11, SYN1, and MT-CO3 formed one circuit, and Circ_Cacna1c, miR-10b-5p, miR-18a-5p, CACNA1C, PRKCD, and RASGRP1 constituted another circuit. The balance between the two circuits was crucial for maintaining synaptic plasticity and may be the regulatory mechanism by which sarin causes cognitive impairment. Our study reveals the ceRNA regulation mechanism of sarin exposure for the first time and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of other organophosphorus toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Dongxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Qian Jin
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Xuejun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Tong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Siqing Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Xingxing Zong
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
| | - Liqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilians, Beijing 102205, China
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Gasalla P, Manahan-Vaughan D, Dwyer DM, Hall J, Méndez-Couz M. Characterisation of the neural basis underlying appetitive extinction & renewal in Cacna1c rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 227:109444. [PMID: 36724867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have revealed impairments in Cacna1c ± heterozygous animals (a gene that encodes the Cav 1.2 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and is implicated in risk for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders) in aversive forms of learning, such as latent inhibition, reversal learning or context discrimination. However, the role of Cav 1.2 L-type voltage-gated calcium channels in extinction of appetitive associations remains under-investigated. Here, we used an appetitive Pavlovian conditioning task and evaluated extinction learning (EL) with a change of context from that of training and test (ABA) and without such a change (AAA) in Cacna1c ± male rats versus their wild-type (WT) littermates. In addition, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization of somatic immediate early genes (IEGs) Arc and Homer1a expression to scrutinize associated changes in the medial prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. Cacna1c ± animals successfully adapt their responses by engaging in appetitive EL and renewal. However, the regional IEG expression profile changed. For the EL occurring in the same context, Cacna1c ± animals presented higher IEG expression in the infralimbic cortex and the central amygdala than controls. The prelimbic region presented a larger neural ensemble in Cacna1c ± than WT animals, co-labelled for the time window of EL in the original context and prolonged exposure to the unrewarded context. With a context change, the Cacna1c ± infralimbic region displayed higher IEG expression during renewal than controls. Taken together, our findings provide novel evidence of distinct brain activation patterns occurring in Cacna1c ± rats after appetitive extinction and renewal despite preserved behavioral responses. This article is part of the Special Issue on "L-type calcium channel mechanisms in neuropsychiatric disorders".
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Gasalla
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK; School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Denise Manahan-Vaughan
- Dept. Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Building MA 4/158, 44780, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dominic Michael Dwyer
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Marta Méndez-Couz
- Dept. Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Building MA 4/158, 44780, Bochum, Germany.
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Levy RJ, Timothy KW, Underwood JFG, Hall J, Bernstein JA, Pașca SP. A Cross-Sectional Study of the Neuropsychiatric Phenotype of CACNA1C-Related Disorder. Pediatr Neurol 2023; 138:101-106. [PMID: 36436328 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2022.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND CACNA1C encodes the voltage-gated L-type calcium channel CaV1.2. A specific gain-of-function pathogenic variant in CACNA1C causes Timothy syndrome type 1 (TS1) with cardiac long QT syndrome, syndactyly, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Our previous work found that the TS1 mutation alters neuronal activity-dependent signaling and interneuron migration. Recent case series highlighted a broader spectrum of CACNA1C-related disorder (CRD) that includes isolated cardiac disease, isolated neurologic deficits, and TS, but it is unknown how the clinical presentation of other CRD variants relates to neural defects. We surveyed individuals with CRD to define the neuropsychiatric and developmental phenotype in an effort to guide future research into the role of calcium channels in neural development. METHODS Caregivers of and individuals with CRD completed an online survey of pre- and perinatal events, cardiac events, developmental milestones, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and neuropsychiatric diagnoses. Multiple Mann-Whitney tests were used for comparison of categorical values and Fisher exact test for comparison of categorical variables between participants with and without cardiac arrhythmia. RESULTS Twenty-four participants with germline CACNA1C variants including TS1 completed the survey. The most common neuropsychiatric symptoms and/or diagnoses were developmental delay in 92%, incoordination in 71%, hypotonia in 67%, autism spectrum disorder in 50% (autistic features in 92%), seizures in 37.5%, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in 21% of participants. There were no significant differences in symptoms between participants with and without arrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS In our CRD cohort, there was an increased prevalence of multiple neuropsychiatric symptoms compared with the general population. These findings indicate the key role of CaV1.2 in brain development and the clinical importance of screening and therapeutically addressing neuropsychiatric symptoms in all individuals with CRD. Future directions include deep phenotyping of neuropsychiatric symptoms and efforts to relate these symptoms to cellular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Levy
- Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Division of Child Neurology in the Department of Neurology, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | | | - Jack F G Underwood
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK
| | - Jonathan A Bernstein
- Division of Medical Genetics in the Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
| | - Sergiu P Pașca
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California; Stanford Brain Organogenesis, Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute and Bio-X, Stanford University, Stanford, California.
