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Prodani C, Irvine EE, Sardini A, Gleneadie HJ, Dimond A, Van de Pette M, John R, Kokkinou M, Howes O, Withers DJ, Ungless MA, Merkenschlager M, Fisher AG. Protein restriction during pregnancy alters Cdkn1c silencing, dopamine circuitry and offspring behaviour without changing expression of key neuronal marker genes. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8528. [PMID: 38609446 PMCID: PMC11014953 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59083-7] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We tracked the consequences of in utero protein restriction in mice throughout their development and life course using a luciferase-based allelic reporter of imprinted Cdkn1c. Exposure to gestational low-protein diet (LPD) results in the inappropriate expression of paternally inherited Cdkn1c in the brains of embryonic and juvenile mice. These animals were characterised by a developmental delay in motor skills, and by behavioural alterations indicative of reduced anxiety. Exposure to LPD in utero resulted in significantly more tyrosine hydroxylase positive (dopaminergic) neurons in the midbrain of adult offspring as compared to age-matched, control-diet equivalents. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging revealed an increase in striatal dopamine synthesis capacity in LPD-exposed offspring, where elevated levels of dopamine correlated with an enhanced sensitivity to cocaine. These data highlight a profound sensitivity of the developing epigenome to gestational protein restriction. Our data also suggest that loss of Cdkn1c imprinting and p57KIP2 upregulation alters the cellular composition of the developing midbrain, compromises dopamine circuitry, and thereby provokes behavioural abnormalities in early postnatal life. Molecular analyses showed that despite this phenotype, exposure to LPD solely during pregnancy did not significantly change the expression of key neuronal- or dopamine-associated marker genes in adult offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Prodani
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Elaine E Irvine
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- Whole Animal Physiology and Imaging, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Hannah J Gleneadie
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mathew Van de Pette
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Rd, Cambridge, CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Rosalind John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Sir Martin Evans Building, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Michelle Kokkinou
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Oliver Howes
- Psychiatric Imaging Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Dominic J Withers
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- Lymphocyte Development Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- Epigenetic Memory Group, MRC LMS, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK.
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QU, UK.
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Singh A, Pajni K, Panigrahi I, Khetarpal P. Clinical and Molecular Heterogeneity of Silver-Russell Syndrome and Therapeutic Challenges: A Systematic Review. Curr Pediatr Rev 2023; 19:157-168. [PMID: 35293298 DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220315142542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a developmental disorder involving extreme growth failure, characteristic facial features and underlying genetic heterogeneity. As the clinical heterogeneity of SRS makes diagnosis a challenging task, the worldwide incidence of SRS could vary from 1:30,000 to 1:100,000. Although various chromosomal, genetic, and epigenetic mutations have been linked with SRS, the cause had only been identified in half of the cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS To have a better understanding of the SRS clinical presentation and mutation/ epimutation responsible for SRS, a systematic review of the literature was carried out using appropriate keywords in various scientific databases (PROSPERO protocol registration CRD42021273211). Clinical features of SRS have been compiled and presented corresponding to the specific genetic subtype. An attempt has been made to understand the recurrence risk and the role of model organisms in understanding the molecular mechanisms of SRS pathology, treatment, and management strategies of the affected patients through the analysis of selected literature. RESULTS 156 articles were selected to understand the clinical and molecular heterogeneity of SRS. Information about detailed clinical features was available for 228 patients only, and it was observed that body asymmetry and relative macrocephaly were most prevalent in cases with methylation defects of the 11p15 region. In about 38% of cases, methylation defects in ICRs or genomic mutations at the 11p15 region have been implicated. Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (mUPD7) accounts for about 7% of SRS cases, and rarely, uniparental disomy of other autosomes (11, 14, 16, and 20 chromosomes) has been documented. Mutation in half of the cases is yet to be identified. Studies involving mice as experimental animals have been helpful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism. As the clinical presentation of the syndrome varies a lot, treatment needs to be individualized with multidisciplinary effort. CONCLUSION SRS is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, with most of the cases being implicated with a mutation in the 11p15 region and maternal disomy of chromosome 7. Recurrence risk varies according to the molecular subtype. Studies with mice as a model organism have been useful in understanding the underlying molecular mechanism leading to the characteristic clinical presentation of the syndrome. Management strategies often need to be individualized due to varied clinical presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Singh
