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Kebschull JM, Casoni F, Consalez GG, Goldowitz D, Hawkes R, Ruigrok TJH, Schilling K, Wingate R, Wu J, Yeung J, Uusisaari MY. Cerebellum Lecture: the Cerebellar Nuclei-Core of the Cerebellum. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024; 23:620-677. [PMID: 36781689 PMCID: PMC10951048 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is a key player in many brain functions and a major topic of neuroscience research. However, the cerebellar nuclei (CN), the main output structures of the cerebellum, are often overlooked. This neglect is because research on the cerebellum typically focuses on the cortex and tends to treat the CN as relatively simple output nuclei conveying an inverted signal from the cerebellar cortex to the rest of the brain. In this review, by adopting a nucleocentric perspective we aim to rectify this impression. First, we describe CN anatomy and modularity and comprehensively integrate CN architecture with its highly organized but complex afferent and efferent connectivity. This is followed by a novel classification of the specific neuronal classes the CN comprise and speculate on the implications of CN structure and physiology for our understanding of adult cerebellar function. Based on this thorough review of the adult literature we provide a comprehensive overview of CN embryonic development and, by comparing cerebellar structures in various chordate clades, propose an interpretation of CN evolution. Despite their critical importance in cerebellar function, from a clinical perspective intriguingly few, if any, neurological disorders appear to primarily affect the CN. To highlight this curious anomaly, and encourage future nucleocentric interpretations, we build on our review to provide a brief overview of the various syndromes in which the CN are currently implicated. Finally, we summarize the specific perspectives that a nucleocentric view of the cerebellum brings, move major outstanding issues in CN biology to the limelight, and provide a roadmap to the key questions that need to be answered in order to create a comprehensive integrated model of CN structure, function, development, and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justus M Kebschull
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Filippo Casoni
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G Giacomo Consalez
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, and San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Goldowitz
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Richard Hawkes
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Tom J H Ruigrok
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karl Schilling
- Department of Anatomy, Anatomy & Cell Biology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität, 53115, Bonn, Federal Republic of Germany
| | - Richard Wingate
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua Wu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Joanna Yeung
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marylka Yoe Uusisaari
- Neuronal Rhythms in Movement Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-Son, Kunigami-Gun, Okinawa, 904-0495, Japan.
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2
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Boxy P, Nykjær A, Kisiswa L. Building better brains: the pleiotropic function of neurotrophic factors in postnatal cerebellar development. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1181397. [PMID: 37251644 PMCID: PMC10213292 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1181397] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum is a multifunctional brain region that controls diverse motor and non-motor behaviors. As a result, impairments in the cerebellar architecture and circuitry lead to a vast array of neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurotrophins and neurotrophic growth factors play essential roles in the development as well as maintenance of the central and peripheral nervous system which is crucial for normal brain function. Their timely expression throughout embryonic and postnatal stages is important for promoting growth and survival of both neurons and glial cells. During postnatal development, the cerebellum undergoes changes in its cellular organization, which is regulated by a variety of molecular factors, including neurotrophic factors. Studies have shown that these factors and their receptors promote proper formation of the cerebellar cytoarchitecture as well as maintenance of the cerebellar circuits. In this review, we will summarize what is known on the neurotrophic factors' role in cerebellar postnatal development and how their dysregulation assists in developing various neurological disorders. Understanding the expression patterns and signaling mechanisms of these factors and their receptors is crucial for elucidating their function within the cerebellum and for developing therapeutic strategies for cerebellar-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Boxy
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Nykjær
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lilian Kisiswa
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Research Institute of Translational Neuroscience (DANDRITE)–Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Danish National Research Foundation Center, PROMEMO, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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3
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Cendelin J, Buffo A, Hirai H, Magrassi L, Mitoma H, Sherrard R, Vozeh F, Manto M. Task Force Paper On Cerebellar Transplantation: Are We Ready to Treat Cerebellar Disorders with Cell Therapy? THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 18:575-592. [PMID: 30607797 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-018-0999-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Restoration of damaged central nervous system structures, functional recovery, and prevention of neuronal loss during neurodegenerative diseases are major objectives in cerebellar research. The highly organized anatomical structure of the cerebellum with numerous inputs/outputs, the complexity of cerebellar functions, and the large spectrum of cerebellar ataxias render therapies of cerebellar disorders highly challenging. There are currently several therapeutic approaches including motor rehabilitation, neuroprotective drugs, non-invasive cerebellar stimulation, molecularly based therapy targeting pathogenesis of the disease, and neurotransplantation. We discuss the goals and possible beneficial mechanisms of transplantation therapy for cerebellar damage and its limitations and factors determining outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Annalisa Buffo
- Department of Neuroscience Rita Levi-Montalcini, University of Turin, 10126, Turin, Italy
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, 10043, Turin, Italy
| | - Hirokazu Hirai
- Department of Neurophysiology and Neural Repair, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-39-22, Maebashi, Gunma, 371-8511, Japan
| | - Lorenzo Magrassi
- Neurosurgery, Dipartimento di Scienze Clinico-Chirurgiche Diagnostiche e Pediatriche, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, Università degli Studi di Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - CNR, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Medical Education Promotion Center, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rachel Sherrard
- IBPS, UMR8256 Biological Adaptation and Ageing, Sorbonne Université and CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Frantisek Vozeh
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, alej Svobody 1655/76, 323 00, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - Mario Manto
- Department of Neurology, CHU-Charleroi, 6000, Charleroi, Belgium.
