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Prem S, Dev B, Peng C, Mehta M, Alibutud R, Connacher RJ, St Thomas M, Zhou X, Matteson P, Xing J, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling mediates common neurite and migration defects in both idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion autism neural precursor cells. eLife 2024; 13:e82809. [PMID: 38525876 PMCID: PMC11003747 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by common behavioral characteristics, raising the possibility of shared pathogenic mechanisms. Yet, vast clinical and etiological heterogeneity suggests personalized phenotypes. Surprisingly, our iPSC studies find that six individuals from two distinct ASD subtypes, idiopathic and 16p11.2 deletion, have common reductions in neural precursor cell (NPC) neurite outgrowth and migration even though whole genome sequencing demonstrates no genetic overlap between the datasets. To identify signaling differences that may contribute to these developmental defects, an unbiased phospho-(p)-proteome screen was performed. Surprisingly despite the genetic heterogeneity, hundreds of shared p-peptides were identified between autism subtypes including the mTOR pathway. mTOR signaling alterations were confirmed in all NPCs across both ASD subtypes, and mTOR modulation rescued ASD phenotypes and reproduced autism NPC-associated phenotypes in control NPCs. Thus, our studies demonstrate that genetically distinct ASD subtypes have common defects in neurite outgrowth and migration which are driven by the shared pathogenic mechanism of mTOR signaling dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Bharati Dev
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Cynthia Peng
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Monal Mehta
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Rohan Alibutud
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Robert J Connacher
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Madeline St Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Paul Matteson
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Jinchuan Xing
- Department of Genetics, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers UniversityPiscatawayUnited States
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolPiscatawayUnited States
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical SchoolNew BrunswickUnited States
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Hatayama M, Aruga J. Developmental control of noradrenergic system by SLITRK1 and its implications in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1080739. [PMID: 36683853 PMCID: PMC9846221 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1080739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SLITRK1 is a neuronal transmembrane protein with neurite development-and synaptic formation-controlling abilities. Several rare variants of SLITRK1 have been identified and implicated in the pathogenesis of Tourette's syndrome, trichotillomania, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can be collectively referred to as obsessive-compulsive-spectrum disorders. Recent studies have reported a possible association between bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, including a revertant of modern human-specific amino acid residues. Although the mechanisms underlying SLITRK1-associated neuropsychiatric disorders are yet to be fully clarified, rodent studies may provide some noteworthy clues. Slitrk1-deficient mice show neonatal dysregulation of the noradrenergic system, and later, anxiety-like behaviors that can be attenuated by an alpha 2 noradrenergic receptor agonist. The noradrenergic abnormality is characterized by the excessive growth of noradrenergic fibers and increased noradrenaline content in the medial prefrontal cortex, concomitant with enlarged serotonergic varicosities. Slitrk1 has both cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous functions in controlling noradrenergic fiber development, and partly alters Sema3a-mediated neurite control. These findings suggest that transiently enhanced noradrenergic signaling during the neonatal stage could cause neuroplasticity associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies adopting noradrenergic signal perturbation via pharmacological or genetic means support this hypothesis. Thus, Slitrk1 is a potential candidate genetic linkage between the neonatal noradrenergic signaling and the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders involving anxiety-like or depression-like behaviors.
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3
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Song X, Hu Q, Xu X, Pan W. Protein kinase C beta relieves autism-like behavior in EN2 knockout mice via upregulation of the FTO/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23236. [PMID: 36239013 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23236] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that disruption of neuron activity contributes to the autistic phenotype. Thus, we aimed in this study to explore the role of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) in the regulation of neuron activity in an autism model. The expression of PKCβ in the microarray data of autism animal models was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Then, mice with autism-like behavior were prepared in EN2 knockout (-/- ) mice. The interaction between PKCβ on fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) as well as between PGC-1α and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) were characterized. The effect of FTO on the N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification level of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was assayed. Following transfection of overexpressed PKCβ and/or silenced UCP1, effects of PKCβ and UCP1 in autism-like behaviors in EN2-/- mice were analyzed. Results showed that PKCβ was downregulated in EN2-/- mouse brain tissues or neurons. PKCβ promoted the expression and stability of FTO, which downregulated the m6A modification level of PGC-1α to promote its expression. Moreover, PGC-1α positively targeted the expression of UCP1. PKCβ knockdown enhanced sociability and spatial exploration ability, and reduced neuron apoptosis in EN2-/- mouse models of autism, which was reversed by UCP1 overexpression. Collectively, PKCβ overexpression leads to activation of the FTO/m6A/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis, thus inhibiting neuron apoptosis and providing neuroprotection in mice with autism-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qibo Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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4
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Liu C, Liu J, Gong H, Liu T, Li X, Fan X. Implication of Hippocampal Neurogenesis in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Implications. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2266-2282. [PMID: 36545727 PMCID: PMC10556385 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221220155455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a cluster of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions with atypical social communication and repetitive sensory-motor behaviors. The formation of new neurons from neural precursors in the hippocampus has been unequivocally demonstrated in the dentate gyrus of rodents and non-human primates. Accumulating evidence sheds light on how the deficits in the hippocampal neurogenesis may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In this review, we describe the current evidence concerning pre-clinical and clinical studies supporting the significant role of hippocampal neurogenesis in ASD pathogenesis, discuss the possibility of improving hippocampal neurogenesis as a new strategy for treating ASD, and highlight the prospect of emerging pro-neurogenic therapies for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanqi Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Battalion 5 of Cadet Brigade, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Gong
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Tianyao Liu
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Army 953 Hospital, Shigatse Branch of Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Shigatse, China
| | - Xiaotang Fan
- Department of Military Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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5
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Functions of block of proliferation 1 during anterior development in Xenopus laevis. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273507. [PMID: 36007075 PMCID: PMC9409556 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Block of proliferation 1 (Bop1) is a nucleolar protein known to be necessary for the assembly of the 60S subunit of ribosomes. Here, we show a specific bop1 expression in the developing anterior tissue of the South African clawed frog Xenopus laevis. Morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown approaches demonstrated that Bop1 is required for proper development of the cranial cartilage, brain, and the eyes. Furthermore, we show that bop1 knockdown leads to impaired retinal lamination with disorganized cell layers. Expression of neural crest-, brain-, and eye-specific marker genes was disturbed. Apoptotic and proliferative processes, which are known to be affected during ribosomal biogenesis defects, are not hindered upon bop1 knockdown. Because early Xenopus embryos contain a large store of maternal ribosomes, we considered if Bop1 might have a role independent of de novo ribosomal biogenesis. At early embryonic stages, pax6 expression was strongly reduced in bop1 morphants and synergy experiments indicate a common signaling pathway of the two molecules, Bop1 and Pax6. Our studies imply a novel function of Bop1 independent of ribosomal biogenesis.
