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Croom K, Rumschlag JA, Erickson MA, Binder D, Razak KA. Sex differences during development in cortical temporal processing and event related potentials in wild-type and fragile X syndrome model mice. J Neurodev Disord 2024; 16:24. [PMID: 38720271 PMCID: PMC11077726 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is currently diagnosed in approximately 1 in 44 children in the United States, based on a wide array of symptoms, including sensory dysfunction and abnormal language development. Boys are diagnosed ~ 3.8 times more frequently than girls. Auditory temporal processing is crucial for speech recognition and language development. Abnormal development of temporal processing may account for ASD language impairments. Sex differences in the development of temporal processing may underlie the differences in language outcomes in male and female children with ASD. To understand mechanisms of potential sex differences in temporal processing requires a preclinical model. However, there are no studies that have addressed sex differences in temporal processing across development in any animal model of ASD. METHODS To fill this major gap, we compared the development of auditory temporal processing in male and female wildtype (WT) and Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mice, a model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of ASD-associated behaviors. Using epidural screw electrodes, we recorded auditory event related potentials (ERP) and auditory temporal processing with a gap-in-noise auditory steady state response (ASSR) paradigm at young (postnatal (p)21 and p30) and adult (p60) ages from both auditory and frontal cortices of awake, freely moving mice. RESULTS The results show that ERP amplitudes were enhanced in both sexes of Fmr1 KO mice across development compared to WT counterparts, with greater enhancement in adult female than adult male KO mice. Gap-ASSR deficits were seen in the frontal, but not auditory, cortex in early development (p21) in female KO mice. Unlike male KO mice, female KO mice show WT-like temporal processing at p30. There were no temporal processing deficits in the adult mice of both sexes. CONCLUSIONS These results show a sex difference in the developmental trajectories of temporal processing and hypersensitive responses in Fmr1 KO mice. Male KO mice show slower maturation of temporal processing than females. Female KO mice show stronger hypersensitive responses than males later in development. The differences in maturation rates of temporal processing and hypersensitive responses during various critical periods of development may lead to sex differences in language function, arousal and anxiety in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katilynne Croom
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Rumschlag
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Michael A Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, USA
| | - Devin Binder
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, USA.
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2
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Juarez P, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Dufour B, Martinez-Cerdeño V. Fragile X cortex is characterized by decreased parvalbumin-expressing interneurons. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae103. [PMID: 38521994 PMCID: PMC10960956 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a mutation of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene in the X chromosome. Many fragile X syndrome cases present with autism spectrum disorder and fragile X syndrome cases account for up to 5% of all autism spectrum disorder cases. The cellular composition of the fragile X syndrome cortex is not well known. We evaluated alterations in the number of Calbindin, Calretinin, and Parvalbumin expressing interneurons across 5 different cortical areas, medial prefrontal cortex (BA46), primary somatosensory cortex (BA3), primary motor cortex (BA4), superior temporal cortex (BA22), and anterior cingulate cortex (BA24) of fragile X syndrome and neurotypical brains. Compared with neurotypical cases, fragile X syndrome brains displayed a significant reduction in the number of PV+ interneurons in all areas and of CR+ interneurons in BA22 and BA3. The number of CB+ interneurons did not differ. These findings are the first to demonstrate that fragile X syndrome brains are characterized by cortical wide PV+ interneuron deficits across multiple cortical areas. These add to the idea that deficits in PV+ interneurons could disrupt the cortical balance and promote clinical deficits in fragile X syndrome patients and help to develop novel therapies for neurodevelopmental disorders like fragile X syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Juarez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern CaliforniaSacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern CaliforniaSacramento, CA 95817, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - Brett Dufour
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern CaliforniaSacramento, CA 95817, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeño
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine; Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern CaliforniaSacramento, CA 95817, United States
- MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, United States
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3