- Service des Neurosciences, Université de Mons, 7000, Mons, Belgium.
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4
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Miterko LN, Sillitoe RV. Climbing Fiber Development Is Impaired in Postnatal Car8 wdl Mice. THE CEREBELLUM 2019; 17:56-61. [PMID: 28940157 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0886-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The cerebellum is critical for an array of motor functions. During postnatal development, the Purkinje cells (PCs) guide afferent topography to establish the final circuit. Perturbing PC morphogenesis or activity during development can result in climbing fiber (CF) multi-innervation or mis-patterning. Structural defects during circuit formation typically have long-term effects on behavior as they contribute to the phenotype of movement disorders such as cerebellar ataxia. The Car8 wdl mouse is one model in which early circuit destruction influences movement. However, although the loss of Car8 leads to the mis-wiring of afferent maps and abnormal PC firing, adult PC morphology is largely intact and there is no neurodegeneration. Here, we sought to uncover how defects in afferent connectivity arise in Car8 wdl mutants to resolve how functional deficits persist in motor diseases with subtle neuropathology. To address this problem, we analyzed CF development during the first 3 weeks of life. By immunolabeling CF terminals with VGLUT2, we found evidence of premature CF synapse elimination and delayed translocation from PC somata at postnatal day (P) 10 in Car8 wdl mice. Surprisingly, by P15, the wiring normalized, suggesting that CAR8 regulates the early but not the late stages of CF development. The data support the hypothesis of a defined sequence of events for cerebellar circuits to establish function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Miterko
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1325, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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5
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Abe Y, Honsho M, Itoh R, Kawaguchi R, Fujitani M, Fujiwara K, Hirokane M, Matsuzaki T, Nakayama K, Ohgi R, Marutani T, Nakayama KI, Yamashita T, Fujiki Y. Peroxisome biogenesis deficiency attenuates the BDNF-TrkB pathway-mediated development of the cerebellum. Life Sci Alliance 2018; 1:e201800062. [PMID: 30519675 PMCID: PMC6277683 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome biogenesis disorders (PBDs) manifest as neurological deficits in the central nervous system, including neuronal migration defects and abnormal cerebellum development. However, the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis remain enigmatic. Here, to investigate how peroxisome deficiency causes neurological defects of PBDs, we established a new PBD model mouse defective in peroxisome assembly factor Pex14p, termed Pex14 ΔC/ΔC mouse. Pex14 ΔC/ΔC mouse manifests a severe symptom such as disorganization of cortical laminar structure and dies shortly after birth, although peroxisomal biogenesis and metabolism are partially defective. The Pex14 ΔC/ΔC mouse also shows malformation of the cerebellum including the impaired dendritic development of Purkinje cells. Moreover, extracellular signal-regulated kinase and AKT signaling are attenuated in this mutant mouse by an elevated level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) together with the enhanced expression of TrkB-T1, a dominant-negative isoform of the BDNF receptor. Our results suggest that dysregulation of the BDNF-TrkB pathway, an essential signaling for cerebellar morphogenesis, gives rise to the pathogenesis of the cerebellum in PBDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Abe
- Division of Organelle Homeostasis, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masanori Honsho
- Division of Organelle Homeostasis, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryota Itoh
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryoko Kawaguchi
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujitani
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazushirou Fujiwara
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masaaki Hirokane
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Matsuzaki
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiko Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.,Division of Cell Proliferation, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryohei Ohgi
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Marutani
- Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University Graduate School, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Keiichi I Nakayama
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihide Yamashita
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Fujiki
- Division of Organelle Homeostasis, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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6
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Drug Targets in Neurotrophin Signaling in the Central and Peripheral Nervous System. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:6939-6955. [PMID: 29372544 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-0885-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins are a family of proteins that play an important role in the regulation of the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous system. Neurotrophins were earlier characterized by their role in early development, growth, maintenance, and the plasticity of the nervous system during development, but recent findings also indicate their complex role during normal physiology in both neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Therefore, it is important to recognize a deficiency in the expression of neurotrophins, a major factor driving the debilitating features of several neurologic and psychiatric diseases/disorders. On the other hand, overexpression of neurotrophins is well known to play a critical role in pathogenesis of chronic pain and afferent sensitization, underlying conditions such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)/disorders and osteoarthritis. The existence of a redundant receptor system of high-and low-affinity receptors accounts for the diverse, often antagonistic, effects of neurotrophins in neurons and non-neuronal tissues in a spatial and temporal manner. In addition, studies looking at bladder dysfunction because of conditions such as spinal cord injury and diabetes mellitus have found alterations in the levels of these neurotrophins in the bladder, as well as in sensory afferent neurons, which further opens a new avenue for therapeutic targets. In this review, we will discuss the characteristics and roles of key neurotrophins and their involvement in the central and periphery nervous system in both normal and diseased conditions.
