1
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Mediane DH, Basu S, Cahill EN, Anastasiades PG. Medial prefrontal cortex circuitry and social behaviour in autism. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110101. [PMID: 39128583 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has proven to be highly enigmatic due to the diversity of its underlying genetic causes and the huge variability in symptom presentation. Uncovering common phenotypes across people with ASD and pre-clinical models allows us to better understand the influence on brain function of the many different genetic and cellular processes thought to contribute to ASD aetiology. One such feature of ASD is the convergent evidence implicating abnormal functioning of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) across studies. The mPFC is a key part of the 'social brain' and may contribute to many of the changes in social behaviour observed in people with ASD. Here we review recent evidence for mPFC involvement in both ASD and social behaviours. We also highlight how pre-clinical mouse models can be used to uncover important cellular and circuit-level mechanisms that may underly atypical social behaviours in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego H Mediane
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Shinjini Basu
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom
| | - Emma N Cahill
- Department of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Biomedical Sciences Building, University Walk, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul G Anastasiades
- Department of Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, United Kingdom.
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2
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Borreca A, Mantovani C, Desiato G, Corradini I, Filipello F, Elia CA, D'Autilia F, Santamaria G, Garlanda C, Morini R, Pozzi D, Matteoli M. Loss of interleukin 1 signaling causes impairment of microglia- mediated synapse elimination and autistic-like behaviour in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:493-509. [PMID: 38307446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the hypothesis that elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases has gained popularity. IL-1 is one of the main cytokines found to be elevated in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by defects in social communication and cognitive impairments. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking IL-1 signaling display autistic-like defects associated with an excessive number of synapses. We also show that microglia lacking IL-1 signaling at early neurodevelopmental stages are unable to properly perform the process of synapse engulfment and display excessive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Notably, even the acute inhibition of IL-1R1 by IL-1Ra is sufficient to enhance mTOR signaling and reduce synaptosome phagocytosis in WT microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that rapamycin treatment rescues the defects in IL-1R deficient mice. These data unveil an exclusive role of microglial IL-1 in synapse refinement via mTOR signaling and indicate a novel mechanism possibly involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with defects in the IL-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borreca
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Mantovani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Genni Desiato
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Corradini
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabia Filipello
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Adriana Elia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Santamaria
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Morini
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) gene that is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic features, speech deficits, and sleep and breathing abnormalities. Neurologically, patients with all three disorders display microcephaly, aberrant dendritic morphology, reduced spine density, and an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and FOXG1 genes also cause similar behavioral and neurobiological defects and were referred to as congenital or variant Rett syndrome. The relatively recent realization that CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), FOXG1 syndrome, and Rett syndrome are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders with some distinctive features have resulted in separate focus being placed on each disorder with the assumption that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie their pathogenesis. However, given that many of the core symptoms and neurological features are shared, it is likely that the disorders share some critical molecular underpinnings. This review discusses the possibility that deregulation of common molecules in neurons and astrocytes plays a central role in key behavioral and neurological abnormalities in all three disorders. These include KCC2, a chloride transporter, vGlut1, a vesicular glutamate transporter, GluD1, an orphan-glutamate receptor subunit, and PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein. We propose that reduced expression or activity of KCC2, vGlut1, PSD-95, and AKT, along with increased expression of GluD1, is involved in the excitatory/inhibitory that represents a key aspect in all three disorders. In addition, astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines likely affect the expression and functioning of these molecules resulting in disease-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R D’Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
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Pascual-Alonso A, Xiol C, Smirnov D, Kopajtich R, Prokisch H, Armstrong J. Identification of molecular signatures and pathways involved in Rett syndrome using a multi-omics approach. Hum Genomics 2023; 17:85. [PMID: 37710353 PMCID: PMC10503149 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-023-00532-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MECP2). MeCP2 is a multi-functional protein involved in many cellular processes, but the mechanisms by which its dysfunction causes disease are not fully understood. The duplication of the MECP2 gene causes a distinct disorder called MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS), highlighting the importance of tightly regulating its dosage for proper cellular function. Additionally, some patients with mutations in genes other than MECP2 exhibit phenotypic similarities with RTT, indicating that these genes may also play a role in similar cellular functions. The purpose of this study was to characterise the molecular alterations in patients with RTT in order to identify potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for this disorder. METHODS We used a combination of transcriptomics (RNAseq) and proteomics (TMT mass spectrometry) to characterise the expression patterns in fibroblast cell lines from 22 patients with RTT and detected mutation in MECP2, 15 patients with MDS, 12 patients with RTT-like phenotypes and 13 healthy controls. Transcriptomics and proteomics data were used to identify differentially expressed genes at both RNA and protein levels, which were further inspected via enrichment and upstream regulator analyses and compared to find shared features in patients with RTT. RESULTS We identified molecular alterations in cellular functions and pathways that may contribute to the disease phenotype in patients with RTT, such as deregulated cytoskeletal components, vesicular transport elements, ribosomal subunits and mRNA processing machinery. We also compared RTT expression profiles with those of MDS seeking changes in opposite directions that could lead to the identification of MeCP2 direct targets. Some of the deregulated transcripts and proteins were consistently affected in patients with RTT-like phenotypes, revealing potentially relevant molecular processes in patients with overlapping traits and different genetic aetiology. CONCLUSIONS The integration of data in a multi-omics analysis has helped to interpret the molecular consequences of MECP2 dysfunction, contributing to the characterisation of the molecular landscape in patients with RTT. The comparison with MDS provides knowledge of MeCP2 direct targets, whilst the correlation with RTT-like phenotypes highlights processes potentially contributing to the pathomechanism leading these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainhoa Pascual-Alonso
- Fundació Per La Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Clara Xiol
- Fundació Per La Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Dmitrii Smirnov
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Robert Kopajtich
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Holger Prokisch
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Judith Armstrong
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.
- CIBER-ER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
- Genomic Unit, Molecular and Genetic Medicine Section, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain.
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Palmieri M, Pozzer D, Landsberger N. Advanced genetic therapies for the treatment of Rett syndrome: state of the art and future perspectives. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1172805. [PMID: 37304036 PMCID: PMC10248472 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1172805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss and gain of functions mutations in the X-linked MECP2 (methyl-CpG-binding protein 2) gene are responsible for a set of generally severe neurological disorders that can affect both genders. In particular, Mecp2 deficiency is mainly associated with Rett syndrome (RTT) in girls, while duplication of the MECP2 gene leads, mainly in boys, to the MECP2 duplication syndrome (MDS). No cure is currently available for MECP2 related disorders. However, several studies have reported that by re-expressing the wild-type gene is possible to restore defective phenotypes of Mecp2 null animals. This proof of principle endorsed many laboratories to search for novel therapeutic strategies to cure RTT. Besides pharmacological approaches aimed at modulating MeCP2-downstream pathways, genetic targeting of MECP2 or its transcript have been largely proposed. Remarkably, two studies focused on augmentative gene therapy were recently approved for clinical trials. Both use molecular strategies to well-control gene dosage. Notably, the recent development of genome editing technologies has opened an alternative way to specifically target MECP2 without altering its physiological levels. Other attractive approaches exclusively applicable for nonsense mutations are the translational read-through (TR) and t-RNA suppressor therapy. Reactivation of the MECP2 locus on the silent X chromosome represents another valid choice for the disease. In this article, we intend to review the most recent genetic interventions for the treatment of RTT, describing the current state of the art, and the related advantages and concerns. We will also discuss the possible application of other advanced therapies, based on molecular delivery through nanoparticles, already proposed for other neurological disorders but still not tested in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Palmieri
- Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Pozzer
- Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Rett Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Hospital (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Malar DS, Thitilertdecha P, Ruckvongacheep KS, Brimson S, Tencomnao T, Brimson JM. Targeting Sigma Receptors for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:399-440. [PMID: 37166702 PMCID: PMC10173947 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-023-01007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor is a 223 amino acid-long protein with a recently identified structure. The sigma-2 receptor is a genetically unrelated protein with a similarly shaped binding pocket and acts to influence cellular activities similar to the sigma-1 receptor. Both proteins are highly expressed in neuronal tissues. As such, they have become targets for treating neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), Rett syndrome (RS), developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE), and motor neuron disease/amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). In recent years, there have been many pre-clinical and clinical studies of sigma receptor (1 and 2) ligands for treating neurological disease. Drugs such as blarcamesine, dextromethorphan and pridopidine, which have sigma-1 receptor activity as part of their pharmacological profile, are effective in treating multiple aspects of several neurological diseases. Furthermore, several sigma-2 receptor ligands are under investigation, including CT1812, rivastigmine and SAS0132. This review aims to provide a current and up-to-date analysis of the current clinical and pre-clinical data of drugs with sigma receptor activities for treating neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicson S Malar
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Premrutai Thitilertdecha
- Siriraj Research Group in Immunobiology and Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kanokphorn S Ruckvongacheep
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirikalaya Brimson
- Department of Clinical Microscopy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tewin Tencomnao
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - James M Brimson
- Natural Products for Neuroprotection and Anti-ageing Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Research, Innovation and International Affairs, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Room 409, ChulaPat-1 Building, 154 Rama 1 Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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Tao Z, Cheng Z. Hormonal regulation of metabolism-recent lessons learned from insulin and estrogen. Clin Sci (Lond) 2023; 137:415-434. [PMID: 36942499 PMCID: PMC10031253 DOI: 10.1042/cs20210519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal signaling plays key roles in tissue and metabolic homeostasis. Accumulated evidence has revealed a great deal of insulin and estrogen signaling pathways and their interplays in the regulation of mitochondrial, cellular remodeling, and macronutrient metabolism. Insulin signaling regulates nutrient and mitochondrial metabolism by targeting the IRS-PI3K-Akt-FoxOs signaling cascade and PGC1α. Estrogen signaling fine-tunes protein turnover and mitochondrial metabolism through its receptors (ERα, ERβ, and GPER). Insulin and estrogen signaling converge on Sirt1, mTOR, and PI3K in the joint regulation of autophagy and mitochondrial metabolism. Dysregulated insulin and estrogen signaling lead to metabolic diseases. This article reviews the up-to-date evidence that depicts the pathways of insulin signaling and estrogen-ER signaling in the regulation of metabolism. In addition, we discuss the cross-talk between estrogen signaling and insulin signaling via Sirt1, mTOR, and PI3K, as well as new therapeutic options such as agonists of GLP1 receptor, GIP receptor, and β3-AR. Mapping the molecular pathways of insulin signaling, estrogen signaling, and their interplays advances our understanding of metabolism and discovery of new therapeutic options for metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, U.S.A
| | - Zhiyong Cheng
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, U.S.A
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8
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Carli S, Chaabane L, De Rocco G, Albizzati E, Sormonta I, Calligaro S, Bonizzi P, Frasca A, Landsberger N. A comprehensive longitudinal study of magnetic resonance imaging identifies novel features of the Mecp2 deficient mouse brain. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106083. [PMID: 36931532 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder which represents the leading cause of severe incurable intellectual disability in females worldwide. The vast majority of RTT cases are caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, and preclinical studies on RTT largely benefit from the use of mouse models of Mecp2, which present a broad spectrum of symptoms phenocopying those manifested by RTT patients. Neurons represent the core targets of the pathology; however, neuroanatomical abnormalities that regionally characterize the Mecp2 deficient mammalian brain remain ill-defined. Neuroimaging techniques, such as MRI and MRS, represent a key approach for assessing in vivo anatomic and metabolic changes in brain. Being non-invasive, these analyses also permit to investigate how the disease progresses over time through longitudinal studies. To foster the biological comprehension of RTT and identify useful biomarkers, we have performed a thorough in vivo longitudinal study of MRI and MRS in Mecp2 deficient mouse brains. Analyses were performed on both genders of two different mouse models of RTT, using an automatic atlas-based segmentation tool that permitted to obtain a detailed and unbiased description of the whole RTT mouse brain. We found that the most robust alteration of the RTT brain consists in an overall reduction of the brain volume. Accordingly, Mecp2 deficiency generally delays brain growth, eventually leading, in heterozygous older animals, to stagnation and/or contraction. Most but not all brain regions participate in the observed deficiency in brain size; similarly, the volumetric defect progresses diversely in different brain areas also depending on the specific Mecp2 genetic lesion and gender. Interestingly, in some regions volumetric defects anticipate overt symptoms, possibly revealing where the pathology originates and providing a useful biomarker for assessing drug efficacy in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carli
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy.