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Picciuca C, Assogna M, Esposito R, D’Acunto A, Ferraresi M, Picazio S, Borghi I, Martino Cinnera A, Bonnì S, Chiurazzi P, Koch G. Transcranial direct current stimulation combined with speech therapy in Fragile X syndrome patients: a pilot study. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1268165. [PMID: 38116107 PMCID: PMC10729003 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1268165] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of genetic intellectual disability. Among the neurobehavioral dysfunctions in FXS individuals, language development and literacy are compromised. Recent evidence hypothesized that the disruption of excitatory glutamatergic and GABAergic inhibitory neurotransmission balance might be responsible for impairment in cognitive function. In this study, we evaluated for the first time, the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of anodal prefrontal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with standard speech therapy to enhance language function in FXS patients. Methods In total, 16 adult FXS patients were enrolled. Participants underwent 45 min of anodic tDCS combined with speech therapy for 5 weeks (3 times per week). Language function was evaluated using the Test for Reception of Grammar-Version 2 (TROG-2) and subtests of the Italian Language Examination (Esame del Linguaggio - II, EDL-II). Right and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex transcranial magnetic stimulation and concurrent electroencephalography (TMS-EEG) recordings were collected at baseline and after the treatment to evaluate cortical reactivity and connectivity changes. Results After 5 weeks of combined therapy, we observed a significant improvement in the writing (7.5%), reading (20.3%), repetition (13.3%), and TROG-2 (10.2%) tests. Parallelly with clinical change, TMS-EEG results showed a significant difference in TMS-evoked potential amplitude over the left frontal cortex after treatment (-0.73 ± 0.87 μV) compared to baseline (0.18 ± 0.84 μV). Conclusion Our study provides novel evidence that left anodal prefrontal tDCS combined with standard speech therapy could be effective in enhancing language function in FXS patients, mainly by inducing a rebalance of the dysfunctional prefrontal cortical excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Picciuca
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Esposito
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessia D’Acunto
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Ferraresi
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Picazio
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Borghi
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alex Martino Cinnera
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - Sonia Bonnì
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Chiurazzi
- Sezione di Medicina genomica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita e Sanità Pubblica, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- UOC Genetica Medica, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neurology, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Croom K, Rumschlag JA, Erickson MA, Binder DK, Razak KA. Developmental delays in cortical auditory temporal processing in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:23. [PMID: 37516865 PMCID: PMC10386252 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09496-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a wide array of debilitating symptoms, including sensory dysfunction and delayed language development. Auditory temporal processing is crucial for speech perception and language development. Abnormal development of temporal processing may account for the language impairments associated with ASD. Very little is known about the development of temporal processing in any animal model of ASD. METHODS In the current study, we quantify auditory temporal processing throughout development in the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and ASD-associated behaviors. Using epidural electrodes in awake and freely moving wildtype (WT) and KO mice, we recorded auditory event related potentials (ERP) and auditory temporal processing with a gap-in-noise auditory steady state response (gap-ASSR) paradigm. Mice were recorded at three different ages in a cross sectional design: postnatal (p)21, p30 and p60. Recordings were obtained from both auditory and frontal cortices. The gap-ASSR requires underlying neural generators to synchronize responses to gaps of different widths embedded in noise, providing an objective measure of temporal processing across genotypes and age groups. RESULTS We present evidence that the frontal, but not auditory, cortex shows significant temporal processing deficits at p21 and p30, with poor ability to phase lock to rapid gaps in noise. Temporal processing was similar in both genotypes in adult mice. ERP amplitudes were larger in Fmr1 KO mice in both auditory and frontal cortex, consistent with ERP data in humans with FXS. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate cortical region-specific delays in temporal processing development in Fmr1 KO mice. Developmental delays in the ability of frontal cortex to follow rapid changes in sounds may shape language delays in FXS, and more broadly in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katilynne Croom
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Rumschlag
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | | | - Devin K Binder
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
- Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, USA.
