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Waters AJ, Brendler-Spaeth T, Smith D, Offord V, Tan HK, Zhao Y, Obolenski S, Nielsen M, van Doorn R, Murphy JE, Gupta P, Rowlands CF, Hanson H, Delage E, Thomas M, Radford EJ, Gerety SS, Turnbull C, Perry JRB, Hurles ME, Adams DJ. Saturation genome editing of BAP1 functionally classifies somatic and germline variants. Nat Genet 2024:10.1038/s41588-024-01799-3. [PMID: 38969833 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01799-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Many variants that we inherit from our parents or acquire de novo or somatically are rare, limiting the precision with which we can associate them with disease. We performed exhaustive saturation genome editing (SGE) of BAP1, the disruption of which is linked to tumorigenesis and altered neurodevelopment. We experimentally characterized 18,108 unique variants, of which 6,196 were found to have abnormal functions, and then used these data to evaluate phenotypic associations in the UK Biobank. We also characterized variants in a large population-ascertained tumor collection, in cancer pedigrees and ClinVar, and explored the behavior of cancer-associated variants compared to that of variants linked to neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Our analyses demonstrated that disruptive germline BAP1 variants were significantly associated with higher circulating levels of the mitogen IGF-1, suggesting a possible pathological mechanism and therapeutic target. Furthermore, we built a variant classifier with >98% sensitivity and specificity and quantify evidence strengths to aid precision variant interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yajie Zhao
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Maartje Nielsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Remco van Doorn
- Department of Dermatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Charlie F Rowlands
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Helen Hanson
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - Elizabeth J Radford
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service, NHS England, London, UK
- Cancer Genetics Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - John R B Perry
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Lei X, Xie XN, Yang JX, Li YM. The emerging role of extracellular vesicles in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2024; 337:115954. [PMID: 38744180 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115954] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns and deficits in social interactions. The prevalence of ASD has continued to rise in recent years. However, the etiology and pathophysiology of ASD remain largely unknown. Currently, the diagnosis of ASD relies on behavior measures, and there is a lack of reliable and objective biomarkers. In addition, there are still no effective pharmacologic therapies for the core symptoms of ASD. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid bilayer nanovesicles secreted by almost all types of cells. EVs play a vital role in cell-cell communications and are known to bear various biological functions. Emerging evidence demonstrated that EVs are involved in many physiological and pathological processes throughout the body and the content in EVs can reflect the status of the originating cells. EVs have demonstrated the potential of broad applications for the diagnosis and treatment of various brain diseases, suggesting that EVs may have also played a role in the pathological process of ASD. Besides, EVs can be utilized as therapeutic agents for their endogenous substances and biological functions. Additionally, EVs can serve as drug delivery tools as nano-sized vesicles with inherent targeting ability. Here, we discuss the potential of EVs to be considered as promising diagnostic biomarkers and their potential therapeutic applications for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Lei
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Xue-Ni Xie
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Jia-Xin Yang
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China
| | - Ya-Min Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China; National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, PR China.
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Yang F, You H, Mizui T, Ishikawa Y, Takao K, Miyakawa T, Li X, Bai T, Xia K, Zhang L, Pang D, Xu Y, Zhu C, Kojima M, Lu B. Inhibiting proBDNF to mature BDNF conversion leads to ASD-like phenotypes in vivo. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02595-5. [PMID: 38762692 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02595-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) comprise a range of early age-onset neurodevelopment disorders with genetic heterogeneity. Most ASD related genes are involved in synaptic function, which is regulated by mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF in a diametrically opposite manner: proBDNF inhibits while mBDNF potentiates synapses. Here we generated a knock-in mouse line (BDNFmet/leu) in which the conversion of proBDNF to mBDNF is attenuated. Biochemical experiments revealed residual mBDNF but excessive proBDNF in the brain. Similar to other ASD mouse models, the BDNFmet/leu mice showed reduced dendritic arborization, altered spines, and impaired synaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus. They also exhibited ASD-like phenotypes, including stereotypical behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Moreover, the plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio was significantly increased in ASD patients compared to normal children in a case-control study. Thus, deficits in proBDNF to mBDNF conversion in the brain may contribute to ASD-like behaviors, and plasma proBDNF/mBDNF ratio may be a potential biomarker for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Yang
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Basic and Translational Medicine Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
| | - He You
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Toshiyuki Mizui
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Ishikawa
- Department of Systems Life Engineering, Maebashi Institute of Technology, Maebashi, 371-0816, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
- Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Graduate School of Innovative Life Science, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Xiaofei Li
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Basic and Translational Medicine Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Bai
- Centre for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Kun Xia
- Centre for Medical Genetics & Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Dizhou Pang
- Center for Child Behavioral Development, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yiran Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Changlian Zhu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Child Brain Injury and Henan Pediatric Clinical Research Center, Institute of Neuroscience and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Masami Kojima
- Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan.