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6
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Cukier HN, Kim H, Griswold AJ, Codreanu SG, Prince LM, Sherrod SD, McLean JA, Dykxhoorn DM, Ess KC, Hedera P, Bowman AB, Neely MD. Genomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic profiles of hiPSC-derived dopamine neurons from clinically discordant brothers with identical PRKN deletions. NPJ Parkinsons Dis 2022; 8:84. [PMID: 35768426 PMCID: PMC9243035 DOI: 10.1038/s41531-022-00346-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously reported on two brothers who carry identical compound heterozygous PRKN mutations yet present with significantly different Parkinson's Disease (PD) clinical phenotypes. Juvenile cases demonstrate that PD is not necessarily an aging-associated disease. Indeed, evidence for a developmental component to PD pathogenesis is accumulating. Thus, we hypothesized that the presence of additional genetic modifiers, including genetic loci relevant to mesencephalic dopamine neuron development, could potentially contribute to the different clinical manifestations of the two brothers. We differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from the two brothers into mesencephalic neural precursor cells and early postmitotic dopaminergic neurons and performed wholeexome sequencing and transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. No significant differences in the expression of canonical dopamine neuron differentiation markers were observed. Yet our transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant downregulation of the expression of three neurodevelopmentally relevant cell adhesion molecules, CNTN6, CNTN4 and CHL1, in the cultures of the more severely affected brother. In addition, several HLA genes, known to play a role in neurodevelopment, were differentially regulated. The expression of EN2, a transcription factor crucial for mesencephalic dopamine neuron development, was also differentially regulated. We further identified differences in cellular processes relevant to dopamine metabolism. Lastly, wholeexome sequencing, transcriptomics and metabolomics data all revealed differences in glutathione (GSH) homeostasis, the dysregulation of which has been previously associated with PD. In summary, we identified genetic differences which could potentially, at least partially, contribute to the discordant clinical PD presentation of the two brothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly N Cukier
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN, USA
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Simona G Codreanu
- Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa M Prince
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN, USA
| | - Stacy D Sherrod
- Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - John A McLean
- Center for Innovative Technology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Derek M Dykxhoorn
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kevin C Ess
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Peter Hedera
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, IN, USA.
| | - M Diana Neely
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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7
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Poudel PP, Bhattarai C, Ghosh A, Kalthur SG. Role of engrailed homeobox 2 (EN2) gene in the development of the cerebellum and effects of its altered and ectopic expressions. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-022-00307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Morphological organization, folial pattern formation and establishment of the neural circuitry within the cerebellum are the important events taking place during the development of the cerebellum. Expression of engrailed homeobox 2 (EN2) gene plays an essential role in taking place of these events in the developing cerebellum.
Main body
A search was performed by following the PRISMA guidelines to review the role of the EN2 gene in the development of the cerebellum. Human and animal in vivo and in vitro studies showed that expression of the EN2 gene maintains the normal development of the cerebellum, morphological organization, cerebellar foliation, fissure formation, establishment of the afferent topography, molecular pattern formation and patterned gene expression in the developing cerebellum. Altered expression of the EN2 gene changes the morphology and folial pattern of the cerebellum, whereas its activation rescues these defects. EN2 gene polymorphism is reported as a susceptible cause for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Ectopic expression of EN2 gene may result cancer and it also may play anti-oncogenic role depending on the organ of its expression.
Conclusion
Expression of the EN2 gene is essential for the normal development of the cerebellum. Its altered expression results deformed cerebellum, polymorphysm is associated with autism and ectopic expression may results cancer.
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8
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Lai B, Qian S, Zhang H, Zhang S, Kozlova A, Duan J, Xu J, He X. Annotating functional effects of non-coding variants in neuropsychiatric cell types by deep transfer learning. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010011. [PMID: 35576194 PMCID: PMC9135341 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomewide association studies (GWAS) have identified a large number of loci associated with neuropsychiatric traits, however, understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying these loci remains difficult. To help prioritize causal variants and interpret their functions, computational methods have been developed to predict regulatory effects of non-coding variants. An emerging approach to variant annotation is deep learning models that predict regulatory functions from DNA sequences alone. While such models have been trained on large publicly available dataset such as ENCODE, neuropsychiatric trait-related cell types are under-represented in these datasets, thus there is an urgent need of better tools and resources to annotate variant functions in such cellular contexts. To fill this gap, we collected a large collection of neurodevelopment-related cell/tissue types, and trained deep Convolutional Neural Networks (ResNet) using such data. Furthermore, our model, called MetaChrom, borrows information from public epigenomic consortium to improve the accuracy via transfer learning. We show that MetaChrom is substantially better in predicting experimentally determined chromatin accessibility variants than popular variant annotation tools such as CADD and delta-SVM. By combining GWAS data with MetaChrom predictions, we prioritized 31 SNPs for Schizophrenia, suggesting potential risk genes and the biological contexts where they act. In summary, MetaChrom provides functional annotations of any DNA variants in the neuro-development context and the general method of MetaChrom can also be extended to other disease-related cell or tissue types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boqiao Lai
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Sheng Qian
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Hanwei Zhang
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Siwei Zhang
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Alena Kozlova
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jubao Duan
- Center for Psychiatric Genetics, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston, Illinois, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jinbo Xu
- Toyota Technological Institute at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Xin He
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
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Silverman JL, Thurm A, Ethridge SB, Soller MM, Petkova SP, Abel T, Bauman MD, Brodkin ES, Harony‐Nicolas H, Wöhr M, Halladay A. Reconsidering animal models used to study autism spectrum disorder: Current state and optimizing future. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12803. [PMID: 35285132 PMCID: PMC9189007 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), are pervasive, often lifelong disorders, lacking evidence-based interventions for core symptoms. With no established biological markers, diagnoses are defined by behavioral criteria. Thus, preclinical in vivo animal models of NDDs must be optimally utilized. For this reason, experts in the field of behavioral neuroscience convened a workshop with the goals of reviewing current behavioral studies, reports, and assessments in rodent models. Goals included: (a) identifying the maximal utility and limitations of behavior in animal models with construct validity; (b) providing recommendations for phenotyping animal models; and (c) guidelines on how in vivo models should be used and reported reliably and rigorously while acknowledging their limitations. We concluded by recommending minimal criteria for reporting in manuscripts going forward. The workshop elucidated a consensus of potential solutions to several problems, including revisiting claims made about animal model links to ASD (and related conditions). Specific conclusions included: mice (or other rodent or preclinical models) are models of the neurodevelopmental insult, not specifically any disorder (e.g., ASD); a model that perfectly recapitulates a disorder such as ASD is untenable; and greater attention needs be given to validation of behavioral testing methods, data analysis, and critical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sarah B. Ethridge