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7
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Hoxha E, Lippiello P, Scelfo B, Tempia F, Ghirardi M, Miniaci MC. Maturation, Refinement, and Serotonergic Modulation of Cerebellar Cortical Circuits in Normal Development and in Murine Models of Autism. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:6595740. [PMID: 28894610 PMCID: PMC5574313 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6595740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of the complex cerebellar cortical circuits follows different phases, with initial synaptogenesis and subsequent processes of refinement guided by a variety of mechanisms. The regularity of the cellular and synaptic organization of the cerebellar cortex allowed detailed studies of the structural plasticity mechanisms underlying the formation of new synapses and retraction of redundant ones. For the attainment of the monoinnervation of the Purkinje cell by a single climbing fiber, several signals are involved, including electrical activity, contact signals, homosynaptic and heterosynaptic interaction, calcium transients, postsynaptic receptors, and transduction pathways. An important role in this developmental program is played by serotonergic projections that, acting on temporally and spatially regulated postsynaptic receptors, induce and modulate the phases of synaptic formation and maturation. In the adult cerebellar cortex, many developmental mechanisms persist but play different roles, such as supporting synaptic plasticity during learning and formation of cerebellar memory traces. A dysfunction at any stage of this process can lead to disorders of cerebellar origin, which include autism spectrum disorders but are not limited to motor deficits. Recent evidence in animal models links impairment of Purkinje cell function with autism-like symptoms including sociability deficits, stereotyped movements, and interspecific communication by vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriola Hoxha
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Bibiana Scelfo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi (NICO), Torino, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Torino, Italy
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8
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Rahimi-Balaei M, Afsharinezhad P, Bailey K, Buchok M, Yeganeh B, Marzban H. Embryonic stages in cerebellar afferent development. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2015; 2:7. [PMID: 26331050 PMCID: PMC4552263 DOI: 10.1186/s40673-015-0026-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum is important for motor control, cognition, and language processing. Afferent and efferent fibers are major components of cerebellar circuitry and impairment of these circuits causes severe cerebellar malfunction, such as ataxia. The cerebellum receives information from two major afferent types – climbing fibers and mossy fibers. In addition, a third set of afferents project to the cerebellum as neuromodulatory fibers. The spatiotemporal pattern of early cerebellar afferents that enter the developing embryonic cerebellum is not fully understood. In this review, we will discuss the cerebellar architecture and connectivity specifically related to afferents during development in different species. We will also consider the order of afferent fiber arrival into the developing cerebellum to establish neural connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Canada ; College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Manitoba Institute of Child Health (MICH), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
| | - Pegah Afsharinezhad
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Canada
| | - Karen Bailey
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Canada
| | - Matthew Buchok
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Canada
| | - Behzad Yeganeh
- Program in Physiology and Experimental Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Hassan Marzban
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Rm129, BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 0J9 Canada ; College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Manitoba Institute of Child Health (MICH), University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
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9
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Cutuli D, Caporali P, Gelfo F, Angelucci F, Laricchiuta D, Foti F, De Bartolo P, Bisicchia E, Molinari M, Farioli Vecchioli S, Petrosini L. Pre-reproductive maternal enrichment influences rat maternal care and offspring developmental trajectories: behavioral performances and neuroplasticity correlates. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:66. [PMID: 25814946 PMCID: PMC4357301 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is a widely used paradigm for investigating the influence of complex stimulations on brain and behavior. Here we examined whether pre-reproductive exposure to EE of female rats may influence their maternal care and offspring cognitive performances. To this aim, from weaning to breeding age enriched females (EF) were reared in enriched environments. Females reared in standard conditions were used as controls. At 2.5 months of age all females were mated and reared in standard conditions with their offspring. Maternal care behaviors and nesting activity were assessed in lactating dams. Their male pups were also behaviorally evaluated at different post-natal days (pnd). Brain BDNF, reelin and adult hippocampal neurogenesis levels were measured as biochemical correlates of neuroplasticity. EF showed more complex maternal care than controls due to their higher levels of licking, crouching and nest building activities. Moreover, their offspring showed higher discriminative (maternal odor preference T-maze, pnd 10) and spatial (Morris Water Maze, pnd 45; Open Field with objects, pnd 55) performances, with no differences in social abilities (Sociability test, pnd 35), in comparison to controls. BDNF levels were increased in EF frontal cortex at pups' weaning and in their offspring hippocampus at pnd 21 and 55. No differences in offspring reelin and adult hippocampal neurogenesis levels were found. In conclusion, our study indicates that pre-reproductive maternal enrichment positively influences female rats' maternal care and cognitive development of their offspring, demonstrating thus a transgenerational transmission of EE benefits linked to enhanced BDNF-induced neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Systemic Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daniela Laricchiuta
