1
|
Hendricks EL, Linskey N, Smith IR, Liebl FLW. Kismet/CHD7/CHD8 and Amyloid Precursor Protein-like Regulate Synaptic Levels of Rab11 at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8429. [PMID: 39125997 PMCID: PMC11313043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane protein β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) is central to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The β-amyloid hypothesis posits that aberrant processing of APP forms neurotoxic β-amyloid aggregates, which lead to the cognitive impairments observed in AD. Although numerous additional factors contribute to AD, there is a need to better understand the synaptic function of APP. We have found that Drosophila APP-like (APPL) has both shared and non-shared roles at the synapse with Kismet (Kis), a chromatin helicase binding domain (CHD) protein. Kis is the homolog of CHD7 and CHD8, both of which are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders including CHARGE Syndrome and autism spectrum disorders, respectively. Loss of function mutations in kis and animals expressing human APP and BACE in their central nervous system show reductions in the glutamate receptor subunit, GluRIIC, the GTPase Rab11, and the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), pMad, at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Similarly, processes like endocytosis, larval locomotion, and neurotransmission are deficient in these animals. Our pharmacological and epistasis experiments indicate that there is a functional relationship between Kis and APPL, but Kis does not regulate appl expression at the larval NMJ. Instead, Kis likely influences the synaptic localization of APPL, possibly by promoting rab11 transcription. These data identify a potential mechanistic connection between chromatin remodeling proteins and aberrant synaptic function in AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Faith L. W. Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62026, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niosi A, Võ NH, Sundaramurthy P, Welch C, Penn A, Yuldasheva Y, Alfareh A, Rausch K, Amin-Rahbar T, Cavanaugh J, Yadav P, Peterson S, Brown R, Hu A, Ardon-Castro A, Nguyen D, Crawford R, Lee W, Morris EJ, Jensen MH, Mulligan K. Kismet/CHD7/CHD8 affects gut microbiota, mechanics, and the gut-brain axis in Drosophila melanogaster. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00413-2. [PMID: 38902926 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome affects brain and neuronal development and may contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. However, it is unclear how risk genes associated with such disorders affect gut physiology in a manner that could impact microbial colonization and how the mechanical properties of the gut tissue might play a role in gut-brain bidirectional communication. To address this, we used Drosophila melanogaster with a null mutation in the gene kismet, an ortholog of chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein (CHD) family members CHD7 and CHD8. In humans, these are risk genes for neurodevelopmental disorders with co-occurring gastrointestinal symptoms. We found that kismet mutant flies have a significant increase in gastrointestinal transit time, indicating the functional homology of kismet with CHD7/CHD8 in vertebrates. Rheological characterization of dissected gut tissue revealed significant changes in the mechanics of kismet mutant gut elasticity, strain stiffening behavior, and tensile strength. Using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing, we also found that kismet mutants have reduced diversity and abundance of gut microbiota at every taxonomic level. To investigate the connection between the gut microbiome and behavior, we depleted gut microbiota in kismet mutant and control flies and quantified the flies' courtship behavior. Depletion of gut microbiota rescued courtship defects of kismet mutant flies, indicating a connection between gut microbiota and behavior. In striking contrast, depletion of the gut microbiome in the control strain reduced courtship activity, demonstrating that antibiotic treatment can have differential impacts on behavior and may depend on the status of microbial dysbiosis in the gut prior to depletion. We propose that Kismet influences multiple gastrointestinal phenotypes that contribute to the gut-microbiome-brain axis to influence behavior. We also suggest that gut tissue mechanics should be considered as an element in the gut-brain communication loop, both influenced by and potentially influencing the gut microbiome and neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Niosi
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Nguyên Henry Võ
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Chloe Welch
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Aliyah Penn
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Yelena Yuldasheva
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Adam Alfareh
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Kaitlyn Rausch
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Takhmina Amin-Rahbar
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Jeffery Cavanaugh
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Prince Yadav
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Stephanie Peterson
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Raina Brown
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Alain Hu
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Any Ardon-Castro
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Darren Nguyen
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Robert Crawford
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Computer Science, San Jose State University, San Jose, California
| | - Eliza J Morris
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Sacramento, California
| | - Mikkel Herholdt Jensen
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, California State University, Sacramento, California.
| | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, California.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Breuer M, Rummler M, Singh J, Maher S, Zaouter C, Jamadagni P, Pilon N, Willie BM, Patten SA. CHD7 regulates craniofacial cartilage development via controlling HTR2B expression. J Bone Miner Res 2024; 39:498-512. [PMID: 38477756 PMCID: PMC11262153 DOI: 10.1093/jbmr/zjae024] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in the Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 - coding gene (CHD7) cause CHARGE syndrome (CS). Although craniofacial and skeletal abnormalities are major features of CS patients, the role of CHD7 in bone and cartilage development remain largely unexplored. Here, using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) CS model, we show that chd7-/- larvae display abnormal craniofacial cartilage development and spinal deformities. The craniofacial and spine defects are accompanied by a marked reduction of bone mineralization. At the molecular level, we show that these phenotypes are associated with significant reduction in the expression levels of osteoblast differentiation markers. Additionally, we detected a marked depletion of collagen 2α1 in the cartilage of craniofacial regions and vertebrae, along with significantly reduced number of chondrocytes. Chondrogenesis defects are at least in part due to downregulation of htr2b, which we found to be also dysregulated in human cells derived from an individual with CHD7 mutation-positive CS. Overall, this study thus unveils an essential role for CHD7 in cartilage and bone development, with potential clinical relevance for the craniofacial defects associated with CS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Breuer
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Maximilian Rummler
- Research Centre, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal H4A 0A9, Canada
| | - Jaskaran Singh
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Sabrina Maher
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Research Centre, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal H4A 0A9, Canada
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | - Charlotte Zaouter
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Priyanka Jamadagni
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pilon
- Molecular Genetics of Development Laboratory, Départment des Sciences Biologiques, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
- Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Bettina M Willie
- Research Centre, Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada, Department of Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal H4A 0A9, Canada
| | - Shunmoogum A Patten
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) – Centre Armand Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, QC H7V 1B7, Canada
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
- Centre d'Excellence en Recherche sur les Maladies Orphelines - Fondation Courtois (CERMO-FC), Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC H3C 3P8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hendricks EL, Liebl FLW. The CHD family chromatin remodeling enzyme, Kismet, promotes both clathrin-mediated and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300255. [PMID: 38512854 PMCID: PMC10956772 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300255] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chromodomain helicase DNA binding domain (CHD) proteins, including CHD7 and CHD8, remodel chromatin to enable transcriptional programs. Both proteins are important for proper neural development as heterozygous mutations in Chd7 and Chd8 are causative for CHARGE syndrome and correlated with autism spectrum disorders, respectively. Their roles in mature neurons are poorly understood despite influencing the expression of genes required for cell adhesion, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. The Drosophila homolog of CHD7 and CHD8, Kismet (Kis), promotes neurotransmission, endocytosis, and larval locomotion. Endocytosis is essential in neurons for replenishing synaptic vesicles, maintaining protein localization, and preserving the size and composition of the presynaptic membrane. Several forms of endocytosis have been identified including clathrin-mediated endocytosis, which is coupled with neural activity and is the most prevalent form of synaptic endocytosis, and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis, which occurs during periods of intense stimulation. Kis modulates the expression of gene products involved in endocytosis including promoting shaggy/GSK3β expression while restricting PI3K92E. kis mutants electrophysiologically phenocopy a liquid facets mutant in response to paradigms that induce clathrin-mediated endocytosis and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis. Further, kis mutants do not show further reductions in endocytosis when activity-dependent bulk endocytosis or clathrin-mediated endocytosis are pharmacologically inhibited. We find that Kis is important in postsynaptic muscle for proper endocytosis but the ATPase domain of Kis is dispensable for endocytosis. Collectively, our data indicate that Kis promotes both clathrin-mediated endocytosis and activity-dependent bulk endocytosis possibly by promoting transcription of several endocytic genes and maintaining the size of the synaptic vesicle pool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Hendricks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Faith L. W. Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smith IR, Hendricks EL, Latcheva NK, Marenda DR, Liebl FLW. The CHD Protein Kismet Restricts the Synaptic Localization of Cell Adhesion Molecules at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3074. [PMID: 38474321 PMCID: PMC10931923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053074] [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: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The appropriate expression and localization of cell surface cell adhesion molecules must be tightly regulated for optimal synaptic growth and function. How neuronal plasma membrane proteins, including cell adhesion molecules, cycle between early endosomes and the plasma membrane is poorly understood. Here we show that the Drosophila homolog of the chromatin remodeling enzymes CHD7 and CHD8, Kismet, represses the synaptic levels of several cell adhesion molecules. Neuroligins 1 and 3 and the integrins αPS2 and βPS are increased at kismet mutant synapses but Kismet only directly regulates transcription of neuroligin 2. Kismet may therefore regulate synaptic CAMs indirectly by activating transcription of gene products that promote intracellular vesicle trafficking including endophilin B (endoB) and/or rab11. Knock down of EndoB in all tissues or neurons increases synaptic FasII while knock down of EndoB in kis mutants does not produce an additive increase in FasII. In contrast, neuronal expression of Rab11, which is deficient in kis mutants, leads to a further increase in synaptic FasII in kis mutants. These data support the hypothesis that Kis influences the synaptic localization of FasII by promoting intracellular vesicle trafficking through the early endosome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ireland R. Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA
| | - Emily L. Hendricks
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA
| | - Nina K. Latcheva
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (D.R.M.)
