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Kisby GE, Wilson DM, Spencer PS. Introducing the Role of Genotoxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7221. [PMID: 39000326 PMCID: PMC11241460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have identified genetic and environmental factors involved in age-related neurodegenerative diseases and, to a lesser extent, neuropsychiatric disorders. Genomic instability, i.e., the loss of genome integrity, is a common feature among both neurodegenerative (mayo-trophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, autism, bipolar depression) disorders. Genomic instability is associated with the accumulation of persistent DNA damage and the activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, as well as pathologic neuronal cell loss or senescence. Typically, DDR signaling ensures that genomic and proteomic homeostasis are maintained in both dividing cells, including neural progenitors, and post-mitotic neurons. However, dysregulation of these protective responses, in part due to aging or environmental insults, contributes to the progressive development of neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric disorders. In this Special Issue, we introduce and highlight the overlap between neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as the emerging clinical, genomic, and molecular evidence for the contributions of DNA damage and aberrant DNA repair. Our goal is to illuminate the importance of this subject to uncover possible treatment and prevention strategies for relevant devastating brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E. Kisby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - David M. Wilson
- Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Peter S. Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Bonetti M, Giugno L, Borsani E, Bonomini F. Potential Neuroprotective Effect of Melatonin in the Hippocampus of Male BTBR Mice. Nutrients 2024; 16:1652. [PMID: 38892585 PMCID: PMC11174678 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111652] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder identified by impairments in common social interactions and repetitive behaviors. In ASD patients, substantial morphological alterations have been observed in the hippocampus, which represents an important region for the development of social skills. Melatonin, commonly found in many foods and plants, is also produced by the pineal gland. This indolamine, known to regulate the circadian rhythm, shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We therefore hypothesized that melatonin may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the hippocampus of ASD patients. We explored our hypothesis using the BTBR mouse, a well-regarded murine transgenic model for ASD. Immediately after weaning, male BTBR and C57BL/6 mice underwent an 8-week treatment with melatonin or vehicle. Later, through immunohistochemistry and the immunoblotting analysis of the hippocampus, we evaluated the overall expression and cellular localization of Nrf2 and SOD1, two enzymes involved in the oxidative stress response. Similarly, we evaluated NLRP3 and NFkB, two mediators of inflammation, and GAD67, an enzyme responsible for the synthesis of GABA. Ultimately, we addressed melatonin's potential to regulate iron metabolism through a DAB-enhanced Perls reaction assay. Results showed melatonin's potential for modulating the analyzed markers in BTBR mice, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Bonetti
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Lorena Giugno
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (E.B.)
| | - Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (E.B.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.B.); (L.G.); (E.B.)
- Interdepartmental University Center of Research “Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs (ARTO)”, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Shrader SH, Mellen N, Cai J, Barnes GN, Song ZH. Cannabidiol is a behavioral modulator in BTBR mouse model of idiopathic autism. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1359810. [PMID: 38784096 PMCID: PMC11112039 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1359810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has drastically risen over the last two decades and is currently estimated to affect 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the center for disease control (CDC). This heterogenous neurodevelopmental disorder is characterized by impaired social interactions, communication deficits, and repetitive behaviors plus restricted interest. Autistic individuals also commonly present with a myriad of comorbidities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and seizures. To date, a pharmacological intervention for the treatment of core autistic symptoms has not been identified. Cannabidiol (CBD), the major nonpsychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa, is suggested to have multiple therapeutic applications, but its effect(s) on idiopathic autism is unknown. We hypothesized that CBD will effectively attenuate the autism-like behaviors and autism-associated comorbid behaviors in BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice, an established mouse model of idiopathic ASD. Methods Male BTBR mice were injected intraperitoneally with either vehicle, 20 mg/kg CBD or 50 mg/kg CBD daily for two weeks beginning at postnatal day 21 ± 3. On the final treatment day, a battery of behavioral assays were used to evaluate the effects of CBD on the BTBR mice, as compared to age-matched, vehicle-treated C57BL/6 J mice. Results High dose (50 mg/kg) CBD treatment attenuated the elevated repetitive self-grooming behavior and hyperlocomotion in BTBR mice. The social deficits exhibited by the control BTBR mice were rescued by the 20 mg/kg CBD treatment. Discussion Our data indicate that different doses for CBD are needed for treating specific ASD-like behaviors. Together, our results suggest that CBD may be an effective drug to ameliorate repetitive/restricted behaviors, social deficits, and autism-associated hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H. Shrader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Nicholas Mellen
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jun Cai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Gregory N. Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Departments of Neurology and Autism Center, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Research Institute, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Zhao-Hui Song
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, United States