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Foti
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Bartolo
- Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Sociological and Psychopedagogical Studies, University "Guglielmo Marconi" of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
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10
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Neurotrophin blood-based gene expression and social cognition analysis in patients with autism spectrum disorder. Neurogenetics 2014; 16:123-31. [PMID: 25535174 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-014-0434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 12/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) comprise neurodevelopmental disorders with clinical onset during the first years of life. The identification of peripheral biomarkers could significantly impact diagnosis and an individualized, early treatment. Although the aetiology of ASD remains poorly understood, there is increasing evidence that neurotrophins and their receptors represent a group of candidate genes for ASD pathophysiology and biomarker research. Total messenger RNA (mRNA) from whole blood was obtained from adolescents and adults diagnosed as ASD (n = 21) according to DSM-IV criteria and confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) algorithms, as well as healthy controls (n = 10). The mRNA expression of neurotrophins (BDNF, NT3 and NT4) and their receptors (TrkA, TrkB and p75 (NTR) ) was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Moreover, social cognition abilities of ASD patients and controls were determined according to three Theory of Mind (ToM) tests (Reading the Mind in the Eyes, Faux pas, and Happé stories). The NT3 and NT4 mRNA expression in the whole blood was significantly lower in ASD compared to healthy controls, while p75(NTR) was higher (P < 0.005). In addition, lower scores in three of the ToM tests were observed in ASD subjects compared to controls. A significant (P < 0.005) ToM impairment in Happé stories test was demonstrated in ASD. Nevertheless, no correlations were observed between neurotrophins and their receptors expressions and measures of ToM. Given their potential as peripheral blood-based biomarkers, NT3, NT4 and p75 (NTR) mRNA expression patterns may be useful tools for a more personalized diagnostics and therapy in ASD. Further investigations with larger numbers of samples are needed to verify these results.
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11
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Caporali P, Cutuli D, Gelfo F, Laricchiuta D, Foti F, De Bartolo P, Mancini L, Angelucci F, Petrosini L. Pre-reproductive maternal enrichment influences offspring developmental trajectories: motor behavior and neurotrophin expression. Front Behav Neurosci 2014; 8:195. [PMID: 24910599 PMCID: PMC4038762 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2014.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment is usually applied immediately after weaning or in adulthood, with strong effects on CNS anatomy and behavior. To examine the hypothesis that a pre-reproductive environmental enrichment of females could affect the motor development of their offspring, female rats were reared in an enriched environment from weaning to sexual maturity, while other female rats used as controls were reared under standard conditions. Following mating with standard-reared males, all females were housed individually. To evaluate the eventual transgenerational influence of positive pre-reproductive maternal experiences, postural and motor development of male pups was analyzed from birth to weaning. Moreover, expression of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in different brain regions was evaluated at birth and weaning. Pre-reproductive environmental enrichment of females affected the offspring motor development, as indicated by the earlier acquisition of complex motor abilities displayed by the pups of enriched females. The earlier acquisition of motor abilities was associated with enhanced neurotrophin levels in striatum and cerebellum. In conclusion, maternal positive experiences were transgenerationally transmitted, and influenced offspring phenotype at both behavioral and biochemical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Caporali
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Debora Cutuli
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelfo
- I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy ; Department of Systemic Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Laricchiuta
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Foti
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Paola De Bartolo
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Mancini
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Petrosini
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome Rome, Italy ; I.R.C.C.S. Santa Lucia Foundation Rome, Italy
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Synapse elimination in the developing cerebellum. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:4667-80. [PMID: 23811844 PMCID: PMC3830199 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1405-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 06/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural circuits in neonatal animals contain numerous redundant synapses that are functionally immature. During the postnatal period, unnecessary synapses are eliminated while functionally important synapses become stronger and mature. The climbing fiber (CF) to the Purkinje cell (PC) synapse is a representative model for the analysis of postnatal refinement of neuronal circuits in the central nervous system. PCs are initially innervated by multiple CFs with similar strengths around postnatal day 3 (P3). Only a single CF is selectively strengthened during P3–P7 (functional differentiation), and the strengthened CF undergoes translocation from soma to dendrites of PCs from P9 on (dendritic translocation). Following the functional differentiation, supernumerary CF synapses on the soma are eliminated, which proceeds in two distinct phases: the early phase from P7 to around P11 and the late phase from around P12 to P17. Here, we review our current understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of CF synapse elimination in the developing cerebellum.