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Daniel R. Marenda
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (D.R.M.)
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Division of Biological Infrastructure, National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
| | - Faith L. W. Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL 62025, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Basson MA. Neurodevelopmental functions of CHD8: new insights and questions. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:15-27. [PMID: 38288845 PMCID: PMC10903457 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220926] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Heterozygous, de novo, loss-of-function variants of the CHD8 gene are associated with a high penetrance of autism and other neurodevelopmental phenotypes. Identifying the neurodevelopmental functions of high-confidence autism risk genes like CHD8 may improve our understanding of the neurodevelopmental mechanisms that underlie autism spectrum disorders. Over the last decade, a complex picture of pleiotropic CHD8 functions and mechanisms of action has emerged. Multiple brain and non-brain cell types and progenitors appear to be affected by CHD8 haploinsufficiency. Behavioural, cellular and synaptic phenotypes are dependent on the nature of the gene mutation and are modified by sex and genetic background. Here, I review some of the CHD8-interacting proteins and molecular mechanisms identified to date, as well as the impacts of CHD8 deficiency on cellular processes relevant to neurodevelopment. I endeavour to highlight some of the critical questions that still require careful and concerted attention over the next decade to bring us closer to the goal of understanding the salient mechanisms whereby CHD8 deficiency causes neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Albert Basson
- Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, Hatherly Laboratories, Exeter EX4 4PS, U.K
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London SE1 9RT, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Deshpande P, Chen CY, Chimata AV, Li JC, Sarkar A, Yeates C, Chen CH, Kango-Singh M, Singh A. miR-277 targets the proapoptotic gene-hid to ameliorate Aβ42-mediated neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's model. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:71. [PMID: 38238337 PMCID: PMC10796706 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06361-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder, exhibits reduced cognitive function with no cure to date. One of the reasons for AD is the accumulation of Amyloid-beta 42 (Aβ42) plaque(s) that trigger aberrant gene expression and signaling, which results in neuronal cell death by an unknown mechanism(s). Misexpression of human Aβ42 in the developing retina of Drosophila exhibits AD-like neuropathology. Small non-coding RNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), post-transcriptionally regulate the expression of their target genes and thereby regulate different signaling pathways. In a forward genetic screen, we identified miR-277 (human ortholog is hsa-miR-3660) as a genetic modifier of Aβ42-mediated neurodegeneration. Loss-of-function of miR-277 enhances the Aβ42-mediated neurodegeneration. Whereas gain-of-function of miR-277 in the GMR > Aβ42 background downregulates cell death to maintain the number of neurons and thereby restores the retinal axonal targeting defects indicating the functional rescue. In addition, gain-of-function of miR-277 rescues the eclosion- and climbing assays defects observed in GMR > Aβ42 background. Thus, gain-of-function of miR-277 rescues both structurally as well as functionally the Aβ42-mediated neurodegeneration. Furthermore, we identified head involution defective (hid), an evolutionarily conserved proapoptotic gene, as one of the targets of miR-277 and validated these results using luciferase- and qPCR -assays. In the GMR > Aβ42 background, the gain-of-function of miR-277 results in the reduction of hid transcript levels to one-third of its levels as compared to GMR > Aβ42 background alone. Here, we provide a novel molecular mechanism where miR-277 targets and downregulates proapoptotic gene, hid, transcript levels to rescue Aβ42-mediated neurodegeneration by blocking cell death. These studies shed light on molecular mechanism(s) that mediate cell death response following Aβ42 accumulation seen in neurodegenerative disorders in humans and provide new therapeutic targets for neurodegeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Chao-Yi Chen
- Institution of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Jian-Chiuan Li
- Institution of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ankita Sarkar
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA
| | - Catherine Yeates
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA
| | - Chun-Hong Chen
- Institution of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and Vaccinology, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.
| | - Madhuri Kango-Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
- Premedical Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.
- Integrative Science and Engineering (ISE), University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.
| | - Amit Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, 45469, USA.
- Premedical Program, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.
- Integrative Science and Engineering (ISE), University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA.
- Center for Genomic Advocacy (TCGA), Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hodorovich DR, Lindsley PM, Berry AA, Burton DF, Marsden KC. Morphological and sensorimotor phenotypes in a zebrafish CHARGE syndrome model are domain-dependent. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12839. [PMID: 36717082 PMCID: PMC10242184 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by a spectrum of defects affecting multiple tissues and behavioral difficulties such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and sensory deficits. Most CHARGE cases arise from de novo, loss-of-function mutations in chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding-protein-7 (CHD7). CHD7 is required for processes such as neuronal differentiation and neural crest cell migration, but how CHD7 affects neural circuit function to regulate behavior is unclear. To investigate the pathophysiology of behavioral symptoms in CHARGE, we established a mutant chd7 zebrafish line that recapitulates multiple CHARGE phenotypes including ear, cardiac, and craniofacial defects. Using a panel of behavioral assays, we found that chd7 mutants have specific auditory and visual behavior deficits that are independent of defects in sensory structures. Mauthner cell-dependent short-latency acoustic startle responses are normal in chd7 mutants, while Mauthner-independent long-latency responses are reduced. Responses to sudden decreases in light are also reduced in mutants, while responses to sudden increases in light are normal, suggesting that the retinal OFF pathway may be affected. Furthermore, by analyzing multiple chd7 alleles we observed that the penetrance of morphological and behavioral phenotypes is influenced by genetic background but that it also depends on the mutation location, with a chromodomain mutation causing the highest penetrance. This pattern is consistent with analysis of a CHARGE patient dataset in which symptom penetrance was highest in subjects with mutations in the CHD7 chromodomains. These results provide new insight into the heterogeneity of CHARGE and will inform future work to define CHD7-dependent neurobehavioral mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana R. Hodorovich
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Patrick M. Lindsley
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, University of VirginiaCharlottesvilleVAUSA
| | - Austen A. Berry
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
- BiogenDurhamNCUSA
| | - Derek F. Burton
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
- Washington UniversitySt. LouisMOUSA
| | - Kurt C. Marsden
- Department of Biological SciencesNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNorth CarolinaUSA
- Washington UniversitySt. LouisMOUSA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Di Fede E, Grazioli P, Lettieri A, Parodi C, Castiglioni S, Taci E, Colombo EA, Ancona S, Priori A, Gervasini C, Massa V. Epigenetic disorders: Lessons from the animals–animal models in chromatinopathies. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:979512. [PMID: 36225316 PMCID: PMC9548571 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.979512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatinopathies are defined as genetic disorders caused by mutations in genes coding for protein involved in the chromatin state balance. So far 82 human conditions have been described belonging to this group of congenital disorders, sharing some molecular features and clinical signs. For almost all of these conditions, no specific treatment is available. For better understanding the molecular cascade caused by chromatin imbalance and for envisaging possible therapeutic strategies it is fundamental to combine clinical and basic research studies. To this end, animal modelling systems represent an invaluable tool to study chromatinopathies. In this review, we focused on available data in the literature of animal models mimicking the human genetic conditions. Importantly, affected organs and abnormalities are shared in the different animal models and most of these abnormalities are reported as clinical manifestation, underlying the parallelism between clinics and translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Di Fede
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Grazioli
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Lettieri
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Parodi
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Castiglioni
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Esi Taci
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Adele Colombo
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Ancona
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasini
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Massa
- Department of Health Sciences, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Massa,