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Pereira PDC, Diniz DG, da Costa ER, Magalhães NGDM, da Silva ADJF, Leite JGS, Almeida NIP, Cunha KDN, de Melo MAD, Vasconcelos PFDC, Diniz JAP, Brites D, Anthony DC, Diniz CWP, Guerreiro-Diniz C. Genes, inflammatory response, tolerance, and resistance to virus infections in migratory birds, bats, and rodents. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1239572. [PMID: 37711609 PMCID: PMC10497949 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1239572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Normally, the host immunological response to viral infection is coordinated to restore homeostasis and protect the individual from possible tissue damage. The two major approaches are adopted by the host to deal with the pathogen: resistance or tolerance. The nature of the responses often differs between species and between individuals of the same species. Resistance includes innate and adaptive immune responses to control virus replication. Disease tolerance relies on the immune response allowing the coexistence of infections in the host with minimal or no clinical signs, while maintaining sufficient viral replication for transmission. Here, we compared the virome of bats, rodents and migratory birds and the molecular mechanisms underlying symptomatic and asymptomatic disease progression. We also explore the influence of the host physiology and environmental influences on RNA virus expression and how it impacts on the whole brain transcriptome of seemingly healthy semipalmated sandpiper (Calidris pusilla) and spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius). Three time points throughout the year were selected to understand the importance of longitudinal surveys in the characterization of the virome. We finally revisited evidence that upstream and downstream regulation of the inflammatory response is, respectively, associated with resistance and tolerance to viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Douglas Corrêa Pereira
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Daniel Guerreiro Diniz
- Seção de Hepatologia, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Emanuel Ramos da Costa
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Nara Gyzely de Morais Magalhães
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Anderson de Jesus Falcão da Silva
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Gizele Sousa Leite
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Natan Ibraim Pires Almeida
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Kelle de Nazaré Cunha
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Mauro André Damasceno de Melo
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
| | - Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
- Seção de Arbovirologia e Febres Hemorrágicas, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - José Antonio Picanço Diniz
- Seção de Hepatologia, Laboratório de Microscopia Eletrônica, Instituto Evandro Chagas, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Dora Brites
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Daniel Clive Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Experimental Neuropathology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Cristovam Wanderley Picanço Diniz
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Hospital Universitário João de Barros Barreto, Laboratório de Investigações em Neurodegeneração e Infecção, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Guerreiro-Diniz
- Ciência e Tecnologia do Pará, Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Neuroecologia, Instituto Federal de Educação, Bragança, Pará, Brazil
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Ilchibaeva T, Tsybko A, Lipnitskaya M, Eremin D, Milutinovich K, Naumenko V, Popova N. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Mechanisms of Autistic-like Behavior in BTBR Mice: Crosstalk with the Dopaminergic Brain System. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051482. [PMID: 37239153 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in neuroplasticity undoubtedly play an important role in the development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Brain neurotransmitters and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are known as crucial players in cerebral and behavioral plasticity. Such an important neurotransmitter as dopamine (DA) is involved in the behavioral inflexibility of ASD. Additionally, much evidence from human and animal studies implicates BDNF in ASD pathogenesis. Nonetheless, crosstalk between BDNF and the DA system has not been studied in the context of an autistic-like phenotype. For this reason, the aim of our study was to compare the effects of either the acute intracerebroventricular administration of a recombinant BDNF protein or hippocampal adeno-associated-virus-mediated BDNF overexpression on autistic-like behavior and expression of key DA-related and BDNF-related genes in BTBR mice (a widely recognized model of autism). The BDNF administration failed to affect autistic-like behavior but downregulated Comt mRNA in the frontal cortex and hippocampus; however, COMT protein downregulation in the hippocampus and upregulation in the striatum were insignificant. BDNF administration also reduced the receptor TrkB level in the frontal cortex and midbrain and the BDNF/proBDNF ratio in the striatum. In contrast, hippocampal BDNF overexpression significantly diminished stereotypical behavior and anxiety; these alterations were accompanied only by higher hippocampal DA receptor D1 mRNA levels. The results indicate an important role of BDNF in mechanisms underlying anxiety and repetitive behavior in ASDs and implicates BDNF-DA crosstalk in the autistic-like phenotype of BTBR mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Ilchibaeva
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anton Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina Lipnitskaya
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Dmitry Eremin
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Kseniya Milutinovich
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Nina Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Rey Hipolito AG, van der Heijden ME, Sillitoe RV. Physiology of Dystonia: Animal Studies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 169:163-215. [PMID: 37482392 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Dystonia is currently ranked as the third most prevalent motor disorder. It is typically characterized by involuntary muscle over- or co-contractions that can cause painful abnormal postures and jerky movements. Dystonia is a heterogenous disorder-across patients, dystonic symptoms vary in their severity, body distribution, temporal pattern, onset, and progression. There are also a growing number of genes that are associated with hereditary dystonia. In addition, multiple brain regions are associated with dystonic symptoms in both genetic and sporadic forms of the disease. The heterogeneity of dystonia has made it difficult to fully understand its underlying pathophysiology. However, the use of animal models has been used to uncover the complex circuit mechanisms that lead to dystonic behaviors. Here, we summarize findings from animal models harboring mutations in dystonia-associated genes and phenotypic animal models with overt dystonic motor signs resulting from spontaneous mutations, neural circuit perturbations, or pharmacological manipulations. Taken together, an emerging picture depicts dystonia as a result of brain-wide network dysfunction driven by basal ganglia and cerebellar dysfunction. In the basal ganglia, changes in dopaminergic, serotonergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic signaling are found across different animal models. In the cerebellum, abnormal burst firing activity is observed in multiple dystonia models. We are now beginning to unveil the extent to which these structures mechanistically interact with each other. Such mechanisms inspire the use of pre-clinical animal models that will be used to design new therapies including drug treatments and brain stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro G Rey Hipolito
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States.