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Makayla M. Soller
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyIowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research LaboratoryPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological PsychologySocial and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Leuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral NeurosciencePhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany,Center for Mind, Brain, and BehaviorPhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science FoundationUSA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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10
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Mansour Y, Kulesza RJ. The Untouchable Ventral Nucleus of the Trapezoid Body: Preservation of a Nucleus in an Animal Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Integr Neurosci 2021; 15:730439. [PMID: 34658803 PMCID: PMC8511769 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2021.730439] [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: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by repetitive behaviors, poor social skills, and difficulties with communication and hearing. The hearing deficits in ASD range from deafness to extreme sensitivity to routine environmental sounds. Previous research from our lab has shown drastic hypoplasia in the superior olivary complex (SOC) in both human cases of ASD and in an animal model of autism. However, in our study of the human SOC, we failed to find any changes in the total number of neurons in the ventral nucleus of the trapezoid body (VNTB) or any changes in cell body size or shape. Similarly, in animals prenatally exposed to the antiepileptic valproic acid (VPA), we failed to find any changes in the total number, size or shape of VNTB neurons. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that the neurotransmitter profiles, ascending and descending axonal projections of the VNTB are also preserved in these neurodevelopmental conditions. We investigated this hypothesis using a combination of immunohistochemistry and retrograde tract tracing. We found no difference between control and VPA-exposed animals in the number of VNTB neurons immunoreactive for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). Additionally, we investigated the ascending projections from the VNTB to both the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC) and medial geniculate (MG) and descending projections to the cochlea. Our results indicate no significant differences in the ascending and descending projections from the VNTB between control and VPA-exposed animals despite drastic changes in these projections from surrounding nuclei. These findings provide evidence that certain neuronal populations and circuits may be protected against the effects of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusra Mansour
- Department of Otolaryngology, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital, Clinton Township, MI, United States.,Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
| | - Randy J Kulesza
- Department of Anatomy, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, PA, United States
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11
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Hossain MM, Belkadi A, Al-Haddad S, Richardson JR. Deltamethrin Exposure Inhibits Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Causes Deficits in Learning and Memory in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2021; 178:347-357. [PMID: 32976580 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficits in learning and memory are often associated with disruption of hippocampal neurogenesis, which is regulated by numerous processes, including precursor cell proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation to mature neurons. Recent studies demonstrate that adult born neurons in the dentate gyrus (DG) in the hippocampus can functionally integrate into the existing neuronal circuitry and contribute to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. Here, we demonstrate that relatively short-term deltamethrin exposure (3 mg/kg every 3 days for 1 month) inhibits adult hippocampal neurogenesis and causes deficits in learning and memory in mice. Hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions were evaluated using 2 independent hippocampal-dependent behavioral tests, the novel object recognition task and Morris water maze. We found that deltamethrin-treated mice exhibited profound deficits in novel object recognition and learning and memory in water maze. Deltamethrin exposure significantly decreased bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells (39%) and Ki67+ cells (47%) in the DG of the hippocampus, indicating decreased cellular proliferation. In addition, deltamethrin-treated mice exhibited a 44% decrease in nestin-expressing neural progenitor cells and a 38% reduction in the expression of doublecortin (DCX), an early neuronal differentiation marker. Furthermore, deltamethrin-exposed mice exhibited a 25% reduction in total number of granule cells in the DG. These findings indicate that relatively short-term exposure to deltamethrin causes significant deficits in hippocampal neurogenesis that is associated with impaired learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad M Hossain
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
| | - Abdelmadjid Belkadi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
| | - Sara Al-Haddad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
| | - Jason R Richardson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social work, Florida International University, Miami, Florida 33199.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Center for Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio 44272
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12
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Phan ML, Liu TT, Vollbrecht MS, Mansour MH, Nikodijevic I, Jadav N, Patibanda N, Dang J, Shekaran G, Reisler RC, Kim WS, Zhou X, DiCicco-Bloom E, Samuels BA. Engrailed 2 deficiency and chronic stress alter avoidance and motivation behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 413:113466. [PMID: 34271036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, cognition, and communication, as well as the presence of repetitive or stereotyped behaviors and interests. ASD is most often studied as a neurodevelopmental disease, but it is a lifelong disorder. Adults with ASD experience more stressful life events and greater perceived stress, and frequently have comorbid mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. It remains unclear whether adult exposure to chronic stress can exacerbate the behavioral and neurodevelopmental phenotypes associated with ASD. To address this issue, we first investigated whether adult male and female Engrailed-2 deficient (En2-KO, En2-/-) mice, which display behavioral disturbances in avoidance tasks and dysregulated monoaminergic neurotransmitter levels, also display impairments in instrumental behaviors associated with motivation, such as the progressive ratio task. We then exposed adult En2-KO mice to chronic environmental stress (CSDS, chronic social defeat stress), to determine if stress exacerbated the behavioral and neuroanatomical effects of En2 deletion. En2-/- mice showed impaired instrumental acquisition and significantly lower breakpoints in a progressive ratio test, demonstrating En2 deficiency decreases motivation to exert effort for reward. Furthermore, adult CSDS exposure increased avoidance behaviors in En2-KO mice. Interestingly, adult CSDS exposure also exacerbated the deleterious effects of En2 deficiency on forebrain-projecting monoaminergic fibers. Our findings thus suggest that adult exposure to stress may exacerbate behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotypes associated with developmental effects of genetic En2 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi L Phan
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Tonia T Liu
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mallory S Vollbrecht
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Mark H Mansour
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Ivana Nikodijevic
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Nikita Jadav