| | - Linda Chaabane
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Experimental Imaging Center (CIS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy.
| | - Giuseppina De Rocco
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan) I-20090, Italy.
| | - Elena Albizzati
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan) I-20090, Italy.
| | - Irene Sormonta
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy.
| | - Stefano Calligaro
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy.
| | - Pietro Bonizzi
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Angelisa Frasca
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan) I-20090, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan I-20132, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan) I-20090, Italy.
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Balbi M, Bonanno G, Bonifacino T, Milanese M. The Physio-Pathological Role of Group I Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors Expressed by Microglia in Health and Disease with a Focus on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065240. [PMID: 36982315 PMCID: PMC10048889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia cells are the resident immune cells of the central nervous system. They act as the first-line immune guardians of nervous tissue and central drivers of neuroinflammation. Any homeostatic alteration that can compromise neuron and tissue integrity could activate microglia. Once activated, microglia exhibit highly diverse phenotypes and functions related to either beneficial or harmful consequences. Microglia activation is associated with the release of protective or deleterious cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors that can in turn determine defensive or pathological outcomes. This scenario is complicated by the pathology-related specific phenotypes that microglia can assume, thus leading to the so-called disease-associated microglia phenotypes. Microglia express several receptors that regulate the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory features, sometimes exerting opposite actions on microglial functions according to specific conditions. In this context, group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are molecular structures that may contribute to the modulation of the reactive phenotype of microglia cells, and this is worthy of exploration. Here, we summarize the role of group I mGluRs in shaping microglia cells' phenotype in specific physio-pathological conditions, including some neurodegenerative disorders. A significant section of the review is specifically focused on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since it represents an entirely unexplored topic of research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Balbi
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
| | - Giambattista Bonanno
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bonifacino
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- Inter-University Center for the Promotion of the 3Rs Principles in Teaching & Research (Centro 3R), 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Milanese
- Department of Pharmacy (DIFAR), University of Genoa, Viale Cembrano 4, 16148 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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MeCP2 Is an Epigenetic Factor That Links DNA Methylation with Brain Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044218. [PMID: 36835623 PMCID: PMC9966807 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation, one of the most well-studied epigenetic modifications, is involved in a wide spectrum of biological processes. Epigenetic mechanisms control cellular morphology and function. Such regulatory mechanisms involve histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, DNA methylation, non-coding regulatory RNA molecules, and RNA modifications. One of the most well-studied epigenetic modifications is DNA methylation that plays key roles in development, health, and disease. Our brain is probably the most complex part of our body, with a high level of DNA methylation. A key protein that binds to different types of methylated DNA in the brain is the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). MeCP2 acts in a dose-dependent manner and its abnormally high or low expression level, deregulation, and/or genetic mutations lead to neurodevelopmental disorders and aberrant brain function. Recently, some of MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders have emerged as neurometabolic disorders, suggesting a role for MeCP2 in brain metabolism. Of note, MECP2 loss-of-function mutation in Rett Syndrome is reported to cause impairment of glucose and cholesterol metabolism in human patients and/or mouse models of disease. The purpose of this review is to outline the metabolic abnormalities in MeCP2-associated neurodevelopmental disorders that currently have no available cure. We aim to provide an updated overview into the role of metabolic defects associated with MeCP2-mediated cellular function for consideration of future therapeutic strategies.
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11
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Karalis V, Donovan KE, Sahin M. Primary Cilia Dysfunction in Neurodevelopmental Disorders beyond Ciliopathies. J Dev Biol 2022; 10:54. [PMID: 36547476 PMCID: PMC9782889 DOI: 10.3390/jdb10040054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary cilia are specialized, microtubule-based structures projecting from the surface of most mammalian cells. These organelles are thought to primarily act as signaling hubs and sensors, receiving and integrating extracellular cues. Several important signaling pathways are regulated through the primary cilium including Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) and Wnt signaling. Therefore, it is no surprise that mutated genes encoding defective proteins that affect primary cilia function or structure are responsible for a group of disorders collectively termed ciliopathies. The severe neurologic abnormalities observed in several ciliopathies have prompted examination of primary cilia structure and function in other brain disorders. Recently, neuronal primary cilia defects were observed in monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders that were not traditionally considered ciliopathies. The molecular mechanisms of how these genetic mutations cause primary cilia defects and how these defects contribute to the neurologic manifestations of these disorders remain poorly understood. In this review we will discuss monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders that exhibit cilia deficits and summarize findings from studies exploring the role of primary cilia in the brain to shed light into how these deficits could contribute to neurologic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karalis
- The Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Donovan
- The Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mustafa Sahin
- The Rosamund Stone Zander Translational Neuroscience Center, Department of Neurology Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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12
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Malone TJ, Kaczmarek LK. The role of altered translation in intellectual disability and epilepsy. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 213:102267. [PMID: 35364140 PMCID: PMC10583652 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A very high proportion of cases of intellectual disability are genetic in origin and are associated with the occurrence of epileptic seizures during childhood. These two disorders together effect more than 5% of the world's population. One feature linking the two diseases is that learning and memory require the synthesis of new synaptic components and ion channels, while maintenance of overall excitability also requires synthesis of similar proteins in response to altered neuronal stimulation. Many of these disorders result from mutations in proteins that regulate mRNA processing, translation initiation, translation elongation, mRNA stability or upstream translation modulators. One theme that emerges on reviewing this field is that mutations in proteins that regulate changes in translation following neuronal stimulation are more likely to result in epilepsy with intellectual disability than general translation regulators with no known role in activity-dependent changes. This is consistent with the notion that activity-dependent translation in neurons differs from that in other cells types in that the changes in local cellular composition, morphology and connectivity that occur generally in response to stimuli are directly coupled to local synaptic activity and persist for months or years after the original stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor J Malone
- Departments of Pharmacology, and of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street B-309, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Leonard K Kaczmarek
- Departments of Pharmacology, and of Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University, 333 Cedar Street B-309, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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13
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Zhang WJ, Shi LL, Zhang L. Dysregulated cortical synaptic plasticity under methyl-CpG binding protein 2 deficiency and its implication in motor impairments. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:673-682. [PMID: 35663301 PMCID: PMC9150038 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i5.673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Caused by the mutation of methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), Rett syndrome leads to a battery of severe neural dysfunctions including the regression of motor coordination and motor learning. Current understanding has revealed the motor cortex as the critical region mediating voluntary movement. In this review article, we will summarize major findings from human patients and animal models regarding the cortical synaptic plasticity under the regulation of MeCP2. We will also discuss how mutation of MeCP2 leads to the disruption of cortical circuitry homeostasis to cause motor deficits. Lastly, potential values of physical exercise and neuromodulation approaches to recover neural plasticity and motor function will be evaluated. All of this evidence may help to accelerate timely diagnosis and effective interventions for Rett syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Jia Zhang
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ling-Ling Shi
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Li Zhang
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
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14
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Li W. Excitation and Inhibition Imbalance in Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:825063. [PMID: 35250460 PMCID: PMC8894599 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.825063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A loss of the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance in the neural circuit has emerged as a common neuropathological feature in many neurodevelopmental disorders. Rett syndrome (RTT), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1:10,000-15,000 women globally, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the Methyl-CpG-binding Protein-2 (Mecp2) gene. E/I imbalance is recognized as the leading cellular and synaptic hallmark that is fundamental to diverse RTT neurological symptoms, including stereotypic hand movements, impaired motor coordination, breathing irregularities, seizures, and learning/memory dysfunctions. E/I balance in RTT is not homogeneously altered but demonstrates brain region and cell type specificity instead. In this review, I elaborate on the current understanding of the loss of E/I balance in a range of brain areas at molecular and cellular levels. I further describe how the underlying cellular mechanisms contribute to the disturbance of the proper E/I ratio. Last, I discuss current pharmacologic innervations for RTT and their role in modifying the E/I balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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15
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Arciniegas Ruiz SM, Eldar-Finkelman H. Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 Inhibitors: Preclinical and Clinical Focus on CNS-A Decade Onward. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:792364. [PMID: 35126052 PMCID: PMC8813766 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.792364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase, GSK-3, participates in diverse biological processes and is now recognized a promising drug discovery target in treating multiple pathological conditions. Over the last decade, a range of newly developed GSK-3 inhibitors of diverse chemotypes and inhibition modes has been developed. Even more conspicuous is the dramatic increase in the indications that were tested from mood and behavior disorders, autism and cognitive disabilities, to neurodegeneration, brain injury and pain. Indeed, clinical and pre-clinical studies were largely expanded uncovering new mechanisms and novel insights into the contribution of GSK-3 to neurodegeneration and central nerve system (CNS)-related disorders. In this review we summarize new developments in the field and describe the use of GSK-3 inhibitors in the variety of CNS disorders. This remarkable volume of information being generated undoubtedly reflects the great interest, as well as the intense hope, in developing potent and safe GSK-3 inhibitors in clinical practice.