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Krueger LA, Morris AC. Eyes on CHARGE syndrome: Roles of CHD7 in ocular development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:994412. [PMID: 36172288 PMCID: PMC9512043 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.994412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the vertebrate visual system involves complex morphogenetic interactions of cells derived from multiple embryonic lineages. Disruptions in this process are associated with structural birth defects such as microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (collectively referred to as MAC), and inherited retinal degenerative diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and allied dystrophies. MAC and retinal degeneration are also observed in systemic congenital malformation syndromes. One important example is CHARGE syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by coloboma, heart defects, choanal atresia, growth retardation, genital abnormalities, and ear abnormalities. Mutations in the gene encoding Chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) cause the majority of CHARGE syndrome cases. However, the pathogenetic mechanisms that connect loss of CHD7 to the ocular complications observed in CHARGE syndrome have not been identified. In this review, we provide a general overview of ocular development and congenital disorders affecting the eye. This is followed by a comprehensive description of CHARGE syndrome, including discussion of the spectrum of ocular defects that have been described in this disorder. In addition, we discuss the current knowledge of CHD7 function and focus on its contributions to the development of ocular structures. Finally, we discuss outstanding gaps in our knowledge of the role of CHD7 in eye formation, and propose avenues of investigation to further our understanding of how CHD7 activity regulates ocular and retinal development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann C. Morris
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jofré DM, Hoffman DK, Cervino AS, Hahn GM, Grundy M, Yun S, Amrit FRG, Stolz DB, Godoy LF, Salvatore E, Rossi FA, Ghazi A, Cirio MC, Yanowitz JL, Hochbaum D. The CHARGE syndrome ortholog CHD-7 regulates TGF-β pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2109508119. [PMID: 35394881 PMCID: PMC9169646 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2109508119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome is a complex developmental disorder caused by mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein-7 (CHD7) and characterized by retarded growth and malformations in the heart and nervous system. Despite the public health relevance of this disorder, relevant cellular pathways and targets of CHD7 that relate to disease pathology are still poorly understood. Here we report that chd-7, the nematode ortholog of Chd7, is required for dauer morphogenesis, lifespan determination, stress response, and body size determination. Consistent with our discoveries, we found chd-7 to be allelic to scd-3, a previously identified dauer suppressor from the DAF-7/ tumor growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. Epistatic analysis places CHD-7 at the level of the DAF-3/DAF-5 complex, but we found that CHD-7 also directly impacts the expression of multiple components of this pathway. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that chd-7 mutants fail to repress daf-9 for execution of the dauer program. In addition, CHD-7 regulates the DBL-1/BMP pathway components and shares roles in male tail development and cuticle synthesis. To explore a potential conserved function for chd-7 in vertebrates, we used Xenopus laevis embryos, an established model to study craniofacial development. Morpholino-mediated knockdown of Chd7 led to a reduction in col2a1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels, a collagen whose expression depends on TGF-β signaling. Both embryonic lethality and craniofacial defects in Chd7-depleted tadpoles were partially rescued by overexpression of col2a1 mRNA. We suggest that Chd7 has conserved roles in regulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway and pathogenic Chd7 could lead to a defective extracellular matrix deposition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego M. Jofré
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Ailen S. Cervino
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriella M. Hahn
- Interdisciplinary Biomedical Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | | | - Sijung Yun
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814
| | - Francis R. G. Amrit
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Donna B. Stolz
- Center for Biologic Imaging, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Luciana F. Godoy
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Salvatore
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fabiana A. Rossi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Universidad Austral, B1630 Pilar, Argentina
| | - Arjumand Ghazi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Developmental Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - M. Cecilia Cirio
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas de Argentina, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Judith L. Yanowitz
- Magee-Womens Research Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
- Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Daniel Hochbaum
- Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1053 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Welch C, Johnson E, Tupikova A, Anderson J, Tinsley B, Newman J, Widman E, Alfareh A, Davis A, Rodriguez L, Visger C, Miller-Schulze JP, Lee W, Mulligan K. Bisphenol A affects neurodevelopmental gene expression, cognitive function, and neuromuscular synaptic morphology in Drosophila melanogaster. Neurotoxicology 2022; 89:67-78. [PMID: 35041872 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmentally prevalent endocrine disrupting chemical that can impact human health and may be an environmental risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders. BPA has been associated with behavioral impairment in children and a variety of neurodevelopmental phenotypes in model organisms. We used Drosophila melanogaster to explore the consequences of developmental BPA exposure on gene expression, cognitive function, and synapse development. Our transcriptome analysis indicated neurodevelopmentally relevant genes were predominantly downregulated by BPA. Among the misregulated genes were those with roles in learning, memory, and synapse development, as well as orthologs of human genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. To examine how gene expression data corresponded to behavioral and cellular phenotypes, we first used a predator-response behavioral paradigm and found that BPA disrupts visual perception. Further analysis using conditioned courtship suppression showed that BPA impairs associative learning. Finally, we examined synapse morphology within the larval neuromuscular junction and found that BPA significantly increased the number of axonal branches. Given that our findings align with studies of BPA in mammalian model organisms, this data indicates that BPA impairs neurodevelopmental pathways that are functionally conserved from invertebrates to mammals. Further, because Drosophila do not possess classic estrogen receptors or estrogen, this research suggests that BPA can impact neurodevelopment by molecular mechanisms distinct from its role as an estrogen mimic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Welch
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Eden Johnson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Angelina Tupikova
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Judith Anderson
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Brendan Tinsley
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Johnathan Newman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Erin Widman
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Adam Alfareh
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Alexandra Davis
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Lucero Rodriguez
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Clayton Visger
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Justin P Miller-Schulze
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Wendy Lee
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA
| | - Kimberly Mulligan
- Department of Computer Science, San José State University, 1 Washington Sq, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA; Department of Chemistry, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, 6000 J Street, Sacramento, CA, 95819-6077, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Coll-Tané M, Gong NN, Belfer SJ, van Renssen LV, Kurtz-Nelson EC, Szuperak M, Eidhof I, van Reijmersdal B, Terwindt I, Durkin J, Verheij MMM, Kim CN, Hudac CM, Nowakowski TJ, Bernier RA, Pillen S, Earl RK, Eichler EE, Kleefstra T, Kayser MS, Schenck A. The CHD8/CHD7/Kismet family links blood-brain barrier glia and serotonin to ASD-associated sleep defects. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/23/eabe2626. [PMID: 34088660 PMCID: PMC8177706 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe2626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances in autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are common and adversely affect patient's quality of life, yet the underlying mechanisms are understudied. We found that individuals with mutations in CHD8, among the highest-confidence autism risk genes, or CHD7 suffer from disturbed sleep maintenance. These defects are recapitulated in Drosophila mutants affecting kismet, the sole CHD8/CHD7 ortholog. We show that Kismet is required in glia for early developmental and adult sleep architecture. This role localizes to subperineurial glia constituting the blood-brain barrier. We demonstrate that Kismet-related sleep disturbances are caused by high serotonin during development, paralleling a well-established but genetically unsolved autism endophenotype. Despite their developmental origin, Kismet's sleep architecture defects can be reversed in adulthood by a behavioral regime resembling human sleep restriction therapy. Our findings provide fundamental insights into glial regulation of sleep and propose a causal mechanistic link between the CHD8/CHD7/Kismet family, developmental hyperserotonemia, and autism-associated sleep disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Coll-Tané
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| | - Naihua N Gong
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Samuel J Belfer
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Lara V van Renssen
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Milan Szuperak
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ilse Eidhof
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Boyd van Reijmersdal
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Isabel Terwindt
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jaclyn Durkin
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michel M M Verheij
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Centre for Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Chang N Kim
- Departments of Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Caitlin M Hudac
- Center for Youth Development and Intervention and Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA
| | - Tomasz J Nowakowski
- Departments of Anatomy and Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143 USA
| | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Sigrid Pillen
- Center for Sleep Medicine, Kempenhaeghe, Heeze, Netherlands
