1
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Barker-Haliski M, Hawkins NA. Innovative drug discovery strategies in epilepsy: integrating next-generation syndrome-specific mouse models to address pharmacoresistance and epileptogenesis. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2024; 19:1099-1113. [PMID: 39075876 PMCID: PMC11390315 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2024.2384455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although there are numerous treatment options already available for epilepsy, over 30% of patients remain resistant to these antiseizure medications (ASMs). Historically, ASM discovery has relied on the demonstration of efficacy through the use of 'traditional' acute in vivo seizure models (e.g. maximal electroshock, subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol, and kindling). However, advances in genetic sequencing technologies and remaining medical needs for people with treatment-resistant epilepsy or special patient populations have encouraged recent efforts to identify novel compounds in syndrome-specific models of epilepsy. Syndrome-specific models, including Scn1a variant models of Dravet syndrome and APP/PS1 mice associated with familial early-onset Alzheimer's disease, have already led to the discovery of two mechanistically novel treatments for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), namely cannabidiol and soticlestat, respectively. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss how it is likely that next-generation drug discovery efforts for epilepsy will more comprehensively integrate syndrome-specific epilepsy models into early drug discovery providing the reader with their expert perspectives. EXPERT OPINION The percentage of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy has remained unchanged despite over 30 marketed ASMs. Consequently, there is a high unmet need to reinvent and revise discovery strategies to more effectively address the remaining needs of patients with specific epilepsy syndromes, including drug-resistant epilepsy and DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicole A Hawkins
- Feinberg School of Medicine Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Hawkins NA, Speakes N, Kearney JA. Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of Dravet syndrome modifier loci on mouse chromosomes 7 and 8. Mamm Genome 2024; 35:334-345. [PMID: 38862622 PMCID: PMC11329421 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-024-10046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by intractable seizures, comorbidities related to developmental, cognitive, and motor delays, and a high mortality burden due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Most Dravet syndrome cases are attributed to SCN1A haploinsufficiency, with genetic modifiers and environmental factors influencing disease severity. Mouse models with heterozygous deletion of Scn1a recapitulate key features of Dravet syndrome, including seizures and premature mortality; however, severity varies depending on genetic background. Here, we refined two Dravet survival modifier (Dsm) loci, Dsm2 on chromosome 7 and Dsm3 on chromosome 8, using interval-specific congenic (ISC) mapping. Dsm2 was complex and encompassed at least two separate loci, while Dsm3 was refined to a single locus. Candidate modifier genes within these refined loci were prioritized based on brain expression, strain-dependent differences, and biological relevance to seizures or epilepsy. High priority candidate genes for Dsm2 include Nav2, Ptpn5, Ldha, Dbx1, Prmt3 and Slc6a5, while Dsm3 has a single high priority candidate, Psd3. This study underscores the complex genetic architecture underlying Dravet syndrome and provides insights into potential modifier genes that could influence disease severity and serve as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior St., Searle 8-510, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Nathan Speakes
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior St., Searle 8-510, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 320 East Superior St., Searle 8-510, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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3
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Giansante G, Mazzoleni S, Zippo AG, Ponzoni L, Ghilardi A, Maiellano G, Lewerissa E, van Hugte E, Nadif Kasri N, Francolini M, Sala M, Murru L, Bassani S, Passafaro M. Neuronal network activity and connectivity are impaired in a conditional knockout mouse model with PCDH19 mosaic expression. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1710-1725. [PMID: 36997609 PMCID: PMC11371655 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in PCDH19 gene, which encodes protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), cause Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy 9 (DEE9). Heterogeneous loss of PCDH19 expression in neurons is considered a key determinant of the disorder; however, how PCDH19 mosaic expression affects neuronal network activity and circuits is largely unclear. Here, we show that the hippocampus of Pcdh19 mosaic mice is characterized by structural and functional synaptic defects and by the presence of PCDH19-negative hyperexcitable neurons. Furthermore, global reduction of network firing rate and increased neuronal synchronization have been observed in different limbic system areas. Finally, network activity analysis in freely behaving mice revealed a decrease in excitatory/inhibitory ratio and functional hyperconnectivity within the limbic system of Pcdh19 mosaic mice. Altogether, these results indicate that altered PCDH19 expression profoundly affects circuit wiring and functioning, and provide new key to interpret DEE9 pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Mazzoleni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonio G Zippo
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Ponzoni
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Anna Ghilardi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Greta Maiellano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | - Elly Lewerissa
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Eline van Hugte
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Department of Human Genetics, Department of Human Genetics Cognitive Neuroscience, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Maura Francolini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Luca Murru
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvia Bassani
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Maria Passafaro
- Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, 20854, Vedano al Lambro, Italy.
- NeuroMI Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy.
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4
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Hawkins NA, Speakes N, Kearney JA. Fine Mapping and Candidate Gene Analysis of Dravet Syndrome Modifier Loci on Mouse Chromosomes 7 and 8. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.15.589561. [PMID: 38659879 PMCID: PMC11042286 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.15.589561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) characterized by intractable seizures, comorbidities related to developmental, cognitive, and motor delays, and a high mortality burden due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Most Dravet syndrome cases are attributed to SCN1A haploinsufficiency, with genetic modifiers and environmental factors influencing disease severity. Mouse models with heterozygous deletion of Scn1a recapitulate key features of Dravet syndrome, including seizures and premature mortality; however, severity varies depending on genetic background. Here, we refined two Dravet survival modifier (Dsm) loci, Dsm2 on chromosome 7 and Dsm3 on chromosome 8, using interval-specific congenic (ISC) mapping. Dsm2 was complex and encompassed at least two separate loci, while Dsm3 was refined to a single locus. Candidate modifier genes within these refined loci were prioritized based on brain expression, strain-dependent differences, and biological relevance to seizures or epilepsy. High priority candidate genes for Dsm2 include Nav2, Ptpn5, Ldha, Dbx1, Prmt3 and Slc6a5, while Dsm3 has a single high priority candidate, Psd3. This study underscores the complex genetic architecture underlying Dravet syndrome and provides insights into potential modifier genes that could influence disease severity and serve as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Nathan Speakes
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
| | - Jennifer A. Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA 60611
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5
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Di Berardino C, Mainardi M, Brusco S, Benvenuto E, Broccoli V, Colasante G. Temporal manipulation of the Scn1a gene reveals its essential role in adult brain function. Brain 2024; 147:1216-1230. [PMID: 37812819 PMCID: PMC10994529 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy, characterized by drug-resistant epilepsy, severe cognitive and behavioural deficits, with increased risk of sudden unexpected death (SUDEP). It is caused by haploinsufficiency of SCN1A gene encoding for the α-subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1. Therapeutic approaches aiming to upregulate the healthy copy of SCN1A gene to restore its normal expression levels are being developed. However, whether Scn1a gene function is required only during a specific developmental time-window or, alternatively, if its physiological expression is necessary in adulthood is untested up to now. We induced Scn1a gene haploinsufficiency at two ages spanning postnatal brain development (P30 and P60) and compared the phenotypes of those mice to Scn1a perinatally induced mice (P2), recapitulating all deficits of Dravet mice. Induction of heterozygous Nav1.1 mutation at P30 and P60 elicited susceptibility to the development of both spontaneous and hyperthermia-induced seizures and SUDEP rates comparable to P2-induced mice, with symptom onset accompanied by the characteristic GABAergic interneuron dysfunction. Finally, delayed Scn1a haploinsufficiency induction provoked hyperactivity, anxiety and social attitude impairment at levels comparable to age matched P2-induced mice, while it was associated with a better cognitive performance, with P60-induced mice behaving like the control group. Our data show that maintenance of physiological levels of Nav1.1 during brain development is not sufficient to prevent Dravet symptoms and that long-lasting restoration of Scn1a gene expression would be required to grant optimal clinical benefit in patients with Dravet syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Di Berardino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Mainardi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Brusco
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Benvenuto
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Gene and Cell Therapy PhD Program, Vita- Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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6
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Di Berardino C, Mainardi M, Brusco S, Benvenuto E, Broccoli V, Colasante G. Reply: Spatial and temporal manipulation of the Scn1a gene affect adult brain function. Brain 2024; 147:e31-e33. [PMID: 38099567 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Di Berardino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Mainardi
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Neuroscience and Experimental Neurology PhD Program, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Brusco
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Benvenuto
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Gene and Cell Therapy PhD Program, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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7
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Hagihara H, Shoji H, Hattori S, Sala G, Takamiya Y, Tanaka M, Ihara M, Shibutani M, Hatada I, Hori K, Hoshino M, Nakao A, Mori Y, Okabe S, Matsushita M, Urbach A, Katayama Y, Matsumoto A, Nakayama KI, Katori S, Sato T, Iwasato T, Nakamura H, Goshima Y, Raveau M, Tatsukawa T, Yamakawa K, Takahashi N, Kasai H, Inazawa J, Nobuhisa I, Kagawa T, Taga T, Darwish M, Nishizono H, Takao K, Sapkota K, Nakazawa K, Takagi T, Fujisawa H, Sugimura Y, Yamanishi K, Rajagopal L, Hannah ND, Meltzer HY, Yamamoto T, Wakatsuki S, Araki T, Tabuchi K, Numakawa T, Kunugi H, Huang FL, Hayata-Takano A, Hashimoto H, Tamada K, Takumi T, Kasahara T, Kato T, Graef IA, Crabtree GR, Asaoka N, Hatakama H, Kaneko S, Kohno T, Hattori M, Hoshiba Y, Miyake R, Obi-Nagata K, Hayashi-Takagi A, Becker LJ, Yalcin I, Hagino Y, Kotajima-Murakami H, Moriya Y, Ikeda K, Kim H, Kaang BK, Otabi H, Yoshida Y, Toyoda A, Komiyama NH, Grant SGN, Ida-Eto M, Narita M, Matsumoto KI, Okuda-Ashitaka E, Ohmori I, Shimada T, Yamagata K, Ageta H, Tsuchida K, Inokuchi K, Sassa T, Kihara A, Fukasawa M, Usuda N, Katano T, Tanaka T, Yoshihara Y, Igarashi M, Hayashi T, Ishikawa K, Yamamoto S, Nishimura N, Nakada K, Hirotsune S, Egawa K, Higashisaka K, Tsutsumi Y, Nishihara S, Sugo N, Yagi T, Ueno N, Yamamoto T, Kubo Y, Ohashi R, Shiina N, Shimizu K, Higo-Yamamoto S, Oishi K, Mori H, Furuse T, Tamura M, Shirakawa H, Sato DX, Inoue YU, Inoue T, Komine Y, Yamamori T, Sakimura K, Miyakawa T. Large-scale animal model study uncovers altered brain pH and lactate levels as a transdiagnostic endophenotype of neuropsychiatric disorders involving cognitive impairment. eLife 2024; 12:RP89376. [PMID: 38529532 DOI: 10.7554/elife.89376] [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] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Increased levels of lactate, an end-product of glycolysis, have been proposed as a potential surrogate marker for metabolic changes during neuronal excitation. These changes in lactate levels can result in decreased brain pH, which has been implicated in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders. We previously demonstrated that such alterations are commonly observed in five mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism, suggesting a shared endophenotype among these disorders rather than mere artifacts due to medications or agonal state. However, there is still limited research on this phenomenon in animal models, leaving its generality across other disease animal models uncertain. Moreover, the association between changes in brain lactate levels and specific behavioral abnormalities remains unclear. To address these gaps, the International Brain pH Project Consortium investigated brain pH and lactate levels in 109 strains/conditions of 2294 animals with genetic and other experimental manipulations relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders. Systematic analysis revealed that decreased brain pH and increased lactate levels were common features observed in multiple models of depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and some additional schizophrenia models. While certain autism models also exhibited decreased pH and increased lactate levels, others showed the opposite pattern, potentially reflecting subpopulations within the autism spectrum. Furthermore, utilizing large-scale behavioral test battery, a multivariate cross-validated prediction analysis demonstrated that poor working memory performance was predominantly associated with increased brain lactate levels. Importantly, this association was confirmed in an independent cohort of animal models. Collectively, these findings suggest that altered brain pH and lactate levels, which could be attributed to dysregulated excitation/inhibition balance, may serve as transdiagnostic endophenotypes of debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive impairment, irrespective of their beneficial or detrimental nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideo Hagihara
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Giovanni Sala
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Takamiya
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Mika Tanaka
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ihara
- Department of Neurology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan
| | - Mihiro Shibutani
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Izuho Hatada
- Laboratory of Genome Science, Biosignal Genome Resource Center, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Kei Hori
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Mikio Hoshino
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Akito Nakao
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yasuo Mori
- Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Matsushita
- Department of Molecular Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Japan
| | - Anja Urbach
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Yuta Katayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Akinobu Matsumoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shota Katori
- Laboratory of Mammalian Neural Circuits, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Takuya Sato
- Laboratory of Mammalian Neural Circuits, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Takuji Iwasato
- Laboratory of Mammalian Neural Circuits, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Haruko Nakamura
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tatsukawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Sciences, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Noriko Takahashi
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Haruo Kasai
- Laboratory of Structural Physiology, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), UTIAS, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Johji Inazawa
- Research Core, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Nobuhisa
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsushi Kagawa
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Taga
- Department of Stem Cell Regulation, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mohamed Darwish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | | | - Keizo Takao