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A comparison of stress reactivity between BTBR and C57BL/6J mice: an impact of early-life stress. Exp Brain Res 2023; 241:687-698. [PMID: 36670311 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and can increase the risk of psychiatric disorders later in life. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of ELS on baseline HPA axis functioning and on the response to additional stress in adolescent male mice of strains C57BL/6J and BTBR. As a model of ELS, prolonged separation of pups from their mothers (for 3 h once a day: maternal separation [MS]) was implemented. To evaluate HPA axis activity, we assessed serum corticosterone levels and mRNA expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (Crh) in the hypothalamus, of steroidogenesis genes in adrenal glands, and of an immediate early gene (c-Fos) in both tissues at baseline and immediately after 1 h of restraint stress. HPA axis activity at baseline did not depend on the history of ELS in mice of both strains. After the exposure to the acute restraint stress, C57BL/6J-MS mice showed less pronounced upregulation of Crh and of corticosterone concentration as compared to the control, indicating a decrease in stress reactivity. By contrast, BTBR-MS mice showed stronger upregulation of c-Fos in the hypothalamus and adrenal glands as compared to controls, thus pointing to greater activation of these organs in response to the acute restraint stress. In addition, we noted that BTBR mice are more stress reactive (than C57BL/6J mice) because they exhibited greater upregulation of corticosterone, c-Fos, and Cyp11a1 in response to the acute restraint stress. Taken together, these results indicate strain-specific and situation-dependent effects of ELS on HPA axis functioning and on c-Fos expression.
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Kisaretova P, Tsybko A, Bondar N, Reshetnikov V. Molecular Abnormalities in BTBR Mice and Their Relevance to Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Overview of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Studies. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020289. [PMID: 36830826 PMCID: PMC9953015 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal models of psychopathologies are of exceptional interest for neurobiologists because these models allow us to clarify molecular mechanisms underlying the pathologies. One such model is the inbred BTBR strain of mice, which is characterized by behavioral, neuroanatomical, and physiological hallmarks of schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Despite the active use of BTBR mice as a model object, the understanding of the molecular features of this strain that cause the observed behavioral phenotype remains insufficient. Here, we analyzed recently published data from independent transcriptomic and proteomic studies on hippocampal and corticostriatal samples from BTBR mice to search for the most consistent aberrations in gene or protein expression. Next, we compared reproducible molecular signatures of BTBR mice with data on postmortem samples from ASD and SCZ patients. Taken together, these data helped us to elucidate brain-region-specific molecular abnormalities in BTBR mice as well as their relevance to the anomalies seen in ASDs or SCZ in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kisaretova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Department of Natural Sciences, Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Street 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton Tsybko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Natalia Bondar
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vasiliy Reshetnikov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Akad. Lavrentyeva 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Avenue, Sochi 354340, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Li F, Ke H, Wang S, Mao W, Fu C, Chen X, Fu Q, Qin X, Huang Y, Li B, Li S, Xing J, Wang M, Deng W. Leaky Gut Plays a Critical Role in the Pathophysiology of Autism in Mice by Activating the Lipopolysaccharide-Mediated Toll-Like Receptor 4–Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88–Nuclear Factor Kappa B Signaling Pathway. Neurosci Bull 2022:10.1007/s12264-022-00993-9. [DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00993-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIncreased intestinal barrier permeability, leaky gut, has been reported in patients with autism. However, its contribution to the development of autism has not been determined. We selected dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to disrupt and metformin to repair the intestinal barrier in BTBR T+tf/J autistic mice to test this hypothesis. DSS treatment resulted in a decreased affinity for social proximity; however, autistic behaviors in mice were improved after the administration of metformin. We found an increased affinity for social proximity/social memory and decreased repetitive and anxiety-related behaviors. The concentration of lipopolysaccharides in blood decreased after the administration of metformin. The expression levels of the key molecules in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)–myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)–nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway and their downstream inflammatory cytokines in the cerebral cortex were both repressed. Thus, “leaky gut” could be a trigger for the development of autism via activation of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated TLR4–MyD88–NF-κB pathway.
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Deficits in Cerebellum-Dependent Learning and Cerebellar Morphology in Male and Female BTBR Autism Model Mice. NEUROSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/neurosci3040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, there has been increased interest in the role of the cerebellum in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To better understand the pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in ASD, it is necessary to have a variety of mouse models that have face validity for cerebellar disruption in humans. Here, we add to the literature on the cerebellum in mouse models of autism with the characterization of the cerebellum in the idiopathic BTBR T + Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) inbred mouse strain, which has behavioral phenotypes that are reminiscent of ASD in patients. When we examined both male and female BTBR mice in comparison to C57BL/6J (C57) controls, we noted that both sexes of BTBR mice showed motor coordination deficits characteristic of cerebellar dysfunction, but only the male mice showed differences in delay eyeblink conditioning, a cerebellum-dependent learning task that is known to be disrupted in ASD patients. Both male and female BTBR mice showed considerable expansion of, and abnormal foliation in, the cerebellum vermis—including a significant expansion of specific lobules in the anterior cerebellum. In addition, we found a slight but significant decrease in Purkinje cell density in both male and female BTBR mice, irrespective of the lobule. Finally, there was a marked reduction of Purkinje cell dendritic spine density in both male and female BTBR mice. These findings suggest that, for the most part, the BTBR mouse model phenocopies many of the characteristics of the subpopulation of ASD patients that have a hypertrophic cerebellum. We discuss the significance of strain differences in the cerebellum as well as the importance of this first effort to identify both similarities and differences between male and female BTBR mice with regard to the cerebellum.