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Quartu M, Serra MP, Boi M, Melis T, Ambu R, Del Fiacco M. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and polysialylated-neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM): codistribution in the human brainstem precerebellar nuclei from prenatal to adult age. Brain Res 2010; 1363:49-62. [PMID: 20932956 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Occurrence and distribution of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and polysialylated-neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), a neuroplasticity marker known to modulate BDNF signalling, were examined by immunohistochemistry in the human brainstem precerebellar nuclei at prenatal, perinatal and adult age. Western blot analysis performed in human brainstem showed for both molecules a single protein band compatible with the molecular weight of the dimeric form of mature BDNF and with that of PSA-NCAM. Detectability of both molecules up to 72h post-mortem was also assessed in rat brain. In neuronal perikarya, BDNF-like immunoreactivity (LI) appeared as intracytoplasmic granules, whereas PSA-NCAM-LI appeared mostly as peripheral staining, indicative of membrane labelling; immunoreactivity to both substances also labelled nerve fibres and terminals. BDNF- and PSA-NCAM-LI occurred in the external cuneate nucleus, perihypoglossal nuclei, inferior olive complex, arcuate nucleus, lateral reticular formation, vestibular nuclei, pontine reticulotegmental and paramedian reticular nuclei, and pontine basilar nuclei. With few exceptions, for both substances the distribution pattern detected at prenatal age persisted later on, though the immunoreactivity appeared often higher in pre- and full-term newborns than in adult specimens. The results obtained suggest that BDNF operates in the development, maturation, maintenance and plasticity of human brainstem precerebellar neuronal systems. They also imply a multiple origin for the BDNF-LI of the human cerebellum. The codistribution of BDNF- and PSA-NCAM-LI in analyzed regions suggests that PSA-NCAM may modulate the functional interaction between BDNF and its high and low affinity receptors, an issue worth further analysis, particularly in view of the possible clinical significance of neuronal trophism in cerebellar neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Quartu
- Department of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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Gelfo F, Cutuli D, Foti F, Laricchiuta D, De Bartolo P, Caltagirone C, Petrosini L, Angelucci F. Enriched Environment Improves Motor Function and Increases Neurotrophins in Hemicerebellar Lesioned Rats. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2010; 25:243-52. [DOI: 10.1177/1545968310380926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background. Environmental enrichment (EE) defined as “a combination of complex inanimate and social stimulation” influences brain function and anatomy by enhancing sensory, cognitive, motor, and social stimulation. The beneficial effects of EE in the presence of brain damage have been partially attributed to upregulation of neurotrophins, proteins involved in neuronal survival and in activity-dependent plasticity. Objective. The authors tested the hypothesis that EE may have advantageous effects on recovery of motor function after cerebellar damage, associated with changes in local neurotrophin production. Methods. They performed a hemicerebellectomy in rats previously exposed to EE or reared in standard conditions. The time course of compensation of motor symptoms was analyzed in both lesioned groups. Then, the local production of the nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spared hemicerebellum and other extracerebellar regions was evaluated. Results. Long-term exposure to EE accelerated the motor recovery in hemicerebellectomized rats and elicited an increase in NGF levels in the spared hemicerebellum, as compared with nonenriched lesioned and control rats. BDNF levels were higher in hemicerebellectomized rats but not influenced by EE. In the frontal cortex, both NGF and BDNF levels were upregulated in hemicerebellectomized enriched rats as compared with hemicerebellectomized nonenriched and control rats. Conclusions. This study suggests that the beneficial effects of EE on motor symptoms after cerebellar damage may be, at least partly, because of modulation of neurotrophic proteins involved in the regeneration processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- University of Naples “Parthenope”, Naples, Italy
| | - Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Foti
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paola De Bartolo
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Petrosini
- IRCCS Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
- University of Rome “Sapienza”, Rome, Italy
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15
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Sherrard RM, Dixon KJ, Bakouche J, Rodger J, Lemaigre-Dubreuil Y, Mariani J. Differential expression of TrkB isoforms switches climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synaptogenesis to selective synapse elimination. Dev Neurobiol 2009. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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16
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Sherrard RM, Dixon KJ, Bakouche J, Rodger J, Lemaigre-Dubreuil Y, Mariani J. Differential expression of TrkB isoforms switches climbing fiber-Purkinje cell synaptogenesis to selective synapse elimination. Dev Neurobiol 2009; 69:647-62. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.20730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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17