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Neeharika Patibanda
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Jenny Dang
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Gopna Shekaran
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Robert C Reisler
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Won S Kim
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Benjamin A Samuels
- Behavioral and Systems Neuroscience Area, Department of Psychology, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
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13
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Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
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14
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Durens M, Soliman M, Millonig J, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 is a cell autonomous regulator of neurogenesis in cultured hippocampal neural stem cells. Dev Neurobiol 2021; 81:724-735. [PMID: 33852756 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22824] [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: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in genes that regulate early brain development are known risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders. Engrailed-2 (En2) is a homeodomain transcription factor with established roles in cerebellar patterning. En2 is highly expressed in the developing mid-hindbrain region, and En2 knockout (KO) mice exhibit major deficits in mid-hindbrain structures. However, En2 is also expressed in forebrain regions including the hippocampus, but its function is unknown. Previous studies have shown that the hippocampus of En2-KO mice exhibits reductions in its volume and cell numbers due to aberrant neurogenesis. Aberrant neurogenesis is due, in part, to noncell autonomous effects, specifically, reductions of innervating norepinephrine fibers from the locus coeruleus. In this study, we investigate possible cell autonomous roles of En2 in hippocampal neurogenesis. We examine proliferation, survival, and differentiation using cultures of hippocampal neurospheres of P7 wild-type (WT) and En2-KO hippocampal neural progenitor cells (NPCs). At 7 days, En2-KO neurospheres were larger on average than WT spheres and exhibited 2.5-fold greater proliferation and 2-fold increase in apoptotic cells, similar to in vivo KO phenotype. Further, En2-KO cultures exhibited 40% less cells with neurite projections, suggesting decreased differentiation. Lastly, reestablishing En2 expression in En2-KO NPCs rescued excess proliferation. These results indicate that En2 functions in hippocampal NPCs by inhibiting proliferation and promoting survival and differentiation in a cell autonomous manner. More broadly, this study suggests that En2 impacts brain structure and function in diverse regions outside of the mid-hindbrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madel Durens
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Mai Soliman
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - James Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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15
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Song X, Xue Y, Cai H. Down-Regulation of miR-181a-5p Prevents Cerebral Ischemic Injury by Upregulating En2 and Activating Wnt/β-catenin Pathway. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105485. [PMID: 33360253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Cerebral ischemic injury contributes to severe dysfunction of the brain, which triggers extremely high mortality and disability. The role of microRNA (miR)-181a-5p is documented in cerebral ischemic injury. Therefore, this study intended to further figure out the mechanism of miR-181a-5p in cerebral ischemic injury. METHODS miR-181a-5p expression in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model, oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) N2a cell model, and serum from acute ischemic injury (ACI) patients was evaluated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Gain- and loss-of-function assays were implemented in MCAO mice and OGD/R-induced N2a cells. In mice, the cerebral infarction area was assessed with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, the number of damaged neurons by Nissl staining, and apoptosis by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling staining. Moreover, N2a cell apoptosis and proliferation were determined with flow cytometry or 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining, respectively. The expression of En2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related factors was determined with RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. The targeting relationship between miR-181a-5p and En2 was evaluated by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. RESULTS miR-181a-5p was highly expressed in serum of ACI patients, MCAO mice, and OGD/R-induced N2a cells. En2, lowly expressed in MCAO mice, was targeted by miR-181a-5p, and miR-181a-5p down-regulation activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, miR-181a-5p inhibition or En2 overexpression reduced cerebral infarction area, the number of damaged neurons, and apoptosis in MCAO mice, and also diminished apoptosis and accelerated proliferation of OGD/R-induced N2a cells. CONCLUSION miR-181a-5p suppression activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway and sequentially attenuated cerebral ischemic injury by targeting En2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Song
- Department of Neurology, Ningbo Yinzhou No. 2 Hospital, Ningbo 315100, P.R. China.
| | - Yongming Xue
- Department of Ultrasound imaging, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo 315000, P.R. China
| | - Hairui Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital, Ningbo 315000, P.R. China
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16
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Engrailed 2 (EN2) acts as a glioma suppressor by inhibiting tumor proliferation/invasion and enhancing sensitivity to temozolomide. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:65. [PMID: 32158355 PMCID: PMC7053055 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-1145-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Glioma is one of the most malignant brain tumors and accounts for the majority of brain cancer related death. Despite progress on mechanistic studies, current understandings of the initiation and progression of glioma are still incomplete. Previous studies demonstrate that Engrailed-2 (EN2), a homeobox-containing transcription factor, is associated with tumorigenesis in a range of cancers heterogeneously, however, the profiles of EN2 expression and its potential functions in gliomas remain unclear. Methods Real-time PCR was used to identify the expression of EN2 in glioma tissues. To study the biological function of EN2 in glioma, we compared the cell viability and proliferation profiles between EN2 overexpressed and control cells using cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay, EdU incorporation assay and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry and Hoechst staining assays were performed to investigate the role of EN2 on glioma cell death. Finally, wound healing and transwell assays were carried out to investigate the role of EN2 on glioma cell invasion. Results We identified that EN2 was downregulated in human gliomas compared with paired adjacent normal tissues and negatively associated with glioma malignancy. Elevated EN2 expression inhibits cell proliferation, enhances glioma sensitivity to temozolomide and inhibits migration/invasion of glioma cells. Conclusions Our data identify a novel function of EN2 in glioma suppression and provide potential therapeutic targets for glioma therapy.
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17
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Norepinephrine, neurodevelopment and behavior. Neurochem Int 2020; 135:104706. [PMID: 32092327 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters play critical roles in the developing nervous system. Among the neurotransmitters, norepinephrine (NE) is in particular postulated to be an important regulator of brain development. NE is expressed during early stages of development and is known to regulate both the development of noradrenergic neurons and the development of target areas. NE participates in the shaping and the wiring of the nervous system during the critical periods of development, and perturbations in this process can alter the brain's developmental trajectory, which in turn can cause long-lasting and even permanent changes in the brain function and behavior later in life. Here we will briefly review evidence for the role of noradrenergic system in neurodevelopmental processes and will discuss about the potential disruptors of noradrenergic system during development and their behavioral consequences.