- Biomedical Department of Applied Bioscience, College of Bioscience and Chemistry, Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT), Ishikawa, 924-0838, Japan.
| | - Bai Lu
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, 100070, Beijing, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China.
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Tang J, Li R, Jia Y, Yang H, Wei H. Impaired neural circuitry of hippocampus in Pax2 nervous system-specific knockout mice leads to restricted repetitive behaviors. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14482. [PMID: 37786962 PMCID: PMC11017408 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14482] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs), which are associated with many different neurological and mental disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and autism, are patterns of behavior with little variation and little obvious function. Paired Box 2 (Pax2) is a transcription factor that is expressed in many systems, including the kidney and the central nervous system. The protein that is encoded by Pax2 has been implicated in the development of the nervous system and neurodevelopmental disorders. In our previous study, Pax2 heterozygous gene knockout mice (Pax2+/- mice) showed abnormally increased self-grooming and impaired learning and memory abilities. However, it remains unclear which cell type is involved in this process. In this study, we deleted Pax2 only in the nervous system to determine the regulatory mechanism of Pax2 in RRBs. METHODS In this study, Pax2 nervous system-specific knockout mice (Nestin-Pax2 mice) aged 6-8 weeks and Pax2 flox mice of the same age were recruited as the experimental group. Tamoxifen and vehicle were administered via intraperitoneal injection to induce Pax2 knockout after gene identification. Western blotting was used to detect Pax2 expression. After that, we assessed the general health of these two groups of mice. The self-grooming test, marble burying test and T-maze acquisition and reversal learning test were used to observe the lower-order and higher-order RRBs. The three-chamber test, Y-maze, and elevated plus-maze were used to assess social ability, spatial memory ability, and anxiety. Neural circuitry tracing and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) were used to observe the abnormal neural circuitry, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and signaling pathways affected by Pax2 gene knockout in the nervous system and the putative molecular mechanism. RESULTS (1) The Nestin-Pax2 mouse model was successfully constructed, and the Nestin-Pax2 mice showed decreased expression of Pax2. (2) Nestin-Pax2 mice showed increased self-grooming behavior and impaired T-maze reversal behavior compared with Pax2 flox mice. (3) An increased number of projection fibers can be found in the mPFC projecting to the CA1 and BLA, and a reduction in IGFBP2 can be found in the hippocampus of Nestin-Pax2 mice. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that loss of Pax2 in the nervous system leads to restricted repetitive behaviors. The mechanism may be associated with impaired neural circuitry and a reduction in IGFBP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Yizhuo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease ControlShanxi Provincial People's HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Jiaming Tang
- School of the Third ClinicShanxi University of Chinese MedicineTaiyuanChina
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Yanan Jia
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
| | - Hua Yang
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease ControlShanxi Provincial People's HospitalTaiyuanChina
| | - Hongen Wei
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi Provincial People's HospitalThe Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical UniversityTaiyuanChina
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disease ControlShanxi Provincial People's HospitalTaiyuanChina
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Shilbayeh SAR, Adeen IS, Alhazmi AS, Aljurayb H, Altokhais RS, Alhowaish N, Aldilaijan KE, Kamal M, Alnakhli AM. The polymorphisms of candidate pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic genes and their pharmacogenetic impacts on the effectiveness of risperidone maintenance therapy among Saudi children with autism. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2024:10.1007/s00228-024-03658-w. [PMID: 38421437 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-024-03658-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotics, including risperidone (RIS), are frequently indicated for various autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifestations; however, "actionable" PGx testing in psychiatry regarding antipsychotic dosing and selection has limited applications in routine clinical practice because of the lack of standard guidelines, mostly due to the inconsistency and scarcity of genetic variant data. The current study is aimed at examining the association of RIS effectiveness, according to ABC-CV and CGI indexes, with relevant pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) genes. METHODS Eighty-nine ASD children who received a consistent RIS-based regimen for at least 8 weeks were included. The Axiom PharmacoFocus Array technique was employed to generate accurate star allele-predicted phenotypes of 3 PK genes (CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2D6). Genotype calls for 5 candidate PD receptor genes (DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, HTR2C, and HTR2A) were obtained and reported as wild type, heterozygous, or homozygous for 11 variants. RESULTS Based on the ABC total score, 42 (47.2%) children were classified as responders, while 47 (52.8%) were classified as nonresponders. Multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for nongenetic factors, suggested nonsignificant impacts of the star allele-predicted phenotypes of all 3 PK genes on improvement in ASD symptoms or CGI scores. However, significant positive or negative associations of certain PD variants involved in dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways were observed with specific ASD core and noncore symptom subdomains. Our significant polymorphism findings, mainly those in DRD2 (rs1800497, rs1799978, and rs2734841), HTR2C (rs3813929), and HTR2A (rs6311), were largely consistent with earlier findings (predictors of RIS effectiveness in adult schizophrenia patients), confirming their validity for identifying ASD children with a greater likelihood of core symptom improvement compared to noncarriers/wild types. Other novel findings of this study, such as significant improvements in DRD3 rs167771 carriers, particularly in ABC total and lethargy/social withdrawal scores, and DRD1 rs1875964 homozygotes and DRD2 rs1079598 wild types in stereotypic behavior, warrant further verification in biochemical and clinical studies to confirm their feasibility for inclusion in a PGx panel. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we provide evidence of potential genetic markers involved in clinical response variability to RIS therapy in ASD children. However, replication in prospective samples with greater ethnic diversity and sample sizes is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sireen Abdul Rahim Shilbayeh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Iman Sharaf Adeen
