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Fischer I, Shohat S, Leichtmann-Bardoogo Y, Nayak R, Wiener G, Rosh I, Shemen A, Tripathi U, Rokach M, Bar E, Hussein Y, Castro AC, Chen G, Soffer A, Schokoroy-Trangle S, Elad-Sfadia G, Assaf Y, Schroeder A, Monteiro P, Stern S, Maoz BM, Barak B. Shank3 mutation impairs glutamate signaling and myelination in ASD mouse model and human iPSC-derived OPCs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl4573. [PMID: 39392881 PMCID: PMC11468907 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl4573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2024] [Indexed: 10/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social and neurocognitive impairments, with mutations of the SHANK3 gene being prominent in patients with monogenic ASD. Using the InsG3680 mouse model with a Shank3 mutation seen in humans, we revealed an unknown role for Shank3 in postsynaptic oligodendrocyte (OL) features, similar to its role in neurons. This was shown by impaired molecular and physiological glutamatergic traits of InsG3680-derived primary OL cultures. In vivo, InsG3680 mice exhibit significant reductions in the expression of key myelination-related transcripts and proteins, along with deficits in myelin ultrastructure, white matter, axonal conductivity, and motor skills. Last, we observed significant impairments, with clinical relevance, in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived OLs from a patient with the InsG3680 mutation. Together, our study provides insight into Shank3's role in OLs and reveals a mechanism of the crucial connection of myelination to ASD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbar Fischer
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sophie Shohat
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Leichtmann-Bardoogo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ritu Nayak
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gal Wiener
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idan Rosh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aviram Shemen
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Utkarsh Tripathi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - May Rokach
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ela Bar
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yara Hussein
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ana Carolina Castro
- Department of Biomedicine–Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Gal Chen
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
- The Interdisciplinary Program for Biotechnology, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Adi Soffer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sari Schokoroy-Trangle
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Galit Elad-Sfadia
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yaniv Assaf
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Strauss Center for Neuroimaging, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Avi Schroeder
- The Louis Family Laboratory for Targeted Drug Delivery and Personalized Medicine Technologies, Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Patricia Monteiro
- Department of Biomedicine–Experimental Biology Unit, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ben M. Maoz
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol Center for Regenerative Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Neurobiology, Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Stern S, Zhang L, Wang M, Wright R, Rosh I, Hussein Y, Stern T, Choudhary A, Tripathi U, Reed P, Sadis H, Nayak R, Shemen A, Agarwal K, Cordeiro D, Peles D, Hang Y, Mendes APD, Baul TD, Roth JG, Coorapati S, Boks MP, McCombie WR, Hulshoff Pol H, Brennand KJ, Réthelyi JM, Kahn RS, Marchetto MC, Gage FH. Monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia differ in maturation and synaptic transmission. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:3208-3222. [PMID: 38704507 PMCID: PMC11449799 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02561-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia affects approximately 1% of the world population. Genetics, epigenetics, and environmental factors are known to play a role in this psychiatric disorder. While there is a high concordance in monozygotic twins, about half of twin pairs are discordant for schizophrenia. To address the question of how and when concordance in monozygotic twins occur, we have obtained fibroblasts from two pairs of schizophrenia discordant twins (one sibling with schizophrenia while the second one is unaffected by schizophrenia) and three pairs of healthy twins (both of the siblings are healthy). We have prepared iPSC models for these 3 groups of patients with schizophrenia, unaffected co-twins, and the healthy twins. When the study started the co-twins were considered healthy and unaffected but both the co-twins were later diagnosed with a depressive disorder. The reprogrammed iPSCs were differentiated into hippocampal neurons to measure the neurophysiological abnormalities in the patients. We found that the neurons derived from the schizophrenia patients were less arborized, were hypoexcitable with immature spike features, and exhibited a significant reduction in synaptic activity with dysregulation in synapse-related genes. Interestingly, the neurons derived from the co-twin siblings who did not have schizophrenia formed another distinct group that was different from the neurons in the group of the affected twin siblings but also different from the neurons in the group of the control twins. Importantly, their synaptic activity was not affected. Our measurements that were obtained from schizophrenia patients and their monozygotic twin and compared also to control healthy twins point to hippocampal synaptic deficits as a central mechanism in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meiyan Wang
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Wright
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Idan Rosh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yara Hussein
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tchelet Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Utkarsh Tripathi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Patrick Reed
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hagit Sadis
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ritu Nayak
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Aviram Shemen
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Karishma Agarwal