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Abbeduto L, Del Hoyo Soriano L, Berry-Kravis E, Sterling A, Edgin JO, Abdelnur N, Drayton A, Hoffmann A, Hamilton D, Harvey DJ, Thurman AJ. Expressive language sampling and outcome measures for treatment trials in fragile X and down syndromes: composite scores and psychometric properties. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9267. [PMID: 37286643 PMCID: PMC10247708 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36087-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The lack of psychometrically sound outcome measures has been a barrier to evaluating the efficacy of treatments proposed for core symptoms of intellectual disability (ID). Research on Expressive Language Sampling (ELS) procedures suggest it is a promising approach to measuring treatment efficacy. ELS entails collecting samples of a participant's talk in interactions with an examiner that are naturalistic but sufficiently structured to ensure consistency and limit examiner effects on the language produced. In this study, we extended previous research on ELS by analyzing an existing dataset to determine whether psychometrically adequate composite scores reflecting multiple dimensions of language can be derived from ELS procedures administered to 6- to 23-year-olds with fragile X syndrome (n = 80) or Down syndrome (n = 78). Data came from ELS conversation and narration procedures administered twice in a 4-week test-retest interval. We found that several composites emerged from variables indexing syntax, vocabulary, planning processes, speech articulation, and talkativeness, although there were some differences in the composites for the two syndromes. Evidence of strong test-retest reliability and construct validity of two of three composites were obtained for each syndrome. Situations in which the composite scores would be useful in evaluating treatment efficacy are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, 2828 50Th St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Laura Del Hoyo Soriano
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, 2828 50Th St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | | | - Audra Sterling
- Waisman Center and Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jamie O Edgin
- Department of Psychology, Sonoran UCEDD, UA Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Nadia Abdelnur
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, 2828 50Th St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Andrea Drayton
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, 2828 50Th St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Anne Hoffmann
- Department of Communication Disorders and Sciences, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Debra Hamilton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Danielle J Harvey
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, 2828 50Th St., Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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6
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Schmitt LM, Li J, Liu R, Horn PS, Sweeney JA, Erickson CA, Pedapati EV. Altered frontal connectivity as a mechanism for executive function deficits in fragile X syndrome. Mol Autism 2022; 13:47. [PMID: 36494861 PMCID: PMC9733336 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00527-0] [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: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited monogenic cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. Executive function (EF), necessary for adaptive goal-oriented behavior and dependent on frontal lobe function, is impaired in individuals with FXS. Yet, little is known how alterations in frontal lobe neural activity is related to EF deficits in FXS. METHODS Sixty-one participants with FXS (54% males) and 71 age- and sex-matched typically-developing controls (TDC; 58% males) completed a five-minute resting state electroencephalography (EEG) protocol and a computerized battery of tests of EF, the Test of Attentional Performance for Children (KiTAP). Following source localization (minimum-norm estimate), we computed debiased weighted phase lag index (dWPLI), a phase connectivity value, for pairings between 18 nodes in frontal regions for gamma (30-55 Hz) and alpha (10.5-12.5 Hz) bands. Linear models were generated with fixed factors of group, sex, frequency, and connection. Relationships between frontal connectivity and EF variables also were examined. RESULTS Individuals with FXS demonstrated increased gamma band and reduced alpha band connectivity across all frontal regions and across hemispheres compared to TDC. After controlling for nonverbal IQ, increased error rates on EF tasks were associated with increased gamma band and reduced alpha band connectivity. LIMITATIONS Frontal connectivity findings are limited to intrinsic brain activity during rest and may not generalize to frontal connectivity during EF tasks or everyday function. CONCLUSIONS We report gamma hyper-connectivity and alpha hypo-connectivity within source-localized frontal brain regions in FXS compared to TDC during resting-state EEG. For the first time in FXS, we report significant associations between EF and altered frontal connectivity, with increased error rate relating to increased gamma band connectivity and reduced alpha band connectivity. These findings suggest increased phase connectivity within gamma band may impair EF performance, whereas greater alpha band connectivity may provide compensatory support for EF. Together, these findings provide important insight into neurophysiological mechanisms of EF deficits in FXS and provide novel targets for treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M. Schmitt