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BDNF Levels According to Variations in the CACNA1C Gene: Sex-Based Disparity. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:357-366. [PMID: 35128618 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The CACNA1C gene encodes the pore-forming alpha-1c subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The calcium influx through these channels regulates the transcription of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Polymorphisms in this gene have been consistently associated with psychiatric disorders, and alterations in BDNF levels are a possible biological mechanism to explain such associations. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of the CACNA1C rs1006737 and rs4765913 polymorphisms and their haplotypes on serum BDNF concentration. We further aim to investigate the regulatory function of these SNPs and the ones linked to them. The study enrolled 641 young adults (362 women and 279 men) in a cross-sectional population-based survey. Linear regression was used to test the effects of polymorphisms and haplotypes on BDNF levels adjusted for potential confounders. Moreover, regulatory putative functional roles were assessed using in silico approach. BDNF levels were not associated with CACNA1C polymorphisms/haplotype in the total sample. When the sample was stratified by sex, checking the effect of polymorphisms on men and women separately, the A-allele of rs4765913 was associated with lower BDNF levels in women compared with the TT genotype (p = 0.010). The AA (rs1006737-rs4765913) haplotype was associated with BDNF levels in opposite directions regarding sex, with lower levels of BDNF in women (p = 0.040) compared to those without this haplotype, while with higher levels in men (p = 0.027). These findings were supported by the presence of regulatory marks only on the male fetal brain. Our results suggest that the BDNF levels regulation may be a potential mechanism underpinning the association between CACNA1C and psychiatric disorders, with a differential role in women and men.
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Cui Z, Liao K, Li S, Gu J, Wang Y, Ding C, Guo Y, Chan HF, Ma JH, Tang S, Chen J. LM22B-10 promotes corneal nerve regeneration through in vitro 3D co-culture model and in vivo corneal injury model. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:159-176. [PMID: 35562005 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Corneal nerve wounding often causes abnormalities in the cornea and even blindness in severe cases. In this study, we construct a dorsal root ganglion-corneal stromal cell (DRG-CSC, DS) co-culture 3D model to explore the mechanism of corneal nerve regeneration. Firstly, this model consists of DRG collagen grafts sandwiched by orthogonally stacked and orderly arranged CSC-laden plastic compressed collagen. Nerve bundles extend into the entire corneal stroma within 14 days, and they also have orthogonal patterns. This nerve prevents CSCs from apoptosis in the serum withdrawal medium. The conditioned medium (CM) for CSCs in collagen scaffolds contains NT-3, IL-6, and other factors. Among them, NT-3 notably promotes the activation of ERK-CREB in the DRG, leading to the growth of nerve bundles, and IL-6 induces the upregulation of anti-apoptotic genes. Then, LM22B-10, an activator of the NT-3 receptor TrkB/TrkC, can also activate ERK-CREB to enhance nerve growth. After administering LM22B-10 eye drops to regular and diabetic mice with corneal wounding, LM22B-10 significantly improves the healing speed of the corneal epithelium, corneal sensitivity, and corneal nerve density. Overall, the DS co-culture model provides a promising platform and tools for the exploration of corneal physiological and pathological mechanisms, as well as the verification of drug effects in vitro. Meanwhile, we confirm that LM22B-10, as a non-peptide small molecule, has future potential in nerve wound repair. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The cornea accounts for most of the refractive power of the eye. Corneal nerves play an important role in maintaining corneal homeostasis. Once the corneal nerves are damaged, the corneal epithelium and stroma develop lesions. However, the mechanism of the interaction between corneal nerves and corneal cells is still not fully understood. Here, we construct a corneal stroma-nerve co-culture in vitro model and reveal that NT-3 expressed by stromal cells promotes nerve growth by activating the ERK-CREB pathway in nerves. LM22B-10, an activator of NT-3 receptors, can also induce nerve growth in vitro. Moreover, it is used as eye drops to enhance corneal epithelial wound healing, corneal nerve sensitivity and density of nerve plexus in corneal nerve wounding model in vivo.