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Increased Concentrations of Nerve Growth Factor and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Rat Cerebellum After Exposure to Environmental Enrichment. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 8:499-506. [DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2009] [Accepted: 08/03/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Sadakata T, Furuichi T. Developmentally regulated Ca2+-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2) is involved in BDNF secretion and is associated with autism susceptibility. THE CEREBELLUM 2009; 8:312-22. [PMID: 19238500 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-009-0097-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2008] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The postnatal development of the cerebellum is accomplished via a series of cytogenetic and morphogenetic events encoded in the genome. To decipher the underlying genetic basis of these events we have systematized the spatio-temporal gene expression profiles during mouse cerebellar development in the Cerebellar Development Transcriptome Database (CDT-DB). Using the CDT-DB, Ca(2+)-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2 or CADPS2) was identified as a developmentally regulated gene that is predominantly expressed in cerebellar granule cells (GCs) with an expression peak around the first or second postnatal week. CAPS2 protein is concentrated in parallel fiber (PF) terminals and is associated with secretory vesicles containing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). CAPS2 enhances release of BDNF and NT-3, both of which are essential for normal cerebellar development. CAPS2-deficient (CAPS2(-/-)) mice show reduced secretion of BDNF and NT-3; consequently, the cerebella of these mice exhibit developmental deficits, such as delayed development and increased cell death in GCs, fewer branched dendrites on Purkinje cells (PCs), and loss of the intercrural fissure. The PF-PC synapses have aberrant cytoarchitectures and electrophysiological properties. These abnormal cellular and morphological phenotypes are more severe around the cerebellar vermis, in which hypoplasia has been reported in autism patients. Moreover, CAPS2(-/-) mice had fewer cortical and hippocampal parvalbumin-positive interneurons and some autistic-like behavioral phenotypes. In the CAPS2 genes of some autistic patients an aberrant splicing variant and non-synonymous SNPs have been identified. These recent studies implicate CAPS2 in autism susceptibility. Therefore, CAPS2(-/-) mice will be a useful model animal in which to study aspects of the neuropathology and behaviors characteristic of developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsushi Sadakata
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurogenesis, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
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19
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Sadakata T, Kakegawa W, Mizoguchi A, Washida M, Katoh-Semba R, Shutoh F, Okamoto T, Nakashima H, Kimura K, Tanaka M, Sekine Y, Itohara S, Yuzaki M, Nagao S, Furuichi T. Impaired cerebellar development and function in mice lacking CAPS2, a protein involved in neurotrophin release. J Neurosci 2007; 27:2472-82. [PMID: 17344385 PMCID: PMC6672497 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2279-06.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ca2+-dependent activator protein for secretion 2 (CAPS2/CADPS2) is a secretory granule-associated protein that is abundant at the parallel fiber terminals of granule cells in the mouse cerebellum and is involved in the release of neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), both of which are required for cerebellar development. The human homolog gene on chromosome 7 is located within susceptibility locus 1 of autism, a disease characterized by several cerebellar morphological abnormalities. Here we report that CAPS2 knock-out mice are deficient in the release of NT-3 and BDNF, and they consequently exhibit suppressed phosphorylation of Trk receptors in the cerebellum; these mice exhibit pronounced impairments in cerebellar development and functions, including neuronal survival, differentiation and migration of postmitotic granule cells, dendritogenesis of Purkinje cells, lobulation between lobules VI and VII, structure and vesicular distribution of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses, paired-pulse facilitation at parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses, rotarod motor coordination, and eye movement plasticity in optokinetic training. Increased granule cell death of the external granular layer was noted in lobules VI-VII and IX, in which high BDNF and NT-3 levels are specifically localized during cerebellar development. Therefore, the deficiency of CAPS2 indicates that CAPS2-mediated neurotrophin release is indispensable for normal cerebellar development and functions, including neuronal differentiation and survival, morphogenesis, synaptic function, and motor learning/control. The possible involvement of the CAPS2 gene in the cerebellar deficits of autistic patients is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wataru Kakegawa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akira Mizoguchi
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan, and
| | | | - Ritsuko Katoh-Semba
- Department of Perinatology, Institute for Developmental Research, Aichi Human Service Center, Kasugai, Aichi 480-0392, Japan
| | | | | | - Hisako Nakashima
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan, and
| | - Kazushi Kimura
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Mie University, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan, and
| | | | | | - Shigeyoshi Itohara
- Laboratory for Behavioral Genetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Michisuke Yuzaki
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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20
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Lohof AM, Mariani J, Sherrard RM. Afferent-target interactions during olivocerebellar development: transcommissural reinnervation indicates interdependence of Purkinje cell maturation and climbing fibre synapse elimination. Eur J Neurosci 2005; 22:2681-8. [PMID: 16324102 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2005.04493.