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Diogo Cordeiro
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Peles
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yuqing Hang
- Razavi Newman Integrative Genomics and Bioinformatics Core, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ana P D Mendes
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tithi D Baul
- Department of Psychiatry at the Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julien G Roth
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology & Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Shashank Coorapati
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Hilleke Hulshoff Pol
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric Genomics, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - János M Réthelyi
- Molecular Psychiatry Research Group and Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - René S Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria C Marchetto
- Department of Anthropology, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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Regev O, Shil A, Bronshtein T, Hadar A, Meiri G, Zigdon D, Michaelovski A, Hershkovitz R, Menashe I. Association between rare, genetic variants linked to autism and ultrasonography fetal anomalies in children with autism spectrum disorder. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:55. [PMID: 39350038 PMCID: PMC11443733 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09573-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that certain fetal anomalies detected upon prenatal ultrasound screenings are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to identify genetic variants associated with fetal ultrasound anomalies (UFAs) in children with ASD. METHODS The study included all children with ASD who are registered in the database of the Azrieli National Center of Autism and Neurodevelopment and for whom both prenatal ultrasound and whole exome sequencing (WES) data were available. We applied our in-house integrative bioinformatics pipeline, AutScore, to these WES data to prioritize rare, gene-disrupting variants (GDVs) probably contributing to ASD susceptibily. Univariate statistics and multivariable regression were used to assess the associations between UFAs and GDVs identified in these children. RESULTS The study sample comprised 126 children, of whom 43 (34.1%) had at least one UFA detected in the prenatal ultrasound scan. A total of 87 candidate ASD genetic variants were detected in 60 children, with 24 (40%) children carrying multiple variants. Children with UFAs were more likely to have loss-of-function (LoF) mutations (aOR = 2.55, 95%CI: 1.13-5.80). This association was particularly noticeable when children with structural anomalies or children with UFAs in their head and brain scans were compared to children without UFAs (any mutation: aOR = 8.28, 95%CI: 2.29-30.01; LoF: aOR = 5.72, 95%CI: 2.08-15.71 and any mutation: aOR = 6.39, 95%CI: 1.34-30.47; LoF: aOR = 4.50, 95%CI: 1.32-15.35, respectively). GDVs associated with UFAs were enriched in genes highly expressed across all tissues (aOR = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.14-6.68). There was a weak, but significant, correlation between the number of mutations and the number of abnormalities detected in the same children (r = 0.21, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS The results provide valuable insights into the potential genetic basis of prenatal organogenesis abnormalities associated with ASD and shed light on the complex interplay between genetic factors and fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohad Regev
- Joyce & Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Apurba Shil
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Tal Bronshtein
- Joyce & Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Amnon Hadar
- Clalit Health Services, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Preschool Psychiatric Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dikla Zigdon
- Preschool Psychiatric Unit, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Reli Hershkovitz
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
- Azrieli National Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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4
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Jhanji M, York EM, Lizarraga SB. The power of human stem cell-based systems in the study of neurodevelopmental disorders. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2024; 89:102916. [PMID: 39293245 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2024.102916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 08/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) affect 15% of children and are usually associated with intellectual disability, seizures, and autistic behaviors, among other neurological presentations. Mutations in a wide spectrum of gene families alter key stages of human brain development, leading to defects in neural circuits or brain architecture. Studies in animal systems have provided important insights into the pathobiology of several NDDs. Human stem cell technologies provide a complementary system that allows functional manipulation of human brain cells during developmental stages that would otherwise be inaccessible during human fetal brain development. Therefore, stem cell-based models advance our understanding of human brain development by revealing human-specific mechanisms contributing to the broad pathogenesis of NDDs. We provide a comprehensive overview of the latest research on two and three-dimensional human stem cell-based models. First, we discuss convergent cellular and molecular phenotypes across different NDDs that have been revealed by human iPSC systems. Next, we examine the contribution of in vitro human neural systems to the development of promising therapeutic strategies. Finally, we explore the potential of stem cell systems to draw mechanistic insight for the study of sex dimorphism within NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megha Jhanji
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Brain Institute, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA
| | - Elisa M York
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Brain Institute, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA
| | - Sofia B Lizarraga
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA; Center for Translational Neuroscience, Carney Brain Institute, Brown University, Providence RI 02906, USA.