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Belokopytova II, Kondaurova EM, Kulikova EA, Ilchibaeva TV, Naumenko VS, Popova NK. Effects of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 Knockdown in the Hippocampus of BTBR Mice on the Autistic-Like Behavior, Expression of Serotonin 5-HT 1A and D2 Dopamine Receptors, and CREB and NF-kB Intracellular Signaling. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2022; 87:1206-1218. [PMID: 36273889 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297922100145] [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: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms of autism are of extreme interest due to the high prevalence of this disorder in the human population. In this regard, special attention is given to the transcription factor Freud-1 (encoded by the Cc2d1a gene), which regulates numerous intracellular signaling pathways and acts as a silencer for 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors. Disruption of the Freud-1 functions leads to the development of various psychopathologies. In this study, we found an increase in the expression of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 gene in the hippocampus of BTBR mice (model of autistic-like behavior) in comparison with C57Bl/6J mice and examined how restoration of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 expression in the hippocampus of BTBR mice affects their behavior, expression of 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors, and CREB and NF-κB intracellular signaling pathways in these animals. Five weeks after administration of the adeno-associated viral vector (AAV) carrying the pAAV_H1-2_shRNA-Freud-1_Syn_EGFP plasmid encoding a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) that suppressed expression of the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 gene, we observed an elevation in the anxiety levels, as well as the increase in the escape latency and path length to the platform in the Morris water maze test, which was probably associated with a strengthening of the active stress avoidance strategy. However, the Cc2d1a/Freud-1 knockdown did not affect the spatial memory and phosphorylation of the CREB transcription factor, although such effect was found in C57Bl/6J mice in our previous study. These results suggest the impairments in the CREB-dependent effector pathway in BTBR mice, which may play an important role in the development of the autistic-like phenotype. The knockdown of Cc2d1a/Freud-1 in the hippocampus of BTBR mice did not affect expression of the 5-HT1A serotonin and D2 dopamine receptors and key NF-κB signaling genes (Nfkb1 and Rela). Our data suggest that the transcription factor Freud-1 plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of anxiety and active stress avoidance in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina I Belokopytova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Elizabeth A Kulikova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Tatiana V Ilchibaeva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - Nina K Popova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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12
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Curdt N, Schmitt FW, Bouter C, Iseni T, Weile HC, Altunok B, Beindorff N, Bayer TA, Cooke MB, Bouter Y. Search strategy analysis of Tg4-42 Alzheimer Mice in the Morris Water Maze reveals early spatial navigation deficits. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5451. [PMID: 35361814 PMCID: PMC8971530 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Spatial disorientation is one of the earliest symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease and allocentric deficits can already be detected in the asymptomatic preclinical stages of the disease. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) is used to study spatial learning in rodent models. Here we investigated the spatial memory of female 3, 7 and 12 month-old Alzheimer Tg4-42 mice in comparison to wild-type control animals. Conventional behavior analysis of escape latencies and quadrant preference revealed spatial memory and reference memory deficits in female 7 and 12 month-old Tg4-42 mice. In contrast, conventional analysis of the MWM indicated an intact spatial memory in 3 month-old Tg4-42 mice. However, a detailed analysis of the swimming strategies demonstrated allocentric-specific memory deficits in 3 month-old Tg4-42 mice before the onset of severe memory deficits. Furthermore, we could show that the spatial reference memory deficits in aged Tg4-42 animals are caused by the lack of allocentric and spatial strategies. Analyzing search strategies in the MWM allows to differentiate between hippocampus-dependent allocentric and hippocampus-independent egocentric search strategies. The spatial navigation impairments in young Tg4-42 mice are well in line with the hypometabolism and synaptic deficits in the hippocampus. Therefore, analyzing search strategies in the Tg4-42 model can be a powerful tool for preclinical drug testing and identifying early therapeutic successes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Curdt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Franziska W Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Caroline Bouter
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Trendelina Iseni
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Hanna C Weile
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Berfin Altunok
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Nicola Beindorff
- Berlin Experimental Radionuclide Imaging Center (BERIC), Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas A Bayer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Matthew B Cooke
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Yvonne Bouter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Georg-August-University Göttingen, University Medicine Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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13
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Borsani E, Bonomini F, Bonini SA, Premoli M, Maccarinelli G, Giugno L, Mastinu A, Aria F, Memo M, Rezzani R. Role of melatonin in autism spectrum disorders in a male murine transgenic model: Study in the prefrontal cortex. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:780-797. [PMID: 35043490 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders sharing common features related to impaired social and communication abilities in addition to stereotyped behaviors. ASD patients present encephalic morphological, physiological, and biomolecular alterations with low levels of melatonin due to alterations in its pathways. Therefore, even if ASDs have traditionally been framed as behavioral disorders, several lines of evidence are accumulating that ASDs are characterized by certain anatomical and physiological abnormalities, including oxidative stress and inflammation in peripheral biomarkers, but likewise present in human brain tissue also characterized by alterations in synaptic remodeling and neuromodulation. Melatonin has also protective and antioxidant properties, so we can therefore hypothesize that alterations in melatonin's pathways may be one of the causes of the symptomatology of autism. The aim of the present study was to analyze the beneficial effect induced by melatonin administration and its possible mechanism of action in a transgenic mouse model of autism, immediately after weaning. The male mice were daily treated per os with melatonin (10 mg/Kg/day) or vehicle for 8 weeks starting from the sixth week of life. The antioxidant modulation, the GABAergic/glutamatergic impairment, and the synaptic remodeling in the prefrontal cortex have been evaluated. Social and repetitive behaviors were also evaluated. The behavioral results showed no statistical evidences, instead the immunohistochemical results indicated the ability of melatonin to promote the activity of antioxidant system, the GABAergic/glutamatergic equilibrium, and the synaptic remodeling. The results show that melatonin may be a possible adjuvant therapeutic strategy in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Borsani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marika Premoli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Lorena Giugno
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rita Rezzani
- Division of Anatomy and Physiopathology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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14