| | - Rachel K Earl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98185, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tjitske Kleefstra
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Matthew S Kayser
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Chronobiology and Sleep Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud university medical center, 6525 GA, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mariano V, Achsel T, Bagni C, Kanellopoulos AK. Modelling Learning and Memory in Drosophila to Understand Intellectual Disabilities. Neuroscience 2020; 445:12-30. [PMID: 32730949 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a large number of conditions such as Fragile X syndrome, autism spectrum disorders and Down syndrome, among others. They are characterized by limitations in adaptive and social behaviors, as well as intellectual disability (ID). Whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing studies have highlighted a large number of NDD/ID risk genes. To dissect the genetic causes and underlying biological pathways, in vivo experimental validation of the effects of these mutations is needed. The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is an ideal model to study NDDs, with highly tractable genetics, combined with simple behavioral and circuit assays, permitting rapid medium-throughput screening of NDD/ID risk genes. Here, we review studies where the use of well-established assays to study mechanisms of learning and memory in Drosophila has permitted insights into molecular mechanisms underlying IDs. We discuss how technologies in the fly model, combined with a high degree of molecular and physiological conservation between flies and mammals, highlight the Drosophila system as an ideal model to study neurodevelopmental disorders, from genetics to behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Mariano
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gervais L, van den Beek M, Josserand M, Sallé J, Stefanutti M, Perdigoto CN, Skorski P, Mazouni K, Marshall OJ, Brand AH, Schweisguth F, Bardin AJ. Stem Cell Proliferation Is Kept in Check by the Chromatin Regulators Kismet/CHD7/CHD8 and Trr/MLL3/4. Dev Cell 2020; 49:556-573.e6. [PMID: 31112698 PMCID: PMC6547167 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling accompanies differentiation, however, its role in self-renewal is less well understood. We report that in Drosophila, the chromatin remodeler Kismet/CHD7/CHD8 limits intestinal stem cell (ISC) number and proliferation without affecting differentiation. Stem-cell-specific whole-genome profiling of Kismet revealed its enrichment at transcriptionally active regions bound by RNA polymerase II and Brahma, its recruitment to the transcription start site of activated genes and developmental enhancers and its depletion from regions bound by Polycomb, Histone H1, and heterochromatin Protein 1. We demonstrate that the Trithorax-related/MLL3/4 chromatin modifier regulates ISC proliferation, colocalizes extensively with Kismet throughout the ISC genome, and co-regulates genes in ISCs, including Cbl, a negative regulator of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). Loss of kismet or trr leads to elevated levels of EGFR protein and signaling, thereby promoting ISC self-renewal. We propose that Kismet with Trr establishes a chromatin state that limits EGFR proliferative signaling, preventing tumor-like stem cell overgrowths. Chromatin modifiers Kismet and Trr limit intestinal stem cell proliferation Kismet and Trr colocalize at transcriptionally active regions and co-regulate genes EGFR negative regulator Cbl is a target gene of Kismet and Trr Kismet and Trr limit EGFR signaling in ISCs, preventing tumor-like ISC accumulation
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Gervais
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France.
| | - Marius van den Beek
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Manon Josserand
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Jérémy Sallé
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Marine Stefanutti
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Carolina N Perdigoto
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Patricia Skorski
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Khallil Mazouni
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Paris 75015, France; CNRS, URA2578, Rue du Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France
| | - Owen J Marshall
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, 17 Liverpool Street Hobart, Tasmania, 7000, Australia
| | - Andrea H Brand
- The Gurdon Institute and Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK
| | - François Schweisguth
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Paris 75015, France; CNRS, URA2578, Rue du Dr Roux, Paris 75015, France
| | - Allison J Bardin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France; Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Latcheva NK, Delaney TL, Viveiros JM, Smith RA, Bernard KM, Harsin B, Marenda DR, Liebl FLW. The CHD Protein, Kismet, is Important for the Recycling of Synaptic Vesicles during Endocytosis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19368. [PMID: 31852969 PMCID: PMC6920434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling proteins of the chromodomain DNA-binding protein family, CHD7 and CHD8, mediate early neurodevelopmental events including neural migration and differentiation. As such, mutations in either protein can lead to neurodevelopmental disorders. How chromatin remodeling proteins influence the activity of mature synapses, however, is relatively unexplored. A critical feature of mature neurons is well-regulated endocytosis, which is vital for synaptic function to recycle membrane and synaptic proteins enabling the continued release of synaptic vesicles. Here we show that Kismet, the Drosophila homolog of CHD7 and CHD8, regulates endocytosis. Kismet positively influenced transcript levels and bound to dap160 and endophilin B transcription start sites and promoters in whole nervous systems and influenced the synaptic localization of Dynamin/Shibire. In addition, kismet mutants exhibit reduced VGLUT, a synaptic vesicle marker, at stimulated but not resting synapses and reduced levels of synaptic Rab11. Endocytosis is restored at kismet mutant synapses by pharmacologically inhibiting the function of histone deacetyltransferases (HDACs). These data suggest that HDAC activity may oppose Kismet to promote synaptic vesicle endocytosis. A deeper understanding of how CHD proteins regulate the function of mature neurons will help better understand neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina K Latcheva
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Taylor L Delaney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Jennifer M Viveiros
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rachel A Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Kelsey M Bernard
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Benjamin Harsin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Daniel R Marenda
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, 3141 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.,Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Faith L W Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shiohama T, McDavid J, Levman J, Takahashi E. Quantitative brain morphological analysis in CHARGE syndrome. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 23:101866. [PMID: 31154243 PMCID: PMC6543177 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome (CS) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized by coloboma, heart anomaly, choanal atresia, retardation of growth and development, and genital and ear anomalies. While several neuroimaging studies have revealed abnormalities such as hypoplasia of the semicircular canal, olfactory nerve, cerebellum, and brainstem, no quantitative analysis of brain morphology in CS has been reported. We quantitatively investigated brain morphology in CS participants using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (N = 10, mean age 14.7 years old) and high-angular resolution diffusion MRI (HARDI) tractography (N = 8, mean age 19.4 years old) comparing with gender- and age-matched controls. Voxel-based analyses revealed decreased volume of the bilateral globus pallidus (left and right; p = 0.021 and 0.029), bilateral putamen (p = 0.016 and 0.011), left subthalamic nucleus (p = 0.012), bilateral cerebellum (p = 1.5 × 10-6 and 1.2 × 10-6), and brainstem (p = 0.031), and the enlargement of the lateral ventricles (p = 0.011 and 0.0031) bilaterally in CS. Surface-based analysis revealed asymmetrically increased cortical thickness in the right hemisphere (p = 0.013). The group-wise differences observed in global cortical volume, gyrification index, and left cortical thickness were not statistically significant. HARDI tractography revealed reduced volume, elongation, and higher ADC values in multiple fiber tracts in patients in CS compared to the controls, but FA values were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Facial features are known to be asymmetric in CS, which has been recognized as an important symptom in CS. Our results revealed that the cortex in CS has an asymmetric appearance similar to the facial features. In addition, the signal pattern of high ADC with statistically unchanged FA values of tractography pathways indicated the presence of other pathogenesis than vasogenic edema or myelination dysfunction in developmental delay in CS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shiohama
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Inohana 1-8-1, Chiba-shi, Chiba 2608670, Japan.
| | - Jeremy McDavid
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jacob Levman
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, St. Francis Xavier University, 2323 Notre Dame Ave, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The Drosophila Chromodomain Protein Kismet Activates Steroid Hormone Receptor Transcription to Govern Axon Pruning and Memory In Vivo. iScience 2019; 16:79-93. [PMID: 31153043 PMCID: PMC6543131 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Axon pruning is critical for sculpting precise neural circuits. Although axon pruning has been described in the literature for decades, relatively little is known about the molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern axon pruning in vivo. Here, we show that the epigenetic reader Kismet (Kis) is required for developmental axon pruning in Drosophila mushroom bodies. Kis binds to cis-regulatory elements of the steroid hormone receptor ecdysone receptor (ecr) gene and is necessary for activating expression of EcR-B1. Kis promotes the active H3K36 di- and tri-methylation and H4K16 acetylation histone marks at the ecr locus. We show that transgenic EcR-B1 can rescue axon pruning and memory defects associated with loss of Kis and that the histone deacetylase inhibitor SAHA also rescues these phenotypes. EcR protein abundance is the cell-autonomous, rate-limiting step required to initiate axon pruning in Drosophila, and our data suggest this step is under the epigenetic control of Kis.