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16
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Musi CA, Castaldo AM, Valsecchi AE, Cimini S, Morello N, Pizzo R, Renieri A, Meloni I, Bonati M, Giustetto M, Borsello T. JNK signaling provides a novel therapeutic target for Rett syndrome. BMC Biol 2021; 19:256. [PMID: 34911542 PMCID: PMC8675514 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01190-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rett syndrome (RTT) is a monogenic X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by loss-of-function mutations in the MECP2 gene, which lead to structural and functional changes in synapse communication, and impairments of neural activity at the basis of cognitive deficits that progress from an early age. While the restoration of MECP2 in animal models has been shown to rescue some RTT symptoms, gene therapy intervention presents potential side effects, and with gene- and RNA-editing approaches still far from clinical application, strategies focusing on signaling pathways downstream of MeCP2 may provide alternatives for the development of more effective therapies in vivo. Here, we investigate the role of the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) stress pathway in the pathogenesis of RTT using different animal and cell models and evaluate JNK inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach. Results We discovered that the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) stress pathway is activated in Mecp2-knockout, Mecp2-heterozygous mice, and in human MECP2-mutated iPSC neurons. The specific JNK inhibitor, D-JNKI1, promotes recovery of body weight and locomotor impairments in two mouse models of RTT and rescues their dendritic spine alterations. Mecp2-knockout presents intermittent crises of apnea/hypopnea, one of the most invalidating RTT pathological symptoms, and D-JNKI1 powerfully reduces this breathing dysfunction. Importantly, we discovered that also neurons derived from hiPSC-MECP2 mut show JNK activation, high-phosphorylated c-Jun levels, and cell death, which is not observed in the isogenic control wt allele hiPSCs. Treatment with D-JNKI1 inhibits neuronal death induced by MECP2 mutation in hiPSCs mut neurons. Conclusions As a summary, we found altered JNK signaling in models of RTT and suggest that D-JNKI1 treatment prevents clinical symptoms, with coherent results at the cellular, molecular, and functional levels. This is the first proof of concept that JNK plays a key role in RTT and its specific inhibition offers a new and potential therapeutic tool to tackle RTT. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12915-021-01190-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Alice Musi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Milan University, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Castaldo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Milan University, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sara Cimini
- Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Morello
- Department of Neuroscience and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pizzo
- Department of Neuroscience and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - Maurizio Bonati
- Department of Public Heath, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of Neuroscience and National Institute of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tiziana Borsello
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Milan University, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri-IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Bach S, Shovlin S, Moriarty M, Bardoni B, Tropea D. Rett Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome: Different Etiology With Common Molecular Dysfunctions. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:764761. [PMID: 34867203 PMCID: PMC8640214 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.764761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS) are two monogenetic neurodevelopmental disorders with complex clinical presentations. RTT is caused by mutations in the Methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) altering the function of its protein product MeCP2. MeCP2 modulates gene expression by binding methylated CpG dinucleotides, and by interacting with transcription factors. FXS is caused by the silencing of the FMR1 gene encoding the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a RNA binding protein involved in multiple steps of RNA metabolism, and modulating the translation of thousands of proteins including a large set of synaptic proteins. Despite differences in genetic etiology, there are overlapping features in RTT and FXS, possibly due to interactions between MeCP2 and FMRP, and to the regulation of pathways resulting in dysregulation of common molecular signaling. Furthermore, basic physiological mechanisms are regulated by these proteins and might concur to the pathophysiology of both syndromes. Considering that RTT and FXS are disorders affecting brain development, and that most of the common targets of MeCP2 and FMRP are involved in brain activity, we discuss the mechanisms of synaptic function and plasticity altered in RTT and FXS, and we consider the similarities and the differences between these two disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Snow Bach
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.,Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Shovlin
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Barbara Bardoni
- Inserm, CNRS UMR 7275, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France
| | - Daniela Tropea
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Blockade of Serotonin 5-HT 6 Receptor Constitutive Activity Alleviates Cognitive Deficits in a Preclinical Model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810178. [PMID: 34576341 PMCID: PMC8467191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common inherited disorder caused by mutations of the NF1 gene that encodes the Ras-GTPase activating protein neurofibromin, leading to overactivation of Ras-dependent signaling pathways such as the mTOR pathway. It is often characterized by a broad range of cognitive symptoms that are currently untreated. The serotonin 5-HT6 receptor is a potentially relevant target in view of its ability to associate with neurofibromin and to engage the mTOR pathway to compromise cognition in several cognitive impairment paradigms. Here, we show that constitutively active 5-HT6 receptors contribute to increased mTOR activity in the brain of Nf1+/− mice, a preclinical model recapitulating some behavioral alterations of NF1. Correspondingly, peripheral administration of SB258585, a 5-HT6 receptor inverse agonist, or rapamycin, abolished deficits in long-term social and associative memories in Nf1+/− mice, whereas administration of CPPQ, a neutral antagonist, did not produce cognitive improvement. These results show a key influence of mTOR activation by constitutively active 5-HT6 receptors in NF1 cognitive symptoms. They provide a proof of concept that 5-HT6 receptor inverse agonists already in clinical development as symptomatic treatments to reduce cognitive decline in dementia and psychoses, might be repurposed as therapies alleviating cognitive deficits in NF1 patients.
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19
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Golubiani G, Lagani V, Solomonia R, Müller M. Metabolomic Fingerprint of Mecp2-Deficient Mouse Cortex: Evidence for a Pronounced Multi-Facetted Metabolic Component in Rett Syndrome. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092494. [PMID: 34572143 PMCID: PMC8472238 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Using unsupervised metabolomics, we defined the complex metabolic conditions in the cortex of a mouse model of Rett syndrome (RTT). RTT, which represents a cause of mental and cognitive disabilities in females, results in profound cognitive impairment with autistic features, motor disabilities, seizures, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiorespiratory irregularities. Typical RTT originates from mutations in the X-chromosomal methyl-CpG-binding-protein-2 (Mecp2) gene, which encodes a transcriptional modulator. It then causes a deregulation of several target genes and metabolic alterations in the nervous system and peripheral organs. We identified 101 significantly deregulated metabolites in the Mecp2-deficient cortex of adult male mice; 68 were increased and 33 were decreased compared to wildtypes. Pathway analysis identified 31 mostly upregulated metabolic pathways, in particular carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism, key metabolic mitochondrial/extramitochondrial pathways, and lipid metabolism. In contrast, neurotransmitter-signaling is dampened. This metabolic fingerprint of the Mecp2-deficient cortex of severely symptomatic mice provides further mechanistic insights into the complex RTT pathogenesis. The deregulated pathways that were identified—in particular the markedly affected amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism—confirm a complex and multifaceted metabolic component in RTT, which in turn signifies putative therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the deregulated key metabolites provide a choice of potential biomarkers for a more detailed rating of disease severity and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gocha Golubiani
- Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, D-37130 Göttingen, Germany;
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Lagani
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Revaz Solomonia
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Ilia State University, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia; (V.L.); (R.S.)
| | - Michael Müller
- Institut für Neuro- und Sinnesphysiologie, Zentrum Physiologie und Pathophysiologie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Georg-August-Universität Göttingen, D-37130 Göttingen, Germany;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-39-22933
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20
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WGCNA Identifies Translational and Proteasome-Ubiquitin Dysfunction in Rett Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189954. [PMID: 34576118 PMCID: PMC8465861 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is an X linked neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene, resulting in severe cognitive and physical disabilities. Despite an apparent normal prenatal and postnatal development period, symptoms usually present around 6 to 18 months of age. Little is known about the consequences of MeCP2 deficiency at a molecular and cellular level before the onset of symptoms in neural cells, and subtle changes at this highly sensitive developmental stage may begin earlier than symptomatic manifestation. Recent transcriptomic studies of patient induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-differentiated neurons and brain organoids harbouring pathogenic mutations in MECP2, have unravelled new insights into the cellular and molecular changes caused by these mutations. Here we interrogated transcriptomic modifications in RTT patients using publicly available RNA-sequencing datasets of patient iPSCs harbouring pathogenic mutations and healthy control iPSCs by Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis (WGCNA). Preservation analysis identified core gene pathways involved in translation, ribosomal function, and ubiquitination perturbed in some MECP2 mutant iPSC lines. Furthermore, differential gene expression of the parental fibroblasts and iPSC-derived neurons revealed alterations in genes in the ubiquitination pathway and neurotransmission in fibroblasts and differentiated neurons respectively. These findings might suggest that global translational dysregulation and proteasome ubiquitin function in Rett syndrome begins in progenitor cells prior to lineage commitment and differentiation into neural cells.
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21
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Boksha IS, Prokhorova TA, Tereshkina EB, Savushkina OK, Burbaeva GS. Protein Phosphorylation Signaling Cascades in Autism: The Role of mTOR Pathway. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:577-596. [PMID: 33993859 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921050072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a central regulator of cell metabolism, growth, and survival in response to hormones, growth factors, nutrients, and stress-induced signals. In this review, we analyzed the studies on the molecular abnormalities of the mTOR-associated signaling cascades in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and outlined the prospects for the pathogenicity-targeting pharmacotherapeutic approaches to ASDs, in particular syndromic ASDs. Based on available experimental and clinical data, we suggest that very early detection of molecular abnormalities in the ASD risk groups can be facilitated by using peripheral blood platelets. Also, identification of the time window of critical dysregulations in the described pathways in the ASD risk groups might suggest further research directions leading to more efficacious pharmacotherapeutic interventions in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina S Boksha
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, 115522, Russia. .,Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
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22
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Urbinati C, Cosentino L, Germinario EAP, Valenti D, Vigli D, Ricceri L, Laviola G, Fiorentini C, Vacca RA, Fabbri A, De Filippis B. Treatment with the Bacterial Toxin CNF1 Selectively Rescues Cognitive and Brain Mitochondrial Deficits in a Female Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome Carrying a MeCP2-Null Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6739. [PMID: 34201747 PMCID: PMC8269120 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurological disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene and a major cause of intellectual disability in females. No cure exists for RTT. We previously reported that the behavioural phenotype and brain mitochondria dysfunction are widely rescued by a single intracerebroventricular injection of the bacterial toxin CNF1 in a RTT mouse model carrying a truncating mutation of the MeCP2 gene (MeCP2-308 mice). Given the heterogeneity of MECP2 mutations in RTT patients, we tested the CNF1 therapeutic efficacy in a mouse model carrying a null mutation (MeCP2-Bird mice). CNF1 selectively rescued cognitive defects, without improving other RTT-related behavioural alterations, and restored brain mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity in MeCP2-Bird mice. To shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the differential CNF1 effects on the behavioural phenotype, we compared treatment effects on relevant signalling cascades in the brain of the two RTT models. CNF1 provided a significant boost of the mTOR activation in MeCP2-308 hippocampus, which was not observed in the MeCP2-Bird model, possibly explaining the differential effects of CNF1. These results demonstrate that CNF1 efficacy depends on the mutation beared by MeCP2-mutated mice, stressing the need of testing potential therapeutic approaches across RTT models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Urbinati
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Elena Angela Pia Germinario
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.P.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Daniela Valenti
- Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Institute of Biomembranes, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.V.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Daniele Vigli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Carla Fiorentini
- Association for Research on Integrative Oncology Therapies (ARTOI), 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, Institute of Biomembranes, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy; (D.V.); (R.A.V.)
| | - Alessia Fabbri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.P.G.); (A.F.)