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We have used a model of postlesional reinnervation to observe the interactions between synaptic partners during neosynaptogenesis to determine how the developmental states of the pre- and postsynaptic cells influence circuit maturation. After unilateral transection of the neonatal rat olivocerebellar pathway (pedunculotomy), axons from the remaining ipsilateral inferior olive grow into the denervated hemicerebellum and develop climbing fibre (CF) terminal arbors on Purkinje cells (PCs) at a later stage of development than normal. However, the significance of delayed CF-PC interactions on subsequent circuit maturation remains poorly defined. To examine this question, we recorded CF-induced currents in PCs and analysed PC morphology during the first two postnatal weeks in control animals and following left unilateral inferior cerebellar pedunculotomy on postnatal day (P)3. Our results show that transcommissural olivary axons multiply-reinnervate PCs in the denervated hemisphere over 4 days following pedunculotomy. Each PC received fewer CFs than did age-matched controls and the maximal multi-reinnervation was reached on P7, 2 days later than in controls. Consequently, the onset of CF synapse elimination in reinnervated PCs was delayed, but then proceeded in parallel with controls so that all PCs were monoinnervated by P15. Furthermore, reinnervated PCs had delayed dendritic maturation and subsequent dendritic abnormalities consistent with the role of CF innervation in PC dendritic growth. Thus, within the olivocerebellar system, our data suggest that target neurons depend upon sufficient afferent investment arriving at the correct time for their normal development, and maturation of the target neuron regulates afferent selection and therefore circuit maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Lohof
- Laboratoire Développement et Vieillissement du Système Nerveux, UMR 7102 Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, CNRS et Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Case courrier 14, 9 quai Saint-Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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21
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Nelson PG, Kuddo T, Song EY, Dambrosia JM, Kohler S, Satyanarayana G, Vandunk C, Grether JK, Nelson KB. Selected neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and cytokines: developmental trajectory and concentrations in neonatal blood of children with autism or Down syndrome. Int J Dev Neurosci 2005; 24:73-80. [PMID: 16289943 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2005.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2005] [Revised: 10/07/2005] [Accepted: 10/10/2005] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a double-antibody immunoaffinity assay (Luminex) and ELISA technology, we measured concentrations of certain neurotrophins, neuropeptides, and cytokines in pooled samples (one to three subjects per sample) eluted from archived neonatal blood of children with later-diagnosed autism, Down syndrome, very preterm birth, or term control infants. We also measured analytes in blood from healthy adult controls. Case or control status for infant subjects was ascertained by retrospective review of service agency medical records. We observed inhibitory substances in eluates from archived bloodspots, especially marked for measurement of BDNF. Concentrations in control subjects differed by age: BDNF rose markedly with age, while NT-3 and NT-4/5 concentrations were lower in adults than in newborn infants. IL-8 concentrations were higher in newborn infants, preterm and term, than in adults. Considered by diagnostic group, total protein was higher in Down syndrome than in either autism or control subjects. In infants with Down syndrome, concentrations of IL-8 levels were higher than in controls, whether or not corrected for total protein; NT-3 and CGRP were lower and VIP higher. In samples from autistic subjects, NT-3 levels were significantly lower than controls and an increase in VIP approached statistical significance. Concentrations of NT-4/5 and CGRP were correlated in infants with autism but not in Down syndrome or controls. Some of these results differ from earlier findings using a single-antibody recycling immunoaffinity chromatography (RIC) system. We discuss interrelationships of VIP, NT-3 and IL-8 and their potential relevance to features of the neuropathology of autism or Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip G Nelson
- National Institute of Child Health and Development, Building 31, Room 2A25, Bethesda, MD 20892-2426, USA.
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22
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Schor NF. The p75 neurotrophin receptor in human development and disease. Prog Neurobiol 2005; 77:201-14. [PMID: 16297524 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2005.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2004] [Revised: 10/19/2005] [Accepted: 10/21/2005] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The functional effects of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its precursor, pro-NGF, are thought to be mediated through binding of these ligands to one or both of their receptors, TrkA and p75NTR. While the signaling pathways and downstream effects of NGF binding to TrkA are reasonably well known, those related to the binding of NGF and pro-NGF to p75NTR are less well understood. Furthermore, p75NTR appears to play functional roles that are unrelated to its ability to bind NGF and pro-NGF, some of which are ligand-independent and others of which are dependent upon binding to other neurotrophins. As these functional roles and their biochemical mechanisms become better known, the importance of p75NTR, related receptors, and both extracellular ligands and intracellular interactors and effectors for human development and health has become increasingly apparent. A complete understanding of p75NTR and its cellular partners is best served by approaching the remaining questions from both sides, with studies of function in normal states and studies of dysfunction in aberrant states mutually informing one another.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Felice Schor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, 3705 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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23