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Zhao L, Li Y, Kou X, Chen B, Cao J, Li J, Zhang J, Wang H, Zhao J, Shi S. OUP accepted manuscript. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:778-789. [PMID: 35608372 PMCID: PMC9299510 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a great potential approach to treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), a group of developmental disabilities characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), holding earlier developing characteristics, have immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate whether SHED transplantation can rescue autistic-like symptoms in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs, 12 SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs were randomly assigned into 2 groups according to their behavior evaluated by social interaction tests. Six mutant dogs received 6 intravenous infusions of SHED and were followed up for 3 months by testing social interaction and inflammatory cytokine levels. We found that infusion of SHED significantly improved impaired social novel preference of SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs at 1- and 3-month follow-ups. Social intimacies (following, sniffing, and licking) between mutant beagle dogs and human experimenters were partly improved. Stressed tail posture, indicating social stress, was also significantly alleviated. In addition, we showed that the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 were notably increased and decreased, respectively, in SHANK3 mutant beagle dogs. Infusion of SHED was able to rescue altered interferon-γ and interleukin-10 levels. We failed to observe any serious adverse events after infusion of SHED. In summary, SHED transplantation may be a safe and effective therapy for ASD. The correction in the levels of serum interferon-γ and interleukin-10 may serve as an index to predict autistic severity and therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhao
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuan Li
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxing Kou
- Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Benchi Chen
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Cao
- CAR-T (Shanghai) Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Yangpu District, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianqi Zhang
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Heng Wang
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianping Zhao
- Beijing Sinogene Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Changping District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Songtao Shi
- Corresponding author: Songtao Shi, South China Center of Craniofacial Stem Cell Research, Guanghua School and Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, 74 Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, People’s Republic of China. Tel: +86 020 83811509; Fax: +86 020 83811509;
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15
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Han HJ, Lee J, Lim G, Park J, Gautam R, Jo J, Kim C, Heo Y. Metal arsenic mediated enhancement of type-2 immunity in brains with altered locomotive activities in mice with autism-like behavioral characteristics. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:27-33. [PMID: 35070938 PMCID: PMC8748561 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-021-00104-2] [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: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to metal arsenic (As) has been proposed as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are neurodevelopmental disorders with worldwide increasing in its incidence. In the present study, BTBR T + tf/J (BTBR) mice with ASD-like behavioral characteristics and control highly social FVB mice were orally exposed to 0.1 mM arsenic(III)oxide for 4 weeks, and were compared to investigate neuroimmunological or behavioral abnormalities. IgG1:IgG2a ratios in brain tissues from BTBR mice exposed to As (BTBR-As) were significantly higher than those of BTBR-control mice (BTBR-C), but this change did not occur in FVB mice exposed to As. Levels of IL-4, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-17, and TNF-α in brain tissue were lowered in BTBR-As relative to BTBR-C, but this tendency was not observed with FVB mice. BTBR-As mice demonstrated decrease in relative travel distance and time spent in the center vs. the periphery of open field arena compared to BTBR-C. Sociability evaluation using three-way chamber test did not clearly demonstrate As-mediated alteration in social interaction in BTBR mice. These findings suggest the potential for As-driven predominant TH2-like reactivity profile in the brain microenvironment of BTBR mice and for As-mediated locomotive impairment probably associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Jung Han
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JaeHee Lee
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - GyeongDong Lim
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JungEun Park
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - Ravi Gautam
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - JiHun Jo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
| | - ChangYul Kim
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
| | - Yong Heo
- College of Bio and Medical Sciences, Department of Occupational Health, Daegu Catholic University, 13-13 Hayang-ro, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongbuk Province 38430 South Korea
- Graduate School Department of Toxicology, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan, South Korea
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16
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Voluntary exercise attenuates nociceptive abnormalities with no significant alterations of social interaction deficits in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Behav Brain Res 2021; 420:113727. [PMID: 34954299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Due to the financial burden and undesired side effects of treatment options, researchers have begun exploring alternative methods of treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on research suggesting impressive health benefits of engaging in physical activity, exercise treatment to alleviate symptoms could be a more cost effective alternative to pharmaceutical interventions. This study examined the effects of physical exercise on nociceptive responses and social interactions in an autism mouse model (BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J). Subjects (n = 32) were separated into groups (BTBR vs B6 controls) based on the genetic strain and activity condition they were assigned. When compared to B6 controls, the BTBR mice demonstrated thermal hypoalgesia that normalized following 5 weeks of voluntary wheel running. However, exercise did not significantly attenuate social interaction deficits in BTBR mice, despite scores trending toward a positive direction. These results suggest that exercise could serve as a potential additive to other therapies for abnormal nociception in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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17
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Disconnection between Rat’s Left and Right Hemisphere Impairs Short-Term Memory but Not Long-Term Memory. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13101872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Split-brain experiments, which have been actively conducted since the twentieth century, have provided a great deal of insight into functional asymmetry and inter-hemispheric interactions. However, how communication between the left and right hemispheres directly contributes to memory formation is still poorly understood. To address this issue, we cut the rat commissural fibers prior to performing behavioral tests, which consisted of two short-term and two long-term memory tasks. The result showed that cutting the commissural fibers impairs short-term memory but not long-term memory. This suggests that the left-right hemispheric interaction through the commissural fibers contributes to the appropriate formation of short-term memory, but not that of long-term memory. Our findings would help to elucidate dynamic memory formation between the two hemispheres and contribute to the development of therapeutics for some neurological diseases which cause a reduction in the inter-hemispheric interaction.