Collapse
|
19
|
Asad Z, Sachidanandan C. Chemical screens in a zebrafish model of CHARGE syndrome identifies small molecules that ameliorate disease-like phenotypes in embryo. Eur J Med Genet 2019; 63:103661. [PMID: 31051269 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome is an autosomal dominant congenital disorder caused primarily by mutations in the CHD7 gene. Using a small molecule screen in a zebrafish model of CHARGE syndrome, we identified 4 compounds that rescue embryos from disease-like phenotypes. Our screen yielded DAPT, a Notch signaling inhibitor that could ameliorate the craniofacial, cranial neuronal and myelination defects in chd7 morphant zebrafish embryos. We discovered that Procainamide, an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase 1, was able to recover the pattern of expression of isl2a, a cranial neuronal marker while also reducing the effect on craniofacial cartilage and myelination. M344, an inhibitor of Histone deacetylases had a strong recovery effect on craniofacial cartilage defects and could also modestly revert the myelination defects in zebrafish embryos. CHIC-35, a SIRT1 inhibitor partially restored the expression of isl2a in cranial neurons while causing a partial reversion of myelination and craniofacial cartilage defects. Our results suggest that a modular approach to phenotypic rescue in multi-organ syndromes might be a more successful approach to treat these disorders. Our findings also open up the possibility of using these compounds for other disorders with shared phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Asad
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India
| | - Chetana Sachidanandan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (CSIR-IGIB), New Delhi, 110025, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Turner KJ, Hoyle J, Valdivia LE, Cerveny KL, Hart W, Mangoli M, Geisler R, Rees M, Houart C, Poole RJ, Wilson SW, Gestri G. Abrogation of Stem Loop Binding Protein (Slbp) function leads to a failure of cells to transition from proliferation to differentiation, retinal coloboma and midline axon guidance deficits. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211073. [PMID: 30695021 PMCID: PMC6350959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Through forward genetic screening for mutations affecting visual system development, we identified prominent coloboma and cell-autonomous retinal neuron differentiation, lamination and retinal axon projection defects in eisspalte (ele) mutant zebrafish. Additional axonal deficits were present, most notably at midline axon commissures. Genetic mapping and cloning of the ele mutation showed that the affected gene is slbp, which encodes a conserved RNA stem-loop binding protein involved in replication dependent histone mRNA metabolism. Cells throughout the central nervous system remained in the cell cycle in ele mutant embryos at stages when, and locations where, post-mitotic cells have differentiated in wild-type siblings. Indeed, RNAseq analysis showed down-regulation of many genes associated with neuronal differentiation. This was coincident with changes in the levels and spatial localisation of expression of various genes implicated, for instance, in axon guidance, that likely underlie specific ele phenotypes. These results suggest that many of the cell and tissue specific phenotypes in ele mutant embryos are secondary to altered expression of modules of developmental regulatory genes that characterise, or promote transitions in, cell state and require the correct function of Slbp-dependent histone and chromatin regulatory genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J. Turner
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Hoyle
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo E. Valdivia
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Center for Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Kara L. Cerveny
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Wendy Hart
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maryam Mangoli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Geisler
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Institute of Toxicology and Genetics, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Michele Rees
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Corinne Houart
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology and MRC Centre for Developmental Disorders, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Poole
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen W. Wilson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GG); (SWW)
| | - Gaia Gestri
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (GG); (SWW)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Brain transcriptome changes in the aging Drosophila melanogaster accompany olfactory memory performance deficits. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209405. [PMID: 30576353 PMCID: PMC6303037 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline is a common occurrence of the natural aging process in animals and studying age-related changes in gene expression in the brain might shed light on disrupted molecular pathways that play a role in this decline. The fruit fly is a useful neurobiological model for studying aging due to its short generational time and relatively small brain size. We investigated age-dependent changes in the Drosophila melanogaster whole-brain transcriptome by comparing 5-, 20-, 30- and 40-day-old flies of both sexes. We used RNA-Sequencing of dissected brain samples followed by differential expression, temporal clustering, co-expression network and gene ontology enrichment analyses. We found an overall decline in expression of genes from the mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathway that occurred as part of aging. We also detected, in females, a pattern of continuously declining expression for many neuronal function genes, which was unexpectedly reversed later in life. This group of genes was highly enriched in memory-impairing genes previously identified through an RNAi screen. We also identified deficits in short-term olfactory memory performance in older flies of both sexes, some of which matched the timing of certain changes in the brain transcriptome. Our study provides the first transcriptome profile of aging brains from fruit flies of both sexes, and it will serve as an important resource for those who study aging and cognitive decline in this model.
Collapse
|
22
|
Tordjman S, Cohen D, Anderson G, Botbol M, Canitano R, Coulon N, Roubertoux P. Repint of “Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity”. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 89:132-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
23
|
Latcheva NK, Viveiros JM, Waddell EA, Nguyen PTT, Liebl FLW, Marenda DR. Epigenetic crosstalk: Pharmacological inhibition of HDACs can rescue defective synaptic morphology and neurotransmission phenotypes associated with loss of the chromatin reader Kismet. Mol Cell Neurosci 2017; 87:77-85. [PMID: 29249293 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We are beginning to appreciate the complex mechanisms by which epigenetic proteins control chromatin dynamics to tightly regulate normal development. However, the interaction between these proteins, particularly in the context of neuronal function, remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) opposes that of a chromatin remodeling enzyme at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Pharmacological inhibition of HDAC function reverses loss of function phenotypes associated with Kismet, a chromodomain helicase DNA-binding (CHD) protein. Inhibition of HDACs suppresses motor deficits, overgrowth of the NMJ, and defective neurotransmission associated with loss of Kismet. We hypothesize that Kismet and HDACs may converge on a similar set of target genes in the nervous system. Our results provide further understanding into the complex interactions between epigenetic protein function in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina K Latcheva
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Edward A Waddell
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Phuong T T Nguyen
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Faith L W Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL, United States
| | - Daniel R Marenda
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Genetics, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Pauli S, Bajpai R, Borchers A. CHARGEd with neural crest defects. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2017; 175:478-486. [PMID: 29082625 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neural crest cells are highly migratory pluripotent cells that give rise to diverse derivatives including cartilage, bone, smooth muscle, pigment, and endocrine cells as well as neurons and glia. Abnormalities in neural crest-derived tissues contribute to the etiology of CHARGE syndrome, a complex malformation disorder that encompasses clinical symptoms like coloboma, heart defects, atresia of the choanae, retarded growth and development, genital hypoplasia, ear anomalies, and deafness. Mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene are causative of CHARGE syndrome and loss-of-function data in different model systems have firmly established a role of CHD7 in neural crest development. Here, we will summarize our current understanding of the function of CHD7 in neural crest development and discuss possible links of CHARGE syndrome to other developmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Pauli
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ruchi Bajpai
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Annette Borchers
- Department of Biology, Molecular Embryology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Feng W, Shao C, Liu HK. Versatile Roles of the Chromatin Remodeler CHD7 during Brain Development and Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:309. [PMID: 29033785 PMCID: PMC5625114 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD7 (Chromo-Helicase-DNA binding protein 7) protein is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeler. Heterozygous mutation of the CHD7 gene causes a severe congenital disease known as CHARGE syndrome. Most CHARGE syndrome patients have brain structural anomalies, implicating an important role of CHD7 during brain development. In this review, we summarize studies dissecting developmental functions of CHD7 in the brain and discuss pathogenic mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental defects caused by mutation of CHD7. As we discussed, CHD7 protein exhibits a remarkably specific and dynamic expression pattern in the brain. Studies in human and animal models have revealed that CHD7 is involved in multiple developmental lineages and processes in the brain. Mechanistically, CHD7 is essential for neural differentiation due to its transcriptional regulation in progenitor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijun Feng
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chunxuan Shao
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hai-Kun Liu
- Division of Molecular Neurogenetics, German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tordjman S, Cohen D, Coulon N, Anderson GM, Botbol M, Canitano R, Roubertoux PL. Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:210. [PMID: 28153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular genetics have advanced current knowledge on genetic disorders associated with autism. A review of diverse genetic disorders associated with autism is presented and for the first time discussed extensively with regard to possible common underlying mechanisms leading to a similar cognitive-behavioral phenotype of autism. The possible role of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including epigenetic mechanisms, is in particular examined. Finally, the pertinence of distinguishing non-syndromic autism (isolated autism) from syndromic autism (autism associated with genetic disorders) will be reconsidered. Given the high genetic and etiological heterogeneity of autism, autism can be viewed as a behavioral syndrome related to known genetic disorders (syndromic autism) or currently unknown disorders (apparent non-syndromic autism), rather than a specific categorical mental disorder. It highlights the need to study autism phenotype and developmental trajectory through a multidimensional, non-categorical approach with multivariate analyses within autism spectrum disorder but also across mental disorders, and to conduct systematically clinical genetic examination searching for genetic disorders in all individuals (children but also adults) with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35200 Rennes, France; Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France.