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Manzardo AM, Penick EC, Knop J, Nickel EJ, Hall S, Jensen P, Gabrielli WF. Developmental Differences in Childhood Motor Coordination Predict Adult Alcohol Dependence: Proposed Role for the Cerebellum in Alcoholism. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2005; 29:353-7. [PMID: 15770110 DOI: 10.1097/01.alc.0000156126.22194.e0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Danish Longitudinal Study of Alcoholism has identified a number of early biological indicators that predicted alcohol dependence 30 years later. In light of recent evidence linking deficits of the cerebellum to certain neuropsychiatric disorders often comorbid with alcoholism, we hypothesized that developmental deficits in the cerebellar vermis may also play a role in the initiation of adult alcohol dependence. The present study evaluated whether measures of motor development in the first year of life predict alcohol dependence three decades later. METHODS A total of 241 subjects of the original 330 infants who were entered into this study completed the 30-year follow-up (12 had died). The subjects were men who were drawn from a large birth cohort born in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 1959 to 1961. A comprehensive series of measures were obtained on each subject before, during, and shortly after birth as well as at 1 year of age. Muscle tone at birth and day 5 as well as 1-year measures of motor coordination--age to sitting, standing, and walking--were examined. A DSM-III-R diagnosis of alcohol dependence and a measure of lifetime problem drinking served as the 30-year outcome variables. RESULTS Several measures of childhood motor development significantly predicted alcohol dependence at 30 years of age. These included deficits in muscle tone 5 days after birth, delays in the age to sitting, and delays in the age to walking. CONCLUSIONS Relationships found between adult alcoholism and early delays in motor development offer support for the theory that cerebellar deficits may play a causal role in the addiction process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Manzardo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 1040C Sudler, MS 4015, 3901 Rainbow Boulevard, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Duncan JR, Cock ML, Harding R, Rees SM. Neurotrophin expression in the hippocampus and cerebellum is affected by chronic placental insufficiency in the late gestational ovine fetus. BRAIN RESEARCH. DEVELOPMENTAL BRAIN RESEARCH 2004; 153:243-50. [PMID: 15527892 DOI: 10.1016/j.devbrainres.2004.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our aim was to determine the effects of chronic placental insufficiency (CPI) during late gestation on the expression of neurotrophic factors and their receptors in the hippocampus and cerebellum in the near-term fetus. Structural alterations were also assessed in these brain regions. CPI was induced in eight fetal sheep by umbilicoplacental embolization (UPE) from 120 to 140 days of gestation (term approximately 147d) such that fetal arterial O2 saturation (SaO2) was maintained at approximately 50% of pre-UPE values. Five non-UPE fetuses served as controls. UPE resulted in fetal hypoxemia, hypoglycaemia, and growth restriction. In hippocampi from UPE fetuses, there were reductions in the optical density (OD) of the immunoreactivity (IR) of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein within the mossy fibre collaterals of the polymorphic layer and in stratum lucidum (p<0.05); there was no consistent effect on tyrosine-related kinase (Trk) B receptor or neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) expression. Within the cerebellum, there was an increase in BDNF-IR (p<0.05) in the molecular layer; however, Trk B-IR and NT-3-IR were unaltered. There were no significant alterations to the structural parameters measured in the hippocampus. We conclude that CPI in late gestation affects the expression of BDNF in the fetal hippocampus and cerebellum, but these changes do not have a well-defined relationship to structural outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhodie R Duncan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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25
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Golan H, Kashtuzki I, Hallak M, Sorokin Y, Huleihel M. Maternal hypoxia during pregnancy induces fetal neurodevelopmental brain damage: Partial protection by magnesium sulfate. J Neurosci Res 2004; 78:430-41. [PMID: 15389830 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.20269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Fetal low brain oxygenation may be an outcome of maternal complications during pregnancy and is associated with increased risk of cerebral palsy and periventricular leukomalacia in newborns. One treatment used for prevention of fetal brain damage is maternal treatment with MgSO(4). Although this treatment is indicated to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy in newborns, its use remains controversial. We have shown previously that pretreatment with MgSO(4) in a mouse model of maternal hypoxia prevented a delay in the development of motor reflexes induced by hypoxia. We demonstrate here that pretreatment with MgSO(4) reduces hypoxia-induced motor disabilities in adult offspring. This effect is associated with histologic protection of the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and stabilization of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the cerebellum. MgSO(4) did not prevent the reduction in cerebral cortex cell density and cell size induced by maternal hypoxia, however, nor did it interfere with the modulation of BDNF and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in the cerebral cortex. MgSO(4) pretreatment also prevented the impairment of short-term memory (30 min, P < 0.05) but not long-term memory (7 days). Nevertheless, maternal pretreatment with MgSO(4) reduced CA1 cell layer width and induced alterations in both NGF and BDNF in the hippocampus. These results support the prophylactic effect of MgSO(4) against motor disabilities; however, they may also indicate possible harmful effects on the cerebral cortex and hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Golan
- Department of Developmental Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
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Kandler K. Activity-dependent organization of inhibitory circuits: lessons from the auditory system. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2004; 14:96-104. [PMID: 15018944 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2004.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to our detailed knowledge about the development and plasticity of excitatory neuronal circuits, little is known about the development of inhibitory circuits. Recent studies from the developing mammalian auditory system have revealed the presence of substantial activity-dependent synaptic reorganization in several inhibitory pathways. These studies importantly shed some new light on the general rules and cellular mechanisms that manage the organization of precise inhibitory circuits in the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Kandler
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3500 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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