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Kiran Sapkota
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, Birmingham, United States
| | - Kazutoshi Nakazawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Southern Research, Birmingham, United States
| | - Tsuyoshi Takagi
- Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Developmental Disability Center, Kasugai, Japan
| | - Haruki Fujisawa
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Sugimura
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kyosuke Yamanishi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hyogo Medical University School of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Lakshmi Rajagopal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
| | - Nanette Deneen Hannah
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
| | - Herbert Y Meltzer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, United States
| | - Tohru Yamamoto
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Japan
| | - Shuji Wakatsuki
- Department of Peripheral Nervous System Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Araki
- Department of Peripheral Nervous System Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Tabuchi
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Physiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Numakawa
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Freesia L Huang
- Program of Developmental Neurobiology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Atsuko Hayata-Takano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Hashimoto
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Japan
- Division of Bioscience, Institute for Datability Science, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Transdimensional Life Imaging Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Department of Molecular Pharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kota Tamada
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Takaoki Kasahara
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Institute of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Tadafumi Kato
- Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Isabella A Graef
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Gerald R Crabtree
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Nozomi Asaoka
- Department of Pharmacology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hikari Hatakama
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shuji Kaneko
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takao Kohno
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Hattori
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hoshiba
- Laboratory of Medical Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Ryuhei Miyake
- Laboratory for Multi-scale Biological Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Kisho Obi-Nagata
- Laboratory for Multi-scale Biological Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Akiko Hayashi-Takagi
- Laboratory of Medical Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular and Cellular Regulation, Gunma University, Maebashi, Japan
- Laboratory for Multi-scale Biological Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Léa J Becker
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yoko Hagino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Moriya
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hyopil Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, United States
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hikari Otabi
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
| | - Yuta Yoshida
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- College of Agriculture, Ibaraki University, Ami, Japan
- United Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Fuchu, Japan
- Ibaraki University Cooperation between Agriculture and Medical Science (IUCAM), Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Noboru H Komiyama
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Seth G N Grant
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michiru Ida-Eto
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Mie University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Masaaki Narita
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Medicine, Mie University, Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Matsumoto
- Department of Biosignaling and Radioisotope Experiment, Interdisciplinary Center for Science Research, Organization for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo, Japan
| | - Emiko Okuda-Ashitaka
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology, Osaka, Japan
| | - Iori Ohmori
- Department of Physiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tadayuki Shimada
- Child Brain Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kanato Yamagata
- Child Brain Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ageta
- Division for Therapies Against Intractable Diseases, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Tsuchida
- Division for Therapies Against Intractable Diseases, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Kaoru Inokuchi
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Department of Biochemistry, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
- Core Research for Evolutionary Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Sassa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akio Kihara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Motoaki Fukasawa
- Department of Anatomy II, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Nobuteru Usuda
- Department of Anatomy II, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Tayo Katano
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, Japan
| | - Teruyuki Tanaka
- Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yoshihara
- Laboratory for Systems Molecular Ethology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Michihiro Igarashi
- Department of Neurochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, and Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Transdiciplinary Research Program, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takashi Hayashi
- Biomedical Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Kaori Ishikawa
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamamoto
- Integrated Technology Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Naoya Nishimura
- Integrated Technology Research Laboratories, Pharmaceutical Research Division, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Ltd, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kazuto Nakada
- Institute of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
- Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shinji Hirotsune
- Department of Genetic Disease Research, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazuma Higashisaka
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Yasuo Tsutsumi
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Safety Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Shoko Nishihara
- Glycan & Life Systems Integration Center (GaLSIC), Soka University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Sugo
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yagi
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Naoto Ueno
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Tomomi Yamamoto
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kubo
- Division of Biophysics and Neurobiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Rie Ohashi
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Shiina
- Laboratory of Neuronal Cell Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, SOKENDAI (Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Kimiko Shimizu
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Higo-Yamamoto
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Katsutaka Oishi
- Healthy Food Science Research Group, Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
- Department of Applied Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa, Japan
- School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Tamio Furuse
- Mouse Phenotype Analysis Division, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Masaru Tamura
- Mouse Phenotype Analysis Division, Japan Mouse Clinic, RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hisashi Shirakawa
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Daiki X Sato
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukiko U Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Takayoshi Inoue
- Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Kodaira, Japan
| | - Yuriko Komine
- Young Researcher Support Group, Research Enhancement Strategy Office, National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institute of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Division of Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Yamamori
- Division of Brain Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
- Laboratory for Molecular Analysis of Higher Brain Function, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Department of Animal Model Development, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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8
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Millevert C, Vidas-Guscic N, Vanherp L, Jonckers E, Verhoye M, Staelens S, Bertoglio D, Weckhuysen S. Resting-State Functional MRI and PET Imaging as Noninvasive Tools to Study (Ab)Normal Neurodevelopment in Humans and Rodents. J Neurosci 2023; 43:8275-8293. [PMID: 38073598 PMCID: PMC10711730 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1043-23.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of complex neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Functional and molecular imaging techniques, such as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), can be used to measure network activity noninvasively and longitudinally during maturation in both humans and rodent models. Here, we review the current knowledge on rs-fMRI and PET biomarkers in the study of normal and abnormal neurodevelopment, including intellectual disability (ID; with/without epilepsy), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), in humans and rodent models from birth until adulthood, and evaluate the cross-species translational value of the imaging biomarkers. To date, only a few isolated studies have used rs-fMRI or PET to study (abnormal) neurodevelopment in rodents during infancy, the critical period of neurodevelopment. Further work to explore the feasibility of performing functional imaging studies in infant rodent models is essential, as rs-fMRI and PET imaging in transgenic rodent models of NDDs are powerful techniques for studying disease pathogenesis, developing noninvasive preclinical imaging biomarkers of neurodevelopmental dysfunction, and evaluating treatment-response in disease-specific models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charissa Millevert
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnology (VIB) Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Nicholas Vidas-Guscic
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Vanherp
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Jonckers
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Marleen Verhoye
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Steven Staelens
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Daniele Bertoglio
- Bio-Imaging Lab, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
| | - Sarah Weckhuysen
- Applied & Translational Neurogenomics Group, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnology (VIB) Center for Molecular Neurology, VIB, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- µNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
- Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Antwerp 2610, Belgium
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9
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Ricobaraza A, Bunuales M, Gonzalez-Aparicio M, Fadila S, Rubinstein M, Vides-Urrestarazu I, Banderas J, Sola-Sevilla N, Sanchez-Carpintero R, Lanciego JL, Roda E, Honrubia A, Arnaiz P, Hernandez-Alcoceba R. Preferential expression of SCN1A in GABAergic neurons improves survival and epileptic phenotype in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1587-1601. [PMID: 37819378 PMCID: PMC10697872 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02383-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The SCN1A gene encodes the alpha subunit of a voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.1), which is essential for the function of inhibitory neurons in the brain. Mutations in this gene cause severe encephalopathies such as Dravet syndrome (DS). Upregulation of SCN1A expression by different approaches has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in preclinical models of DS. Limiting the effect to inhibitory neurons may contribute to the restoration of brain homeostasis, increasing the safety and efficacy of the treatment. In this work, we have evaluated different approaches to obtain preferential expression of the full SCN1A cDNA (6 Kb) in GABAergic neurons, using high-capacity adenoviral vectors (HC-AdV). In order to favour infection of these cells, we considered ErbB4 as a surface target. Incorporation of the EGF-like domain from neuregulin 1 alpha (NRG1α) in the fiber of adenovirus capsid allowed preferential infection in cells lines expressing ErbB4. However, it had no impact on the infectivity of the vector in primary cultures or in vivo. For transcriptional control of transgene expression, we developed a regulatory sequence (DP3V) based on the Distal-less homolog enhancer (Dlx), the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) promoter, and a portion of the SCN1A gene. The hybrid DP3V promoter allowed preferential expression of transgenes in GABAergic neurons both in vitro and in vivo. A new HC-AdV expressing SCN1A under the control of this promoter showed improved survival and amelioration of the epileptic phenotype in a DS mouse model. These results increase the repertoire of gene therapy vectors for the treatment of DS and indicate a new avenue for the refinement of gene supplementation in this disease. KEY MESSAGES: Adenoviral vectors can deliver the SCN1A cDNA and are amenable for targeting. An adenoviral vector displaying an ErbB4 ligand in the capsid does not target GABAergic neurons. A hybrid promoter allows preferential expression of transgenes in GABAergic neurons. Preferential expression of SCN1A in GABAergic cells is therapeutic in a Dravet syndrome model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ricobaraza
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Bunuales
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Manuela Gonzalez-Aparicio
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Saja Fadila
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Irene Vides-Urrestarazu
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julliana Banderas
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Noemi Sola-Sevilla
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rocio Sanchez-Carpintero
- University Clinic of Navarra, Dravet Syndrome Unit, Pediatric Neurology Unit, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Lanciego
- Department of Neuroscience, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CiberNed), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elvira Roda
- Department of Neuroscience, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Adriana Honrubia
- Department of Neuroscience, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Patricia Arnaiz
- Department of Neuroscience, CIMA, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba
- Gene Therapy and Regulation of Gene Expression Program, CIMA, University of Navarra, CIMA, Av. Pio XII 55, E-31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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10
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Rivadulla C, Pardo-Vazquez JL, de Labra C, Aguilar J, Suarez E, Paz C, Álvarez-Dolado M, Cudeiro J. Transcranial static magnetic stimulation reduces seizures in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Exp Neurol 2023; 370:114581. [PMID: 37884190 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a rare form of severe genetic epilepsy characterized by recurrent and long-lasting seizures. It appears around the first year of life, with a quick evolution toward an increase in the frequency of the seizures, accompanied by a delay in motor and cognitive development, and does not respond well to antiepileptic medication. Most patients carry a mutation in the gene SCN1A encoding the α subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1, resulting in hyperexcitability of neural circuits and seizure onset. In this work, we applied transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS), a non-invasive, safe, easy-to-use and affordable neuromodulatory tool that reduces neural excitability in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. We demonstrate that tSMS dramatically reduced the number of crises. Furthermore, crises recorded in the presence of the tSMS were shorter and less intense than in the sham condition. Since tSMS has demonstrated its efficacy at reducing cortical excitability in humans without showing unwanted side effects, in an attempt to anticipate a possible use of tSMS for Dravet Syndrome patients, we performed a numerical simulation in which the magnetic field generated by the magnet was modeled to estimate the magnetic field intensity reached in the cerebral cortex, which could help to design stimulation strategies in these patients. Our results provide a proof of concept for nonpharmacological treatment of Dravet syndrome, which opens the door to the design of new protocols for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Rivadulla
- Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Rúa as Carballeiras, A Coruña 15071, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. As Xubias, A Coruña 15006, Spain; Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Campus de Oza, A Coruña, Spain.