- Department of Pediatric Behavior and Development and Adolescent Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman Shawqi Alhazmi
- Department of Pediatric Behavior and Development and Adolescent Medicine, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Haya Aljurayb
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine Administration, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rana Saad Altokhais
- Department of Pediatric Behavior and Development and Adolescent Medicine, King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nourah Alhowaish
- Department of Prevention and Research, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard - Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawlah Essa Aldilaijan
- Health Sciences Research Center, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafa Kamal
- Department of Life Science Application Support, Gulf Scientific Corporation, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anwar Mansour Alnakhli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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6
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Cui T, Liu Z, Li Z, Han Y, Xiong W, Qu Z, Zhang X. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor concentration is different between autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability children and adolescents. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:355-360. [PMID: 38215646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.01.001] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies showed that mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) and its precursor proBDNF are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Whether their levels are different between ASD and intellectual disability (ID) subjects is not clear. The aim of this study is to compare the serum mBDNF and proBDNF concentration, and mBNDF/proBDNF ratio in ASD and ID volunteers. METHODS Children and adolescents with ASD or ID between the ages of 4 and 22 were recruited in Tianjin, China. Serum mBDNF and proBDNF level were tested and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI), Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluations were conducted. RESULTS Serum mBDNF concentration and the ratio of mBDNF to proBDNF was higher in ASD subjects than that in ID subjects (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001, respectively), while serum proBDNF of ASD participants was lower compared to that of ID participants (P < 0.001). CARS score was positively correlated with serum mBDNF level (r = 0.33, P = 0.004) and m/p ratio (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with serum proBDNF level (r = -0.39, <0.001) after adjusting for age and IQ. The AUC of mBDNF, proBDNF, and m/p ratio were 0.741, 0.790, and 0.854, respectively, after adjusted for age and IQ. CONCLUSION Serum mBDNF, proBDNF and m/p ratio were different between ASD and ID group. The three biomarkers displayed good diagnostic values for classification of ASD and ID subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingkai Cui
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenjuan Xiong
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyi Qu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, No. 22 Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environment, Nutrition and Public Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
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7
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Chowdhury MA, Collins JM, Gell DA, Perry S, Breadmore MC, Shigdar S, King AE. Isolation and Identification of the High-Affinity DNA Aptamer Target to the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:346-356. [PMID: 38149631 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00661] [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] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are functional oligonucleotide ligands used for the molecular recognition of various targets. The natural characteristics of aptamers make them an excellent alternative to antibodies in diagnostics, therapeutics, and biosensing. DNA aptamers are mainly single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA) that possess a definite binding to targets. However, the application of aptamers to the fields of brain health and neurodegenerative diseases has been limited to date. Herein, a DNA aptamer against the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein was obtained by in vitro selection. BDNF is a potential biomarker of brain health and neurodegenerative diseases and has functions in the synaptic plasticity and survival of neurons. We identified eight aptamers that have binding affinity for BDNF from a 50-nucleotide library. Among these aptamers, NV_B12 showed the highest sensitivity and selectivity for detecting BDNF. In an aptamer-linked immobilized sorbent assay (ALISA), the NV_B12 aptamer strongly bound to BDNF protein, in a dose-dependent manner. The dissociation constant (Kd) for NV_B12 was 0.5 nM (95% CI: 0.4-0.6 nM). These findings suggest that BDNF-specific aptamers could be used as an alternative to antibodies in diagnostic and detection assays for BDNF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Anisuzzaman Chowdhury
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Jessica M Collins
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - David A Gell
- Menzies Research Institute, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Sharn Perry
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
| | - Michael C Breadmore
- Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Chemistry, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia
| | - Sarah Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Anna E King
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia