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.U.); (L.C.); (D.V.); (L.R.); (G.L.)
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23
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mTOR Driven Gene Transcription Is Required for Cholesterol Production in Neurons of the Developing Cerebral Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116034. [PMID: 34204880 PMCID: PMC8199781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from idiopathic autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to syndromes caused by single gene defects. This suggests that maintaining mTOR activity levels in a physiological range is essential for brain development and functioning. Upon activation, mTOR regulates a variety of cellular processes such as cell growth, autophagy, and metabolism. On a molecular level, however, the consequences of mTOR activation in the brain are not well understood. Low levels of cholesterol are associated with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. We here describe numerous genes of the sterol/cholesterol biosynthesis pathway to be transcriptionally regulated by mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in vitro in primary neurons and in vivo in the developing cerebral cortex of the mouse. We find that these genes are shared targets of the transcription factors SREBP, SP1, and NF-Y. Prenatal as well as postnatal mTORC1 inhibition downregulated expression of these genes which directly translated into reduced cholesterol levels, pointing towards a substantial metabolic function of the mTORC1 signaling cascade. Altogether, our results indicate that mTORC1 is an essential transcriptional regulator of the expression of sterol/cholesterol biosynthesis genes in the developing brain. Altered expression of these genes may be an important factor contributing to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with dysregulated mTOR signaling.
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24
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Longo F, Klann E. Reciprocal control of translation and transcription in autism spectrum disorder. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52110. [PMID: 33977633 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted patterns of interest and repetitive behaviors. ASD is genetically heterogeneous and is believed to be caused by both inheritable and de novo gene variations. Studies have revealed an extremely complex genetic landscape of ASD, favoring the idea that mutations in different clusters of genes interfere with interconnected downstream signaling pathways and circuitry, resulting in aberrant behavior. In this review, we describe a select group of candidate genes that represent both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of ASD and encode proteins that are important in transcriptional and translational regulation. We focus on the interplay between dysregulated translation and transcription in ASD with the hypothesis that dysregulation of each synthetic process triggers a feedback loop to act on the other, which ultimately exacerbates ASD pathophysiology. Finally, we summarize findings from interdisciplinary studies that pave the way for the investigation of the cooperative impact of different genes and pathways underlying the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Longo
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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25
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Rodrigues DC, Mufteev M, Weatheritt RJ, Djuric U, Ha KCH, Ross PJ, Wei W, Piekna A, Sartori MA, Byres L, Mok RSF, Zaslavsky K, Pasceri P, Diamandis P, Morris Q, Blencowe BJ, Ellis J. Shifts in Ribosome Engagement Impact Key Gene Sets in Neurodevelopment and Ubiquitination in Rett Syndrome. Cell Rep 2021; 30:4179-4196.e11. [PMID: 32209477 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.02.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of translation during human development is poorly understood, and its dysregulation is associated with Rett syndrome (RTT). To discover shifts in mRNA ribosomal engagement (RE) during human neurodevelopment, we use parallel translating ribosome affinity purification sequencing (TRAP-seq) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) on control and RTT human induced pluripotent stem cells, neural progenitor cells, and cortical neurons. We find that 30% of transcribed genes are translationally regulated, including key gene sets (neurodevelopment, transcription and translation factors, and glycolysis). Approximately 35% of abundant intergenic long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are ribosome engaged. Neurons translate mRNAs more efficiently and have longer 3' UTRs, and RE correlates with elements for RNA-binding proteins. RTT neurons have reduced global translation and compromised mTOR signaling, and >2,100 genes are translationally dysregulated. NEDD4L E3-ubiquitin ligase is translationally impaired, ubiquitinated protein levels are reduced, and protein targets accumulate in RTT neurons. Overall, the dynamic translatome in neurodevelopment is disturbed in RTT and provides insight into altered ubiquitination that may have therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deivid C Rodrigues
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Marat Mufteev
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Robert J Weatheritt
- Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ugljesa Djuric
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Kevin C H Ha
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Vector Institute, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - P Joel Ross
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Wei Wei
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alina Piekna
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Maria A Sartori
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Loryn Byres
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Rebecca S F Mok
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kirill Zaslavsky
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Peter Pasceri
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Phedias Diamandis
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada; Department of Pathology, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Quaid Morris
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada; Vector Institute, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Benjamin J Blencowe
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Donnelly Center for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - James Ellis
- Program in Developmental & Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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26
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Cell-type-specific profiling of human cellular models of fragile X syndrome reveal PI3K-dependent defects in translation and neurogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108991. [PMID: 33852833 PMCID: PMC8133829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene in fragile X syndrome (FXS) leads to the loss of the RNA-binding protein FMRP. In addition to regulating mRNA translation and protein synthesis, emerging evidence suggests that FMRP acts to coordinate proliferation and differentiation during early neural development. However, whether loss of FMRP-mediated translational control is related to impaired cell fate specification in the developing human brain remains unknown. Here, we use human patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells and organoids to model neurogenesis in FXS. We developed a high-throughput, in vitro assay that allows for the simultaneous quantification of protein synthesis and proliferation within defined neural subpopulations. We demonstrate that abnormal protein synthesis in FXS is coupled to altered cellular decisions to favor proliferative over neurogenic cell fates during early development. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of elevated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling corrects both excess protein synthesis and cell proliferation in a subset of patient neural cells. Raj et al. developed a multiparametric assay to measure cellular and molecular phenotypes during neurogenesis in fragile X syndrome iPSC-derived neural cells. Relative to controls, FXS patient cultures have more proliferative cells with increased protein synthesis. Defects in cell fate acquisition can be normalized by inhibiting overactive PI3K signaling.
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27
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Ehrhart F, Coort SL, Eijssen L, Cirillo E, Smeets EE, Bahram Sangani N, Evelo CT, Curfs LMG. Integrated analysis of human transcriptome data for Rett syndrome finds a network of involved genes. World J Biol Psychiatry 2020; 21:712-725. [PMID: 30907210 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2019.1593501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare disorder causing severe intellectual and physical disability. The cause is a mutation in the gene coding for the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), a multifunctional regulator protein. Purpose of the study was integration and investigation of multiple gene expression profiles in human cells with impaired MECP2 gene to obtain a robust, data-driven insight in molecular disease mechanisms. METHODS Information about changed gene expression was extracted from five previously published studies, integrated and the resulting differentially expressed genes were analysed using overrepresentation analysis of biological pathways and gene ontology, and network analysis. RESULTS We identified a set of genes, which are significantly changed not in all but several transcriptomics datasets and were not mentioned in the context of RTT before. We found that these genes are involved in several processes and molecular pathways known to be affected in RTT. Integrating transcription factors we identified a possible link how MECP2 regulates cytoskeleton organisation via MEF2C and CAPG. CONCLUSIONS Integrative analysis of omics data and prior knowledge databases is a powerful approach to identify links between mutation and phenotype especially in rare disease research where little data is available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Ehrhart
- GCK - Rett Expertise Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Susan L Coort
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars Eijssen
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Cirillo
- Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric E Smeets
- GCK - Rett Expertise Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nasim Bahram Sangani
- GCK - Rett Expertise Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris T Evelo
- GCK - Rett Expertise Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Bioinformatics - BiGCaT, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold M G Curfs
- GCK - Rett Expertise Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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28
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Prem S, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of Neurite Outgrowth and Cell Migration in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:109-153. [PMID: 32578146 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of study, elucidation of the underlying etiology of complex developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), intellectual disability (ID), and bipolar disorder (BPD) has been hampered by the inability to study human neurons, the heterogeneity of these disorders, and the relevance of animal model systems. Moreover, a majority of these developmental disorders have multifactorial or idiopathic (unknown) causes making them difficult to model using traditional methods of genetic alteration. Examination of the brains of individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders in both post-mortem and MRI studies shows defects that are suggestive of dysregulation of embryonic and early postnatal development. For ASD, more recent genetic studies have also suggested that risk genes largely converge upon the developing human cerebral cortex between weeks 8 and 24 in utero. Yet, an overwhelming majority of studies in autism rodent models have focused on postnatal development or adult synaptic transmission defects in autism related circuits. Thus, studies looking at early developmental processes such as proliferation, cell migration, and early differentiation, which are essential to build the brain, are largely lacking. Yet, interestingly, a few studies that did assess early neurodevelopment found that alterations in brain structure and function associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) begin as early as the initial formation and patterning of the neural tube. By the early to mid-2000s, the derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and later induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allowed us to study living human neural cells in culture for the first time. Specifically, iPSCs gave us the unprecedented ability to study cells derived from individuals with idiopathic disorders. Studies indicate that iPSC-derived neural cells, whether precursors or "matured" neurons, largely resemble cortical cells of embryonic humans from weeks 8 to 24. Thus, these cells are an excellent model to study early human neurodevelopment, particularly in the context of genetically complex diseases. Indeed, since 2011, numerous studies have assessed developmental phenotypes in neurons derived from individuals with both genetic and idiopathic forms of ASD and other NDDs. However, while iPSC-derived neurons are fetal in nature, they are post-mitotic and thus cannot be used to study developmental processes that occur before terminal differentiation. Moreover, it is important to note that during the 8-24-week window of human neurodevelopment, neural precursor cells are actively undergoing proliferation, migration, and early differentiation to form the basic cytoarchitecture of the brain. Thus, by studying NPCs specifically, we could gain insight into how early neurodevelopmental processes contribute to the pathogenesis of NDDs. Indeed, a few studies have explored NPC phenotypes in NDDs and have uncovered dysregulations in cell proliferation. Yet, few studies have explored migration and early differentiation phenotypes of NPCs in NDDs. In this chapter, we will discuss cell migration and neurite outgrowth and the role of these processes in neurodevelopment and NDDs. We will begin by reviewing the processes that are important in early neurodevelopment and early cortical development. We will then delve into the roles of neurite outgrowth and cell migration in the formation of the brain and how errors in these processes affect brain development. We also provide review of a few key molecules that are involved in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and migration while discussing how dysregulations in these molecules can lead to abnormalities in brain structure and function thereby highlighting their contribution to pathogenesis of NDDs. Then we will discuss whether neurite outgrowth, migration, and the molecules that regulate these processes are associated with ASD. Lastly, we will review the utility of iPSCs in modeling NDDs and discuss future goals for the study of NDDs using this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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29