| | - J L Pardo-Vazquez
- Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Rúa as Carballeiras, A Coruña 15071, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. As Xubias, A Coruña 15006, Spain; Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Campus de Oza, A Coruña, Spain
| | - C de Labra
- Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Rúa as Carballeiras, A Coruña 15071, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. As Xubias, A Coruña 15006, Spain; Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Facultade de Enfermería e Podoloxía, Campus de Esteiro, Ferrol, Spain
| | - J Aguilar
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Experimental, y Circuitos Neuronales Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Servicio de Salud de Castilla-La Mancha, Toledo, Spain
| | - E Suarez
- School of Industrial Engineering, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, Vigo 36310, Spain
| | - C Paz
- School of Industrial Engineering, University of Vigo, Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, Vigo 36310, Spain
| | - M Álvarez-Dolado
- Laboratorio de Terapia Celular en Neuropatologías, Centro Andaluz de Biología Molecular y Medicina Regenerativa (CABIMER), Spain
| | - J Cudeiro
- Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Centro Interdisciplinar de Química e Bioloxía (CICA), Rúa as Carballeiras, A Coruña 15071, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas. As Xubias, A Coruña 15006, Spain; Universidade da Coruña, NEUROcom, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Campus de Oza, A Coruña, Spain; Centro de Estimulación Cerebral de Galicia, Enique Mariñas 32, 15009, A Coruña, Spain
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11
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Ochoa JÁ, Gonzalez-Burgos I, Nicolás MJ, Valencia M. Open Hardware Implementation of Real-Time Phase and Amplitude Estimation for Neurophysiologic Signals. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1350. [PMID: 38135941 PMCID: PMC10740741 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10121350] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive deep brain stimulation (aDBS) is a promising concept in the field of DBS that consists of delivering electrical stimulation in response to specific events. Dynamic adaptivity arises when stimulation targets dynamically changing states, which often calls for a reliable and fast causal estimation of the phase and amplitude of the signals. Here, we present an open-hardware implementation that exploits the concepts of resonators and Hilbert filters embedded in an open-hardware platform. To emulate real-world scenarios, we built a hardware setup that included a system to replay and process different types of physiological signals and test the accuracy of the instantaneous phase and amplitude estimates. The results show that the system can provide a precise and reliable estimation of the phase even in the challenging scenario of dealing with high-frequency oscillations (~250 Hz) in real-time. The framework might be adopted in neuromodulation studies to quickly test biomarkers in clinical and preclinical settings, supporting the advancement of aDBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ángel Ochoa
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Physiological Monitoring and Control Laboratory, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 55, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (J.Á.O.); (I.G.-B.); (M.J.N.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, C/Irunlarrea, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Irene Gonzalez-Burgos
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Physiological Monitoring and Control Laboratory, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 55, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (J.Á.O.); (I.G.-B.); (M.J.N.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, C/Irunlarrea, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - María Jesús Nicolás
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Physiological Monitoring and Control Laboratory, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 55, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (J.Á.O.); (I.G.-B.); (M.J.N.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, C/Irunlarrea, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Valencia
- Biomedical Engineering Program, Physiological Monitoring and Control Laboratory, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Avda Pio XII 55, 31080 Pamplona, Spain; (J.Á.O.); (I.G.-B.); (M.J.N.)
- IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, C/Irunlarrea, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de Navarra, Campus Universitario, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
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12
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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13
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Reiber M, von Schumann L, Buchecker V, Boldt L, Gass P, Bleich A, Talbot SR, Potschka H. Evidence-based comparative severity assessment in young and adult mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285429. [PMID: 37862304 PMCID: PMC10588901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal-based research, welfare assessments are essential for ethical and legal reasons. However, accurate assessment of suffering in laboratory animals is often complicated by the multidimensional character of distress and pain and the associated affective states. The present study aimed to design and validate multidimensional composite measure schemes comprising behavioral and biochemical parameters based on a bioinformatics approach. Published data sets from induced and genetic mouse models of neurological and psychiatric disorders were subjected to a bioinformatics workflow for cross-model analyses. ROC analyses pointed to a model-specific discriminatory power of selected behavioral parameters. Principal component analyses confirmed that the composite measure schemes developed for adult or young mice provided relevant information with the level of group separation reflecting the expected severity levels. Finally, the validity of the composite measure schemes developed for adult and young mice was further confirmed by k-means-based clustering as a basis for severity classification. The classification systems allowed the allocation of individual animals to different severity levels and a direct comparison of animal groups and other models. In conclusion, the bioinformatics approach confirmed the suitability of the composite measure schemes for evidence-based comparative severity assessment in adult and young mice. In particular, we demonstrated that the composite measure schemes provide a basis for an individualized severity classification in control and experimental groups allowing direct comparison of severity levels across different induced or genetic models. An online tool (R package) is provided, allowing the application of the bioinformatics approach to severity assessment data sets regardless of the parameters or models used. This tool can also be used to validate refinement measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reiber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Lara von Schumann
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Buchecker
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Lena Boldt
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Gass
- RG Animal Models in Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andre Bleich
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Steven Roger Talbot
- Institute for Laboratory Animal Science and Central Animal Facility, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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14
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Nakakubo S, Hiramatsu Y, Goto T, Kimura S, Narugami M, Nakajima M, Ueda Y, Shiraishi H, Manabe A, Sharmin D, Cook JM, Egawa K. Therapeutic effects of KRM-II-81, positive allosteric modulator for α2/3 subunit containing GABA A receptors, in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1273633. [PMID: 37849734 PMCID: PMC10577232 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1273633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dravet syndrome (DS) is an intractable epilepsy syndrome concomitant with neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in infancy. DS is dominantly caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene, which encodes the α subunit of a voltage-gated Na channel. Pre-synaptic inhibitory dysfunction is regarded as the pathophysiological mechanism, but an effective strategy for ameliorating seizures and behavioral problems is still under development. Here, we evaluated the effects of KRM-II-81, a newly developed positive allosteric modulator for α 2/3 subunit containing GABAA receptors (α2/3-GABAAR) in a mice model of DS both in vivo and at the neuronal level. Methods: We used knock-in mice carrying a heterozygous, clinically relevant SCN1A mutation (background strain: C57BL/6 J) as a model of the DS (Scn1a WT/A1783V mice), knock-in mouse strain carrying a heterozygous, clinically relevant SCN1A mutation (A1783V). Seizure threshold and locomotor activity was evaluated by using the hyperthermia-induced seizure paradigm and open filed test, respectively. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed by avoidance of the center region in locomotor activity. We estimated a sedative effect by the total distance traveled in locomotor activity and grip strength. Inhibitory post synaptic currents (IPSCs) were recorded from a hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neuron in an acutely prepared brain slice. Results: KRM-II-81 significantly increased the seizure threshold of Scn1a WT/A1783V mice in a dose-dependent manner. A low dose of KRM-II-81 specifically improved anxiety-like behavior of Scn1a WT/A1783V mice. A sedative effect was induced by relatively high dose of KRM-II-81 in Scn1a WT/A1783V mice, the dose of which was not sedative for WT mice. KRM-II-81 potentiated IPSCs by increasing its decay time kinetics. This effect was more prominent in Scn1a WT/A1783V mice. Discussion: Higher activation of α2/3-GABAAR by KRM-II-81 suggests a compensatory modification of post synaptic inhibitory function against presynaptic inhibitory dysfunction in Scn1a WT/A1783V. The increased sensitivity for KRM-II-81 may be relevant to the distinct dose-dependent effect in each paradigm of Scn1a WT/A1783V mice. Conclusion: Selective activation for α2/3-GABAAR by KRM-II-81 could be potential therapeutic strategy for treating seizures and behavioral problems in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Nakakubo
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeru Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Syuhei Kimura
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masashi Narugami
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Midori Nakajima
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuki Ueda
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hideaki Shiraishi
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Dishary Sharmin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - James M. Cook
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kiyoshi Egawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Japan
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15
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Li M, Yang L, Qian W, Ray S, Lu Z, Liu T, Zou YY, Naumann RK, Wang H. A novel rat model of Dravet syndrome recapitulates clinical hallmarks. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106193. [PMID: 37295561 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a debilitating infantile epileptic encephalopathy characterized by seizures induced by high body temperature (hyperthermia), sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), cognitive impairment, and behavioral disturbances. The most common cause of DS is haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.1. In current mouse models of DS, the epileptic phenotype is strictly dependent on the genetic background and most mouse models exhibit drastically higher SUDEP rates than patients. Therefore, we sought to develop an alternative animal model for DS. Here, we report the generation and characterization of a Scn1a halploinsufficiency rat model of DS by disrupting the Scn1a allele. Scn1a+/- rats show reduced Scn1a expression in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus. Homozygous null rats die prematurely. Heterozygous animals are highly susceptible to heat-induced seizures, the clinical hallmark of DS, but are otherwise normal in survival, growth, and behavior without seizure induction. Hyperthermia-induced seizures activate distinct sets of neurons in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in Scn1a+/- rats. Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings in Scn1a+/- rats reveal characteristic ictal EEG with high amplitude bursts with significantly increased delta and theta power. After the initial hyperthermia-induced seizures, non-convulsive, and convulsive seizures occur spontaneously in Scn1a+/- rats. In conclusion, we generate a Scn1a haploinsufficiency rat model with phenotypes closely resembling DS, providing a unique platform for establishing therapies for DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixin Yang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Weixin Qian
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Saikat Ray
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zou
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Robert K Naumann
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Wang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China; CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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16
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Quinn S, Brusel M, Ovadia M, Rubinstein M. Acute effect of antiseizure drugs on background oscillations in Scn1aA1783V Dravet syndrome mouse model. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1118216. [PMID: 37021051 PMCID: PMC10067575 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1118216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (Dravet) is a rare and severe form of developmental epileptic encephalopathy. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) for Dravet patients include valproic acid (VA) or clobazam (CLB), with or without stiripentol (STP), while sodium channel blockers like carbamazepine (CBZ) or lamotrigine (LTG) are contraindicated. In addition to their effect on epileptic phenotypes, ASMs were shown to modify the properties of background neuronal activity. Nevertheless, little is known about these background properties alterations in Dravet. Here, utilizing Dravet mice (DS, Scn1aA1783V/WT), we tested the acute effect of several ASMs on background electrocorticography (ECoG) activity and frequency of interictal spikes. Compared to wild-type mice, background ECoG activity in DS mice had lower power and reduced phase coherence, which was not corrected by any of the tested ASMs. However, acute administration of Dravet-recommended drugs, VA, CLB, or a combination of CLB + STP, caused, in most mice, a reduction in the frequency of interictal spikes, alongside an increase in the relative contribution of the beta frequency band. Conversely, CBZ and LTG increased the frequency of interictal spikes, with no effect on background spectral properties. Moreover, we uncovered a correlation between the reduction in interictal spike frequency, the drug-induced effect on the power of background activity, and a spectral shift toward higher frequency bands. Together, these data provide a comprehensive analysis of the effect of selected ASMs on the properties of background neuronal oscillations, and highlight a possible correlation between their effect on epilepsy and background activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shir Quinn