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Luo Y, Wang Z. The Impact of Microglia on Neurodevelopment and Brain Function in Autism. Biomedicines 2024; 12:210. [PMID: 38255315 PMCID: PMC10813633 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010210] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, as one of the main types of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are widely distributed throughout the brain and spinal cord. The normal number and function of microglia are very important for maintaining homeostasis in the CNS. In recent years, scientists have paid widespread attention to the role of microglia in the CNS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, and patients with ASD have severe deficits in behavior, social skills, and communication. Most previous studies on ASD have focused on neuronal pathological changes, such as increased cell proliferation, accelerated neuronal differentiation, impaired synaptic development, and reduced neuronal spontaneous and synchronous activity. Currently, more and more research has found that microglia, as immune cells, can promote neurogenesis and synaptic pruning to maintain CNS homeostasis. They can usually reduce unnecessary synaptic connections early in life. Some researchers have proposed that many pathological phenotypes of ASD may be caused by microglial abnormalities. Based on this, we summarize recent research on microglia in ASD, focusing on the function of microglia and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. We aim to clarify the essential factors influenced by microglia in ASD and explore the possibility of microglia-related pathways as potential research targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650500, China;
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming 650500, China
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9
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Nuñez A, Zegarra-Valdivia J, Fernandez de Sevilla D, Pignatelli J, Torres Aleman I. The neurobiology of insulin-like growth factor I: From neuroprotection to modulation of brain states. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3220-3230. [PMID: 37353586 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
After decades of research in the neurobiology of IGF-I, its role as a prototypical neurotrophic factor is undisputed. However, many of its actions in the adult brain indicate that this growth factor is not only involved in brain development or in the response to injury. Following a three-layer assessment of its role in the central nervous system, we consider that at the cellular level, IGF-I is indeed a bona fide neurotrophic factor, modulating along ontogeny the generation and function of all the major types of brain cells, contributing to sculpt brain architecture and adaptive responses to damage. At the circuit level, IGF-I modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity at multiple sites, whereas at the system level, IGF-I intervenes in energy allocation, proteostasis, circadian cycles, mood, and cognition. Local and peripheral sources of brain IGF-I input contribute to a spatially restricted, compartmentalized, and timed modulation of brain activity. To better define these variety of actions, we consider IGF-I a modulator of brain states. This definition aims to reconcile all aspects of IGF-I neurobiology, and may provide a new conceptual framework in the design of future research on the actions of this multitasking neuromodulator in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Nuñez
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neurosciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Zegarra-Valdivia
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
- Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Perú
| | - D Fernandez de Sevilla
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Neurosciences, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Pignatelli
- CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain
- Cajal Institute (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - I Torres Aleman
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain.
- CIBERNED, Madrid, Spain.
- Ikerbasque Science Foundation, Bilbao, Spain.
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10
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Bruscolini A, Iannitelli A, Segatto M, Rosso P, Fico E, Buonfiglio M, Lambiase A, Tirassa P. Psycho-Cognitive Profile and NGF and BDNF Levels in Tears and Serum: A Pilot Study in Patients with Graves' Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098074. [PMID: 37175781 PMCID: PMC10178719 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098074] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) mature/precursor imbalance in tears and serum is suggested as a risk factor and symptomatology aggravation in ophthalmology and neuropsychiatric disturbances. Cognitive and mood alterations are reported by patients with Graves' Orbitopathy (GO), indicating neurotrophin alterations might be involved. To address this question, the expression levels of NGF and BDNF and their precursors in serum and tears of GO patients were analyzed and correlated with the ophthalmological and psycho-cognitive symptoms. Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Depression (HAM-D), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) test were used as a score. NGF and BDNF levels were measured using ELISA and Western Blot and statistically analyzed for psychiatric/ocular variable trend association. GO patients show memorization time and level of distraction increase, together with high irritability and impulsiveness. HAM-A and CANTAB variables association, and some TCI dimensions are also found. NGF and BDNF expression correlates with ophthalmological symptoms only in tears, while mature/precursor NGF and BDNF correlate with the specific psycho-cognitive variables both in tears and serum. Our study is the first to show that changes in NGF and BDNF processing in tears and serum might profile ocular and cognitive alterations in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Bruscolini
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, Coppito 2, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Segatto
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche, Italy
| | - Pamela Rosso
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fico
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Buonfiglio
- Headache Center, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University, Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Lambiase
- Department of Sense Organs, University Sapienza of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry & Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Unit of Translational & Biomolecular Medicine "Rita Levi-Montalcini", Viale dell'Università 33, 00185 Rome, Italy
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11
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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