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Vigli D, Cosentino L, Pellas M, De Filippis B. Chronic Treatment with Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA) Reduces Thermal Pain Sensitivity in Male Mice and Rescues the Hyperalgesia in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. Neuroscience 2020; 453:113-123. [PMID: 33010341 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.09.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurologic disorder, characterized by severe behavioural and physiological symptoms. RTT is caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene in about 95% of cases and to date no cure is available. Recent evidence suggests that non-euphoric phytocannabinoids (pCBs) extracted from Cannabis sativa may represent innovative therapeutic molecules for RTT, with the cannabinoid cannabidivarin having beneficial effects on behavioural and brain molecular alterations in RTT mouse models. The present study evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy for RTT of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA; 0.2, 2, 20 mg/kg through intraperitoneal injections for 14 days), a pCB that has proved to be effective for the treatment of nausea and anxiety in rodents. This study demonstrates that systemic treatment with the low dose of CBDA has anti-nociceptive effects and reduces the thermal hyperalgesia in 8 month-old MeCP2-308 male mice, a validated RTT mouse model. CBDA did not affect other behavioural or molecular parameters. These results provide support to the antinociceptive effects of CBDA and stress the need for further studies aimed at clarifying the mechanisms underlying the abnormal pain perception in RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vigli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Pellas
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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30
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Sciara AN, Beasley B, Crawford JD, Anderson EP, Carrasco T, Zheng S, Ordway GA, Chandley MJ. Neuroinflammatory Gene Expression Alterations in Anterior Cingulate Cortical White and Gray Matter of Males With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:870-884. [PMID: 32129578 PMCID: PMC7540672 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Evidence for putative pathophysiological mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including peripheral inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption, white matter alterations, and abnormal synaptic overgrowth, indicate a possible involvement of neuroinflammation in the disorder. Neuroinflammation plays a role in the development and maintenance of the dendritic spines involved in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, and also influences blood-brain permeability. Cytokines released from microglia can impact the length, location or organization of dendritic spines on excitatory and inhibitory cells as well as recruit and impact glial cell function around the neurons. In this study, gene expression levels of anti- and pro-inflammatory signaling molecules, as well as oligodendrocyte and astrocyte marker proteins, were measured in both gray and white matter tissue in the anterior cingulate cortex from ASD and age-matched typically developing (TD) control brain donors, ranging from ages 4 to 37 years. Expression levels of the pro-inflammatory gene, HLA-DR, were significantly reduced in gray matter and expression levels of the anti-inflammatory gene MRC1 were significantly elevated in white matter from ASD donors as compared to TD donors, but neither retained statistical significance after correction for multiple comparisons. Modest trends toward differences in expression levels were also observed for the pro-inflammatory (CD68, IL1β) and anti-inflammatory genes (IGF1, IGF1R) comparing ASD donors to TD donors. The direction of gene expression changes comparing ASD to TD donors did not reveal consistent findings implicating an elevated pro- or anti-inflammatory state in ASD. However, altered expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory gene expression indicates some involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD. Autism Res 2020, 13: 870-884. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: The anterior cingulate cortex is an integral brain region in modulating social behaviors including nonverbal communication. The study found that inflammatory gene expression levels were altered in this brain region. We hypothesize that the inflammatory changes in this area could impact neuronal function. The finding has future implications in using these molecular markers to identify potential environmental exposures and distinct cell differences in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey N. Sciara
- Department of Biological SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTennessee
| | - Brooke Beasley
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Jessica D. Crawford
- Department of Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Emma P. Anderson
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Tiffani Carrasco
- Department of Health SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Shimin Zheng
- Department of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
| | - Gregory A. Ordway
- Department of Biomedical SciencesEast Tennessee State UniversityJohnson CityTN
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesEast Tennessee State University, Johnson CityJohnson CityTN
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31
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Koltun B, Ironi S, Gershoni-Emek N, Barrera I, Hleihil M, Nanguneri S, Sasmal R, Agasti SS, Nair D, Rosenblum K. Measuring mRNA translation in neuronal processes and somata by tRNA-FRET. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:e32. [PMID: 31974573 PMCID: PMC7102941 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
In neurons, the specific spatial and temporal localization of protein synthesis is of great importance for function and survival. Here, we visualized tRNA and protein synthesis events in fixed and live mouse primary cortical culture using fluorescently-labeled tRNAs. We were able to characterize the distribution and transport of tRNAs in different neuronal sub-compartments and to study their association with the ribosome. We found that tRNA mobility in neural processes is lower than in somata and corresponds to patterns of slow transport mechanisms, and that larger tRNA puncta co-localize with translational machinery components and are likely the functional fraction. Furthermore, chemical induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in culture revealed up-regulation of mRNA translation with a similar effect in dendrites and somata, which appeared to be GluR-dependent 6 h post-activation. Importantly, measurement of protein synthesis in neurons with high resolutions offers new insights into neuronal function in health and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bella Koltun
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sivan Ironi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Iliana Barrera
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mohammad Hleihil
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Ranjan Sasmal
- New Chemistry Unit and Chemistry & Physics of Materials Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarit S Agasti
- New Chemistry Unit and Chemistry & Physics of Materials Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Deepak Nair
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Kobi Rosenblum
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Center for Gene Manipulation in the Brain, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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32
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Berthoux C, Hamieh AM, Rogliardo A, Doucet EL, Coudert C, Ango F, Grychowska K, Chaumont‐Dubel S, Zajdel P, Maldonado R, Bockaert J, Marin P, Bécamel C. Early 5-HT 6 receptor blockade prevents symptom onset in a model of adolescent cannabis abuse. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10605. [PMID: 32329240 PMCID: PMC7207164 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis abuse during adolescence confers an increased risk for developing later in life cognitive deficits reminiscent of those observed in schizophrenia, suggesting common pathological mechanisms that remain poorly characterized. In line with previous findings that revealed a role of 5-HT6 receptor-operated mTOR activation in cognitive deficits of rodent developmental models of schizophrenia, we show that chronic administration of ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to mice during adolescence induces a long-lasting activation of mTOR in prefrontal cortex (PFC), alterations of excitatory/inhibitory balance, intrinsic properties of layer V pyramidal neurons, and long-term depression, as well as cognitive deficits in adulthood. All are prevented by administrating a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist or rapamycin, during adolescence. In contrast, they are still present 2 weeks after the same treatments delivered at the adult stage. Collectively, these findings suggest a role of 5-HT6 receptor-operated mTOR signaling in abnormalities of cortical network wiring elicited by THC at a critical period of PFC maturation and highlight the potential of 5-HT6 receptor antagonists as early therapy to prevent cognitive symptom onset in adolescent cannabis abusers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Camille Coudert
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
- Department of Adult PsychiatryMontpellier University HospitalMontpellierFrance
| | - Fabrice Ango
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Katarzyna Grychowska
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakówPoland
| | | | - Pawel Zajdel
- Department of Medicinal ChemistryJagiellonian University Medical CollegeKrakówPoland
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Neuropharmacology LaboratoryDepartment of Experimental and Health SciencesPompeu Fabra UniversityBarcelonaSpain
| | - Joël Bockaert
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Philippe Marin
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
| | - Carine Bécamel
- IGF, University of MontpellierCNRS, INSERMMontpellierFrance
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33
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Sbardella D, Tundo GR, Cunsolo V, Grasso G, Cascella R, Caputo V, Santoro AM, Milardi D, Pecorelli A, Ciaccio C, Di Pierro D, Leoncini S, Campagnolo L, Pironi V, Oddone F, Manni P, Foti S, Giardina E, De Felice C, Hayek J, Curatolo P, Galasso C, Valacchi G, Coletta M, Graziani G, Marini S. Defective proteasome biogenesis into skin fibroblasts isolated from Rett syndrome subjects with MeCP2 non-sense mutations. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165793. [PMID: 32275946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165793] [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: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Rett Syndrome (RTT) is a rare X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder which affects about 1: 10000 live births. In >95% of subjects RTT is caused by a mutation in Methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) gene, which encodes for a transcription regulator with pleiotropic genetic/epigenetic activities. The molecular mechanisms underscoring the phenotypic alteration of RTT are largely unknown and this has impaired the development of therapeutic approaches to alleviate signs and symptoms during disease progression. A defective proteasome biogenesis into two skin primary fibroblasts isolated from RTT subjects harbouring non-sense (early-truncating) MeCP2 mutations (i.e., R190fs and R255X) is herewith reported. Proteasome is the proteolytic machinery of Ubiquitin Proteasome System (UPS), a pathway of overwhelming relevance for post-mitotic cells metabolism. Molecular, transcription and proteomic analyses indicate that MeCP2 mutations down-regulate the expression of one proteasome subunit, α7, and of two chaperones, PAC1 and PAC2, which bind each other in the earliest step of proteasome biogenesis. Furthermore, this molecular alteration recapitulates in neuron-like SH-SY5Y cells upon silencing of MeCP2 expression, envisaging a general significance of this transcription regulator in proteasome biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Sbardella
- IRCSS-Fondazione GB Bietti, Via Livenza, 3, 00198 Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Raffaella Tundo
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Grasso
- Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Raffaella Cascella
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Caputo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Danilo Milardi
- Institute of Crystallography, National Research Council, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pecorelli
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Plant for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Chiara Ciaccio
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Di Pierro
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Leoncini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese (AOUS), Siena, Italy; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese (AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Campagnolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Virginia Pironi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | | | - Priscilla Manni
- Ophthalmology Unit, St. Andrea Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, NESMOS Department, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Foti
- Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emiliano Giardina
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy; Molecular Genetics Laboratory UILDM, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio De Felice
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese (AOUS), Siena, Italy
| | - Joussef Hayek
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Senese (AOUS), Siena, Italy; "Isola di Bau", Multi-Specialist Centre, Certaldo (Florence), Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Cinzia Galasso
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Valacchi
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Plant for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, USA
| | - Massimiliano Coletta
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Marini
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
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MicroRNA-212-3p regulates early neurogenesis through the AKT/mTOR pathway by targeting MeCP2. Neurochem Int 2020; 137:104734. [PMID: 32246981 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence has implicated role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in neurogenesis. Methyl-CpG Binding Protein 2 (MeCP2) was a key contributor to neurological disease. This study investigated whether miR-212-3p affects early neurogenesis associated with MeCP2. Microarray-based gene expression profiling of neurogenesis was employed to identify differentially expressed genes. Next, miR-212-3p expression in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) was detected using in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence. Effect of miR-212-3p and MeCP2 on cell viability, β-tubulin III expression and the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activity was examined with gain- and loss-of-function experiments. In vivo experiments were also performed to verify effects of miR-212-3p on nerve tube development. MiR-212-3p expression was decreased while MeCP2 expression was increased during differentiation of NPCs. MiR-212-3p targets MeCP2 and down-regulates its expression, which resulted in repressed cell differentiation, proliferation as well as blocked AKT/mTOR pathway activation, subsequently early neurogenesis was prevented. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-212-3p inhibited nerve tube development in vivo. Taken together, miR-212-3p could restrain early neurogenesis through the blockade of AKT/mTOR pathway activation by targeting MeCP2, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for neurogenic disorders.