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Brusel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Mor Ovadia
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Moran Rubinstein,
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17
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Inherited pain hypersensitivity and increased anxiety-like behaviors are associated with genetic epilepsy in Wistar Audiogenic Rats: Short- and long-term effects of acute and chronic seizures on nociception and anxiety. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 141:109160. [PMID: 36907082 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and pain hypersensitivity are neurobehavioral comorbidities commonly reported by patients with epilepsies, and preclinical models are suitable to investigate the neurobiology of behavioral and neuropathological alterations associated with these epilepsy-related comorbidities. This work aimed to characterize endogenous alterations in nociceptive threshold and anxiety-like behaviors in the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) model of genetic epilepsy. We also assessed the effects of acute and chronic seizures on anxiety and nociception. WARs from acute and chronic seizure protocols were divided into two groups to assess short- and long-term changes in anxiety (1 day or 15 days after seizures, respectively). To assess anxiety-like behaviors, the laboratory animals were submitted to the open field, light-dark box, and elevated plus maze tests. The von Frey, acetone, and hot plate tests were used to measure the endogenous nociception in seizure-free WARs, and postictal antinociception was recorded at 10, 30, 60, 120, 180 min, and 24 h after seizures. Seizure-free WARs presented increased anxiety-like behaviors and pain hypersensitivity, displaying mechanical and thermal allodynia (to heat and cold stimuli) in comparison to nonepileptic Wistar rats. Potent postictal antinociception that persisted for 120 to 180 min was detected after acute and chronic seizures. Additionally, acute and chronic seizures have magnified the expression of anxiety-like behaviors when assessed at 1 day and 15 days after seizures. Behavioral analysis indicated more severe and persistent anxiogenic-like alterations in WARs submitted to acute seizures. Therefore, WARs presented pain hypersensitivity and increased anxiety-like behaviors endogenously associated with genetic epilepsy. Acute and chronic seizures induced postictal antinociception in response to mechanical and thermal stimuli and increased anxiety-like behaviors when assessed 1 day and 15 days later. These findings support the presence of neurobehavioral alterations in subjects with epilepsy and shed light on the use of genetic models to characterize neuropathological and behavioral alterations associated with epilepsy.
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18
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Salazar JJ, Satriano A, Matamoros JA, Fernández-Albarral JA, Salobrar-García E, López-Cuenca I, de Hoz R, Sánchez-Puebla L, Ramírez JM, Alonso C, Satta V, Hernández-Fisac I, Sagredo O, Ramírez AI. Retinal Tissue Shows Glial Changes in a Dravet Syndrome Knock-in Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032727. [PMID: 36769051 PMCID: PMC9916888 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032727] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is an epileptic encephalopathy caused by mutations in the Scn1a gene encoding the α1 subunit of the Nav1.1 sodium channel, which is associated with recurrent and generalized seizures, even leading to death. In experimental models of DS, histological alterations have been found in the brain; however, the retina is a projection of the brain and there are no studies that analyze the possible histological changes that may occur in the disease. This study analyzes the retinal histological changes in glial cells (microglia and astrocytes), retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and GABAergic amacrine cells in an experimental model of DS (Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V) compared to a control group at postnatal day (PND) 25. Retinal whole-mounts were labeled with anti-GFAP, anti-Iba-1, anti-Brn3a and anti-GAD65/67. Signs of microglial and astroglial activation, and the number of Brn3a+ and GAD65+67+ cells were quantified. We found retinal activation of astroglial and microglial cells but not death of RGCs and GABAergic amacrine cells. These changes are similar to those found at the level of the hippocampus in the same experimental model in PND25, indicating a relationship between brain and retinal changes in DS. This suggests that the retina could serve as a possible biomarker in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J. Salazar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Satriano
- Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - José A. Matamoros
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - José A. Fernández-Albarral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Salobrar-García
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés López-Cuenca
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa de Hoz
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Sánchez-Puebla
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - José M. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Valentina Satta
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Hernández-Fisac
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.S.); (A.I.R.)
| | - Ana I. Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Oftalmológicas Ramón Castroviejo, Grupo UCM 920105, IdISSC, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Óptica y Optometría, Departamento de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORL, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (O.S.); (A.I.R.)
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19
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Bauer J, Devinsky O, Rothermel M, Koch H. Autonomic dysfunction in epilepsy mouse models with implications for SUDEP research. Front Neurol 2023; 13:1040648. [PMID: 36686527 PMCID: PMC9853197 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1040648] [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: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy has a high prevalence and can severely impair quality of life and increase the risk of premature death. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in drug-resistant epilepsy and most often results from respiratory and cardiac impairments due to brainstem dysfunction. Epileptic activity can spread widely, influencing neuronal activity in regions outside the epileptic network. The brainstem controls cardiorespiratory activity and arousal and reciprocally connects to cortical, diencephalic, and spinal cord areas. Epileptic activity can propagate trans-synaptically or via spreading depression (SD) to alter brainstem functions and cause cardiorespiratory dysfunction. The mechanisms by which seizures propagate to or otherwise impair brainstem function and trigger the cascading effects that cause SUDEP are poorly understood. We review insights from mouse models combined with new techniques to understand the pathophysiology of epilepsy and SUDEP. These techniques include in vivo, ex vivo, invasive and non-invasive methods in anesthetized and awake mice. Optogenetics combined with electrophysiological and optical manipulation and recording methods offer unique opportunities to study neuronal mechanisms under normal conditions, during and after non-fatal seizures, and in SUDEP. These combined approaches can advance our understanding of brainstem pathophysiology associated with seizures and SUDEP and may suggest strategies to prevent SUDEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Bauer
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Markus Rothermel
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Epileptology and Neurology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany,*Correspondence: Henner Koch ✉
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20
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Löscher W, Stafstrom CE. Epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities: Insights gained from animal models. Epilepsia 2023; 64:54-91. [PMID: 36197310 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that epilepsy is associated with numerous neurobehavioral comorbidities, with a bidirectional relationship; people with epilepsy have an increased incidence of depression, anxiety, learning and memory difficulties, and numerous other psychosocial challenges, and the occurrence of epilepsy is higher in individuals with those comorbidities. Although the cause-and-effect relationship is uncertain, a fuller understanding of the mechanisms of comorbidities within the epilepsies could lead to improved therapeutics. Here, we review recent data on epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities, discussing mainly rodent models, which have been studied most extensively, and emphasize that clinically relevant information can be gained from preclinical models. Furthermore, we explore the numerous potential factors that may confound the interpretation of emerging data from animal models, such as the specific seizure induction method (e.g., chemical, electrical, traumatic, genetic), the role of species and strain, environmental factors (e.g., laboratory environment, handling, epigenetics), and the behavioral assays that are chosen to evaluate the various aspects of neural behavior and cognition. Overall, the interplay between epilepsy and its neurobehavioral comorbidities is undoubtedly multifactorial, involving brain structural changes, network-level differences, molecular signaling abnormalities, and other factors. Animal models are well poised to help dissect the shared pathophysiological mechanisms, neurological sequelae, and biomarkers of epilepsy and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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21
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Mavashov A, Brusel M, Liu J, Woytowicz V, Bae H, Chen YH, Dani VS, Cardenal-Muñoz E, Spinosa V, Aibar JÁ, Rubinstein M. Heat-induced seizures, premature mortality, and hyperactivity in a novel Scn1a nonsense model for Dravet syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1149391. [PMID: 37206664 PMCID: PMC10191256 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1149391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (Dravet) is a severe congenital developmental genetic epilepsy caused by de novo mutations in the SCN1A gene. Nonsense mutations are found in ∼20% of the patients, and the R613X mutation was identified in multiple patients. Here we characterized the epileptic and non-epileptic phenotypes of a novel preclinical Dravet mouse model harboring the R613X nonsense Scn1a mutation. Scn1aWT/R613X mice, on a mixed C57BL/6J:129S1/SvImJ background, exhibited spontaneous seizures, susceptibility to heat-induced seizures, and premature mortality, recapitulating the core epileptic phenotypes of Dravet. In addition, these mice, available as an open-access model, demonstrated increased locomotor activity in the open-field test, modeling some non-epileptic Dravet-associated phenotypes. Conversely, Scn1aWT/R613X mice, on the pure 129S1/SvImJ background, had a normal life span and were easy to breed. Homozygous Scn1aR613X/R613X mice (pure 129S1/SvImJ background) died before P16. Our molecular analyses of hippocampal and cortical expression demonstrated that the premature stop codon induced by the R613X mutation reduced Scn1a mRNA and NaV1.1 protein levels to ∼50% in heterozygous Scn1aWT/R613X mice (on either genetic background), with marginal expression in homozygous Scn1aR613X/R613X mice. Together, we introduce a novel Dravet model carrying the R613X Scn1a nonsense mutation that can be used to study the molecular and neuronal basis of Dravet, as well as the development of new therapies associated with SCN1A nonsense mutations in Dravet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Mavashov
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Brusel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- Tevard Biosciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | - Haneui Bae
- Tevard Biosciences, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Moran Rubinstein
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Moran Rubinstein,
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Cisterna A, González-Vidal A, Ruiz D, Ortiz J, Gómez-Pascual A, Chen Z, Nalls M, Faghri F, Hardy J, Díez I, Maietta P, Álvarez S, Ryten M, Botía JA. PhenoExam: gene set analyses through integration of different phenotype databases. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:567. [PMID: 36587217 PMCID: PMC9805686 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-05122-x] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene set enrichment analysis (detecting phenotypic terms that emerge as significant in a set of genes) plays an important role in bioinformatics focused on diseases of genetic basis. To facilitate phenotype-oriented gene set analysis, we developed PhenoExam, a freely available R package for tool developers and a web interface for users, which performs: (1) phenotype and disease enrichment analysis on a gene set; (2) measures statistically significant phenotype similarities between gene sets and (3) detects significant differential phenotypes or disease terms across different databases. RESULTS PhenoExam generates sensitive and accurate phenotype enrichment analyses. It is also effective in segregating gene sets or Mendelian diseases with very similar phenotypes. We tested the tool with two similar diseases (Parkinson and dystonia), to show phenotype-level similarities but also potentially interesting differences. Moreover, we used PhenoExam to validate computationally predicted new genes potentially associated with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS We developed PhenoExam, a freely available R package and Web application, which performs phenotype enrichment and disease enrichment analysis on gene set G, measures statistically significant phenotype similarities between pairs of gene sets G and G' and detects statistically significant exclusive phenotypes or disease terms, across different databases. We proved with simulations and real cases that it is useful to distinguish between gene sets or diseases with very similar phenotypes. Github R package URL is https://github.com/alexcis95/PhenoExam . Shiny App URL is https://alejandrocisterna.shinyapps.io/phenoexamweb/ .