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Joy Li
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Rui Liu
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Paul S. Horn
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - John A. Sweeney
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Ernest V. Pedapati
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, MLC 4002, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
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7
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Jonak CR, Pedapati EV, Schmitt LM, Assad SA, Sandhu MS, DeStefano L, Ethridge L, Razak KA, Sweeney JA, Binder DK, Erickson CA. Baclofen-associated neurophysiologic target engagement across species in fragile X syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:52. [PMID: 36167501 PMCID: PMC9513876 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09455-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited form of neurodevelopmental disability. It is often characterized, especially in males, by intellectual disability, anxiety, repetitive behavior, social communication deficits, delayed language development, and abnormal sensory processing. Recently, we identified electroencephalographic (EEG) biomarkers that are conserved between the mouse model of FXS (Fmr1 KO mice) and humans with FXS. METHODS In this report, we evaluate small molecule target engagement utilizing multielectrode array electrophysiology in the Fmr1 KO mouse and in humans with FXS. Neurophysiologic target engagement was evaluated using single doses of the GABAB selective agonist racemic baclofen (RBAC). RESULTS In Fmr1 KO mice and in humans with FXS, baclofen use was associated with suppression of elevated gamma power and increase in low-frequency power at rest. In the Fmr1 KO mice, a baclofen-associated improvement in auditory chirp synchronization was also noted. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we noted synchronized target engagement of RBAC on resting state electrophysiology, in particular the reduction of aberrant high frequency gamma activity, across species in FXS. This finding holds promise for translational medicine approaches to drug development for FXS, synchronizing treatment study across species using well-established EEG biological markers in this field. TRIAL REGISTRATION The human experiments are registered under NCT02998151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie R. Jonak
- grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Ernest V. Pedapati
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Lauren M. Schmitt
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Samantha A. Assad
- grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Manbir S. Sandhu
- grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Lisa DeStefano
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.266900.b0000 0004 0447 0018Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK USA
| | - Lauren Ethridge
- grid.266900.b0000 0004 0447 0018Department of Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK USA ,grid.266902.90000 0001 2179 3618Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
| | - Khaleel A. Razak
- grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, USA ,grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Psychology Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - John A. Sweeney
- grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
| | - Devin K. Binder
- grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, USA ,grid.266097.c0000 0001 2222 1582Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, USA
| | - Craig A. Erickson
- grid.239573.90000 0000 9025 8099Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH USA ,grid.24827.3b0000 0001 2179 9593Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH USA
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8
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Wilde M, Constantin L, Thorne PR, Montgomery JM, Scott EK, Cheyne JE. Auditory processing in rodent models of autism: a systematic review. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:48. [PMID: 36042393 PMCID: PMC9429780 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex condition with many traits, including differences in auditory sensitivity. Studies in human autism are plagued by the difficulty of controlling for aetiology, whereas studies in individual rodent models cannot represent the full spectrum of human autism. This systematic review compares results in auditory studies across a wide range of established rodent models of autism to mimic the wide range of aetiologies in the human population. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases to find primary research articles in mouse or rat models of autism which investigate central auditory processing. A total of 88 studies were included. These used non-invasive measures of auditory function, such as auditory brainstem response recordings, cortical event-related potentials, electroencephalography, and behavioural tests, which are translatable to human studies. They also included invasive measures, such as electrophysiology and histology, which shed insight on the origins of the phenotypes found in the non-invasive studies. The most consistent results across these studies were increased latency of the N1 peak of event-related potentials, decreased power and coherence of gamma activity in the auditory cortex, and increased auditory startle responses to high sound levels. Invasive studies indicated loss of subcortical inhibitory neurons, hyperactivity in the lateral superior olive and auditory thalamus, and reduced specificity of responses in the auditory cortex. This review compares the auditory phenotypes across rodent models and highlights those that mimic findings in human studies, providing a framework and avenues for future studies to inform understanding of the auditory system in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Wilde