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Luoni M, Giannelli S, Indrigo MT, Niro A, Massimino L, Iannielli A, Passeri L, Russo F, Morabito G, Calamita P, Gregori S, Deverman B, Broccoli V. Whole brain delivery of an instability-prone Mecp2 transgene improves behavioral and molecular pathological defects in mouse models of Rett syndrome. eLife 2020; 9:52629. [PMID: 32207685 PMCID: PMC7117907 DOI: 10.7554/elife.52629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is an incurable neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding for methyl-CpG binding-protein 2 (MeCP2). Gene therapy for this disease presents inherent hurdles since MECP2 is expressed throughout the brain and its duplication leads to severe neurological conditions as well. Herein, we use the AAV-PHP.eB to deliver an instability-prone Mecp2 (iMecp2) transgene cassette which, increasing RNA destabilization and inefficient protein translation of the viral Mecp2 transgene, limits supraphysiological Mecp2 protein levels. Intravenous injections of the PHP.eB-iMecp2 virus in symptomatic Mecp2 mutant mice significantly improved locomotor activity, lifespan and gene expression normalization. Remarkably, PHP.eB-iMecp2 administration was well tolerated in female Mecp2 mutant or in wild-type animals. In contrast, we observed a strong immune response to the transgene in treated male Mecp2 mutant mice that was overcome by immunosuppression. Overall, PHP.eB-mediated delivery of iMecp2 provided widespread and efficient gene transfer maintaining physiological Mecp2 protein levels in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Luoni
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Serena Giannelli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marzia Tina Indrigo
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Niro
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Massimino
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelo Iannielli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Passeri
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Via Olgettina, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Russo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Via Olgettina, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Morabito
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Piera Calamita
- National Institute of Molecular Genetics (INGM), Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Gregori
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-Tiget), San Raffaele Scientific Institute IRCCS, Via Olgettina, Milan, Italy
| | - Benjamin Deverman
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research at Broad Institute, Cambridge, United States
| | - Vania Broccoli
- Stem Cell and Neurogenesis Unit, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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Aldosary M, Al-Bakheet A, Al-Dhalaan H, Almass R, Alsagob M, Al-Younes B, AlQuait L, Mustafa OM, Bulbul M, Rahbeeni Z, Alfadhel M, Chedrawi A, Al-Hassnan Z, AlDosari M, Al-Zaidan H, Al-Muhaizea MA, AlSayed MD, Salih MA, AlShammari M, Faiyaz-Ul-Haque M, Chishti MA, Al-Harazi O, Al-Odaib A, Kaya N, Colak D. Rett Syndrome, a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Whole-Transcriptome, and Mitochondrial Genome Multiomics Analyses Identify Novel Variations and Disease Pathways. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2020; 24:160-171. [PMID: 32105570 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2019.0192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder reported worldwide in diverse populations. RTT is diagnosed primarily in females, with clinical findings manifesting early in life. Despite the variable rates across populations, RTT has an estimated prevalence of ∼1 in 10,000 live female births. Among 215 Saudi Arabian patients with neurodevelopmental and autism spectrum disorders, we identified 33 patients with RTT who were subsequently examined by genome-wide transcriptome and mitochondrial genome variations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first in-depth molecular and multiomics analyses of a large cohort of Saudi RTT cases with a view to informing the underlying mechanisms of this disease that impact many patients and families worldwide. The patients were unrelated, except for 2 affected sisters, and comprised of 25 classic and eight atypical RTT cases. The cases were screened for methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2), CDKL5, FOXG1, NTNG1, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variants, as well as copy number variations (CNVs) using a genome-wide experimental strategy. We found that 15 patients (13 classic and two atypical RTT) have MECP2 mutations, 2 of which were novel variants. Two patients had novel FOXG1 and CDKL5 variants (both atypical RTT). Whole mtDNA sequencing of the patients who were MECP2 negative revealed two novel mtDNA variants in two classic RTT patients. Importantly, the whole-transcriptome analysis of our RTT patients' blood and further comparison with previous expression profiling of brain tissue from patients with RTT revealed 77 significantly dysregulated genes. The gene ontology and interaction network analysis indicated potentially critical roles of MAPK9, NDUFA5, ATR, SMARCA5, RPL23, SRSF3, and mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress response and MAPK signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of RTT genes. This study expands our knowledge on RTT disease networks and pathways as well as presents novel mutations and mtDNA alterations in RTT in a population sample that was not previously studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazhor Aldosary
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - AlBandary Al-Bakheet
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham Al-Dhalaan
- Department of Neuroscience, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rawan Almass
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maysoon Alsagob
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Banan Al-Younes
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila AlQuait
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama Mufid Mustafa
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa Bulbul
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zuhair Rahbeeni
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Alfadhel
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Centre, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Genetics Division, Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah Specialized Children Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aziza Chedrawi
- Department of Neuroscience, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zuhair Al-Hassnan
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed AlDosari
- Center for Pediatric Neurosciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Hamad Al-Zaidan
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Al-Muhaizea
- Department of Neuroscience, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Moeenaldeen D AlSayed
- Department of Medical Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mustafa A Salih
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mai AlShammari
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mohammad Azhar Chishti
- Department of Biochemistry, King Khalid Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Olfat Al-Harazi
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Scientific Computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Al-Odaib
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Namik Kaya
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dilek Colak
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Scientific Computing, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Picher-Martel V, Labrie Y, Rivest S, Lace B, Chrestian N. Whole-exome sequencing identifies homozygous mutation in TTI2 in a child with primary microcephaly: a case report. BMC Neurol 2020; 20:58. [PMID: 32061250 PMCID: PMC7023720 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-020-01643-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary microcephaly is defined as reduced occipital-frontal circumference noticeable before 36 weeks of gestation. Large amount of insults might lead to microcephaly including infections, hypoxia and genetic mutations. More than 16 genes are described in autosomal recessive primary microcephaly. However, the cause of microcephaly remains unclear in many cases after extensive investigations and genetic screening. Case presentation Here, we described the case of a boy with primary microcephaly who presented to a neurology clinic with short stature, global development delay, dyskinetic movement, strabismus and dysmorphic features. We performed microcephaly investigations and genetic panels. Then, we performed whole-exome sequencing to identify any genetic cause. Microcephaly investigations and genetic panels were negative, but we found a new D317V homozygous mutation in TELOE-2 interacting protein 2 (TTI2) gene by whole-exome sequencing. TTI2 is implicated in DNA damage response and mutation in that gene was previously described in mental retardation, autosomal recessive 39. Conclusions We described the first French Canadian case with primary microcephaly and global developmental delay secondary to a new D317V homozygous mutation in TTI2 gene. Our report also highlights the importance of TTI2 protein in brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Picher-Martel
- Department of psychiatry and neurosciences, Centre de recherche Cervo Brain Research Centre and CHU de Québec, Laval University, 2601 chemin de la canardière, Québec, Qc, G1J 2G3, Canada.