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18
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Sex-specific behavioral and structural alterations caused by early-life stress in C57BL/6 and BTBR mice. Behav Brain Res 2021; 414:113489. [PMID: 34303728 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lately, the development of various mental illnesses, such as depression, personality disorders, and autism spectrum disorders, is often associated with traumatic events in childhood. Nonetheless, the mechanism giving rise to this predisposition is still unknown. Because the development of a disease often depends on a combination of a genetic background and environment, we decided to evaluate the effect of early-life stress on BTBR mice, which have behavioral, neuroanatomical, and physiological features of autism spectrum disorders. As early-life stress, we used prolonged separation of pups from their mothers in the first 2 weeks of life (3 h once a day). We assessed effects of the early-life stress on juvenile (postnatal day 23) and adolescent (postnatal days 37-38) male and female mice of strains C57BL/6 (B6) and BTBR. We found that in both strains, the early-life stress did not lead to changes in the level of social behavior, which is an important characteristic of autism-related behavior. Nonetheless, the early-life stress resulted in increased locomotor activity in juvenile BTBR mice. In adolescent mice, the stress early in life caused a low level of anxiety in B6 males and BTBR females and increased exploratory activity in adolescent BTBR males and females. In addition, adolescent B6 male and female mice with a history of the early-life stress tended to have a thinner motor cortex as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. As compared to B6 mice, BTBR mice showed reduced levels of social behavior and exploratory activity but their level of locomotor activity was higher. BTBR mice had smaller whole-brain, cortical, and dorsal hippocampal volumes; decreased motor cortex thickness; and increased ventral-hippocampus volume as compared to B6 mice, and these parameters correlated with the level of exploratory behavior of BTBR mice. Overall, the effects of early postnatal stress are sex- and strain-dependent.
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19
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Premoli M, Memo M, Bonini SA. Ultrasonic vocalizations in mice: relevance for ethologic and neurodevelopmental disorders studies. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1158-1167. [PMID: 33269765 PMCID: PMC8224126 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice use ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to communicate each other and to convey their emotional state. USVs have been greatly characterized in specific life phases and contexts, such as mother isolation-induced USVs for pups or female-induced USVs for male mice during courtship. USVs can be acquired by means of specific tools and later analyzed on the base of both quantitative and qualitative parameters. Indeed, different ultrasonic call categories exist and have already been defined. The understanding of different calls meaning is still missing, and it will represent an essential step forward in the field of USVs. They have long been studied in the ethological context, but recently they emerged as a precious instrument to study pathologies characterized by deficits in communication, in particular neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), such as autism spectrum disorders. This review covers the topics of USVs characteristics in mice, contexts for USVs emission and factors that modulate their expression. A particular focus will be devoted to mouse USVs in the context of NDDs. Indeed, several NDDs murine models exist and an intense study of USVs is currently in progress, with the aim of both performing an early diagnosis and to find a pharmacological/behavioral intervention to improve patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia, Italy
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20
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Kasherman MA, Currey L, Kurniawan ND, Zalucki O, Vega MS, Jolly LA, Burne THJ, Wood SA, Piper M. Abnormal Behavior and Cortical Connectivity Deficits in Mice Lacking Usp9x. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:1763-1775. [PMID: 33188399 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic association studies have identified many factors associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the way these genes shape neuroanatomical structure and connectivity is poorly understood. Recent research has focused on proteins that act as points of convergence for multiple factors, as these may provide greater insight into understanding the biology of neurodevelopmental disorders. USP9X, a deubiquitylating enzyme that regulates the stability of many ASD-related proteins, is one such point of convergence. Loss of function variants in human USP9X lead to brain malformations, which manifest as a neurodevelopmental syndrome that frequently includes ASD, but the underlying structural and connectomic abnormalities giving rise to patient symptoms is unknown. Here, we analyzed forebrain-specific Usp9x knockout mice (Usp9x-/y) to address this knowledge gap. Usp9x-/y mice displayed abnormal communication and social interaction behaviors. Moreover, the absence of Usp9x culminated in reductions to the size of multiple brain regions. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging revealed deficits in all three major forebrain commissures, as well as long-range hypoconnectivity between cortical and subcortical regions. These data identify USP9X as a key regulator of brain formation and function, and provide insights into the neurodevelopmental syndrome arising as a consequence of USP9X mutations in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Kasherman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Laura Currey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.,Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Nyoman D Kurniawan
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Oressia Zalucki
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | | | - Lachlan A Jolly
- University of Adelaide and Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide 5005, Australia
| | - Thomas H J Burne
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Brisbane 4076, Australia
| | - Stephen A Wood
- Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Brisbane 4111, Australia
| | - Michael Piper
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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21
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Balietti M, Pugliese A, Conti F. In aged rats, differences in spatial learning and memory influence the response to late-life Environmental Enrichment. Exp Gerontol 2020; 146:111225. [PMID: 33388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It has clearly been demonstrated that cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, and social engagement help counteract age-related cognitive decline. However, several important issues remain to be addressed. Given the wide differences in cognitive impairment found among individuals of the same age, identifying the subjects who will benefit most from late-life interventions is one such issue. Environmental Enrichment (EE) is a particularly valuable approach to do this. In this study, aged (21-month-old) rats were assigned to a better (BL) or a worse (WL) learner group (training phase) and to a non-impaired (NI) or an impaired (I) group (probe phase) by their performance on the Morris Water Maze, using the test performances of adult (12-month-old) rats as the cut-offs. The aged rats were retested after a 12-week EE or standard housing (SH) protocol. After 12 weeks, the performances of SH rats had deteriorated, whereas all rats benefited from EE, albeit in different ways. In particular, the animals assigned to the BL and the NI groups prior to EE still performed as well as the adult rats (performance preservation) whereas, critically, the animals assigned to the WL and the I groups before EE showed such improved performances that they reached the level of the adult rats (performance improvement), despite having aged further. EE seems to induce the preservation in BLs and the improvement in WLs of spatial search strategies and the preservation in NIs and the increase in Is of a focused and protract research of the escape point. Our findings suggest that late-life EE prevents spatial learning and memory decline in still cognitively preserved animals and stimulates residual functional reserve in already cognitively compromised animals. Future research should focus on individually tailored stimulation protocols to improve their effect and afford a better understanding of the underlying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Pugliese