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Appetitive 50 kHz calls in a pavlovian conditioned approach task in Cacna1c haploinsufficient rats. Physiol Behav 2022; 250:113795. [PMID: 35351494 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113795] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that rats emit high-frequency 50 kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) during sign- and goal-tracking in a common Pavlovian conditioned approach task. Such 50 kHz calls are probably related to positive affect and are associated with meso-limbic dopamine function. In humans, the CACNA1C gene, encoding for the α1C subunit of the L-type voltage-gated calcium channel CaV1.2, is implicated in several mental disorders, including mood disorders associated with altered dopamine signaling. In the present study, we investigated sign- and goal-tracking behavior and the emission of 50 kHz USV in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats in a task where food pellet delivery is signaled by an appearance of an otherwise inoperable lever. Over the course of this Pavlovian training, these rats not only increased their approach to the reward site, but also their rates of pressing the inoperable lever. During subsequent extinction tests, where reward delivery was omitted, extinction patterns differed between reward site (i.e. magazine entries) and lever, since magazine entries quickly declined whereas behavior towards the lever transiently increased. Based on established criteria to define sign- or goal-tracking individuals, no CACNA1C rat met a sign-tracking criterion, since around 42% of rats tested where goal-trackers and the other 58% fell into an intermediate range. Regarding USV, we found that the CACNA1C rats emitted 50 kHz calls with a clear subject-dependent pattern; also, most of them were of a flat subtype and occurred mainly during initial habituation phases without cues or rewards. Compared, to previously published wildtype controls, Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats displayed reduced numbers of appetitive 50 kHz calls. Moreover, similar to wildtype littermate controls, 50 kHz call emission in Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats was intra-individually stable over training days and was negatively associated with goal-tracking. Together, these findings provide evidence in support of 50 kHz calls as trait marker. The finding that Cacna1c haploinsufficent rats show reductions of 50 kHz calls accompanied with more goal-tracking, is consistent with the assumption of altered dopamine signaling in these rats, a finding which supports their applicability in models of mental disorders.
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Scotti-Muzzi E, Chile T, Vallada H, Otaduy MCG, Soeiro-de-Souza MG. Association between CACNA1C gene rs100737 polymorphism and glutamatergic neurometabolites in bipolar disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 59:26-35. [PMID: 35544990 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in Ca2+ homeostasis in Bipolar Disorders (BD) have been associated with impairments in glutamatergic receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels. Increased anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) glutamatergic neurometabolites have been consistently disclosed in BD by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737), which encodes the alpha 1-C subunit of the L-type calcium channel, has been associated with BD and is reported to modulate intra-cellular Ca2+. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association of the CACNA1C genotype with ACC glutamatergic metabolites measured by 1H-MRS in both BD and HC subjects. A total of 194 subjects (121 euthymic BD type I patients and 73 healthy controls (HC) were genotyped for CACNA1C rs1006737, underwent a 3-Tesla 1H-MRS imaging examination and ACC glutamatergic metabolite were assessed. We found overall increased glutamatergic metabolites in AA carriers in BD. Specifically, higher Glx/Cr was observed in subjects with the AA genotype compared to both AG and GG in the overall sample (BD + HC). Also, female individuals in the BD group with AA genotype were found to have higher Glx/Cr compared to those with other genotypes. CACNA1C AA carriers in use of anticonvulsant medication had higher estimated Glutamine (Glx-Glu) than the other genotypes. Thus, this study suggest an association between calcium channel genetics and increased glutamatergic metabolites in BD, possibly playing a synergic role in intracellular Ca2+ overload and excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estêvão Scotti-Muzzi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), Institute of Psychiatry, CEAPESQ, PROGRUDA, School of Medicine, Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos s / n. Clinic Hospital, São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil.