| | - Yvan Labrie
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Universtié Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Serge Rivest
- Centre de recherche CHU de Québec- Universtié Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Baiba Lace
- Department of Clinical Genetic, CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Nicolas Chrestian
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Paediatric Neuromuscular Disorder, Centre Mère Enfant Soleil, Laval University, Québec, Qc, Canada
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Joshi V, Upadhyay A, Prajapati VK, Mishra A. How autophagy can restore proteostasis defects in multiple diseases? Med Res Rev 2020; 40:1385-1439. [PMID: 32043639 DOI: 10.1002/med.21662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellular evolution develops several conserved mechanisms by which cells can tolerate various difficult conditions and overall maintain homeostasis. Autophagy is a well-developed and evolutionarily conserved mechanism of catabolism, which endorses the degradation of foreign and endogenous materials via autolysosome. To decrease the burden of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), autophagy also promotes the selective degradation of proteins in a tightly regulated way to improve the physiological balance of cellular proteostasis that may get perturbed due to the accumulation of misfolded proteins. However, the diverse as well as selective clearance of unwanted materials and regulations of several cellular mechanisms via autophagy is still a critical mystery. Also, the failure of autophagy causes an increase in the accumulation of harmful protein aggregates that may lead to neurodegeneration. Therefore, it is necessary to address this multifactorial threat for in-depth research and develop more effective therapeutic strategies against lethal autophagy alterations. In this paper, we discuss the most relevant and recent reports on autophagy modulations and their impact on neurodegeneration and other complex disorders. We have summarized various pharmacological findings linked with the induction and suppression of autophagy mechanism and their promising preclinical and clinical applications to provide therapeutic solutions against neurodegeneration. The conclusion, key questions, and future prospectives sections summarize fundamental challenges and their possible feasible solutions linked with autophagy mechanism to potentially design an impactful therapeutic niche to treat neurodegenerative diseases and imperfect aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibhuti Joshi
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Karwar, India
| | - Arun Upadhyay
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Karwar, India
| | - Vijay K Prajapati
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
| | - Amit Mishra
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Unit, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Karwar, India
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39
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Yuan ZF, Mao SS, Shen J, Jiang LH, Xu L, Xu JL, Gao F. Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Down-Regulates the Phosphorylation of FXYD1 and Rescues Behavioral Deficits in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:20. [PMID: 32063830 PMCID: PMC7000522 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disease in children that is mainly caused by mutations in the MeCP2 gene, which codes for a transcriptional regulator. The expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is reduced in RTT patients and animal models, and IGF-1 treatment is a promising therapeutic strategy for RTT. However, the mechanism underlying the effects of IGF-1 remains to be further explored. FXYD1 is an auxiliary subunit of Na, K-ATPase. Overexpression of FXYD1 is involved in the pathogenesis of RTT. However, whether IGF-1 exerts its effect through normalizing FXYD1 is completely unknown. To this end, we evaluated the effect of IGF-1 on FXYD1 expression and posttranslational modification in a mouse model of RTT (MeCP2308) using both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results show that FXYD1 mRNA and phosphorylated protein (p-FXYD1) were significantly elevated in the frontal cortex in RTT mice, compared to wild type. In RTT mice, IGF-1 treatment significantly reduced levels of FXYD1 mRNA and p-FXYD1, in parallel with improvements in behavior, motor coordination, and cognitive function. For mechanistic insight into the effect of IGF-1 on p-FXYD1, we found the decreased phosphorylated forms of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway components in the frontal cortex of RTT mice and the normalizing effect of IGF-1 on the phosphorylated forms of these components. Interestingly, blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway by PI3K inhibitor could abolish the effect of IGF-1 on p-FXYD1 level, in addition to the effect of IGF-1 on the phosphorylation of other components in the PI3K/AKT pathway. Thus, our study has provided new insights into the mechanism of IGF-1 treatment for RTT, which appears to involve FXYD1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Feng Yuan
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shan-Shan Mao
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jue Shen
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li-Hua Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Lu Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
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Jorge-Torres OC, Szczesna K, Roa L, Casal C, Gonzalez-Somermeyer L, Soler M, Velasco CD, Martínez-San Segundo P, Petazzi P, Sáez MA, Delgado-Morales R, Fourcade S, Pujol A, Huertas D, Llobet A, Guil S, Esteller M. Inhibition of Gsk3b Reduces Nfkb1 Signaling and Rescues Synaptic Activity to Improve the Rett Syndrome Phenotype in Mecp2-Knockout Mice. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1665-1677. [PMID: 29742424 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is the second leading cause of mental impairment in girls and is currently untreatable. RTT is caused, in more than 95% of cases, by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl CpG-binding protein 2 gene (MeCP2). We propose here a molecular target involved in RTT: the glycogen synthase kinase-3b (Gsk3b) pathway. Gsk3b activity is deregulated in Mecp2-knockout (KO) mice models, and SB216763, a specific inhibitor, is able to alleviate the clinical symptoms with consequences at the molecular and cellular levels. In vivo, inhibition of Gsk3b prolongs the lifespan of Mecp2-KO mice and reduces motor deficits. At the molecular level, SB216763 rescues dendritic networks and spine density, while inducing changes in the properties of excitatory synapses. Gsk3b inhibition can also decrease the nuclear activity of the Nfkb1 pathway and neuroinflammation. Altogether, our findings indicate that Mecp2 deficiency in the RTT mouse model is partially rescued following treatment with SB216763.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga C Jorge-Torres
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Karolina Szczesna
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Laura Roa
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Carme Casal
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Louisa Gonzalez-Somermeyer
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Soler
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Cecilia D Velasco
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pablo Martínez-San Segundo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Paolo Petazzi
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mauricio A Sáez
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Raúl Delgado-Morales
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephane Fourcade
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neuropathology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Aurora Pujol
- Neurometabolic Diseases Laboratory, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neuropathology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Dori Huertas
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Artur Llobet
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sonia Guil
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Manel Esteller
- Cancer Epigenetics and Biology Program (PEBC), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L'Hospitalet, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08907 Catalonia, Spain.
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Zamberletti E, Gabaglio M, Piscitelli F, Brodie JS, Woolley-Roberts M, Barbiero I, Tramarin M, Binelli G, Landsberger N, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Rubino T, Di Marzo V, Parolaro D. Cannabidivarin completely rescues cognitive deficits and delays neurological and motor defects in male Mecp2 mutant mice. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:894-907. [PMID: 31084246 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119844184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence suggests that 2-week treatment with the non-psychotomimetic cannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) could be beneficial towards neurological and social deficits in early symptomatic Mecp2 mutant mice, a model of Rett syndrome (RTT). AIM The aim of this study was to provide further insights into the efficacy of CBDV in Mecp2-null mice using a lifelong treatment schedule (from 4 to 9 weeks of age) to evaluate its effect on recognition memory and neurological defects in both early and advanced stages of the phenotype progression. METHODS CBDV 0.2, 2, 20 and 200 mg/kg/day was administered to Mecp2-null mice from 4 to 9 weeks of age. Cognitive and neurological defects were monitored during the whole treatment schedule. Biochemical analyses were carried out in brain lysates from 9-week-old wild-type and knockout mice to evaluate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels as well as components of the endocannabinoid system. RESULTS CBDV rescues recognition memory deficits in Mecp2 mutant mice and delays the appearance of neurological defects. At the biochemical level, it normalizes BDNF/IGF1 levels and the defective PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in Mecp2 mutant mice at an advanced stage of the disease. Mecp2 deletion upregulates CB1 and CB2 receptor levels in the brain and these changes are restored after CBDV treatment. CONCLUSIONS CBDV administration exerts an enduring rescue of memory deficits in Mecp2 mutant mice, an effect that is associated with the normalization of BDNF, IGF-1 and rpS6 phosphorylation levels as well as CB1 and CB2 receptor expression. CBDV delays neurological defects but this effect is only transient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Zamberletti
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marina Gabaglio
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- 2 Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Isabella Barbiero
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Tramarin
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giorgio Binelli
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- 4 Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Rubino
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- 2 Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Parolaro
- 1 Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.,5 Zardi Gori Foundation, Milan, Italy
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42
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Kinase pathway inhibition restores PSD95 induction in neurons lacking fragile X mental retardation protein. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:12007-12012. [PMID: 31118285 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1812056116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenic cause of autism and intellectual disability. FXS is caused by loss of expression of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein that regulates translation of numerous mRNA targets, some of which are present at synapses. While protein synthesis deficits have long been postulated as an etiology of FXS, how FMRP loss affects distributions of newly synthesized proteins is unknown. Here we investigated the role of FMRP in regulating expression of new copies of the synaptic protein PSD95 in an in vitro model of synaptic plasticity. We find that local BDNF application promotes persistent accumulation of new PSD95 at stimulated synapses and dendrites of cultured neurons, and that this accumulation is absent in FMRP-deficient mouse neurons. New PSD95 accumulation at sites of BDNF stimulation does not require known mechanisms regulating FMRP-mRNA interactions but instead requires the PI3K-mTORC1-S6K1 pathway. Surprisingly, in FMRP-deficient neurons, BDNF induction of new PSD95 accumulation can be restored by mTORC1-S6K1 blockade, suggesting that constitutively high mTORC1-S6K1 activity occludes PSD95 regulation by BDNF and that alternative pathways exist to mediate induction when mTORC1-S6K1 is inhibited. This study provides direct evidence for deficits in local protein synthesis and accumulation of newly synthesized protein in response to local stimulation in FXS, and supports mTORC1-S6K1 pathway inhibition as a potential therapeutic approach for FXS.
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43
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Kato H, Ozaki N. [The considerations for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders and its pathogenic mechanisms]. Rinsho Shinkeigaku 2019; 59:13-20. [PMID: 30606997 DOI: 10.5692/clinicalneurol.cn-001240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in social interaction and social communication, along with restricted and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. The diagnosis of ASD includes various phenotypes outlined in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-5. The comprehensive evaluation of each individual case with ASD is needed because many of them have comorbidity with number of neuropsychiatric disorders or somatic conditions. The growing number of genetic studies detected multiple rare variants with relatively large effect sizes. The results have revealed their common potential pathology including abnormal chromatin regulation, which induces epigenetic changes. More researches are expected to elucidate the pathogenesis of ASD and to develop therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Kato
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine
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44
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Ortiz-González XR, Tintos-Hernández JA, Keller K, Li X, Foley AR, Bharucha-Goebel DX, Kessler SK, Yum SW, Crino PB, He M, Wallace DC, Bönnemann CG. Homozygous boricua TBCK mutation causes neurodegeneration and aberrant autophagy. Ann Neurol 2019; 83:153-165. [PMID: 29283439 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 12/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autosomal-recessive mutations in TBCK cause intellectual disability of variable severity. Although the physiological function of TBCK remains unclear, loss-of-function mutations are associated with inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling. Given that mTORC1 signaling is known to regulate autophagy, we hypothesized that TBCK-encephalopathy patients with a neurodegenerative course have defects in autophagic-lysosomal dysfunction. METHODS Children (n = 8) of Puerto Rican (Boricua) descent affected with homozygous TBCK p.R126X mutations underwent extensive neurological phenotyping and neurophysiological studies. We quantified autophagosome content in TBCK-/- patient-derived fibroblasts by immunostaining and assayed autophagic markers by western assay. Free sialylated oligosaccharide profiles were assayed in patient's urine and fibroblasts. RESULTS The neurological phenotype of children with TBCK p.R126X mutations, which we call TBCK-encephaloneuronopathy (TBCKE), include congenital hypotonia, progressive motor neuronopathy, leukoencephalopathy, and epilepsy. Systemic features include coarse facies, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis. TBCK-/- fibroblasts in vitro exhibit increased numbers of LC3+ autophagosomes and increased autophagic flux by immunoblots. Free oligosaccharide profiles in fibroblasts and urine of TBCKE patients differ from control fibroblasts and are ameliorated by treatment with the mTORC1 activator leucine. INTERPRETATION TBCKE is a clinically distinguishable syndrome with progressive central and peripheral nervous system dysfunction, consistently observed in patients with the p.R126X mutation. We provide evidence that inappropriate autophagy in the absence of cellular stressors may play a role in this disorder, and that mTORC1 activation may ameliorate the autophagic-lysosomal system dysfunction. Free oligosaccharide profiles could serve as a novel biomarker for this disorder as well as a tool to evaluate potential therapeutic interventions. Ann Neurol 2018;83:153-165.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xilma R Ortiz-González