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Ketan Pajni
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
| | - Inusha Panigrahi
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Preeti Khetarpal
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, 151401, India
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Horánszky A, Becker JL, Zana M, Ferguson-Smith AC, Dinnyés A. Epigenetic Mechanisms of ART-Related Imprinting Disorders: Lessons From iPSC and Mouse Models. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111704. [PMID: 34828310 PMCID: PMC8620286 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rising frequency of ART-conceived births is accompanied by the need for an improved understanding of the implications of ART on gametes and embryos. Increasing evidence from mouse models and human epidemiological data suggests that ART procedures may play a role in the pathophysiology of certain imprinting disorders (IDs), including Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Silver-Russell syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, and Angelman syndrome. The underlying molecular basis of this association, however, requires further elucidation. In this review, we discuss the epigenetic and imprinting alterations of in vivo mouse models and human iPSC models of ART. Mouse models have demonstrated aberrant regulation of imprinted genes involved with ART-related IDs. In the past decade, iPSC technology has provided a platform for patient-specific cellular models of culture-associated perturbed imprinting. However, despite ongoing efforts, a deeper understanding of the susceptibility of iPSCs to epigenetic perturbation is required if they are to be reliably used for modelling ART-associated IDs. Comparing the patterns of susceptibility of imprinted genes in mouse models and IPSCs in culture improves the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms of ART-linked IDs with implications for our understanding of the influence of environmental factors such as culture and hormone treatments on epigenetically important regions of the genome such as imprints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Horánszky
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
| | - Jessica L. Becker
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK; (J.L.B.); (A.C.F.-S.)
| | - Melinda Zana
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
| | - Anne C. Ferguson-Smith
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK; (J.L.B.); (A.C.F.-S.)
| | - András Dinnyés
- BioTalentum Ltd., H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary; (A.H.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Physiology and Animal Health, Institute of Physiology and Animal Health, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, H-2100 Gödöllő, Hungary
- HCEMM-USZ Stem Cell Research Group, Hungarian Centre of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, H-6723 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-20-510-9632; Fax: +36-28-526-151
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Caputo M, Daffara T, Bellone S, Mancioppi V, Marzullo P, Aimaretti G, Prodam F. Case Report: Liraglutide for Weight Management in Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndromic Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:687918. [PMID: 34239499 PMCID: PMC8258411 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.687918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic obesity, including syndromic and non-syndromic forms, represents a minority of cases compared to essential obesity but gene dysregulations lead to complex clinical conditions that make their management particularly difficult. Among them, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is a multisystem human genomic imprinting disorder characterized by overgrowth. We describe the first case of liraglutide treatment in an 18-year-old boy patient affected by BWS complicated by macroglossia, cryptorchidism, nephroblastoma, organomegaly, microscopic lymphocytic colitis, pharmacologically treated arterial hypertension, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. He presented a normal cognitive development. Body mass index at the time of first transition visit in the adult endocrinology department at the age of 18-years-old was 40.6 kg/m2 without glucose metabolism impairment. Lifestyle interventions failed because of poor compliance. During 20 months of 3.0 mg liraglutide treatment, a weight loss of 19 kg (-13.3%) and BMI reduction of 6.8 points were registered without side effects. To date, liraglutide treatment was effective on obesity in 7 subjects with Prader Willy Syndrome and 14 with melanocortin-4 receptor mutations. The efficacy of liraglutide in BWS could be related to a crosstalk among glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 system, mechanisms related to the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1C (CDKN1C), and dopamine mesolimbic circuit. Clinical trials aiming at a tailored medicine in genetic obesity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Caputo
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Tommaso Daffara
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bellone
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Valentina Mancioppi
- Division of Pediatrics, Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzullo
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Aimaretti
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
| | - Flavia Prodam
- Endocrinology, Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- *Correspondence: Flavia Prodam,