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18
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Pirone A, Viaggi C, Cantile C, Giannessi E, Pardini C, Vaglini F, Miragliotta V. Morphological alterations of the reticular thalamic nucleus in Engrailed-2 knockout mice. J Anat 2020; 236:883-890. [PMID: 31972897 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The reticular thalamic nucleus (Rt) is a sheet of neurons that surrounds the dorsal thalamus laterally, along its dorso-ventral and rostro-caudal axes. It consists of inhibitory neurons releasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This nucleus participates in the circuitry between the thalamus and the cerebral cortex, and its impairment is associated with neuro-psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated the Rt anatomy of Engrailed-2 knockout mice (En2-/- ), a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), using parvalbumin as an immunohistochemical marker. We compared 4- and 6-week-old wild type (WT) and En2-/- mice using various morphometric parameters: cell area, shape factor, circularity and cell density. Significant differences were present in 6-week-old male mice with different genetic background (WT vs. En2-/- ): the Rt neurons of En2-/- mice showed a bigger cell area, shape factor and circularity when compared with WT. Age (4 weeks vs. 6 weeks) influenced the shape factor of WT females, the circularity and cell density of En2-/- males, and the shape factor and circularity of En2-/- females. Gender affected cell density in 4-week-old WT mice, shape factor and cellularity of 6-week-old WT mice, and cell area, shape factor and cell density of En2-/- at 6 weeks. Intrasubject (left-right) asymmetry of Rt was never observed. These results show for the first time that sex- and age-related changes occur in the Rt GABAergic neurons of the En2-/- ASD mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pirone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Cristina Viaggi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Cantile
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carla Pardini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Vaglini
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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19
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Sathyanesan A, Zhou J, Scafidi J, Heck DH, Sillitoe RV, Gallo V. Emerging connections between cerebellar development, behaviour and complex brain disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:298-313. [PMID: 30923348 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human cerebellum has a protracted developmental timeline compared with the neocortex, expanding the window of vulnerability to neurological disorders. As the cerebellum is critical for motor behaviour, it is not surprising that most neurodevelopmental disorders share motor deficits as a common sequela. However, evidence gathered since the late 1980s suggests that the cerebellum is involved in motor and non-motor function, including cognition and emotion. More recently, evidence indicates that major neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Down syndrome have potential links to abnormal cerebellar development. Out of recent findings from clinical and preclinical studies, the concept of the 'cerebellar connectome' has emerged that can be used as a framework to link the role of cerebellar development to human behaviour, disease states and the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Scafidi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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20
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Ma CY, Madden P, Gontarz P, Wang T, Zhang B. FeatSNP: An Interactive Database for Brain-Specific Epigenetic Annotation of Human SNPs. Front Genet 2019; 10:262. [PMID: 31001319 PMCID: PMC6454007 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
FeatSNP is an online tool and a curated database for exploring 81 million common SNPs’ potential functional impact on the human brain. FeatSNP uses the brain transcriptomes of the human population to improve functional annotation of human SNPs by integrating transcription factor binding prediction, public eQTL information, and brain specific epigenetic landscape, as well as information of Topologically Associating Domains (TADs). FeatSNP supports both single and batched SNP searching, and its interactive user interface enables users to explore the functional annotations and generate publication-quality visualization results. FeatSNP is freely available on the internet at FeatSNP.org with all major web browsers supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Ma
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pamela Madden
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Paul Gontarz
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bo Zhang
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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21
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Ma CY, Madden P, Gontarz P, Wang T, Zhang B. FeatSNP: An Interactive Database for Brain-Specific Epigenetic Annotation of Human SNPs. Front Genet 2019. [PMID: 31001319 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00262/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
FeatSNP is an online tool and a curated database for exploring 81 million common SNPs' potential functional impact on the human brain. FeatSNP uses the brain transcriptomes of the human population to improve functional annotation of human SNPs by integrating transcription factor binding prediction, public eQTL information, and brain specific epigenetic landscape, as well as information of Topologically Associating Domains (TADs). FeatSNP supports both single and batched SNP searching, and its interactive user interface enables users to explore the functional annotations and generate publication-quality visualization results. FeatSNP is freely available on the internet at FeatSNP.org with all major web browsers supported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yu Ma
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Pamela Madden
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Paul Gontarz
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Genetics, The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences & Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Bo Zhang
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, United States
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22
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Aberrant Somatosensory Processing and Connectivity in Mice Lacking Engrailed-2. J Neurosci 2018; 39:1525-1538. [PMID: 30593497 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0612-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Overreactivity and defensive behaviors in response to tactile stimuli are common symptoms in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Similarly, somatosensory hypersensitivity has also been described in mice lacking ASD-associated genes such as Fmr1 (fragile X mental retardation protein 1). Fmr1 knock-out mice also show reduced functional connectivity between sensory cortical areas, which may represent an endogenous biomarker for their hypersensitivity. Here, we measured whole-brain functional connectivity in Engrailed-2 knock-out (En2 -/-) adult mice, which show a lower expression of Fmr1 and anatomical defects common to Fmr1 knock-outs. MRI-based resting-state functional connectivity in adult En2 -/- mice revealed significantly reduced synchronization in somatosensory-auditory/associative cortices and dorsal thalamus, suggesting the presence of aberrant somatosensory processing in these mutants. Accordingly, when tested in the whisker nuisance test, En2 -/- but not WT mice of both sexes showed fear behavior in response to repeated whisker stimulation. En2 -/- mice undergoing this test exhibited decreased c-Fos-positive neurons (a marker of neuronal activity) in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex and increased immunoreactive cells in the basolateral amygdala compared with WT littermates. Conversely, when tested in a sensory maze, En2 -/- and WT mice spent a comparable time in whisker-guided exploration, indicating that whisker-mediated behaviors are otherwise preserved in En2 mutants. Therefore, fearful responses to somatosensory stimuli in En2 -/- mice are accompanied by reduced basal connectivity of sensory regions, reduced activation of somatosensory cortex, and increased activation of the basolateral amygdala, suggesting that impaired somatosensory processing is a common feature in mice lacking ASD-related genes.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Overreactivity to tactile stimuli is a common symptom in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients. Recent studies performed in mice bearing ASD-related mutations confirmed these findings. Here, we evaluated the behavioral response to whisker stimulation in mice lacking the ASD-related gene Engrailed-2 (En2 -/- mice). Compared with WT controls, En2 -/- mice showed reduced functional connectivity in the somatosensory cortex, which was paralleled by fear behavior, reduced activation of somatosensory cortex, and increased activation of the basolateral amygdala in response to repeated whisker stimulation. These results suggest that impaired somatosensory signal processing is a common feature in mice harboring ASD-related mutations.
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23
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Impaired Neuronal Differentiation of Neural Stem Cells Lacking the Engrailed-2 Gene. Neuroscience 2018; 386:137-149. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Gupta A, Li X, DiCicco-Bloom E, Bello NT. Altered salt taste response and increased tongue epithelium Scnna1 expression in adult Engrailed-2 null mice. Physiol Behav 2018; 194:410-419. [PMID: 29953887 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sensory impairments are critical for diagnosing and characterizing neurodevelopmental disorders. Taste is a sensory modality often not well characterized. Engrailed-2 (En2) is a transcription factor critical for neural development, and mice lacking En2 (En2-/-) display signs of impaired social interaction, cognitive processes (e.g., learning and memory, conditioned fear), and neurodevelopmental alterations. As such, En2-/- mice display the behavioral deficits and neural impairments characteristic of the core symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective of this study was to characterize the taste function in En2-/- compared with En2+/+ in adult male mice. Measuring taste responsiveness by an automated gustometer, En2 null mice had decreased lick responses for 1.6 M fructose, whereas they demonstrated an increased taste responsivity (i.e., relative to water) at 0.3 M sodium chloride and 1 M monosodium glutamate. In a separate cohort of mice, En2-/- mice had an increased preference for sodium chloride over a range of concentrations (0.032-0.3 M) compared with En2+/+ mice. Regional gene expression of the tongue epithelium demonstrated an increase in Scnn1a, T2R140, T1R3, and Trpm5 and a decrease in Pkd1l3 in En2 null mice. Taken together, such data indicate that deficits in En2 can produce sensory impairments that can have a measurable impact on taste, particularly salt taste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Gupta
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Xinyi Li
- Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas T Bello
- Department of Animal Sciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Nutritional Sciences Graduate Program, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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25