| | - Thais Chile
- Genetics and Pharmacogenetics Unit (PROGENE), Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (IPq-FMUSP), Brazil
| | - Homero Vallada
- Genetics and Pharmacogenetics Unit (PROGENE), Institute of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (IPq-FMUSP), Brazil
| | - Maria Concepción Garcia Otaduy
- Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance LIM44, Department and Institute of Radiology, University of São Paulo (InRad-FMUSP), Brazil
| | - Márcio Gerhardt Soeiro-de-Souza
- Department of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo (FMUSP), Institute of Psychiatry, CEAPESQ, PROGRUDA, School of Medicine, Dr. Ovidio Pires de Campos s / n. Clinic Hospital, São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
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Griesius S, O'Donnell C, Waldron S, Thomas KL, Dwyer DM, Wilkinson LS, Hall J, Robinson ESJ, Mellor JR. Reduced expression of the psychiatric risk gene DLG2 (PSD93) impairs hippocampal synaptic integration and plasticity. Neuropsychopharmacology 2022; 47:1367-1378. [PMID: 35115661 PMCID: PMC9117295 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01277-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants indicating loss of function in the DLG2 gene have been associated with markedly increased risk for schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and intellectual disability. DLG2 encodes the postsynaptic scaffolding protein DLG2 (PSD93) that interacts with NMDA receptors, potassium channels, and cytoskeletal regulators but the net impact of these interactions on synaptic plasticity, likely underpinning cognitive impairments associated with these conditions, remains unclear. Here, hippocampal CA1 neuronal excitability and synaptic function were investigated in a novel clinically relevant heterozygous Dlg2+/- rat model using ex vivo patch-clamp electrophysiology, pharmacology, and computational modelling. Dlg2+/- rats had reduced supra-linear dendritic integration of synaptic inputs resulting in impaired associative long-term potentiation. This impairment was not caused by a change in synaptic input since NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic currents were, conversely, increased and AMPA receptor-mediated currents were unaffected. Instead, the impairment in associative long-term potentiation resulted from an increase in potassium channel function leading to a decrease in input resistance, which reduced supra-linear dendritic integration. Enhancement of dendritic excitability by blockade of potassium channels or activation of muscarinic M1 receptors with selective allosteric agonist 77-LH-28-1 reduced the threshold for dendritic integration and 77-LH-28-1 rescued the associative long-term potentiation impairment in the Dlg2+/- rats. These findings demonstrate a biological phenotype that can be reversed by compound classes used clinically, such as muscarinic M1 receptor agonists, and is therefore a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simonas Griesius
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Cian O'Donnell
- Computational Neuroscience Unit, School of Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK
| | - Sophie Waldron
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Dominic M Dwyer
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Lawrence S Wilkinson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Psychology, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Emma S J Robinson
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK
| | - Jack R Mellor
- Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
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Hall J, Bray NJ. Schizophrenia Genomics: Convergence on Synaptic Development, Adult Synaptic Plasticity, or Both? Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:709-717. [PMID: 34974922 PMCID: PMC8929434 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale genomic studies of schizophrenia have identified hundreds of genetic loci conferring risk to the disorder. This progress offers an important route toward defining the biological basis of the condition and potentially developing new treatments. In this review, we discuss insights from recent genome-wide association study, copy number variant, and exome sequencing analyses of schizophrenia, together with functional genomics data from the pre- and postnatal brain, in relation to synaptic development and function. These data provide strong support for the view that synaptic dysfunction within glutamatergic and GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acidergic) neurons of the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and other limbic structures is a central component of schizophrenia pathophysiology. Implicated genes and functional genomic data suggest that disturbances in synaptic connectivity associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia begin in utero but continue throughout development, with some alleles conferring risk to the disorder through direct effects on synaptic function in adulthood. This model implies that novel interventions for schizophrenia could include broad preventive approaches aimed at enhancing synaptic health during development as well as more targeted treatments aimed at correcting synaptic function in affected adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hall
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics & Genomics, Division of Psychological Medicine & Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom; Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