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5
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Romanovsky E, Choudhary A, Peles D, Abu-Akel A, Stern S. Uncovering convergence and divergence between autism and schizophrenia using genomic tools and patients' neurons. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02740-0. [PMID: 39237719 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02740-0] [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: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable and result in abnormal repetitive behaviors and impairment in communication and cognitive skills. Previous studies have focused on the genetic correlation between ASDs and other neuropsychiatric disorders, but an in-depth understanding of the correlation to other disorders is required. We conducted an extensive meta-analysis of common variants identified in ASDs by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and compared it to the consensus genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of Schizophrenia (SCZ). We found approximately 75% of the GWAS genes that are associated with ASD are also associated with SCZ. We further investigated the cellular phenotypes of neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models in ASD and SCZ. Our findings revealed that ASD and SCZ neurons initially follow divergent developmental trajectories compared to control neurons. However, despite these early diametrical differences, both ASD and SCZ neurons ultimately display similar deficits in synaptic activity as they mature. This significant genetic overlap between ASD and SCZ, coupled with the convergence towards similar synaptic deficits, highlights the intricate interplay of genetic and developmental factors in shaping the shared underlying mechanisms of these complex neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Romanovsky
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - David Peles
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ahmad Abu-Akel
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- The Haifa Brain and Behavior Hub, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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6
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Nishimura K, Osaki H, Tezuka K, Nakashima D, Numata S, Masamizu Y. Recent advances and applications of human brain models. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1453958. [PMID: 39161368 PMCID: PMC11330844 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1453958] [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: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) technologies have prompted the emergence of new research fields and applications for human neurons and brain organoids. Brain organoids have gained attention as an in vitro model system that recapitulates the higher structure, cellular diversity and function of the brain to explore brain development, disease modeling, drug screening, and regenerative medicine. This progress has been accelerated by abundant interactions of brain organoid technology with various research fields. A cross-disciplinary approach with human brain organoid technology offers a higher-ordered advance for more accurately understanding the human brain. In this review, we summarize the status of neural induction in two- and three-dimensional culture systems from hPSCs and the modeling of neurodegenerative diseases using brain organoids. We also highlight the latest bioengineered technologies for the assembly of spatially higher-ordered neural tissues and prospects of brain organoid technology toward the understanding of the potential and abilities of the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaneyasu Nishimura
- Laboratory of Functional Brain Circuit Construction, Graduate School of Brain Science, Doshisha University, Kyotanabe, Japan
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7
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Stern T, Hussein Y, Cordeiro D, Sadis H, Garin-Shkolnik T, Spiegel R, Cohen S, Harari R, Schlesinger I, Stern S. Case Report: A Case of a Patient with Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8447. [PMID: 39126013 PMCID: PMC11313365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS) is a rare genetic disorder, characterized by intellectual disability (ID), behavioral impairments, and sleep disturbances, as well as multiple organ anomalies in some affected individuals. The syndrome is caused by a deletion in the chromosome band around 17p11.2, including the Retinoic Acid Induced 1 (RAI1) gene, a multifaceted transcriptional regulator that modulates the expression of genes involved in cellular proliferation and neurodevelopment. This gene has a positive role in regulating BDNF and, importantly, affects several cell mechanisms and pathways such as the nigro-striatal pathway, which is crucial for motor function. Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in older populations. It is characterized by various physical symptoms including tremors, loss of balance, bradykinesia, and a stooping posture. We present a case study of a patient diagnosed with both SMS and early-onset PD (at the age of 49). The association between both conditions is as yet ambiguous. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) implicate an association between the RAI1 gene and PD. Similarly, the co-existence of both SMS and PD in the patient suggests a possible association between RAI1 copy number variations (CNVs) and PD, further indicating that RAI1 has strong implications for PD pathogenesis. Our results suggest that RAI1 CNVs and the pathophysiology of PD may be related, underscoring the need for further research in this field. Therefore, caregivers of SMS patients should pay careful attention to the possibility of their patients developing EOPD and should consider starting treatment for PD as soon as the first symptoms appear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tchelet Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel
| | - Yara Hussein
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel
| | - Diogo Cordeiro
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel
| | - Hagit Sadis
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel
| | | | - Ronen Spiegel
- Pediatric Department B, Emek Medical Center, Afula 1834111, Israel
| | | | | | - Ilana Schlesinger
- Department of Neurology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa 3103301, Israel
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8
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Thibaudeau A, Schmitt K, François L, Chatrousse L, Hoffmann D, Cousin L, Weiss A, Vuidel A, Jacob CB, Sommer P, Benchoua A, Wilbertz JH. Pharmacological modulation of developmental and synaptic phenotypes in human SHANK3 deficient stem cell-derived neuronal models. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:249. [PMID: 38858349 PMCID: PMC11165012 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02947-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS) arises from mutations in the terminal region of chromosome 22q13, impacting the SHANK3 gene. The resulting deficiency of the postsynaptic density scaffolding protein SHANK3 is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We examined 12 different PMDS patient and CRISPR-engineered stem cell-derived neuronal models and controls and found that reduced expression of SHANK3 leads to neuronal hyperdifferentiation, increased synapse formation, and decreased neuronal activity. We performed automated imaging-based screening of 7,120 target-annotated small molecules and identified three compounds that rescued SHANK3-dependent neuronal hyperdifferentiation. One compound, Benproperine, rescued the decreased colocalization of Actin Related Protein 2/3 Complex Subunit 2 (ARPC2) with ß-actin and rescued increased synapse formation in SHANK3 deficient neurons when administered early during differentiation. Neuronal activity was only mildly affected, highlighting Benproperine's effects as a neurodevelopmental modulator. This study demonstrates that small molecular compounds that reverse developmental phenotypes can be identified in human neuronal PMDS models.