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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22
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Wang N, Anderson RJ, Ashbrook DG, Gopalakrishnan V, Park Y, Priebe CE, Qi Y, Laoprasert R, Vogelstein JT, Williams RW, Johnson GA. Variability and heritability of mouse brain structure: Microscopic MRI atlases and connectomes for diverse strains. Neuroimage 2020; 222:117274. [PMID: 32818613 PMCID: PMC8442986 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies have demonstrated significant links between human brain structure and common DNA variants. Similar studies with rodents have been challenging because of smaller brain volumes. Using high field MRI (9.4 T) and compressed sensing, we have achieved microscopic resolution and sufficiently high throughput for rodent population studies. We generated whole brain structural MRI and diffusion connectomes for four diverse isogenic lines of mice (C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, CAST/EiJ, and BTBR) at spatial resolution 20,000 times higher than human connectomes. We measured narrow sense heritability (h2) I.e. the fraction of variance explained by strains in a simple ANOVA model for volumes and scalar diffusion metrics, and estimates of residual technical error for 166 regions in each hemisphere and connectivity between the regions. Volumes of discrete brain regions had the highest mean heritability (0.71 ± 0.23 SD, n = 332), followed by fractional anisotropy (0.54 ± 0.26), radial diffusivity (0.34 ± 0.022), and axial diffusivity (0.28 ± 0.19). Connection profiles were statistically different in 280 of 322 nodes across all four strains. Nearly 150 of the connection profiles were statistically different between the C57BL/6J, DBA/2J, and CAST/EiJ lines. Microscopic whole brain MRI/DTI has allowed us to identify significant heritable phenotypes in brain volume, scalar DTI metrics, and quantitative connectomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Wang
- Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Robert J Anderson
- Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - David G Ashbrook
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Vivek Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Youngser Park
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Carey E Priebe
- Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Yi Qi
- Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rick Laoprasert
- Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Joshua T Vogelstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Center for Imaging Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Institute for Computational Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Robert W Williams
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - G Allan Johnson
- Duke Center for In Vivo Microscopy, Department of Radiology, Duke University, Duke University Medical Center Box 3302, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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23
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Harvey RE, Berkowitz LE, Hamilton DA, Clark BJ. The effects of developmental alcohol exposure on the neurobiology of spatial processing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:775-794. [PMID: 31526818 PMCID: PMC6876993 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of alcohol during gestation is detrimental to the developing central nervous system. One functional outcome of this exposure is impaired spatial processing, defined as sensing and integrating information pertaining to spatial navigation and spatial memory. The hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, and anterior thalamus are brain regions implicated in spatial processing and are highly susceptible to the effects of developmental alcohol exposure. Some of the observed effects of alcohol on spatial processing may be attributed to changes at the synaptic to circuit level. In this review, we first describe the impact of developmental alcohol exposure on spatial behavior followed by a summary of the development of brain areas involved in spatial processing. We then provide an examination of the consequences of prenatal and early postnatal alcohol exposure in rodents on hippocampal, anterior thalamus, and entorhinal cortex-dependent spatial processing from the cellular to behavioral level. We conclude by highlighting several unanswered questions which may provide a framework for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Harvey
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Laura E Berkowitz
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Derek A Hamilton
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Benjamin J Clark
- Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States.
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24
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Cheng Y, Mai Q, Zeng X, Wang H, Xiao Y, Tang L, Li J, Zhang Y, Ding H. Propionate relieves pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, consequent mitochondrial disruption, neuron necrosis and neurological deficits in mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 169:113607. [PMID: 31491413 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The present research was designed to evaluate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of propionate, a bioactive food additive, on mitochondrial disruption, neuron necrosis and neurological deficits after epilepsy seizures. Epilepsy seizures was induced by repetitive injections of pentylenetetrazol at a dose of 37 mg per kg. Propionate (37.5, 50 and 75 mg/kg) as well as sodium valproate (300 mg/kg) were administrated intragastrically (i.g.) 1 h before each PTZ injection and continued for 40 days. The influence of propionate was assessed by many biochemical assays and neurobehavioral experiments. The results of gas chromatography (GC) analysis indicated that increased concentration of propionate can be explored in hippocampus area of propionate + PTZ treated animals. Propionate decreased epilepsy seizure intensity, increased latency of seizures. Meanwhile, propionate treatment reversed the structure disruption of the mitochondria, improved ATP level and lessened 8-OHdG level in the brains of animals with seizures. In addition, we find propionate pretreated can increase activities of the antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, as well as GSH-Px) in mitochondria. Additionally, propionate reduced neuronal loss in hippocampus and our results suggest that HIF-1α/ERK pathway and neuron necrosis exists potential linkage during epileptogenesis. Moreover, as a result, propionate administration can significantly improve the neurological function estimated by a battery of functional tests. In conclusion, treatment with propionate attenuates mitochondrial disruption, hippocampal apoptosis and neurological deficits in a mouse model of epilepsy seizures. Therefore, propionate, currently used as a food preservative, has a potential additional advantage of ameliorating epilepsy seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahong Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Qianting Mai
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Xin Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Liu Tang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Hong Ding
- Key Laboratory of Combinatorial Biosynthesis and Drug Discovery, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
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25