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cisterna
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Aurora González-Vidal
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniel Ruiz
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Jordi Ortiz
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alicia Gómez-Pascual
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Zhongbo Chen
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Mike Nalls
- Data Tecnica International LLC, Glen Echo, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIA/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dememtias, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Faraz Faghri
- Data Tecnica International LLC, Glen Echo, MD, USA
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, NIA/NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dememtias, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John Hardy
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Reta Lila Weston Institute, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- UCL Movement Disorders Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Irene Díez
- NIMGenetics Genómica y Medicina S.L, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Sara Álvarez
- NIMGenetics Genómica y Medicina S.L, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mina Ryten
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Juan A Botía
- Departamento de Ingeniería de la Información y las Comunicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, UCL, Institute of Neurology, London, UK.
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Reiber M, Miljanovic N, Schönhoff K, Palme R, Potschka H. Behavioral phenotyping of young Scn1a haploinsufficient mice. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 136:108903. [PMID: 36240579 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe, infancy-onset epileptic encephalopathy associated with a high premature mortality. In most patients, Dravet syndrome is caused by a heterozygous loss-of-function mutation in the SCN1A gene encoding the alpha 1 subunit of the sodium channel. Of the variety of SCN1A variants identified in patients with Dravet syndrome, SCN1A missense mutations occur in one-third of cases. The novel Scn1a-A1783V mouse model of Dravet syndrome carries the human Ala1783Val missense variant. Recently, the behavioral phenotype of Scn1a-A1783V haploinsufficient adult mice has been characterized, which may provide a valuable basis for assessment of novel therapeutic approaches. However, there is still limited information on the developmental course of behavioral alterations in the Scn1a-A1783V mouse model, which is of particular relevance for conclusions about face validity and severity classification of the model. Based on reference data from young wildtype mice, we analyzed selected behavioral parameters and fecal corticosterone metabolites in the Scn1a-A1783V mouse model during post-weaning development. Differences in the preference for a sweet saccharin solution between Dravet mice and wildtype mice were observed once mice reached sexual maturity. Nest building behavior was already influenced by the Scn1a genotype during prepubescence. Sexually mature Dravet mice showed a significantly reduced burrowing performance as compared to their wildtype littermates. In the open-field test, pronounced hyperactivity and increased thigmotactic behavior were evident in prepubescent and sexually mature Dravet mice. Analysis of Irwin scores revealed several genotype-dependent changes in handling-associated parameters during the course of adolescence. The information obtained provides insight into the age-dependence of behavioral patterns in the novel Scn1a-A1783V mouse model of Dravet syndrome. In addition, the dataset confirms the suitability of the applied behavioral composite measure scheme for evidence-based assessment of cumulative severity in genetic mouse lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Reiber
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Miljanovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Schönhoff
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Rupert Palme
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Unit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental Endocrinology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
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Genetic models to investigate chronic epileptogenic events: An open window of possibilities and perspectives. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 135:108908. [PMID: 36095875 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Genetic therapeutic advancements for Dravet Syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 132:108741. [PMID: 35653814 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Dravet Syndrome is a genetic epileptic syndrome characterized by severe and intractable seizures associated with cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairments. The disease is also linked with increased mortality mainly due to sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Over 80% of cases are due to a de novo mutation in one allele of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the α-subunit of the voltage-gated ion channel NaV1.1. Dravet Syndrome is usually refractory to antiepileptic drugs, which only alleviate seizures to a small extent. Viral, non-viral genetic therapy, and gene editing tools are rapidly enhancing and providing new platforms for more effective, alternative medicinal treatments for Dravet syndrome. These strategies include gene supplementation, CRISPR-mediated transcriptional activation, and the use of antisense oligonucleotides. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of novel genetic therapies that are currently under development for Dravet syndrome.
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Neuroplastic alterations in cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) in animal models of epileptic seizures. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104675. [PMID: 35460705 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Currently, there is an urgent need to better comprehend neuroplastic alterations in cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CB1) and to understand the biological meaning of these alterations in epileptic disorders. The present study reviewed neuroplastic changes in CB1 distribution, expression, and functionality in animal models of epileptic seizures. Neuroplastic alterations in CB1 were consistently observed in chemical, genetic, electrical, and febrile seizure models. Most studies assessed changes in hippocampal and cortical CB1, while thalamic, hypothalamic, and brainstem nuclei were rarely investigated. Additionally, the relationship between CB1 alteration and the control of brain excitability through modulation of specific neuronal networks, such as striatonigral, nigrotectal and thalamocortical pathways, and inhibitory projections to hippocampal pyramidal neurons, were all presented and discussed in the present review. Neuroplastic alterations in CB1 detected in animal models of epilepsy may reflect two different scenarios: (1) endogenous adaptations aimed to control neuronal hyperexcitability in epilepsy or (2) pathological alterations that facilitate neuronal hyperexcitability. Additionally, a better comprehension of neuroplastic and functional alterations in CB1 can improve pharmacological therapies for epilepsies and their comorbidities.
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27
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Genetics and gene therapy in Dravet syndrome. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:108043. [PMID: 34053869 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a well-established electro-clinical condition first described in 1978. A main genetic cause was identified with the discovery of a loss-of-function SCN1A variant in 2001. Mechanisms underlying the phenotypic variations have subsequently been a main topic of research. Various genetic modifiers of clinical severities have been elucidated through many rigorous studies on genotype-phenotype correlations and the recent advances in next generation sequencing technology. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of the regulation of gene expression and remarkable progress on genome-editing technology using the CRISPR-Cas9 system provide significant opportunities to overcome hurdles of gene therapy, such as enhancing NaV1.1 expression. This article reviews the current understanding of genetic pathology and the status of research toward the development of gene therapy for Dravet syndrome. This article is part of the Special Issue "Severe Infantile Epilepsies".
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Besné GM, Horrillo-Maysonnial A, Nicolás MJ, Capell-Pascual F, Urrestarazu E, Artieda J, Valencia M. An interactive framework for the detection of ictal and interictal activities: Cross-species and stand-alone implementation. COMPUTER METHODS AND PROGRAMS IN BIOMEDICINE 2022; 218:106728. [PMID: 35299138 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2022.106728] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Despite advances on signal analysis and artificial intelligence, visual inspection is the gold standard in event detection on electroencephalographic recordings. This process requires much time of clinical experts on both annotating and training new experts for this same task. In scenarios where epilepsy is considered, the need for automatic tools is more prominent, as both seizures and interictal events can occur on hours- or days-long recordings. Although other solutions have already been proposed, most of them are not integrated on clinical and basic science environments due to their complexity and required specialization. Here we present a pipeline that arises from coordinated efforts between life-science researchers, clinicians and data scientists to develop an interactive and iterative workflow to train machine-learning tools for the automatic detection of electroencephalographic events in a variety of scenarios. METHODS The approach consists on a series of subsequent steps covering data loading and configuration, event annotation, model training/re-training and event detection. With slight modifications, the combination of these blocks can cope with a variety of scenarios. To illustrate the flexibility and robustness of the approach, three datasets from clinical (patients of Dravet Syndrome) and basic research environments (mice model of the same disease) were evaluated. From them, and in response to researchers' daily needs, four real world examples of interictal event detection and seizure classification tasks were selected and processed. RESULTS Results show that the current approach was of great aid for event annotation and model development. It was capable of creating custom machine-learning solutions for each scenario with slight adjustments on the analysis protocol, easily accessible to users without programming skills. Final annotator similarity metrics reached values above 80% on all cases of use, reaching 92.3% on interictal event detection on human recordings. CONCLUSIONS The presented framework is easily adaptable to multiple real world scenarios and the interactive and ease-to-use approach makes it manageable to clinical and basic researches without programming skills. Nevertheless, it is conceived so data scientists can optimize it for specific scenarios, improving the knowledge transfer between these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo M Besné
- Program of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII, 55, 31008 Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - María Jesús Nicolás
- Program of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII, 55, 31008 Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ferran Capell-Pascual
- Program of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII, 55, 31008 Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Elena Urrestarazu
- Clinical Neurophysiology Section, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julio Artieda
- Program of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII, 55, 31008 Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Miguel Valencia
- Program of Neuroscience, Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Avenida Pío XII, 55, 31008 Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.
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Gerbatin RR, Augusto J, Boutouil H, Reschke CR, Henshall DC. Life-span characterization of epilepsy and comorbidities in Dravet syndrome mice carrying a targeted deletion of exon 1 of the Scn1a gene. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114090. [PMID: 35487274 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114090] [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: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a catastrophic form of paediatric epilepsy associated with multiple comorbidities mainly caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene. DS progresses in three different phases termed febrile, worsening and stabilization stage. Mice that are haploinsufficient for Scn1a faithfully model each stage of DS, although various aspects have not been fully described, including the temporal appearance and sex differences of the epilepsy and comorbidities. The aim of the present study was to investigate the epilepsy landscape according to the progression of DS and the long-term co-morbidities in the Scn1a(+/-)tm1Kea DS mouse line that are not fully understood yet. METHODS Male and female F1.Scn1a(+/+) and F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1Kea mice were assessed in the hyperthermia model or monitored by video electroencephalogram (vEEG) and wireless video-EEG according to the respective stage of DS. Long-term comorbidities were investigated through a battery of behaviour assessments in ~6 month-old mice. RESULTS At P18, F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1Kea mice showed the expected sensitivity to hyperthermia-induced seizures. Between P21 and P28, EEG recordings in F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1Kea mice combined with video monitoring revealed a high frequency of SRS and SUDEP. Power spectral analyses of background EEG activity also revealed that low EEG power in multiple frequency bands was associated with SUDEP risk in F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1Kea mice during the worsening stage of DS. Later, SRS and SUDEP rates stabilized and then declined in F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice. Incidence of SRS ending with death in F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice displayed variations with the time of day and sex, with female mice displaying higher numbers of severe seizures resulting in greater SUDEP risk. F1.Scn1a(+/-)tm1kea mice ~6 month-old displayed fewer behavioural impairments than expected including hyperactivity, impaired exploratory behaviour and poor nest building performance. SIGNIFICANCE These results reveal new features of this model that will optimize use and selection of phenotype assays for future studies on the mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogério R Gerbatin
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joana Augusto
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Halima Boutouil
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cristina R Reschke
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland; FutureNeuro SFI Research Centre, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland.