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Lena Constantin
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter R Thorne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Section of Audiology, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ethan K Scott
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Juliette E Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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9
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Echolocation-related reversal of information flow in a cortical vocalization network. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3642. [PMID: 35752629 PMCID: PMC9233670 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-31230-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian frontal and auditory cortices are important for vocal behavior. Here, using local-field potential recordings, we demonstrate that the timing and spatial patterns of oscillations in the fronto-auditory network of vocalizing bats (Carollia perspicillata) predict the purpose of vocalization: echolocation or communication. Transfer entropy analyses revealed predominant top-down (frontal-to-auditory cortex) information flow during spontaneous activity and pre-vocal periods. The dynamics of information flow depend on the behavioral role of the vocalization and on the timing relative to vocal onset. We observed the emergence of predominant bottom-up (auditory-to-frontal) information transfer during the post-vocal period specific to echolocation pulse emission, leading to self-directed acoustic feedback. Electrical stimulation of frontal areas selectively enhanced responses to sounds in auditory cortex. These results reveal unique changes in information flow across sensory and frontal cortices, potentially driven by the purpose of the vocalization in a highly vocal mammalian model.
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Razak KA, Binder DK, Ethell IM. Neural Correlates of Auditory Hypersensitivity in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:720752. [PMID: 34690832 PMCID: PMC8529206 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.720752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying the common association between autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and sensory processing disorders (SPD) are unclear, and treatment options to reduce atypical sensory processing are limited. Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and ASD behaviors. As in most children with ASD, atypical sensory processing is a common symptom in FXS, frequently manifesting as sensory hypersensitivity. Auditory hypersensitivity is a highly debilitating condition in FXS that may lead to language delays, social anxiety and ritualized repetitive behaviors. Animal models of FXS, including Fmr1 knock out (KO) mouse, also show auditory hypersensitivity, providing a translation relevant platform to study underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The focus of this review is to summarize recent studies in the Fmr1 KO mouse that identified neural correlates of auditory hypersensitivity. We review results of electroencephalography (EEG) recordings in the Fmr1 KO mice and highlight EEG phenotypes that are remarkably similar to EEG findings in humans with FXS. The EEG phenotypes associated with the loss of FMRP include enhanced resting EEG gamma band power, reduced cross frequency coupling, reduced sound-evoked synchrony of neural responses at gamma band frequencies, increased event-related potential amplitudes, reduced habituation of neural responses and increased non-phase locked power. In addition, we highlight the postnatal period when the EEG phenotypes develop and show a strong association of the phenotypes with enhanced matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, abnormal development of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing inhibitory interneurons and reduced formation of specialized extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs). Finally, we discuss how dysfunctions of inhibitory PV interneurons may contribute to cortical hyperexcitability and EEG abnormalities observed in FXS. Taken together, the studies reviewed here indicate that EEG recordings can be utilized in both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, while at the same time, used to identify cellular and circuit mechanisms of dysfunction in FXS. New therapeutic approaches that reduce MMP-9 activity and restore functions of PV interneurons may succeed in reducing FXS sensory symptoms. Future studies should examine long-lasting benefits of developmental vs. adult interventions on sensory phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleel A. Razak
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Devin K. Binder
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Sciences and Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Iryna M. Ethell
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