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Tripathi U, Rosh I, Ben Ezer R, Nayak R, Hussein Y, Choudhary A, Djamus J, Manole A, Houlden H, Gage FH, Stern S. Upregulated ECM genes and increased synaptic activity in Parkinson's human DA neurons with PINK1/ PRKN mutations. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2024; 10:103. [PMID: 38762512 PMCID: PMC11102563 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-024-00715-0] [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: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease. Primary symptoms of PD arise with the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta, but PD also affects the hippocampus and cortex, usually in its later stage. Approximately 15% of PD cases are familial with a genetic mutation. Two of the most associated genes with autosomal recessive (AR) early-onset familial PD are PINK1 and PRKN. In vitro studies of these genetic mutations are needed to understand the neurophysiological changes in patients' neurons that may contribute to neurodegeneration. In this work, we generated and differentiated DA and hippocampal neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from two patients with a double mutation in their PINK1 and PRKN (one homozygous and one heterozygous) genes and assessed their neurophysiology compared to two healthy controls. We showed that the synaptic activity of PD neurons generated from patients with the PINK1 and PRKN mutations is impaired in the hippocampus and dopaminergic neurons. Mutant dopaminergic neurons had enhanced excitatory post-synaptic activity. In addition, DA neurons with the homozygous mutation of PINK1 exhibited more pronounced electrophysiological differences compared to the control neurons. Signaling network analysis of RNA sequencing results revealed that Focal adhesion and ECM receptor pathway were the top two upregulated pathways in the mutant PD neurons. Our findings reveal that the phenotypes linked to PINK1 and PRKN mutations differ from those from other PD mutations, suggesting a unique interplay between these two mutations that drives different PD mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utkarsh Tripathi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Idan Rosh
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ran Ben Ezer
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ritu Nayak
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yara Hussein
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ashwani Choudhary
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jose Djamus
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Andreea Manole
- Laboratory of Genetics, Gage, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Henry Houlden
- UCL queen square institute of neurology, University College London, London, England
| | - Fred H Gage
- Laboratory of Genetics, Gage, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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10
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Chen Z, Wang X, Zhang S, Han F. Neuroplasticity of children in autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1362288. [PMID: 38726381 PMCID: PMC11079289 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1362288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that encompasses a range of symptoms including difficulties in verbal communication, social interaction, limited interests, and repetitive behaviors. Neuroplasticity refers to the structural and functional changes that occur in the nervous system to adapt and respond to changes in the external environment. In simpler terms, it is the brain's ability to learn and adapt to new environments. However, individuals with ASD exhibit abnormal neuroplasticity, which impacts information processing, sensory processing, and social cognition, leading to the manifestation of corresponding symptoms. This paper aims to review the current research progress on ASD neuroplasticity, focusing on genetics, environment, neural pathways, neuroinflammation, and immunity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation and insights for intervention and treatment in pediatric fields related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilin Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Experiment Center of Medical Innovation, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Si Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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11
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Kumar V, Lee KY, Acharya A, Babik MS, Christian-Hinman CA, Rhodes JS, Tsai NP. mGluR7 allosteric modulator AMN082 corrects protein synthesis and pathological phenotypes in FXS. EMBO Mol Med 2024; 16:506-522. [PMID: 38374465 PMCID: PMC10940663 DOI: 10.1038/s44321-024-00038-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited autism and intellectual disabilities. Aberrant protein synthesis due to the loss of fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) is the major defect in FXS, leading to a plethora of cellular and behavioral abnormalities. However, no treatments are available to date. In this study, we found that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) using a positive allosteric modulator named AMN082 represses protein synthesis through ERK1/2 and eIF4E signaling in an FMRP-independent manner. We further demonstrated that treatment of AMN082 leads to a reduction in neuronal excitability, which in turn ameliorates audiogenic seizure susceptibility in Fmr1 KO mice, the FXS mouse model. When evaluating the animals' behavior, we showed that treatment of AMN082 reduces repetitive behavior and improves learning and memory in Fmr1 KO mice. This study uncovers novel functions of mGluR7 and AMN082 and suggests the activation of mGluR7 as a potential therapeutic approach for treating FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Kwan Young Lee
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Anirudh Acharya
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Matthew S Babik
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Catherine A Christian-Hinman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
| | - Justin S Rhodes
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - Nien-Pei Tsai
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, 61801, USA.