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.,Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Jesus A Tintos-Hernández
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Kierstin Keller
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Xueli Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - A Reghan Foley
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Diana X Bharucha-Goebel
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.,Division of Neurology, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC
| | - Sudha K Kessler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Sabrina W Yum
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Peter B Crino
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Miao He
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Douglas C Wallace
- Center for Mitochondrial and Epigenomic Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Carsten G Bönnemann
- Neuromuscular and Neurogenetic Disorders of Childhood Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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45
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Lee Y, Kim H, Han PL. Striatal Inhibition of MeCP2 or TSC1 Produces Sociability Deficits and Repetitive Behaviors. Exp Neurobiol 2018; 27:539-549. [PMID: 30636904 PMCID: PMC6318563 DOI: 10.5607/en.2018.27.6.539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurobehavioral disorders characterized by the two core domains of behavioral deficits, including sociability deficits and stereotyped repetitive behaviors. It is not clear whether the core symptoms of ASD are produced by dysfunction of the overall neural network of the brain or that of a limited brain region. Recent studies reported that excessive glutamatergic or dopaminergic inputs in the dorsal striatum induced sociability deficits and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest that the dorsal striatum plays a crucial role in autistic-like behaviors. The present study addresses whether functional deficits of well-known ASD-related genes in the dorsal striatum also produce ASD core symptoms. This study also examines whether these behavioral changes can be modulated by rebalancing glutamate and/or dopamine receptor activity in the dorsal striatum. First, we found that the siRNA-mediated inhibition of Shank3, Nlgn3, Fmr1, Mecp2, or Tsc1 in the dorsal striatum produced mild to severe behavioral changes in sociability, cognition, and/or repetitive behaviors. The knockdown effects of Mecp2 and Tsc1 on behavioral changes were the most prominent. Next, we demonstrated that behavioral changes induced by striatal inhibition of MeCP2 and TSC1 were rescued by D-cycloserine (an NMDA agonist), fenobam (an mGluR5 antagonist), SCH23390 (a D1 antagonist), and/or ecopipam (a D1 partial antagonist), pharmacological drugs that are known to regulate ASD-like symptoms in animal models. Collectively, these results suggest that the dorsal striatum is a critical brain region that, when dysfunctional, produces the core symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunjin Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Hannah Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Pyung-Lim Han
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea.,Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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46
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Beck-Wödl S, Harzer K, Sturm M, Buchert R, Rieß O, Mennel HD, Latta E, Pagenstecher A, Keber U. Homozygous TBC1 domain-containing kinase (TBCK) mutation causes a novel lysosomal storage disease - a new type of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN15)? Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:145. [PMID: 30591081 PMCID: PMC6307319 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0646-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Homozygous mutation of TBC1 domain-containing kinase (TBCK) is the cause of a very recently defined severe childhood disorder, which is characterized by severe hypotonia, global developmental delay, intellectual disability, epilepsy, characteristic facies and premature death. The link between TBCK loss of function and symptoms in patients with TBCK deficiency disorder (TBCK-DD) remains elusive. Here we demonstrate for the first time the histopathological characteristics of TBCK deficiency consisting of 1) a widespread and massive accumulation of lipofuscin storage material in neurons of the central nervous system without notable neuronal degeneration, 2) storage deposits in few astrocytes, 3) carbohydrate-rich deposits in brain, spleen and liver and 4) vacuolated lymphocytes. Biochemical examinations ruled out more than 20 known lysosomal storage diseases. These investigations strikingly uncover TBCK-DD as a novel type of lysosomal storage disease which is characterized by different storage products rather than one specific type of accumulated material. Due to the clear predominance of intraneuronal lipofuscin storage material and the characteristic clinical presentation we propose to classify this disease as a new subtype of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (CLN15). Our results and previous reports suggest an autophagosomal-lysosomal dysfunction caused by enhanced mTORC1-mediated autophagosome formation and reduced Rab-mediated autophagosome-lysosome fusion, thus disclosing potential novel targets for therapeutic approaches in TBCK-DD.
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47
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Olson CO, Pejhan S, Kroft D, Sheikholeslami K, Fuss D, Buist M, Ali Sher A, Del Bigio MR, Sztainberg Y, Siu VM, Ang LC, Sabourin-Felix M, Moss T, Rastegar M. MECP2 Mutation Interrupts Nucleolin-mTOR-P70S6K Signaling in Rett Syndrome Patients. Front Genet 2018; 9:635. [PMID: 30619462 PMCID: PMC6305968 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2018.00635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a severe and rare neurological disorder that is caused by mutations in the X-linked MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) gene. MeCP2 protein is an important epigenetic factor in the brain and in neurons. In Mecp2-deficient neurons, nucleoli structures are compromised. Nucleoli are sites of active ribosomal RNA (rRNA) transcription and maturation, a process mainly controlled by nucleolin and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-P70S6K signaling. Currently, it is unclear how nucleolin-rRNA-mTOR-P70S6K signaling from RTT cellular model systems translates into human RTT brain. Here, we studied the components of nucleolin-rRNA-mTOR-P70S6K signaling in the brain of RTT patients with common T158M and R255X mutations. Immunohistochemical examination of T158M brain showed disturbed nucleolin subcellular localization, which was absent in Mecp2-deficient homozygous male or heterozygote female mice, compared to wild type (WT). We confirmed by Western blot analysis that nucleolin protein levels are altered in RTT brain, but not in Mecp2-deficient mice. Further, we studied the expression of rRNA transcripts in Mecp2-deficient mice and RTT patients, as downstream molecules that are controlled by nucleolin. By data mining of published ChIP-seq studies, we showed MeCP2-binding at the multi-copy rRNA genes in the mouse brain, suggesting that rRNA might be a direct MeCP2 target gene. Additionally, we observed compromised mTOR-P70S6K signaling in the human RTT brain, a molecular pathway that is upstream of rRNA-nucleolin molecular conduits. RTT patients showed significantly higher phosphorylation of active mTORC1 or mTORC2 complexes compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Correlational analysis of mTORC1/2-P70S6K signaling pathway identified multiple points of deviation from the control tissues that may result in abnormal ribosome biogenesis in RTT brain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of deregulated nucleolin-rRNA-mTOR-P70S6K signaling in the human RTT brain. Our results provide important insight toward understanding the molecular properties of human RTT brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl O Olson
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Shervin Pejhan
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Daniel Kroft
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Kimia Sheikholeslami
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - David Fuss
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marjorie Buist
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Annan Ali Sher
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marc R Del Bigio
- Department of Pathology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Yehezkel Sztainberg
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Victoria Mok Siu
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Lee Cyn Ang
- Department of Pathology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Marianne Sabourin-Felix
- Cancer Division of the Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Tom Moss
- Cancer Division of the Quebec University Hospital Research Centre, Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, and Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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48
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Vogel Ciernia A, Yasui DH, Pride MC, Durbin-Johnson B, Noronha AB, Chang A, Knotts TA, Rutkowsky JR, Ramsey JJ, Crawley JN, LaSalle JM. MeCP2 isoform e1 mutant mice recapitulate motor and metabolic phenotypes of Rett syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 27:4077-4093. [PMID: 30137367 PMCID: PMC6240741 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 08/10/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 cause the majority of Rett syndrome (RTT) cases. Two differentially spliced isoforms of exons 1 and 2 (MeCP2-e1 and MeCP2-e2) contribute to the diverse functions of MeCP2, but only mutations in exon 1, not exon 2, are observed in RTT. We previously described an isoform-specific MeCP2-e1-deficient male mouse model of a human RTT mutation that lacks MeCP2-e1 while preserving expression of MeCP2-e2. However, RTT patients are heterozygous females that exhibit delayed and progressive symptom onset beginning in late infancy, including neurologic as well as metabolic, immune, respiratory and gastrointestinal phenotypes. Consequently, we conducted a longitudinal assessment of symptom development in MeCP2-e1 mutant females and males. A delayed and progressive onset of motor impairments was observed in both female and male MeCP2-e1 mutant mice, including hind limb clasping and motor deficits in gait and balance. Because these motor impairments were significantly impacted by age-dependent increases in body weight, we also investigated metabolic phenotypes at an early stage of disease progression. Both male and female MeCP2-e1 mutants exhibited significantly increased body fat compared to sex-matched wild-type littermates prior to weight differences. Mecp2e1-/y males exhibited significant metabolic phenotypes of hypoactivity, decreased energy expenditure, increased respiratory exchange ratio, but decreased food intake compared to wild-type. Untargeted analysis of lipid metabolites demonstrated a distinguishable profile in MeCP2-e1 female mutant liver characterized by increased triglycerides. Together, these results demonstrate that MeCP2-e1 mutation in mice of both sexes recapitulates early and progressive metabolic and motor phenotypes of human RTT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Dag H Yasui
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Michael C Pride
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Blythe Durbin-Johnson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Adriana B Noronha
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alene Chang
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Trina A Knotts
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Rutkowsky
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jon J Ramsey
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- UC Davis MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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49
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Gandaglia A, Brivio E, Carli S, Palmieri M, Bedogni F, Stefanelli G, Bergo A, Leva B, Cattaneo C, Pizzamiglio L, Cicerone M, Bianchi V, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, D’Annessa I, Di Marino D, D’Adamo P, Antonucci F, Frasca A, Landsberger N. A Novel Mecp2Y120D Knock-in Model Displays Similar Behavioral Traits But Distinct Molecular Features Compared to the Mecp2-Null Mouse Implying Precision Medicine for the Treatment of Rett Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 56:4838-4854. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-018-1412-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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50
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Vigli D, Rusconi L, Valenti D, La Montanara P, Cosentino L, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M, Amendola E, Gross C, Landsberger N, Laviola G, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Vacca RA, De Filippis B. Rescue of prepulse inhibition deficit and brain mitochondrial dysfunction by pharmacological stimulation of the central serotonin receptor 7 in a mouse model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:104-114. [PMID: 30326240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene cause CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by severe behavioural and physiological symptoms. No cure is available for CDD. CDKL5 is a kinase that is abundantly expressed in the brain and plays a critical role in neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal morphogenesis and plasticity. This study provides the first characterization of the neurobehavioural phenotype of 1 year old Cdkl5-null mice and demonstrates that stimulation of the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) with the agonist molecule LP-211 (0.25 mg/kg once/day for 7 days) partially rescues the abnormal phenotype and brain molecular alterations in Cdkl5-null male mice. In particular, LP-211 treatment completely normalizes the prepulse inhibition defects observed in Cdkl5-null mice and, at a molecular level, restores the abnormal cortical phosphorylation of rpS6, a downstream target of mTOR and S6 kinase, which plays a direct role in regulating protein synthesis. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that mitochondria show prominent functional abnormalities in Cdkl5-null mouse brains that can be restored by pharmacological stimulation of brain 5-HT7R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vigli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rusconi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Daniela Valenti
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo La Montanara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Dept. Pharmacy, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Elena Amendola
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Cornelius Gross
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Rosa A Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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