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Davis BA, David F, O'Regan C, Adam MA, Harwood AJ, Crunelli V, Isles AR. Impairments in sensory-motor gating and information processing in a mouse model of Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency. Brain Neurosci Adv 2020; 4:2398212820928647. [PMID: 32954001 PMCID: PMC7479861 DOI: 10.1177/2398212820928647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulators of chromatin dynamics and transcription are increasingly
implicated in the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Haploinsufficiency of EHMT1, encoding a histone
methyltransferase, is associated with several neurodevelopmental
disorders, including Kleefstra syndrome, developmental delay and
autism spectrum disorder. Using a mouse model of
Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency
(Ehmt1D6Cre/+), we examined a number
of brain and behavioural endophenotypes of relevance to
neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, we show that
Ehmt1D6Cre/+ mice have deficits in
information processing, evidenced by abnormal sensory-motor gating, a
complete absence of object recognition memory, and a reduced magnitude
of auditory evoked potentials in both paired-pulse inhibition and
mismatch negativity. The electrophysiological experiments show that
differences in magnitude response to auditory stimulus were associated
with marked reductions in total and evoked beta- and gamma-band
oscillatory activity, as well as significant reductions in phase
synchronisation. The pattern of electrophysiological deficits in
Ehmt1D6Cre/+ matches those seen in
control mice following administration of the selective NMDA-R
antagonist, ketamine. This, coupled with reduction of
Grin1 mRNA expression in
Ehmt1D6Cre/+ hippocampus, suggests
that Ehmt1 haploinsufficiency may lead to disruption
in NMDA-R. Taken together, these data indicate that reduced
Ehmt1 dosage during forebrain development leads
to abnormal circuitry formation, which in turn results in profound
information processing deficits. Such information processing deficits
are likely paramount to our understanding of the cognitive and
neurological dysfunctions shared across the neurodevelopmental
disorders associated with EHMT1
haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany A Davis
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - François David
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Ciara O'Regan
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Manal A Adam
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Adrian J Harwood
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Vincenzo Crunelli
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute and School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anthony R Isles
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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6
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Wright RL, Gilmour G, Dwyer DM. Wistar Kyoto Rats Display Anhedonia In Consumption but Retain Some Sensitivity to the Anticipation of Palatable Solutions. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:70. [PMID: 32581735 PMCID: PMC7283460 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rat has been proposed as a model of depression-like symptoms. However, anhedonia—a reduction in the response to normatively rewarding events—as a central depression symptom has yet to be fully assessed in this model. We compared WKY rats and Wistar controls, with stress-susceptibility examined by applying mild unpredictable stress to a subset of each group. Anhedonia-like behavior was assessed using microstructural analysis of licking behavior, where mean lick cluster size reflects hedonic responses. This was combined with tests of anticipatory contrast, where the consumption of a moderately palatable solution (4% sucrose) is suppressed in anticipation of a more palatable solution (32% sucrose). WKY rats displayed greatly attenuated hedonic reactions to sucrose overall, although their reactions retained some sensitivity to differences in sucrose concentration. They displayed normal reductions in consumption in anticipatory contrast, although the effect of contrast on hedonic reactions was greatly blunted. Mild stress produced overall reductions in sucrose consumption, but this was not exacerbated in WKY rats. Moreover, mild stress did not affect hedonic reactions or the effects of contrast. These results confirm that the WKY substrain expresses a direct behavioral analog of anhedonia, which may have utility for increasing mechanistic understanding of depression symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Wright
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Gary Gilmour
- Lilly Research Centre, Eli Lilly & Co. Ltd., Erl Wood Manor, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic M Dwyer
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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7
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Chang S, Bartolomei MS. Modeling human epigenetic disorders in mice: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome and Silver-Russell syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2020; 13:dmm044123. [PMID: 32424032 PMCID: PMC7272347 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.044123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting, a phenomenon in which the two parental alleles are regulated differently, is observed in mammals, marsupials and a few other species, including seed-bearing plants. Dysregulation of genomic imprinting can cause developmental disorders such as Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS). In this Review, we discuss (1) how various (epi)genetic lesions lead to the dysregulation of clinically relevant imprinted loci, and (2) how such perturbations may contribute to the developmental defects in BWS and SRS. Given that the regulatory mechanisms of most imprinted clusters are well conserved between mice and humans, numerous mouse models of BWS and SRS have been generated. These mouse models are key to understanding how mutations at imprinted loci result in pathological phenotypes in humans, although there are some limitations. This Review focuses on how the biological findings obtained from innovative mouse models explain the clinical features of BWS and SRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhee Chang