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12
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Braden AA, Xiao J, Hori R, Brown C, Khan MM. An Overview of UBTF Neuroregression Syndrome. Brain Sci 2024; 14:179. [PMID: 38391753 PMCID: PMC10886456 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020179] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, a recurrent de novo dominant mutation in UBTF (c.628G>A, p.Glu210Lys; UBTF E210K) was identified as the cause of a neurological disorder which has been named UBTF Neuroregression Syndrome (UNS), or Childhood-Onset Neurodegeneration with Brain Atrophy (CONDBA). To date, only 17 cases have been reported worldwide. The molecular etiology is a pathogenic variant, E210K, within the HMG-box 2 of Upstream Binding Transcription Factor (UBTF). UBTF, a nucleolar protein, plays an important role in ribosomal RNA (rRNA) synthesis, nucleolar integrity, and cell survival. This variant causes unstable preinitiation complexes to form, resulting in altered rDNA chromatin structures, rRNA dysregulation, DNA damage, and ultimately, neurodegeneration. Defining clinical characteristics of the disorder include but are not limited to developmental regression beginning at approximately three years of age, progressive motor dysfunction, declining cognition, ambulatory loss, and behavioral problems. Histological and neuroimaging abnormalities include cortical atrophy, white matter deficits, and enlarged ventricles. Herein, we present a detailed overview of all published cases as well as the functional roles of UBTF to better understand the pathophysiology. Bringing undiagnosed cases to the attention of clinicians and researchers by making them aware of the clinical features will improve research and support the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliesse A Braden
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xiao
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
| | - Roderick Hori
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Chester Brown
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Mohammad Moshahid Khan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
- Neuroscience Institute, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
- Division of Regenerative and Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Center for Muscle, Metabolism and Neuropathology, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
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13
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Savage MC, Bliss G, Buxbaum JD, Farrell JS, Levin AR, Srivastava S, Berry-Kravis E, Holder JL, Sahin M. A roadmap for SHANK3-related Epilepsy Research: recommendations from the 2023 strategic planning workshop. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2024; 5:26330040241273464. [PMID: 39295819 PMCID: PMC11409305 DOI: 10.1177/26330040241273464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
On September 27, 2023, the CureSHANK nonprofit foundation sponsored a conference in Boston, Massachusetts, to identify gaps in knowledge surrounding SHANK3-related epilepsy with the goal of determining future research priorities and recommendations. In addition to patient families and members of the CureSHANK community, participants in the conference included a broad cross-section of preclinical and clinical researchers and clinicians with expertise in SHANK3-related epilepsy as well as representatives from the pharmaceutical industry. Here we summarize the outcomes from comprehensive premeeting deliberations and the final conference recommendations, including (1) gaps in knowledge related to clinical science, (2) gaps in knowledge related to preclinical science, and (3) research priorities moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan S Farrell
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - April R Levin
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurological Sciences, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Rush Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - J Lloyd Holder
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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14
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Lau S, Stern S. Editorial: Advances in neural reprogramming, disease modeling and therapeutic insights. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1259765. [PMID: 37577353 PMCID: PMC10420048 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1259765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shong Lau
- Laboratory of Genetics, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Shani Stern
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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