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Paspaliaris V, Vrachnis N, Iliodromiti Z, Antonakopoulos N, Papaioannou G, Vlachadis N, Anastasiadou F, Sotiriou S, Garas A, Thomaidis L, Manolakos E. 7q Deletion/12q Duplication Is the Possible Cause of an Alobar Holoprosencephaly Case. Mol Syndromol 2018; 9:52-57. [PMID: 29456484 DOI: 10.1159/000481972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Holoprosencephaly (HPE) spectrum disorder is the most common congenital malformation of the human brain with absence of or incomplete midline cleavage. Its cause is heterogenic, making genetic counseling a challenge. In this case report, a pregnancy affected by alobar HPE is described. Using aCGH, an 8.9-Mb deletion at 7q36.1q36.3 together with a 4.9-Mb duplication at 12q24.32q24.33 is assumed to be the possible reason for this alobar HPE case. It is discussed that disruption of key elements of the developing brain, taking environmental factors into account, contributes to the HPE spectrum. The use of aCGH for invasive prenatal testing is starting to become the standard technique, providing accurate information about the cause of congenital diseases for couples receiving genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Paspaliaris
- Access to genome (ATG P.C.), Clinical Laboratory Genetics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | | | - Giorgos Papaioannou
- Department of Gynecology, Attikon Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Foteini Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Larissa Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Sotirios Sotiriou
- Department of Clinical Embryology, Larissa Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonios Garas
- Department of Gynecology, Larissa Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Lorreta Thomaidis
- Developmental Assessment Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, P&A Kyriakou Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Manolakos
- Access to genome (ATG P.C.), Clinical Laboratory Genetics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Developmental Assessment Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, P&A Kyriakou Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cagliari, Binaghi Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
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26
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Robinson JE, Gradinaru V. Dopaminergic dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders: recent advances and synergistic technologies to aid basic research. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2018; 48:17-29. [PMID: 28850815 PMCID: PMC5825239 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a diverse group of syndromes characterized by abnormal development of the central nervous system and whose symptomatology includes cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor impairments. The identification of causative genetic defects has allowed for creation of transgenic NDD mouse models that have revealed pathophysiological mechanisms of disease phenotypes in a neural circuit- and cell type-specific manner. Mouse models of several syndromes, including Rett syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Neurofibromatosis type 1, etc., exhibit abnormalities in the structure and function of dopaminergic circuitry, which regulates motivation, motor behavior, sociability, attention, and executive function. Recent advances in technologies for functional circuit mapping, including tissue clearing, viral vector-based tracing methods, and optical readouts of neural activity, have refined our knowledge of dopaminergic circuits in unperturbed states, yet these tools have not been widely applied to NDD research. Here, we will review recent findings exploring dopaminergic function in NDD models and discuss the promise of new tools to probe NDD pathophysiology in these circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Elliott Robinson
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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27
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Deneris E, Gaspar P. Serotonin neuron development: shaping molecular and structural identities. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2018; 7:10.1002/wdev.301. [PMID: 29072810 PMCID: PMC5746461 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The continuing fascination with serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) as a nervous system chemical messenger began with its discovery in the brains of mammals in 1953. Among the many reasons for this decades-long interest is that the small numbers of neurons that make 5-HT influence the excitability of neural circuits in nearly every region of the brain and spinal cord. A further reason is that 5-HT dysfunction has been linked to a range of psychiatric and neurological disorders many of which have a neurodevelopmental component. This has led to intense interest in understanding 5-HT neuron development with the aim of determining whether early alterations in their generation lead to brain disease susceptibility. Here, we present an overview of the neuroanatomical organization of vertebrate 5-HT neurons, their neurogenesis, and prodigious axonal architectures, which enables the expansive reach of 5-HT neuromodulation in the central nervous system. We review recent findings that have revealed the molecular basis for the tremendous diversity of 5-HT neuron subtypes, the impact of environmental factors on 5-HT neuron development, and how 5-HT axons are topographically organized through disparate signaling pathways. We summarize studies of the gene regulatory networks that control the differentiation, maturation, and maintenance of 5-HT neurons. These studies show that the regulatory factors controlling acquisition of 5-HT-type transmitter identity continue to play critical roles in the functional maturation and the maintenance of 5-HT neurons. New insights are presented into how continuously expressed 5-HT regulatory factors control 5-HT neurons at different stages of life and how the regulatory networks themselves are maintained. WIREs Dev Biol 2018, 7:e301. doi: 10.1002/wdev.301 This article is categorized under: Nervous System Development > Vertebrates: General Principles Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation Nervous System Development > Secondary: Vertebrates: Regional Development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Deneris
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Patricia Gaspar
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), UMR-S839, Paris, France
- Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, Campus Jussieu, Paris, France
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28
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Lizen B, Moens C, Mouheiche J, Sacré T, Ahn MT, Jeannotte L, Salti A, Gofflot F. Conditional Loss of Hoxa5 Function Early after Birth Impacts on Expression of Genes with Synaptic Function. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:369. [PMID: 29187810 PMCID: PMC5695161 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hoxa5 is a member of the Hox gene family that plays critical roles in successive steps of the central nervous system formation during embryonic and fetal development. In the mouse, Hoxa5 was recently shown to be expressed in the medulla oblongata and the pons from fetal stages to adulthood. In these territories, Hoxa5 transcripts are enriched in many precerebellar neurons and several nuclei involved in autonomic functions, while the HOXA5 protein is detected mainly in glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. However, whether HOXA5 is functionally required in these neurons after birth remains unknown. As a first approach to tackle this question, we aimed at determining the molecular programs downstream of the HOXA5 transcription factor in the context of the postnatal brainstem. A comparative transcriptomic analysis was performed in combination with gene expression localization, using a conditional postnatal Hoxa5 loss-of-function mouse model. After inactivation of Hoxa5 at postnatal days (P)1–P4, we established the transcriptome of the brainstem from P21 Hoxa5 conditional mutants using RNA-Seq analysis. One major finding was the downregulation of several genes associated with synaptic function in Hoxa5 mutant specimens including different actors involved in glutamatergic synapse, calcium signaling pathway, and GABAergic synapse. Data were confirmed and extended by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, and the expression of several HOXA5 candidate targets was shown to co-localize with Hoxa5 transcripts in precerebellar nuclei. Together, these new results revealed that HOXA5, through the regulation of key actors of the glutamatergic/GABAergic synapses and calcium signaling, might be involved in synaptogenesis, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity of the cortico-ponto-cerebellar circuitry in the postnatal brainstem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Lizen
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Moens
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jinane Mouheiche
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Thomas Sacré
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Marie-Thérèse Ahn
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Lucie Jeannotte
- Department of Molecular Biology, Medical Biochemistry and Pathology, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Ahmad Salti
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Françoise Gofflot
- Institut des Sciences de la Vie, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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29
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Qiu JJ, Liu YN, Ren ZR, Yan JB. Dysfunctions of mitochondria in close association with strong perturbation of long noncoding RNAs expression in down syndrome. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2017; 92:115-120. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2017.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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30
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Spatial gene expression analysis of neuroanatomical differences in mouse models. Neuroimage 2017; 163:220-230. [PMID: 28882630 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2017.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
MRI is a powerful modality to detect neuroanatomical differences that result from mutations and treatments. Knowing which genes drive these differences is important in understanding etiology, but candidate genes are often difficult to identify. We tested whether spatial gene expression data from the Allen Brain Institute can be used to inform us about genes that cause neuroanatomical differences. For many single-gene-mutation mouse models, we found that affected neuroanatomy was not strongly associated with the spatial expression of the altered gene and there are specific caveats for each model. However, among models with significant neuroanatomical differences from their wildtype controls, the mutated genes had preferential spatial expression in affected neuroanatomy. In mice exposed to environmental enrichment, candidate genes could be identified by a genome-wide search for genes with preferential spatial expression in the altered neuroanatomical regions. These candidates have functions related to learning and plasticity. We demonstrate that spatial gene expression of single-genes is a poor predictor of altered neuroanatomy, but altered neuroanatomy can identify candidate genes responsible for neuroanatomical phenotypes.