- Division of Biomedical Sciences and Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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Wilkinson CL, Nelson CA. Increased aperiodic gamma power in young boys with Fragile X Syndrome is associated with better language ability. Mol Autism 2021; 12:17. [PMID: 33632320 PMCID: PMC7908768 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The lack of robust and reliable clinical biomarkers in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common inherited form of intellectual disability, has limited the successful translation of bench-to-bedside therapeutics. While numerous drugs have shown promise in reversing synaptic and behavioral phenotypes in mouse models of FXS, none have demonstrated clinical efficacy in humans. Electroencephalographic (EEG) measures have been identified as candidate biomarkers as EEG recordings of both adults with FXS and mouse models of FXS consistently exhibit alterations in resting state and task-related activity. However, the developmental timing of these EEG differences is not known as thus far EEG studies have not focused on young children with FXS. Further, understanding how EEG differences are associated with core symptoms of FXS is crucial to successful use of EEG as a biomarker, and may improve our understanding of the disorder. Methods Resting-state EEG was collected from FXS boys with full mutation of Fmr1 (2.5–7 years old, n = 11) and compared with both age-matched (n = 12) and cognitive-matched (n = 12) typically developing boys. Power spectra (including aperiodic and periodic components) were compared using non-parametric cluster-based permutation testing. Associations between 30 and 50 Hz gamma power and cognitive, language, and behavioral measures were evaluated using Pearson correlation and linear regression with age as a covariate. Results FXS participants showed increased power in the beta/gamma range (~ 25–50 Hz) across multiple brain regions. Both a reduction in the aperiodic (1/f) slope and increase in beta/gamma periodic activity contributed to the significant increase in high-frequency power. Increased gamma power, driven by the aperiodic component, was associated with better language ability in the FXS group. No association was observed between gamma power and parent report measures of behavioral challenges, sensory hypersensitivities, or adaptive behaviors. Limitations The study sample size was small, although comparable to other human studies in rare-genetic disorders. Findings are also limited to males in the age range studied. Conclusions Resting-state EEG measures from this study in young boys with FXS identified similar increases in gamma power previously reported in adults and mouse models. The observed positive association between resting state aperiodic gamma power and language development supports hypotheses that alterations in some EEG measures may reflect ongoing compensatory mechanisms. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-021-00425-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Autumn Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, 1 Autumn Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Shaffer RC, Schmitt L, John Thurman A, Abbeduto L, Hong M, Pedapati E, Dominick K, Sweeney J, Erickson C. The Relationship between Expressive Language Sampling and Clinical Measures in Fragile X Syndrome and Typical Development. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E66. [PMID: 31991905 PMCID: PMC7071383 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Language impairment is a core difficulty in fragile X syndrome (FXS), and yet standardized measures lack the sensitivity to assess developmental changes in the nature of these impairments. Expressive Language Sampling Narrative (ELS-N) has emerged as a promising new measure with research demonstrating its usefulness in a wide range of ages in developmental disabilities and typical development. We examined ELS-N results in FXS and age-matched typically developing (TD) controls along with cognitive, adaptive, and clinical measures. We found the groups differed significantly on all ELS-N variables. Cognitive abilities were related to lexical diversity, syntactic complexity, and unintelligibility for the FXS group, but only verbal abilities were related to syntactic complexity in TD. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptomatology was related to less intelligibility in speech. Measures of hyperactivity were related to increased talkativeness and unintelligibility. In addition, FXS males in comparison to FXS females were more impaired in cognitive ability, ASD symptoms, hyperactivity, and anxiety. This study extends the previous ELS research, supporting its use in FXS research as a measure to characterize language abilities. It also demonstrates the relationships between ELS-N variables and measures of cognitive, adaptive, ASD symptoms, and clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Shaffer
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (L.S.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (C.E.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Lauren Schmitt
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (L.S.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (C.E.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Angela John Thurman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.J.T.); (L.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (A.J.T.); (L.A.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Michael Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Ernest Pedapati
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (L.S.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (C.E.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Kelli Dominick
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (L.S.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (C.E.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - John Sweeney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
| | - Craig Erickson
- Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; (L.S.); (E.P.); (K.D.); (C.E.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA;
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