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Cooke MB, O'Leary TP, Harris P, Ma R, Brown RE, Snyder JS. Pathfinder: open source software for analyzing spatial navigation search strategies. F1000Res 2019; 8:1521. [PMID: 32025289 PMCID: PMC6974928 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20352.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [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] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial navigation is a universal behavior that varies depending on goals, experience and available sensory stimuli. Spatial navigational tasks are routinely used to study learning, memory and goal-directed behavior, in both animals and humans. One popular paradigm for testing spatial memory is the Morris water maze, where subjects learn the location of a hidden platform that offers escape from a pool of water. Researchers typically express learning as a function of the latency to escape, though this reveals little about the underlying navigational strategies. Recently, a number of studies have begun to classify water maze search strategies in order to clarify the precise spatial and mnemonic functions of different brain regions, and to identify which aspects of spatial memory are disrupted in disease models. However, despite their usefulness, strategy analyses have not been widely adopted due to the lack of software to automate analyses. To address this need we developed Pathfinder, an open source application for analyzing spatial navigation behaviors. In a representative dataset, we show that Pathfinder effectively characterizes the development of highly-specific spatial search strategies as male and female mice learn a standard spatial water maze. Pathfinder can read data files from commercially- and freely-available software packages, is optimized for classifying search strategies in water maze paradigms, and can also be used to analyze 2D navigation by other species, and in other tasks, as long as timestamped xy coordinates are available. Pathfinder is simple to use, can automatically determine pool and platform geometry, generates heat maps, analyzes navigation with respect to multiple goal locations, and can be updated to accommodate future developments in spatial behavioral analyses. Given these features, Pathfinder may be a useful tool for studying how navigational strategies are regulated by the environment, depend on specific neural circuits, and are altered by pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Cooke
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Timothy P O'Leary
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Phelan Harris
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ricky Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Psychology and Neuroscience Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jason S Snyder
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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26
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Cooke MB, O'Leary TP, Harris P, Ma R, Brown RE, Snyder JS. Pathfinder: open source software for analyzing spatial navigation search strategies. F1000Res 2019; 8:1521. [PMID: 32025289 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20352.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Spatial navigation is a universal behavior that varies depending on goals, experience and available sensory stimuli. Spatial navigational tasks are routinely used to study learning, memory and goal-directed behavior, in both animals and humans. One popular paradigm for testing spatial memory is the Morris water maze, where subjects learn the location of a hidden platform that offers escape from a pool of water. Researchers typically express learning as a function of the latency to escape, though this reveals little about the underlying navigational strategies. Recently, a number of studies have begun to classify water maze search strategies in order to clarify the precise spatial and mnemonic functions of different brain regions, and to identify which aspects of spatial memory are disrupted in disease models. However, despite their usefulness, strategy analyses have not been widely adopted due to the lack of software to automate analyses. To address this need we developed Pathfinder, an open source application for analyzing spatial navigation behaviors. In a representative dataset, we show that Pathfinder effectively characterizes the development of highly-specific spatial search strategies as male and female mice learn a standard spatial water maze. Pathfinder can read data files from commercially- and freely-available software packages, is optimized for classifying search strategies in water maze paradigms, and can also be used to analyze 2D navigation by other species, and in other tasks, as long as timestamped xy coordinates are available. Pathfinder is simple to use, can automatically determine pool and platform geometry, generates heat maps, analyzes navigation with respect to multiple goal locations, and can be updated to accommodate future developments in spatial behavioral analyses. Given these features, Pathfinder may be a useful tool for studying how navigational strategies are regulated by the environment, depend on specific neural circuits, and are altered by pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Cooke
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Timothy P O'Leary
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Phelan Harris
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Ricky Ma
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Psychology and Neuroscience Department, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jason S Snyder
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z4, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancovuer, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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27
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Liu Q, Chen MX, Sun L, Wallis CU, Zhou JS, Ao LJ, Li Q, Sham PC. Rational use of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of autism spectrum disorders. World J Stem Cells 2019; 11:55-72. [PMID: 30842805 PMCID: PMC6397804 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i2.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Revised: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) refer to a range of conditions characterized by impaired social and communication skills and repetitive behaviors caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences. Although the pathophysiology underlying ASD is still unclear, recent evidence suggests that immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation play a role in the etiology of ASD. In particular, there is direct evidence supporting a role for maternal immune activation during prenatal life in neurodevelopmental conditions. Currently, the available options of behavioral therapies and pharmacological and supportive nutritional treatments in ASD are only symptomatic. Given the disturbing rise in the incidence of ASD, and the fact that there is no effective pharmacological therapy for ASD, there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory properties that make them relevant to several diseases associated with inflammation and tissue damage. The paracrine regenerative mechanisms of MSCs are also suggested to be therapeutically beneficial for ASD. Thus the underlying pathology in ASD, including immune system dysregulation and inflammation, represent potential targets for MSC therapy. This review will focus on immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of ASD and will further discuss the therapeutic potential for MSCs in mediating ASD-related immunological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Liu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mo-Xian Chen
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Lin Sun
- Department of Psychology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chloe U Wallis
- Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, United Kingdom
| | - Jian-Song Zhou
- Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, Hunan Province, China
| | - Li-Juan Ao
- School of Rehabilitation, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Pak C Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Center for Genomic Sciences, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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