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31
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Autism spectrum disorder-associated genes and the development of dentate granule cells. Med Mol Morphol 2017; 50:123-129. [PMID: 28534217 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-017-0161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by severe clinical symptoms such as the deficiency of the social communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. Although complex genetic and environmental factors are thought to contribute to the development of ASD, the precise etiologies are largely unknown. Neuroanatomical observations have been made of developmental abnormalities in different brain regions, including dentate gyrus of hippocampus, which is widely accepted as the center for learning and memory. However, little is known about what roles ASD-associated genes play in the development of hippocampal dentate granule cells. In this article, we summarized functions and pathophysiological significance of 6 representative ASD-associated genes, SEMA5A, PTEN, NLGN, EN-2, FMR1, and MECP2, by focusing on the development of dentate gyrus. We then introduced a recently developed gene transfer method directed to neonatal dentate granule cells. This new method will be useful for elucidating physiological as well as pathophysiological significance of ASD-associated genes in the development of hippocampal formation.
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32
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Noradrenergic Modulation of Cognition in Health and Disease. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:6031478. [PMID: 28596922 PMCID: PMC5450174 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6031478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Norepinephrine released by the locus coeruleus modulates cellular processes and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system through its actions at a number of pre- and postsynaptic receptors. This transmitter system facilitates sensory signal detection and promotes waking and arousal, processes which are necessary for navigating a complex and dynamic sensory environment. In addition to its effects on sensory processing and waking behavior, norepinephrine is now recognized as a contributor to various aspects of cognition, including attention, behavioral flexibility, working memory, and long-term mnemonic processes. Two areas of dense noradrenergic innervation, the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, are particularly important with regard to these functions. Due to its role in mediating normal cognitive function, it is reasonable to expect that noradrenergic transmission becomes dysfunctional in a number of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases characterized by cognitive deficits. In this review, we summarize the unique role that norepinephrine plays in prefrontal cortical and hippocampal function and how its interaction with its various receptors contribute to cognitive behaviors. We further assess the changes that occur in the noradrenergic system in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia and how these changes contribute to cognitive decline in these pathologies.
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33
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Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are diagnosed solely on the basis of behaviour. A large body of work has reported neuroanatomical differences between individuals with ASD and neurotypical controls. Despite the huge clinical and genetic heterogeneity that typifies autism, some of these anatomical features appear to be either present in most cases or so dramatically altered in some that their presence is now reasonably well replicated in a number of studies. One such finding is the tendency towards overgrowth of the frontal cortex during the early postnatal period. Although these reports have been focused primarily on the presumed pathological anatomy, they are providing us with important insights into normal brain anatomy and are stimulating new ideas and hypotheses about the normal trajectory of brain development and the function of specific anatomical brain structures. The use of model systems that include genetic model organisms such as the mouse and, more recently, human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived brain organoids to model normal and pathological human cortical development, is proving particularly informative. Here we review some of the neuroanatomical alterations reported in autism, with a particular focus on well-validated findings and recent advances in the field, and ask what these observations can tell us about normal and abnormal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex P. A. Donovan
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - M. Albert Basson
- Department of Craniofacial Development and Stem Cell Biology, and MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental DisordersKing's College LondonLondonUK
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34
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Shen L, Lin Y, Sun Z, Yuan X, Chen L, Shen B. Knowledge-Guided Bioinformatics Model for Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic MicroRNA Biomarkers. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39663. [PMID: 28000768 PMCID: PMC5175196 DOI: 10.1038/srep39663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease with a high incidence and effective biomarkers are urgently needed for its diagnosis. A few previous studies have reported the detection of miRNA biomarkers for autism diagnosis, especially those based on bioinformatics approaches. In this study, we developed a knowledge-guided bioinformatics model for identifying autism miRNA biomarkers. We downloaded gene expression microarray data from the GEO Database and extracted genes with expression levels that differed in ASD and the controls. We then constructed an autism-specific miRNA-mRNA network and inferred candidate autism biomarker miRNAs based on their regulatory modes and functions. We defined a novel parameter called the autism gene percentage as autism-specific knowledge to further facilitate the identification of autism-specific biomarker miRNAs. Finally, 11 miRNAs were screened as putative autism biomarkers, where eight miRNAs (72.7%) were significantly dysregulated in ASD samples according to previous reports. Functional enrichment results indicated that the targets of the identified miRNAs were enriched in autism-associated pathways, such as Wnt signaling (in KEGG and IPA), cell cycle (in KEGG), and glioblastoma multiforme signaling (in IPA), thereby supporting the predictive power of our model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China.,Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai, 201620, China
| | - Yuxin Lin
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Zhandong Sun
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Xuye Yuan
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key laboratory of Systems Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Bairong Shen
- Center for Systems Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
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35
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Provenzano G, Corradi Z, Monsorno K, Fedrizzi T, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML, Bozzi Y. Comparative Gene Expression Analysis of Two Mouse Models of Autism: Transcriptome Profiling of the BTBR and En2 (-/-) Hippocampus. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:396. [PMID: 27610074 PMCID: PMC4996997 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by a high degree of genetic heterogeneity. Genomic studies identified common pathological processes underlying the heterogeneous clinical manifestations of ASD, and transcriptome analyses revealed that gene networks involved in synapse development, neuronal activity, and immune function are deregulated in ASD. Mouse models provide unique tools to investigate the neurobiological basis of ASD; however, a comprehensive approach to identify transcriptional abnormalities in different ASD models has never been performed. Here we used two well-recognized ASD mouse models, BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) and Engrailed-2 knockout (En2−/−), to identify conserved ASD-related molecular signatures. En2−/− mice bear a mutation within the EN2 transcription factor homeobox, while BTBR is an inbred strain with unknown genetic defects. Hippocampal RNA samples from BTBR, En2−/− and respective control (C57Bl/6J and En2+/+) adult mice were assessed for differential gene expression using microarrays. A total of 153 genes were similarly deregulated in the BTBR and En2−/− hippocampus. Mouse phenotype and gene ontology enrichment analyses were performed on BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathways represented in both BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal DEGs included abnormal behavioral response and chemokine/MAP kinase signaling. Genes involved in abnormal function of the immune system and abnormal synaptic transmission/seizures were significantly represented among BTBR and En2−/− DEGs, respectively. Interestingly, both BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal DEGs showed a significant enrichment of ASD and schizophrenia (SCZ)-associated genes. Specific gene sets were enriched in the two models: microglial genes were significantly enriched among BTBR DEGs, whereas GABAergic/glutamatergic postsynaptic genes, FMRP-interacting genes and epilepsy-related genes were significantly enriched among En2−/− DEGs. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) performed on BTBR and En2−/− hippocampal transcriptomes together identified six modules significantly enriched in ASD-related genes. Each of these modules showed a specific enrichment profile in neuronal and glial genes, as well as in genes associated to ASD comorbidities such as epilepsy and SCZ. Our data reveal significant transcriptional similarities and differences between the BTBR and En2−/− hippocampus, indicating that transcriptome analysis of ASD mouse models may contribute to identify novel molecular targets for pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Provenzano