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Almog Y, Mavashov A, Brusel M, Rubinstein M. Functional Investigation of a Neuronal Microcircuit in the CA1 Area of the Hippocampus Reveals Synaptic Dysfunction in Dravet Syndrome Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:823640. [PMID: 35370551 PMCID: PMC8966673 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.823640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is severe childhood-onset epilepsy, caused by loss of function mutations in the SCN1A gene, encoding for the voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1. The leading hypothesis is that Dravet is caused by selective reduction in the excitability of inhibitory neurons, due to hampered activity of NaV1.1 channels in these cells. However, these initial neuronal changes can lead to further network alterations. Here, focusing on the CA1 microcircuit in hippocampal brain slices of Dravet syndrome (DS, Scn1aA1783V/WT) and wild-type (WT) mice, we examined the functional response to the application of Hm1a, a specific NaV1.1 activator, in CA1 stratum-oriens (SO) interneurons and CA1 pyramidal excitatory neurons. DS SO interneurons demonstrated reduced firing and depolarized threshold for action potential (AP), indicating impaired activity. Nevertheless, Hm1a induced a similar AP threshold hyperpolarization in WT and DS interneurons. Conversely, a smaller effect of Hm1a was observed in CA1 pyramidal neurons of DS mice. In these excitatory cells, Hm1a application resulted in WT-specific AP threshold hyperpolarization and increased firing probability, with no effect on DS neurons. Additionally, when the firing of SO interneurons was triggered by CA3 stimulation and relayed via activation of CA1 excitatory neurons, the firing probability was similar in WT and DS interneurons, also featuring a comparable increase in the firing probability following Hm1a application. Interestingly, a similar functional response to Hm1a was observed in a second DS mouse model, harboring the nonsense Scn1aR613X mutation. Furthermore, we show homeostatic synaptic alterations in both CA1 pyramidal neurons and SO interneurons, consistent with reduced excitation and inhibition onto CA1 pyramidal neurons and increased release probability in the CA1-SO synapse. Together, these results suggest global neuronal alterations within the CA1 microcircuit extending beyond the direct impact of NaV1.1 dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Almog
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Anat Mavashov
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Brusel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- *Correspondence: Moran Rubinstein,
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Lazarini-Lopes W, Silva-Cardoso GK, Leite-Panissi CRA, Garcia-Cairasco N. Increased TRPV1 Channels and FosB Protein Expression Are Associated with Chronic Epileptic Seizures and Anxiogenic-like Behaviors in a Preclinical Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020416. [PMID: 35203625 PMCID: PMC8962263 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsies are neurological disorders characterized by chronic seizures and their related neuropsychiatric comorbidities, such as anxiety. The Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel has been implicated in the modulation of seizures and anxiety-like behaviors in preclinical models. Here, we investigated the impact of chronic epileptic seizures in anxiety-like behavior and TRPV1 channels expression in a genetic model of epilepsy, the Wistar Audiogenic Rat (WAR) strain. WARs were submitted to audiogenic kindling (AK), a preclinical model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and behavioral tests were performed in the open-field (OF), and light-dark box (LDB) tests 24 h after AK. WARs displayed increased anxiety-like behavior and TRPV1R expression in the hippocampal CA1 area and basolateral amygdala nucleus (BLA) when compared to control Wistar rats. Chronic seizures increased anxiety-like behaviors and TRPV1 and FosB expression in limbic and brainstem structures involved with epilepsy and anxiety comorbidity, such as the hippocampus, superior colliculus, and periaqueductal gray matter. Therefore, these results highlight previously unrecognized alterations in TRPV1 expression in brain structures involved with TLE and anxiogenic-like behaviors in a genetic model of epilepsy, the WAR strain, supporting an important role of TRPV1 in the modulation of neurological disorders and associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willian Lazarini-Lopes
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
| | - Gleice Kelli Silva-Cardoso
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Philosophy, Science, and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil; (G.K.S.-C.); (C.R.A.L.-P.)
| | - Christie Ramos Andrade Leite-Panissi
- Psychology Department, Faculty of Philosophy, Science, and Letters, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, Brazil; (G.K.S.-C.); (C.R.A.L.-P.)
| | - Norberto Garcia-Cairasco
- Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil;
- Physiology Department, Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine and Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14049-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Scn1a gene reactivation after symptom onset rescues pathological phenotypes in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Nat Commun 2022; 13:161. [PMID: 35013317 PMCID: PMC8748984 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27837-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe epileptic encephalopathy caused primarily by haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene. Repetitive seizures can lead to endurable and untreatable neurological deficits. Whether this severe pathology is reversible after symptom onset remains unknown. To address this question, we generated a Scn1a conditional knock-in mouse model (Scn1a Stop/+) in which Scn1a expression can be re-activated on-demand during the mouse lifetime. Scn1a gene disruption leads to the development of seizures, often associated with sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) and behavioral alterations including hyperactivity, social interaction deficits and cognitive impairment starting from the second/third week of age. However, we showed that Scn1a gene re-activation when symptoms were already manifested (P30) led to a complete rescue of both spontaneous and thermic inducible seizures, marked amelioration of behavioral abnormalities and normalization of hippocampal fast-spiking interneuron firing. We also identified dramatic gene expression alterations, including those associated with astrogliosis in Dravet syndrome mice, that, accordingly, were rescued by Scn1a gene expression normalization at P30. Interestingly, regaining of Nav1.1 physiological level rescued seizures also in adult Dravet syndrome mice (P90) after months of repetitive attacks. Overall, these findings represent a solid proof-of-concept highlighting that disease phenotype reversibility can be achieved when Scn1a gene activity is efficiently reconstituted in brain cells. Dravet syndrome is a devastating epileptic encephalopathy caused by Scn1a gene haploinsufficiency. Exploiting a novel knock-in mouse model, here the authors show that restoring Scn1a expression after symptom onset is sufficient to rescue main phenotypic manifestations of the syndrome.
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Miljanovic N, Potschka H. The impact of Scn1a deficiency and ketogenic diet on the intestinal microbiome: A study in a genetic Dravet mouse model. Epilepsy Res 2021; 178:106826. [PMID: 34839144 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The gut-brain axis has been discussed as a possible factor contributing to ictogenesis and epilepsy. While recent preclinical studies have proposed a link between the antiseizure effect of a ketogenic diet (KD) and alterations to the gut microbiota, there is a knowledge gap about microbial composition as a result of Scn1a genetic deficiency and how this is affected by KD in Dravet syndrome. METHODS A large-scale microbiome analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed in fecal samples collected from wildtype and Dravet mice fed either control diet (CD) or KD. Microbial alterations associated with the Dravet phenotype or triggered by KD exposure were identified. RESULTS The comprehensive microbial analysis revealed pronounced alterations in gut microbiota between wildtype and Dravet mice. The regulation of Chao index indicated a reduced species richness in Dravet mice when compared to wildtype controls. The ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla was increased in mice with the Dravet genotype, therefore implying a microbial dysbiosis in these animals. Following the switch to CD or KD, several bacteria phyla and genera were regulated in Dravet mice. Interestingly, an increased abundance of the Clostridium genus and a decreased abundance of the Romboutsia genus showed a significant correlation with the severity of the phenotype in Dravet mice. KD increased the abundance of Firmicutes and reduced the abundance of Bacteroidetes phyla in Dravet mice. The degree of these microbial alterations correlated with the reduction in the frequency and duration of motor seizures in these animals. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the comprehensive microbial analysis demonstrated pronounced alterations in the gut microbiota with evidence of a gut dysbiosis as a consequence of the Scn1a genetic deficiency. Exposure to KD affected the gut microbiome in Dravet mice. Interestingly, abundance of selected genera correlated with the seizure phenotype of Dravet mice. Future studies investigating the functional relevance of disease-associated and KD-triggered changes would be essential to confirm the relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Miljanovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
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Tapia A, Giachello CN, Palomino-Schätzlein M, Baines RA, Galindo MI. Generation and Characterization of the Drosophila melanogaster paralytic Gene Knock-Out as a Model for Dravet Syndrome. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11111261. [PMID: 34833136 PMCID: PMC8619338 DOI: 10.3390/life11111261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a severe rare epileptic disease caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene coding for the Nav1.1 protein, a voltage-gated sodium channel alpha subunit. We have made a knock-out of the paralytic gene, the single Drosophila melanogaster gene encoding this type of protein, by homologous recombination. These flies showed a heat-induced seizing phenotype, and sudden death in long term seizures. In addition to seizures, neuromuscular alterations were observed in climbing, flight, and walking tests. Moreover, they also manifested some cognitive alterations, such as anxiety and problems in learning. Electrophysiological analyses from larval motor neurons showed a decrease in cell capacitance and membrane excitability, while persistent sodium current increased. To detect alterations in metabolism, we performed an NMR metabolomic profiling of heads, which revealed higher levels in some amino acids, succinate, and lactate; and also an increase in the abundance of GABA, which is the main neurotransmitter implicated in Dravet syndrome. All these changes in the paralytic knock-out flies indicate that this is a good model for epilepsy and specifically for Dravet syndrome. This model could be a new tool to understand the pathophysiology of the disease and to find biomarkers, genetic modifiers and new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tapia
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.); (M.P.-S.)
| | - Carlo N. Giachello
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (C.N.G.); (R.A.B.)
| | | | - Richard A. Baines
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK; (C.N.G.); (R.A.B.)
| | - Máximo Ibo Galindo
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; (A.T.); (M.P.-S.)