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Gonzalez S, McHugh TLM, Yang T, Syriani W, Massa SM, Longo FM, Simmons DA. Small molecule modulation of TrkB and TrkC neurotrophin receptors prevents cholinergic neuron atrophy in an Alzheimer's disease mouse model at an advanced pathological stage. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105563. [PMID: 34838668 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCNs) in the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and vertical diagonal band (VDB) along with their connections is a key pathological event leading to memory impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Aberrant neurotrophin signaling via Trks and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) contributes importantly to BFCN dystrophy. While NGF/TrkA signaling has received the most attention in this regard, TrkB and TrkC signaling also provide trophic support to BFCNs and these receptors may be well located to preserve BFCN connectivity. We previously identified a small molecule TrkB/TrkC ligand, LM22B-10, that promotes cell survival and neurite outgrowth in vitro and activates TrkB/TrkC signaling in the hippocampus of aged mice when given intranasally, but shows poor oral bioavailability. An LM22B-10 derivative, PTX-BD10-2, with improved oral bioavailability has been developed and this study examined its effects on BFCN atrophy in the hAPPLond/Swe (APPL/S) AD mouse model. Oral delivery of PTX-BD10-2 was started after appreciable amyloid and cholinergic pathology was present to parallel the clinical context, as most AD patients start treatment at advanced pathological stages. PTX-BD10-2 restored cholinergic neurite integrity in the NBM and VDB, and reduced NBM neuronal atrophy in symptomatic APPL/S mice. Dystrophy of cholinergic neurites in BF target regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala, was also reduced with treatment. Finally, PTX-BD10-2 reduced NBM tau pathology and improved the survival of cholinergic neurons derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) after amyloid-β exposure. These data provide evidence that targeting TrkB and TrkC signaling with PTX-BD10-2 may be an effective disease-modifying strategy for combating cholinergic dysfunction in AD. The potential for clinical translation is further supported by the compound's reduction of AD-related degenerative processes that have progressed beyond early stages and its neuroprotective effects in human iPSC-derived cholinergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selena Gonzalez
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Tyne L M McHugh
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Wassim Syriani
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Stephen M Massa
- Department of Neurology, Laboratory for Computational Neurochemistry and Drug Discovery, Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Department of Neurology, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States of America
| | - Frank M Longo
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America
| | - Danielle A Simmons
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, United States of America.
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Long-term variable photoperiod exposure impairs the mPFC and induces anxiety and depression-like behavior in male wistar rats. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113908. [PMID: 34710402 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Long-term shift work can cause circadian misalignment, which has been linked to anxiety and depression. However, the associated pathophysiologic changes have not been described in detail, and the mechanism underlying this association is not fully understood. To address these points, we used a rat model of CM induced by long-term variable photoperiod exposure [L-VP] (ie, for 90 days). We compared the numbers of neurons, astrocytes, and dendritic spines; dendrite morphology; long-term potentiation (LTP), long-term depression (LTD) and paired-pulse ratio (PPR); expression of glutamate receptor [N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)] subunits and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC); and the anxiety and depression behaviors between rats in the circadian misalignment (CM) and circadian alignment (CA, with normal circadian rhythm) groups. The results showed that L-VP reduced the number of neurons and astrocytes in the mPFC and decreased the number of dendritic spines, dendrite complexity, LTP, LTD, PPR, and expression of glutamate receptors (GluR1, GluR2, GluR3, NMDAR2A, and NMDAR2B) and BDNF in the mPFC. L-VP also induced anxiety and depression-like behaviors, as measured by the open field test, elevated plus-maze, sucrose preference test, and forced swim test. These results suggest that CM induces a loss of neurons and astrocytes and synaptic damage in surviving pyramidal cells in the mPFC might be involved in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression.
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15
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Wöhr M, Kisko TM, Schwarting RK. Social Behavior and Ultrasonic Vocalizations in a Genetic Rat Model Haploinsufficient for the Cross-Disorder Risk Gene Cacna1c. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060724. [PMID: 34072335 PMCID: PMC8229447 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The top-ranked cross-disorder risk gene CACNA1C is strongly associated with multiple neuropsychiatric dysfunctions. In a recent series of studies, we applied a genomically informed approach and contributed extensively to the behavioral characterization of a genetic rat model haploinsufficient for the cross-disorder risk gene Cacna1c. Because deficits in processing social signals are associated with reduced social functioning as commonly seen in neuropsychiatric disorders, we focused on socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Specifically, we applied a reciprocal approach for studying socio-affective communication in sender and receiver by including rough-and-tumble play and playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. Here, we review the findings obtained in this recent series of studies and link them to the key features of 50-kHz USV emission during rough-and-tumble play and social approach behavior evoked by playback of 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV. We conclude that Cacna1c haploinsufficiency in rats leads to robust deficits in socio-affective communication through 22-kHz and 50-kHz USV and associated alterations in social behavior, such as rough-and-tumble play behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wöhr
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-16-19-45-57
| | - Theresa M. Kisko
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K.W. Schwarting
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany; (T.M.K.); (R.K.W.S.)
- Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, D-35032 Marburg, Germany
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