| | - D Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - G M Anderson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Botbol
- Departement Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - R Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P L Roubertoux
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Inserm, UMR_S 910, 13385, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Moulton MJ, Letsou A. Modeling congenital disease and inborn errors of development in Drosophila melanogaster. Dis Model Mech 2016; 9:253-69. [PMID: 26935104 PMCID: PMC4826979 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.023564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fly models that faithfully recapitulate various aspects of human disease and human health-related biology are being used for research into disease diagnosis and prevention. Established and new genetic strategies in Drosophila have yielded numerous substantial successes in modeling congenital disorders or inborn errors of human development, as well as neurodegenerative disease and cancer. Moreover, although our ability to generate sequence datasets continues to outpace our ability to analyze these datasets, the development of high-throughput analysis platforms in Drosophila has provided access through the bottleneck in the identification of disease gene candidates. In this Review, we describe both the traditional and newer methods that are facilitating the incorporation of Drosophila into the human disease discovery process, with a focus on the models that have enhanced our understanding of human developmental disorders and congenital disease. Enviable features of the Drosophila experimental system, which make it particularly useful in facilitating the much anticipated move from genotype to phenotype (understanding and predicting phenotypes directly from the primary DNA sequence), include its genetic tractability, the low cost for high-throughput discovery, and a genome and underlying biology that are highly evolutionarily conserved. In embracing the fly in the human disease-gene discovery process, we can expect to speed up and reduce the cost of this process, allowing experimental scales that are not feasible and/or would be too costly in higher eukaryotes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Moulton
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Room 5100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5330, USA
| | - Anthea Letsou
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, 15 North 2030 East, Room 5100, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5330, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Asad Z, Pandey A, Babu A, Sun Y, Shevade K, Kapoor S, Ullah I, Ranjan S, Scaria V, Bajpai R, Sachidanandan C. Rescue of neural crest-derived phenotypes in a zebrafish CHARGE model by Sox10 downregulation. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:3539-3554. [PMID: 27418670 PMCID: PMC5179949 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddw198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
CHD7 mutations are implicated in a majority of cases of the congenital disorder, CHARGE syndrome. CHARGE, an autosomal dominant syndrome, is known to affect multiple tissues including eye, heart, ear, craniofacial nerves and skeleton and genital organs. Using a morpholino-antisense-oligonucleotide-based zebrafish model for CHARGE syndrome, we uncover a complex spectrum of abnormalities in the neural crest and the crest-derived cell types. We report for the first time, defects in myelinating Schwann cells, enteric neurons and pigment cells in a CHARGE model. We also observe defects in the specification of peripheral neurons and the craniofacial skeleton as previously reported. Chd7 morphants have impaired migration of neural crest cells and deregulation of sox10 expression from the early stages. Knocking down Sox10 in the zebrafish CHARGE model rescued the defects in Schwann cells and craniofacial cartilage. Our zebrafish CHARGE model thus reveals important regulatory roles for Chd7 at multiple points of neural crest development viz., migration, fate choice and differentiation and we suggest that sox10 deregulation is an important driver of the neural crest-derived aspects of Chd7 dependent CHARGE syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Asad
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110025, India and
| | - Aditi Pandey
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Aswini Babu
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110025, India and
| | - Yuhan Sun
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kaivalya Shevade
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shruti Kapoor
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110025, India and
| | - Ikram Ullah
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Shashi Ranjan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Vinod Scaria
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110025, India and
| | - Ruchi Bajpai
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, Ostrow School of Dentistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chetana Sachidanandan
- CSIR-Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology, South Campus, New Delhi, 110025, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, 110025, India and
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
van Vugt JJFA, Hoedjes KM, van de Geest HC, Schijlen EWGM, Vet LEM, Smid HM. Differentially expressed genes linked to natural variation in long-term memory formation in Cotesia parasitic wasps. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:255. [PMID: 26557061 PMCID: PMC4617343 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though learning and memory are universal traits in the Animal Kingdom, closely related species reveal substantial variation in learning rate and memory dynamics. To determine the genetic background of this natural variation, we studied two congeneric parasitic wasp species, Cotesia glomerata and C. rubecula, which lay their eggs in caterpillars of the large and small cabbage white butterfly. A successful egg laying event serves as an unconditioned stimulus (US) in a classical conditioning paradigm, where plant odors become associated with the encounter of a suitable host caterpillar. Depending on the host species, the number of conditioning trials and the parasitic wasp species, three different types of transcription-dependent long-term memory (LTM) and one type of transcription-independent, anesthesia-resistant memory (ARM) can be distinguished. To identify transcripts underlying these differences in memory formation, we isolated mRNA from parasitic wasp heads at three different time points between induction and consolidation of each of the four memory types, and for each sample three biological replicates, where after strand-specific paired-end 100 bp deep sequencing. Transcriptomes were assembled de novo and differential expression was determined for each memory type and time point after conditioning, compared to unconditioned wasps. Most differentially expressed (DE) genes and antisense transcripts were only DE in one of the LTM types. Among the DE genes that were DE in two or more LTM types, were many protein kinases and phosphatases, small GTPases, receptors and ion channels. Some genes were DE in opposing directions between any of the LTM memory types and ARM, suggesting that ARM in Cotesia requires the transcription of genes inhibiting LTM or vice versa. We discuss our findings in the context of neuronal functioning, including RNA splicing and transport, epigenetic regulation, neurotransmitter/peptide synthesis and antisense transcription. In conclusion, these brain transcriptomes provide candidate genes that may be involved in the observed natural variation in LTM in closely related Cotesia parasitic wasp species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joke J F A van Vugt
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Katja M Hoedjes
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Elio W G M Schijlen
- Applied Bioinformatics, Plant Research International Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Louise E M Vet
- Department of Terrestrial Ecology, Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW) Wageningen, Netherlands ; Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Hans M Smid
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University Wageningen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Androschuk A, Bolduc FV. Modeling Intellectual Disability in Drosophila. ANIMAL MODELS OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2709-8_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
31
|
Abstract
Epigenetic events including chromatin remodeling and histone modifications have recently emerged as important contributors to a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. This review focuses on CHARGE syndrome, a multiple anomaly condition caused by mutations in the gene encoding CHD7, an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein. CHD7 exhibits pleiotropic effects during embryonic development, consistent with highly variable clinical features in CHARGE syndrome. In this review, a historical description of CHARGE is provided, followed by establishment of diagnostic criteria, gene discovery, and development of animal models. Current understanding of epigenetic CHD7 functions and interacting proteins in cells and tissues is also presented, and final emphasis is placed on challenges and major questions to be answered with ongoing research efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Martin
- Department of Human Genetics at The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109 ; Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ghosh R, Vegesna S, Safi R, Bao H, Zhang B, Marenda DR, Liebl FLW. Kismet positively regulates glutamate receptor localization and synaptic transmission at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113494. [PMID: 25412171 PMCID: PMC4239079 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a glutamatergic synapse that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian glutamatergic synapses. These synapses can, as a result of changes in activity, alter the strength of their connections via processes that require chromatin remodeling and changes in gene expression. The chromodomain helicase DNA binding (CHD) protein, Kismet (Kis), is expressed in both motor neuron nuclei and postsynaptic muscle nuclei of the Drosophila larvae. Here, we show that Kis is important for motor neuron synaptic morphology, the localization and clustering of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, larval motor behavior, and synaptic transmission. Our data suggest that Kis is part of the machinery that modulates the development and function of the NMJ. Kis is the homolog to human CHD7, which is mutated in CHARGE syndrome. Thus, our data suggest novel avenues of investigation for synaptic defects associated with CHARGE syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rupa Ghosh
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Srikar Vegesna
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ramia Safi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hong Bao
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Bing Zhang
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Marenda
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FLWL); (DRM)
| | - Faith L. W. Liebl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: (FLWL); (DRM)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Abstract