- Instituto Interuniversitario de Investigación de Reconocimiento Molecular y Desarrollo Tecnológico (IDM), Universitat Politècnica de València, Universitat de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain
- UPV-CIPF Joint Unit Disease Mechanisms and Nanomedicine, 46012 Valencia, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Layer N, Sonnenberg L, Pardo González E, Benda J, Hedrich UBS, Lerche H, Koch H, Wuttke TV. Dravet Variant SCN1A A1783V Impairs Interneuron Firing Predominantly by Altered Channel Activation. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:754530. [PMID: 34776868 PMCID: PMC8581729 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.754530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is a developmental epileptic encephalopathy mainly caused by functional NaV1.1 haploinsufficiency in inhibitory interneurons. Recently, a new conditional mouse model expressing the recurrent human p.(Ala1783Val) missense variant has become available. In this study, we provided an electrophysiological characterization of this variant in tsA201 cells, revealing both altered voltage-dependence of activation and slow inactivation without reduced sodium peak current density. Based on these data, simulated interneuron (IN) firing properties in a conductance-based single-compartment model suggested surprisingly similar firing deficits for NaV1.1A1783V and full haploinsufficiency as caused by heterozygous truncation variants. Impaired NaV1.1A1783V channel activation was predicted to have a significantly larger impact on channel function than altered slow inactivation and is therefore proposed as the main mechanism underlying IN dysfunction. The computational model was validated in cortical organotypic slice cultures derived from conditional Scn1aA1783V mice. Pan-neuronal activation of the p.Ala1783V in vitro confirmed a predicted IN firing deficit and revealed an accompanying reduction of interneuronal input resistance while demonstrating normal excitability of pyramidal neurons. Altered input resistance was fed back into the model for further refinement. Taken together these data demonstrate that primary loss of function (LOF) gating properties accompanied by altered membrane characteristics may match effects of full haploinsufficiency on the neuronal level despite maintaining physiological peak current density, thereby causing DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Layer
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Lukas Sonnenberg
- Institute for Neurobiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Emilio Pardo González
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Benda
- Institute for Neurobiology, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience, Eberhard Karls Universitat, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike B S Hedrich
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Holger Lerche
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Henner Koch
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Epileptology, Neurology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Thomas V Wuttke
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Neurosurgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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de Labra C, Pardo-Vazquez JL, Cudeiro J, Rivadulla C. Hyperthermia-Induced Changes in EEG of Anesthetized Mice Subjected to Passive Heat Exposure. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:709337. [PMID: 34566589 PMCID: PMC8458808 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.709337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the role of hypothermia in electroencephalography (EEG) is well-established. However, few studies have investigated the effect of hyperthermia on EEG, an important physiological parameter governing brain function. The aim of this work was to determine how neuronal activity in anesthetized mice is affected when the temperature rises above the physiological threshold mandatory to maintain the normal body functions. In this study, a temperature-elevation protocol, from 37 to 42°C, was applied to four female mice of 2–3 months old while EEG was recorded simultaneously. We found that hyperthermia reduces EEG amplitude by 4.36% when rising from 37 to 38 degrees and by 24.33% when it is increased to 42 degrees. Likewise, increasing the body temperature produces a very large impact on the EEG spectral parameters, reducing the frequency power at the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands. Our results show that hyperthermia has a global effect on the EEG, being able to change the electrical activity of the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen de Labra
- NEUROcom, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Jose L Pardo-Vazquez
- NEUROcom, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Javier Cudeiro
- NEUROcom, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Estimulación Cerebral de Galicia, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Casto Rivadulla
- NEUROcom, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Medicina y Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultade de Ciencias da Saúde, Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Científicas Avanzadas (CICA), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), A Coruña, Spain
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Hawkins NA, Jurado M, Thaxton TT, Duarte SE, Barse L, Tatsukawa T, Yamakawa K, Nishi T, Kondo S, Miyamoto M, Abrahams BS, During MJ, Kearney JA. Soticlestat, a novel cholesterol 24-hydroxylase inhibitor, reduces seizures and premature death in Dravet syndrome mice. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2845-2857. [PMID: 34510432 PMCID: PMC9291096 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet syndrome is a severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) most often caused by de novo pathogenic variants in SCN1A. Individuals with Dravet syndrome rarely achieve seizure control and have significantly elevated risk for sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Heterozygous deletion of Scn1a in mice (Scn1a+/- ) recapitulates several core phenotypes, including temperature-dependent and spontaneous seizures, SUDEP, and behavioral abnormalities. Furthermore, Scn1a+/- mice exhibit a similar clinical response to standard anticonvulsants. Cholesterol 24-hydroxlase (CH24H) is a brain-specific enzyme responsible for cholesterol catabolism. Recent research has indicated the therapeutic potential of CH24H inhibition for diseases associated with neural excitation, including seizures. METHODS In this study, the novel compound soticlestat, a CH24H inhibitor, was administered to Scn1a+/- mice to investigate its ability to improve Dravet-like phenotypes in this preclinical model. RESULTS Soticlestat treatment reduced seizure burden, protected against hyperthermia-induced seizures, and completely prevented SUDEP in Scn1a+/- mice. Video-electroencephalography (EEG) analysis confirmed the ability of soticlestat to reduce occurrence of electroclinical seizures. SIGNIFICANCE This study demonstrates that soticlestat-mediated inhibition of CH24H provides therapeutic benefit for the treatment of Dravet syndrome in mice and has the potential for treatment of DEEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A Hawkins
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Manuel Jurado
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tyler T Thaxton
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Samantha E Duarte
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Levi Barse
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Tetsuya Tatsukawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Japan
| | - Toshiya Nishi
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Ltd, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kondo
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Ltd, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Maki Miyamoto
- Neuroscience Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Ltd, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | | | - Jennifer A Kearney
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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38
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Transfer of SCN1A to the brain of adolescent mouse model of Dravet syndrome improves epileptic, motor, and behavioral manifestations. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2021; 25:585-602. [PMID: 34589280 PMCID: PMC8463324 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a genetic encephalopathy characterized by severe epilepsy combined with motor, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities. Current antiepileptic drugs achieve only partial control of seizures and provide little benefit on the patient’s neurological development. In >80% of cases, the disease is caused by haploinsufficiency of the SCN1A gene, which encodes the alpha subunit of the Nav1.1 voltage-gated sodium channel. Novel therapies aim to restore SCN1A expression in order to address all disease manifestations. We provide evidence that a high-capacity adenoviral vector harboring the 6-kb SCN1A cDNA is feasible and able to express functional Nav1.1 in neurons. In vivo, the best biodistribution was observed after intracerebral injection in basal ganglia, cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex. SCN1A A1783V knockin mice received the vector at 5 weeks of age, when most neurological alterations were present. Animals were protected from sudden death, and the epileptic phenotype was attenuated. Improvement of motor performance and interaction with the environment was observed. In contrast, hyperactivity persisted, and the impact on cognitive tests was variable (success in novel object recognition and failure in Morris water maze tests). These results provide proof of concept for gene supplementation in Dravet syndrome and indicate new directions for improvement.
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Miljanovic N, van Dijk RM, Buchecker V, Potschka H. Metabolomic signature of the Dravet syndrome: A genetic mouse model study. Epilepsia 2021; 62:2000-2014. [PMID: 34223647 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in metabolic homeostasis can contribute to neuronal hyperexcitability and seizure susceptibility. Although the pivotal role of impaired bioenergetics is obvious in metabolic epilepsies, there is a gap of knowledge regarding secondary changes in metabolite patterns as a result of genetic Scn1a deficiency and ketogenic diet in the Dravet syndrome. METHODS A comprehensive untargeted metabolomics analysis, along with assessment of epileptiform activity and behavioral tests, was completed in a Dravet mouse model. Data sets were compared between animals on a control and a ketogenic diet, and metabolic alterations associated with Dravet mice phenotype and ketogenic diet were identified. RESULTS Hippocampal metabolomic data revealed complex alterations in energy metabolism with an effect of the genotype on concentrations of glucose and several glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates. Although low glucose, lactate, malate, and citrate concentrations became evident, the increase of several intermediates suggested a genotype-associated activation of catabolic processes with enhanced glycogenolysis and glycolysis. Moreover, we observed an impact on the glutamate/γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-glutamine cycle with reduced levels of all components along with a shift toward an increased GABA-to-glutamate ratio. Further alterations comprised a reduction in hippocampal levels of noradrenaline, corticosterone, and of two bile acids. SIGNIFICANCE Considering that energy depletion can predominantly compromise the function of GABAergic interneurons, the changes in energy metabolism may contribute to seizure susceptibility and ictogenesis. They may also explain the therapeutic potential of the ketogenic diet, which aims to shift energy metabolism toward a more fat-based energy supply. Conversely, the increased GABA-to-glutamate ratio might serve as an endogenous compensatory mechanism, which can be further supported by GABAergic drugs, representing the mainstay of therapeutic management of Dravet syndrome. In view of a possible neuroprotective function of bile acids, it might be of interest to explore a possible therapeutic potential of bile acid-mediated therapies, already in discussion for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Miljanovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.,Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Roelof Maarten van Dijk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Buchecker
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
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Pernici CD, Mensah JA, Dahle EJ, Johnson KJ, Handy L, Buxton L, Smith MD, West PJ, Metcalf CS, Wilcox KS. Development of an antiseizure drug screening platform for Dravet syndrome at the NINDS contract site for the Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1665-1676. [PMID: 34002394 PMCID: PMC8360068 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dravet syndrome (DS) is a rare but catastrophic genetic epilepsy, with 80% of patients carrying a mutation in the SCN1A gene. Currently, no antiseizure drug (ASD) exists that adequately controls seizures. In the clinic, individuals with DS often present first with a febrile seizure and, subsequently, generalized tonic-clonic seizures that can continue throughout life. To facilitate the development of ASDs for DS, the contract site of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) has evaluated a mouse model of DS using the conditional knock-in Scn1aA1783V/WT mouse. METHODS Survival rates and temperature thresholds for Scn1aA1783V/WT were determined. Prototype ASDs were administered via intraperitoneal injections at the time-to-peak effect, which was previously determined, prior to the induction of hyperthermia-induced seizures. ASDs were considered effective if they significantly increased the temperature at which Scn1aA1783V/WT mice had seizures. RESULTS Approximately 50% of Scn1aA1783V/WT survive to adulthood and all have hyperthermia-induced seizures. The results suggest that hyperthermia-induced seizures in this model of DS are highly refractory to a battery of ASDs. Exceptions were clobazam, tiagabine, levetiracetam, and the combination of clobazam and valproic acid with add-on stiripentol, which elevated seizure thresholds. SIGNIFICANCE Overall, the data demonstrate that the proposed model for DS is suitable for screening novel compounds for the ability to block hyperthermia-induced seizures and that heterozygous mice can be evaluated repeatedly over the course of several weeks, allowing for higher throughput screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea D. Pernici
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Jeffrey A. Mensah
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - E. Jill Dahle
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Kristina J. Johnson
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Laura Handy
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Lauren Buxton
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Misty D. Smith
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Peter J. West
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Cameron S. Metcalf
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
| | - Karen S. Wilcox
- Epilepsy Therapy Screening Program (ETSP) Contract SiteUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of UtahSalt Lake CityUTUSA
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Miljanovic N, Hauck SM, van Dijk RM, Di Liberto V, Rezaei A, Potschka H. Proteomic signature of the Dravet syndrome in the genetic Scn1a-A1783V mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 157:105423. [PMID: 34144125 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dravet syndrome is a rare, severe pediatric epileptic encephalopathy associated with intellectual and motor disabilities. Proteomic profiling in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome can provide information about the molecular consequences of the genetic deficiency and about pathophysiological mechanisms developing during the disease course. METHODS A knock-in mouse model of Dravet syndrome with Scn1a haploinsufficiency was used for whole proteome, seizure, and behavioral analysis. Hippocampal tissue was dissected from two- (prior to epilepsy manifestation) and four- (following epilepsy manifestation) week-old male mice and analyzed using LC-MS/MS with label-free quantification. Proteomic data sets were subjected to bioinformatic analysis including pathway enrichment analysis. The differential expression of selected proteins was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS The findings confirmed an increased susceptibility to hyperthermia-associated seizures, the development of spontaneous seizures, and behavioral alterations in the novel Scn1a-A1873V mouse model of Dravet syndrome. As expected, proteomic analysis demonstrated more pronounced alterations following epilepsy manifestation. In particular, proteins involved in neurotransmitter dynamics, receptor and ion channel function, synaptic plasticity, astrogliosis, neoangiogenesis, and nitric oxide signaling showed a pronounced regulation in Dravet mice. Pathway enrichment analysis identified several significantly regulated pathways at the later time point, with pathways linked to synaptic transmission and glutamatergic signaling dominating the list. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the whole proteome analysis in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome demonstrated complex molecular alterations in the hippocampus. Some of these alterations may have an impact on excitability or may serve a compensatory function, which, however, needs to be further confirmed by future investigations. The proteomic data indicate that, due to the molecular consequences of the genetic deficiency, the pathophysiological mechanisms may become more complex during the course of the disease. As a result, the management of Dravet syndrome may need to consider further molecular and cellular alterations. Ensuing functional follow-up studies, this data set may provide valuable guidance for the future development of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Miljanovic
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Hauck
- Research Unit Protein Science, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), Germany
| | - R Maarten van Dijk
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Valentina Di Liberto
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Ali Rezaei
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany; Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences (GSN), Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany.