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Zelia Corradi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Katia Monsorno
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Tarcisio Fedrizzi
- Bioinformatics Core Facility, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento Trento, Italy
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Maria L Scattoni
- Neurotoxicology and Neuroendocrinology Section, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Istituto Superiore di Sanità Rome, Italy
| | - Yuri Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of TrentoTrento, Italy; National Research Council Neuroscience InstitutePisa, Italy
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36
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Guo YP, Commons KG. Serotonin neuron abnormalities in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Autism Res 2016; 10:66-77. [PMID: 27478061 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The inbred mouse strain BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR) is studied as a model of idiopathic autism because they are less social and more resistant to change than other strains. Forebrain serotonin receptors and the response to serotonin drugs are altered in BTBR mice, yet it remains unknown if serotonin neurons themselves are abnormal. In this study, we found that serotonin tissue content and the density of serotonin axons is reduced in the hippocampus of BTBR mice in comparison to C57BL/6J (C57) mice. This was accompanied by possible compensatory changes in serotonin neurons that were most pronounced in regions known to provide innervation to the hippocampus: the caudal dorsal raphe (B6) and the median raphe. These changes included increased numbers of serotonin neurons and hyperactivation of Fos expression. Metrics of serotonin neurons in the rostral 2/3 of the dorsal raphe and serotonin content of the prefrontal cortex were less impacted. Thus, serotonin neurons exhibit region-dependent abnormalities in the BTBR mouse that may contribute to their altered behavioral profile. Autism Res 2017, 10: 66-77. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ping Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kathryn G Commons
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative, and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital; Department of Anaesthesia, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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37
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Zunino G, Messina A, Sgadò P, Baj G, Casarosa S, Bozzi Y. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling is altered in the forebrain of Engrailed-2 knockout mice. Neuroscience 2016; 324:252-61. [PMID: 26987954 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2015] [Revised: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Engrailed-2 (En2), a homeodomain transcription factor involved in regionalization and patterning of the midbrain and hindbrain regions has been associated to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). En2 knockout (En2(-/-)) mice show ASD-like features accompanied by a significant loss of GABAergic subpopulations in the hippocampus and neocortex. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial factor for the postnatal development of forebrain GABAergic neurons, and altered GABA signaling has been hypothesized to underlie the symptoms of ASD. Here we sought to determine whether interneuron loss in the En2(-/-) forebrain might be related to altered expression of BDNF and its signaling receptors. We first evaluated the expression of different BDNF mRNA isoforms in the neocortex and hippocampus of wild-type (WT) and En2(-/-) mice. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a marked down-regulation of several splicing variants of BDNF mRNA in the neocortex but not hippocampus of adult En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT controls. Accordingly, levels of mature BDNF protein were lower in the neocortex but not hippocampus of En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT. Increased levels of phosphorylated TrkB and decreased levels of p75 receptor were also detected in the neocortex of mutant mice. Accordingly, the expression of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and RhoA, two genes regulated via p75 was significantly altered in forebrain areas of mutant mice. These data indicate that BDNF signaling alterations might be involved in the anatomical changes observed in the En2(-/-) forebrain and suggest a pathogenic role of altered BDNF signaling in this mouse model of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Zunino
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - A Messina
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - P Sgadò
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy
| | - G Baj
- Laboratory of Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Italy
| | - S Casarosa
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy
| | - Y Bozzi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuropathology, Centre for Integrative Biology, University of Trento, Italy; CNR Institute of Neuroscience, CNR, Pisa, Italy.
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Verpeut JL, DiCicco-Bloom E, Bello NT. Ketogenic diet exposure during the juvenile period increases social behaviors and forebrain neural activation in adult Engrailed 2 null mice. Physiol Behav 2016; 161:90-98. [PMID: 27080080 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged consumption of ketogenic diets (KD) has reported neuroprotective benefits. Several studies suggest KD interventions could be useful in the management of neurological and developmental disorders. Alterations in the Engrailed (En) genes, specifically Engrailed 2 (En2), have neurodevelopmental consequences and produce autism-related behaviors. The following studies used En2 knockout (KO; En2(-/-)), and wild-type (WT; En2(+/+)), male mice fed either KD (80% fat, 0.1% carbohydrates) or control diet (CD; 10% fat, 70% carbohydrates). The objective was to determine whether a KD fed from weaning at postnatal day (PND) 21 to adulthood (PND 60) would alter brain monoamines concentrations, previously found dysregulated, and improve social outcomes. In WT animals, there was an increase in hypothalamic norepinephrine content in the KD-fed group. However, regional monoamines were not altered in KO mice in KD-fed compared with CD-fed group. In order to determine the effects of juvenile exposure to KD in mice with normal blood ketone levels, separate experiments were conducted in mice removed from the KD or CD and fed standard chow for 2days (PND 62). In a three-chamber social test with a novel mouse, KO mice previously exposed to the KD displayed similar social and self-grooming behaviors compared with the WT group. Groups previously exposed to a KD, regardless of genotype, had more c-Fos-positive cells in the cingulate cortex, lateral septal nuclei, and anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. In the novel object condition, KO mice previously exposed to KD had similar behavioral responses and pattern of c-Fos immunoreactivity compared with the WT group. Thus, juvenile exposure to KD resulted in short-term consequences of improving social interactions and appropriate exploratory behaviors in a mouse model that displays autism-related behaviors. Such findings further our understanding of metabolic-based therapies for neurological and developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Verpeut
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicholas T Bello
- Department of Animal Sciences, Graduate Program in Endocrinology and Animal Biosciences, School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
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