Disruption of epigenetic gene control mechanisms in the brain causes significant cognitive impairment that is a debilitating hallmark of most neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Histone acetylation is one of the best characterized of these epigenetic mechanisms that is critical for regulating learning- and memory- associated gene expression profiles, yet the specific histone acetyltransferases (HATs) that mediate these effects have yet to be fully characterized. Here, we investigate an epigenetic role for the HAT Tip60 in learning and memory formation using the Drosophila CNS mushroom body (MB) as a well-characterized cognition model. We show that Tip60 is endogenously expressed in the Kenyon cells, the intrinsic neurons of the MB, and in the MB axonal lobes. Targeted loss of Tip60 HAT activity in the MB causes thinner and shorter axonal lobes while increasing Tip60 HAT levels cause no morphological defects. Functional consequences of both loss and gain of Tip60 HAT levels in the MB are evidenced by defects in immediate-recall memory. Our ChIP-Seq analysis reveals that Tip60 target genes are enriched for functions in cognitive processes, and, accordingly, key genes representing these pathways are misregulated in the Tip60 HAT mutant fly brain. Remarkably, we find that both learning and immediate-recall memory deficits that occur under AD-associated, amyloid precursor protein (APP)-induced neurodegenerative conditions can be effectively rescued by increasing Tip60 HAT levels specifically in the MB. Together, our findings uncover an epigenetic transcriptional regulatory role for Tip60 in cognitive function and highlight the potential of HAT activators as a therapeutic option for neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
|
34
|
Taniguchi H, Moore AW. Chromatin regulators in neurodevelopment and disease: Analysis of fly neural circuits provides insights. Bioessays 2014; 36:872-83. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Taniguchi
- Laboratory for Genetic Code; Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences; Doshisha University; Kyotanabe Kyoto Japan
| | - Adrian W. Moore
- Laboratory for Genetic Control of Neuronal Architecture; RIKEN Brain Science Institute; Wako-shi Saitama Japan
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Mutations to the SPG4 gene encoding the microtubule-severing protein spastin are the most common cause of hereditary spastic paraplegia. Haploinsufficiency, the prevalent model for the disease, cannot readily explain many of its key aspects, such as its adult onset or its specificity for the corticospinal tracts. Treatment strategies based solely on haploinsufficiency are therefore likely to fail. Toward developing effective therapies, here we investigated potential gain-of-function effects of mutant spastins. The full-length human spastin isoform called M1 or a slightly shorter isoform called M87, both carrying the same pathogenic mutation C448Y, were expressed in three model systems: primary rat cortical neurons, fibroblasts, and transgenic Drosophila. Although both isoforms had ill effects on motor function in transgenic flies and decreased neurite outgrowth from primary cortical neurons, mutant M1 was notably more toxic than mutant M87. The observed phenotypes did not result from dominant-negative effects of mutated spastins. Studies in cultured cells revealed that microtubules can be heavily decorated by mutant M1 but not mutant M87. Microtubule-bound mutant M1 decreased microtubule dynamics, whereas unbound M1 or M87 mutant spastins increased microtubule dynamics. The alterations in microtubule dynamics observed in the presence of mutated spastins are not consistent with haploinsufficiency and are better explained by a gain-of-function mechanism. Our results fortify a model wherein toxicity of mutant spastin proteins, especially mutant M1, contributes to axonal degeneration in the corticospinal tracts. Furthermore, our results provide details on the mechanism of the toxicity that may chart a course toward more effective treatment regimens.
Collapse
|
36
|
Human intellectual disability genes form conserved functional modules in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003911. [PMID: 24204314 PMCID: PMC3814316 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2013] [Accepted: 09/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual Disability (ID) disorders, defined by an IQ below 70, are genetically and phenotypically highly heterogeneous. Identification of common molecular pathways underlying these disorders is crucial for understanding the molecular basis of cognition and for the development of therapeutic intervention strategies. To systematically establish their functional connectivity, we used transgenic RNAi to target 270 ID gene orthologs in the Drosophila eye. Assessment of neuronal function in behavioral and electrophysiological assays and multiparametric morphological analysis identified phenotypes associated with knockdown of 180 ID gene orthologs. Most of these genotype-phenotype associations were novel. For example, we uncovered 16 genes that are required for basal neurotransmission and have not previously been implicated in this process in any system or organism. ID gene orthologs with morphological eye phenotypes, in contrast to genes without phenotypes, are relatively highly expressed in the human nervous system and are enriched for neuronal functions, suggesting that eye phenotyping can distinguish different classes of ID genes. Indeed, grouping genes by Drosophila phenotype uncovered 26 connected functional modules. Novel links between ID genes successfully predicted that MYCN, PIGV and UPF3B regulate synapse development. Drosophila phenotype groups show, in addition to ID, significant phenotypic similarity also in humans, indicating that functional modules are conserved. The combined data indicate that ID disorders, despite their extreme genetic diversity, are caused by disruption of a limited number of highly connected functional modules. Intellectual Disability (ID) affects 2% of our population and is associated with many different disorders. Although more than 400 causative genes (‘ID genes’) have been identified, their function remains poorly understood and the degree to which these disorders share a common molecular basis is unknown. Here, we systematically characterized behavioral and morphological phenotypes associated with 270 conserved ID genes, using the Drosophila eye and photoreceptor neurons as a model. These and follow up approaches generated previously undescribed genotype-phenotype associations for the majority (180) of ID gene orthologs, and identified, among others, 16 novel regulators of basal neurotransmission. Importantly, groups of genes that show the same phenotype in Drosophila are highly enriched in known connectivity, also share increased phenotypic similarity in humans and successfully predicted novel gene functions. In total, we mapped 26 conserved functional modules that together comprise 100 ID gene orthologs. Our findings provide unbiased evidence for the long suspected but never experimentally demonstrated functional coherence among ID disorders. The identified conserved functional modules may aid to develop therapeutic strategies that target genetically heterogeneous ID patients with a common treatment.
Collapse
|
37
|
Reza MA, Mhatre SD, Morrison JC, Utreja S, Saunders AJ, Breen DE, Marenda DR. Automated analysis of courtship suppression learning and memory in Drosophila melanogaster. Fly (Austin) 2013; 7:105-11. [PMID: 23644900 DOI: 10.4161/fly.24110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Study of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has yielded important insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of learning and memory. Courtship conditioning is a well-established behavioral assay used to study Drosophila learning and memory. Here, we describe the development of software to analyze courtship suppression assay data that correctly identifies normal or abnormal learning and memory traits of individual flies. Development of this automated analysis software will significantly enhance our ability to use this assay in large-scale genetic screens and disease modeling. The software increases the consistency, objectivity, and types of data generated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Alimoor Reza
- Department of Computer Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Herb BR, Wolschin F, Hansen KD, Aryee MJ, Langmead B, Irizarry R, Amdam GV, Feinberg AP. Reversible switching between epigenetic states in honeybee behavioral subcastes. Nat Neurosci 2012; 15:1371-3. [PMID: 22983211 PMCID: PMC3518384 DOI: 10.1038/nn.3218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Accepted: 08/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In honeybee societies, distinct caste phenotypes are created from the same genotype, suggesting a role for epigenetics in deriving these behaviorally different phenotypes. We found no differences in DNA methylation between irreversible worker and queen castes, but substantial differences between nurses and forager subcastes. Reverting foragers back to nurses reestablished methylation levels for a majority of genes and provides, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence in any organism of reversible epigenetic changes associated with behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian R. Herb
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Florian Wolschin
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- School of Life Science, Arizona State University
| | - Kasper D. Hansen
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Martin J. Aryee
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Ben Langmead
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Rafael Irizarry
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Gro V. Amdam
- Department of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences
- School of Life Science, Arizona State University
| | - Andrew P. Feinberg
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Molecular Biology & Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Epigenetic regulation in human neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, Rett syndrome, and epilepsy. Epigenomics 2012. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9780511777271.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
|
40
|
The mutation in Chd7 causes misexpression of Bmp4 and developmental defects in telencephalic midline. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 181:626-41. [PMID: 22658483 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2012.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 04/25/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in chromosome-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) are identified as the main cause for CHARGE syndrome (coloboma, heart anomaly, choanal atresia, retardation, genital and ear anomalies). Most patients (55% to 85%) with CHARGE syndrome display developmental defects in the central nervous system (CNS), of which pathology and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we report a novel mutant mouse strain carrying a nonsense mutation, COA1, in exon4 of Chd7 gene. Chd7(COA1/+) mice phenocopied human CHARGE syndrome and displayed developmental defects in the telencephalic midline, including dilated third and lateral ventricles, reduced cerebral cortex, and corpus callosum crossing failure. Programed cell death in the telencephalic midline zone of Chd7(COA1/+) embryos was impaired, consistent with the incomplete telencephalic medial invagination in Chd7(COA1/+) embryos. Interestingly, expression of Bmp4, a signal well known to induce forebrain midline cell fate and apoptosis, was down-regulated and also expanded in the forebrain of Chd7(COA1/+) embryos. Furthermore, in vitro studies suggested that CHD7 may directly regulate Bmp4 expression by binding with an enhancer element downstream of the Bmp4 locus. These studies provide novel insight into pathogenesis of CNS anomalies in CHARGE syndrome.