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42
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Ricci R, Colasante G. CRISPR/dCas9 as a Therapeutic Approach for Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Innovations and Limitations Compared to Traditional Strategies. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:253-261. [PMID: 33940579 DOI: 10.1159/000515845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain development is a complex process that requires a series of precise and coordinated events to take place. When alterations in some of those events occur, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) may appear, with their characteristic symptoms, including cognitive, social motor deficits, and epilepsy. While pharmacologic treatments have been the only therapeutic options for many years, more recently the research is turning to the direct removal of the underlying genetic cause of each specific NDD. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge of genetic basis of those diseases and the enormous advances in genome-editing tools. Together with clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-based strategies, there is a great development also of nuclease defective Cas9 (dCas9) tools that, with an extreme flexibility, allow the recruitment of specific protein functions to the desired genomic sites. In this work, we review dCas9-based tools and discuss all the published applications in the setting of therapeutic approaches for NDDs at the preclinical level. In particular, dCas9-based therapeutic strategies for Dravet syndrome, transcallosal dysconnectivity caused by mutations in C11orf46 gene, and Fragile X syndrome are presented and discussed. A direct comparison with other possible therapeutic strategies, such as classic gene replacement or CRISPR/Cas9-based strategies, is provided. We also highlight not only those aspects that constitute a clear advantage compared to previous strategies but also the main technical hurdles related to their applications that need to be overcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Ricci
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.,Translational and Molecular Medicine PhD Program, DIMET, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Colasante
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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43
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Satta V, Alonso C, Díez P, Martín-Suárez S, Rubio M, Encinas JM, Fernández-Ruiz J, Sagredo O. Neuropathological Characterization of a Dravet Syndrome Knock-In Mouse Model Useful for Investigating Cannabinoid Treatments. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 13:602801. [PMID: 33584198 PMCID: PMC7879984 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.602801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (DS) is an epileptic syndrome caused by mutations in the Scn1a gene encoding the α1 subunit of the sodium channel Nav1.1, which is associated with febrile seizures that progress to severe tonic-clonic seizures and associated comorbidities. Treatment with cannabidiol has been approved to reduce seizures in DS, but it may also be active against these comorbidities. The aim of this study was to validate a new mouse model of DS having lower mortality than previous models, which may serve to further evaluate therapies for the long-term comorbidities. This new model consists of heterozygous conditional knock-in mice carrying a missense mutation (A1783V) in Scn1a gene expressed exclusively in neurons of the CNS (Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V). These mice have been used here to determine the extent and persistence of the behavioral deterioration in different postnatal days (PND), as well as to investigate the alterations that the disease produces in the endocannabinoid system and the contribution of inflammatory events and impaired neurogenesis in the pathology. Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice showed a strong reduction in hindlimb grasp reflex at PND10, whereas at PND25, they presented spontaneous convulsions and a greater susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, marked hyperactivity, deficient spatial working memory, lower levels of anxiety, and altered social interaction behavior. These differences disappeared at PND40 and PND60, except the changes in social interaction and anxiety. The analysis of CNS structures associated with these behavioral alterations revealed an elevated glial reactivity in the prefrontal cortex and the dentate gyrus. This was associated in the dentate gyrus with a greater cell proliferation detected with Ki67 immunostaining, whereas double-labeling analyses identified that proliferating cells were GFAP-positive suggesting failed neurogenesis but astrocyte proliferation. The analysis of the endocannabinoid system of Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice confirmed reductions in CB1 receptors and MAGL and FAAH enzymes, mainly in the cerebellum but also in other areas, whereas CB2 receptors became upregulated in the hippocampus. In conclusion, Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice showed seizuring susceptibility and several comorbidities (hyperactivity, memory impairment, less anxiety, and altered social behavior), which exhibited a pattern of age expression similar to DS patients. Syn-Cre/Scn1aWT/A1783V mice also exhibited greater glial reactivity and a reactive response in the neurogenic niche, and regional changes in the status of the endocannabinoid signaling, events that could contribute in behavioral impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Satta
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Alonso
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Díez
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Soraya Martín-Suárez
- The NSC Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Marta Rubio
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Encinas
- The NSC Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,The University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Javier Fernández-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Onintza Sagredo
- Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Neuroquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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44
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Almog Y, Fadila S, Brusel M, Mavashov A, Anderson K, Rubinstein M. Developmental alterations in firing properties of hippocampal CA1 inhibitory and excitatory neurons in a mouse model of Dravet syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 148:105209. [PMID: 33271326 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome (Dravet) is a rare, severe childhood-onset epilepsy, caused by heterozygous de novo mutations in the SCN1A gene, encoding for the alpha subunit of the voltage-gated sodium channel, NaV1.1. The neuronal basis of Dravet is debated, with evidence favoring reduced function of inhibitory neurons, that might be transient, or enhanced activity of excitatory cells. Here, we utilized Dravet mice to trace developmental changes in the hippocampal CA1 circuit, examining the properties of CA1 horizontal stratum-oriens (SO) interneurons and pyramidal neurons, through the pre-epileptic, severe and stabilization stages of Dravet. Our data indicate that reduced function of SO interneurons persists from the pre-epileptic through the stabilization stages, with the greatest functional impairment observed during the severe stage. In contrast, opposing changes were detected in CA1 excitatory neurons, with a transient increase in their excitability during the pre-epileptic stage, followed by reduced excitability at the severe stage. Interestingly, alterations in the function of both inhibitory and excitatory neurons were more pronounced when the firing was evoked by synaptic stimulation, implying that loss of function of NaV1.1 may also affect somatodendritic functions. These results suggest a complex pathophysiological mechanism and indicate that the developmental trajectory of this disease is governed by reciprocal functional changes in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Almog
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Saja Fadila
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Marina Brusel
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Anat Mavashov
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Karen Anderson
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; The Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
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45
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Turner TJ, Zourray C, Schorge S, Lignani G. Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy. J Neurochem 2020; 157:229-262. [PMID: 32880951 PMCID: PMC8436749 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Turner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Clara Zourray
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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46
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Fadila S, Quinn S, Turchetti Maia A, Yakubovich D, Ovadia M, Anderson KL, Giladi M, Rubinstein M. Convulsive seizures and some behavioral comorbidities are uncoupled in the
Scn1a
A1783V
Dravet syndrome mouse model. Epilepsia 2020; 61:2289-2300. [DOI: 10.1111/epi.16662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saja Fadila
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Shir Quinn
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Ana Turchetti Maia
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Daniel Yakubovich
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel Petah Tikvah Israel
| | - Mor Ovadia
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Karen L. Anderson
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Moshe Giladi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
| | - Moran Rubinstein
- Goldschleger Eye Research Institute Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry Sackler Faculty of Medicine Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv Israel
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47
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Martín-Suárez S, Abiega O, Ricobaraza A, Hernandez-Alcoceba R, Encinas JM. Alterations of the Hippocampal Neurogenic Niche in a Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:654. [PMID: 32793597 PMCID: PMC7385077 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal neurogenesis, the process by which neural stem cells (NSCs) continuously generate new neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) of most mammals including humans, is chiefly regulated by neuronal activity. Thus, severe alterations have been found in samples from epilepsy patients and in the hippocampal neurogenic niche in mouse models of epilepsy. Reactive-like and gliogenic NSCs plus aberrant newborn neurons with altered migration, morphology, and functional properties are induced by seizures in experimental models of temporal lobe epilepsy. Hippocampal neurogenesis participates in memory and learning and in the control of anxiety and stress. It has been therefore hypothesized that part of the cognitive symptoms associated with epilepsy could be promoted by impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. We here analyze for the first time the alterations of the neurogenic niche in a novel mouse model of Dravet syndrome (DS), a genetic encephalopathy with severe epilepsy in infancy and multiple neurological comorbidities. Scn1aWT/A1783V mice, hereafter referred to as DS, carrying a heterozygous and clinically relevant SCN1A mutation (A1783V) recapitulate the disease at the genetic and phenotypic levels. We demonstrate that in the neurogenic niche of young adult DS mice there are fewer NSCs, they have impaired cell division and bear reactive-like morphology. In addition, there is significant aberrant neurogenesis. Newborn immature neurons migrate abnormally, and several morphological features are drastically changed. Thus, this study shows for the first time important modifications in hippocampal neurogenesis in DS and opens venues for further research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Martín-Suárez
- The Neural Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Oihane Abiega
- The Neural Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Ricobaraza
- Gene Therapy Program CIMA, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Rubén Hernandez-Alcoceba
- Gene Therapy Program CIMA, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Encinas
- The Neural Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Laboratory, Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain.,IKERBASQUE, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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48
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Electrophysiological Alterations of Pyramidal Cells and Interneurons of the CA1 Region of the Hippocampus in a Novel Mouse Model of Dravet Syndrome. Genetics 2020; 215:1055-1066. [PMID: 32554600 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.120.303399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Dravet syndrome is a developmental epileptic encephalopathy caused by pathogenic variation in SCN1A To characterize the pathogenic substitution (p.H939R) of a local individual with Dravet syndrome, fibroblast cells from the individual were reprogrammed to pluripotent stem cells and differentiated into neurons. Sodium currents of these neurons were compared with healthy control induced neurons. A novel Scn1a H939R/+ mouse model was generated with the p.H939R substitution. Immunohistochemistry and electrophysiological experiments were performed on hippocampal slices of Scn1a H939R/+ mice. We found that the sodium currents recorded in the proband-induced neurons were significantly smaller and slower compared to wild type (WT). The resting membrane potential and spike amplitude were significantly depolarized in the proband-induced neurons. Similar differences in resting membrane potential and spike amplitude were observed in the interneurons of the hippocampus of Scn1a H939R/+ mice. The Scn1a H939R/+ mice showed the characteristic features of a Dravet-like phenotype: increased mortality and both spontaneous and heat-induced seizures. Immunohistochemistry showed a reduction in amount of parvalbumin and vesicular acetylcholine transporter in the hippocampus of Scn1a H939R/+ compared to WT mice. Overall, these results underline hyper-excitability of the hippocampal CA1 circuit of this novel mouse model of Dravet syndrome which, under certain conditions, such as temperature, can trigger seizure activity. This hyper-excitability is due to the altered electrophysiological properties of pyramidal neurons and interneurons which are caused by the dysfunction of the sodium channel bearing the p.H939R substitution. This novel Dravet syndrome model also highlights the reduction in acetylcholine and the contribution of pyramidal cells, in addition to interneurons, to network hyper-excitability.
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