Collapse
|
41
|
Janssen N, Bergman JEH, Swertz MA, Tranebjaerg L, Lodahl M, Schoots J, Hofstra RMW, van Ravenswaaij-Arts CMA, Hoefsloot LH. Mutation update on the CHD7 gene involved in CHARGE syndrome. Hum Mutat 2012; 33:1149-60. [DOI: 10.1002/humu.22086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
42
|
Paik D, Jang YG, Lee YE, Lee YN, Yamamoto R, Gee HY, Yoo S, Bae E, Min KJ, Tatar M, Park JJ. Misexpression screen delineates novel genes controlling Drosophila lifespan. Mech Ageing Dev 2012; 133:234-45. [PMID: 22366109 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2012.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2011] [Revised: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 02/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In an initial preliminary screen we identified factors associated with controlling Drosophila aging by examining longevity in adults where EP elements induced over-expression or antisense-RNA at genes adjacent to each insertion. Here, we study 45 EP lines that initially showed at least 10% longer mean lifespan than controls. These 45 lines and a daughterless (da)-Gal4 stock were isogenized into a CS10 wild-type background. Sixteen EP lines corresponding to 15 genes significantly extended lifespan when their target genes were driven by da-Gal4. In each case, the target genes were seen to be over-expressed. Independently derived UAS-gene transgenic stocks were available or made for two candidates: ImpL2 which is ecdysone-inducible gene L2, and CG33138, 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme. With both, adult lifespan was increased upon over-expression via the GeneSwitch inducible Gal4 driver system. Several genes in this set of 15 correspond to previously discovered longevity assurance systems such as insulin/IGF-1 signaling, gene silencing, and autophagy; others suggest new potential mechanisms for the control of aging including mRNA synthesis and maturation, intracellular vesicle trafficking, and neuroendocrine regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donggi Paik
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, 126-1 Anam-Dong 5 Ga, Seongbuk-Gu, Seoul 136-705, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Patten SA, Jacobs-McDaniels NL, Zaouter C, Drapeau P, Albertson RC, Moldovan F. Role of Chd7 in zebrafish: a model for CHARGE syndrome. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31650. [PMID: 22363697 PMCID: PMC3282775 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CHARGE syndrome is caused by mutations in the CHD7 gene. Several organ systems including the retina, cranial nerves, inner ear and heart are affected in CHARGE syndrome. However, the mechanistic link between mutations in CHD7 and many of the organ systems dysfunction remains elusive. Here, we show that Chd7 is required for the organization of the neural retina in zebrafish. We observe an abnormal expression or a complete absence of molecular markers for the retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors, indicating that Chd7 regulates the differentiation of retinal cells and plays an essential role in retinal cell development. In addition, zebrafish with reduced Chd7 display an abnormal organization and clustering of cranial motor neurons. We also note a pronounced reduction in the facial branchiomotor neurons and the vagal motor neurons display aberrant positioning. Further, these fish exhibit a severe loss of the facial nerves. Knock-down of Chd7 results in a curvature of the long body axis and these fish develop irregular shaped vertebrae and have a reduction in bone mineralization. Chd7 knockdown also results in a loss of proper segment polarity illustrated by flawed efnb2a and ttna expression, which is associated with later vascular segmentation defects. These critical roles for Chd7 in retinal and vertebral development were previously unrecognized and our results provide new insights into the role of Chd7 during development and in CHARGE syndrome pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunmoogum A. Patten
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Pierre Drapeau
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - R. Craig Albertson
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Florina Moldovan
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
A muscle-specific p38 MAPK/Mef2/MnSOD pathway regulates stress, motor function, and life span in Drosophila. Dev Cell 2011; 21:783-95. [PMID: 22014527 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 07/06/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Molecular mechanisms that concordantly regulate stress, life span, and aging remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrate that in Drosophila, a p38 MAP kinase (p38K)/Mef2/MnSOD pathway is a coregulator of stress and life span. Hence, overexpression of p38K extends life span in a MnSOD-dependent manner, whereas inhibition of p38K causes early lethality and precipitates age-related motor dysfunction and stress sensitivity, that is rescued through muscle-restricted (but not neuronal) add-back of p38K. Additionally, mutations in p38K are associated with increased protein carbonylation and Nrf2-dependent transcription, while adversely affecting metabolic response to hypoxia. Mechanistically, p38K modulates expression of the mitochondrial MnSOD enzyme through the transcription factor Mef2, and predictably, perturbations in MnSOD modify p38K-dependent phenotypes. Thus, our results uncover a muscle-restricted p38K-Mef2-MnSOD signaling module that influences life span and stress, distinct from the insulin/JNK/FOXO pathway. We propose that potentiating p38K might be instrumental in restoring the mitochondrial detoxification machinery and combating stress-induced aging.
Collapse
|
45
|
Hu Y, Flockhart I, Vinayagam A, Bergwitz C, Berger B, Perrimon N, Mohr SE. An integrative approach to ortholog prediction for disease-focused and other functional studies. BMC Bioinformatics 2011; 12:357. [PMID: 21880147 PMCID: PMC3179972 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2105-12-357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 497] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2011] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mapping of orthologous genes among species serves an important role in functional genomics by allowing researchers to develop hypotheses about gene function in one species based on what is known about the functions of orthologs in other species. Several tools for predicting orthologous gene relationships are available. However, these tools can give different results and identification of predicted orthologs is not always straightforward. Results We report a simple but effective tool, the Drosophila RNAi Screening Center Integrative Ortholog Prediction Tool (DIOPT; http://www.flyrnai.org/diopt), for rapid identification of orthologs. DIOPT integrates existing approaches, facilitating rapid identification of orthologs among human, mouse, zebrafish, C. elegans, Drosophila, and S. cerevisiae. As compared to individual tools, DIOPT shows increased sensitivity with only a modest decrease in specificity. Moreover, the flexibility built into the DIOPT graphical user interface allows researchers with different goals to appropriately 'cast a wide net' or limit results to highest confidence predictions. DIOPT also displays protein and domain alignments, including percent amino acid identity, for predicted ortholog pairs. This helps users identify the most appropriate matches among multiple possible orthologs. To facilitate using model organisms for functional analysis of human disease-associated genes, we used DIOPT to predict high-confidence orthologs of disease genes in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and genes in genome-wide association study (GWAS) data sets. The results are accessible through the DIOPT diseases and traits query tool (DIOPT-DIST; http://www.flyrnai.org/diopt-dist). Conclusions DIOPT and DIOPT-DIST are useful resources for researchers working with model organisms, especially those who are interested in exploiting model organisms such as Drosophila to study the functions of human disease genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hu
- Drosophila RNAi Screening Center, Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|