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Marisa S Bartolomei
- Epigenetics Institute, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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8
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Imaizumi Y, Furutachi S, Watanabe T, Miya H, Kawaguchi D, Gotoh Y. Role of the imprinted allele of the Cdkn1c gene in mouse neocortical development. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1884. [PMID: 32024956 PMCID: PMC7002495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58629-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes are expressed from only one allele in a parent of origin-specific manner. The cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p57kip2 is encoded by an imprinted gene Cdkn1c, with the paternal allele being silenced. The possible expression and function of the paternal allele of Cdkn1c have remained little studied, however. We now show that the paternal allele of the Cdkn1c gene is expressed at a low level in the developing mouse neocortex. Surprisingly, the central nervous system-specific conditional deletion of the paternal allele (pat cKO) at the Cdkn1c locus resulted in a marked reduction in brain size. Furthermore, pat cKO gradually reduced the number of neural stem-progenitor cells (NPCs) during neocortical development, and thus reduced the number of upper-layer neurons, which were derived from late-stage NPCs. Our results thus show that the paternal allele of the Cdkn1c locus plays a key role in maintenance of NPCs during neocortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Imaizumi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shohei Furutachi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre for Neural Circuits and Behaviour, University College London, London, W1T 4JG, UK
| | - Tomoyuki Watanabe
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miya
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Daichi Kawaguchi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
| | - Yukiko Gotoh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
- International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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9
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McNamara GI, Creeth HDJ, Harrison DJ, Tansey KE, Andrews RM, Isles AR, John RM. Loss of offspring Peg3 reduces neonatal ultrasonic vocalizations and increases maternal anxiety in wild-type mothers. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:440-450. [PMID: 29186532 PMCID: PMC5886183 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are the most common mental health conditions during pregnancy and can impair the normal development of mother-infant interactions. These adversities are associated with low birth weight and increased risk of behavioural disorders in children. We recently reported reduced expression of the imprinted gene PATERNALLY EXPRESSED GENE 3 (PEG3) in placenta of human infants born to depressed mothers. Expression of Peg3 in the brain has previously been linked maternal behaviour in rodents, at least in some studies, with mutant dams neglecting their pups. However, in our human study decreased expression was in the placenta derived from the fetus. Here, we examined maternal behaviour in response to reduced expression of Peg3 in the feto-placental unit. Prenatally we found novelty reactivity was altered in wild-type females carrying litters with a null mutation in Peg3. This behavioural alteration was short-lived and there were no significant differences the transcriptomes of either the maternal hypothalamus or hippocampus at E16.5. In contrast, while maternal gross maternal care was intact postnatally, the exposed dams were significantly slower to retrieve their pups and displayed a marked increase in anxiety. We also observed a significant reduction in the isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by mutant pups separated from their mothers. USVs are a form of communication known to elicit maternal care suggesting Peg3 mutant pups drive the deficit in maternal behaviour. These data support the hypothesis that reduced placental PEG3 in human pregnancies occurs as a consequence of prenatal depression but leaves scope for feto-placental Peg3 dosage, during gestation, influencing aspects of maternal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- G I McNamara
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - H D J Creeth
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - D J Harrison
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - K E Tansey
- Core Bioinformatics and Statistics Team, College of Biomedical & Life Sciences
| | - R M Andrews
- Systems Immunity University Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3XQ, UK
| | - A R Isles
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - R M John
- Biomedicine Division, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
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10
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Van de Pette M, Tunster SJ, John RM. Loss of Imprinting of Cdkn1c Protects against Age and Diet-Induced Obesity. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092734. [PMID: 30213134 PMCID: PMC6164918 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1c (Cdkn1c) is a maternally expressed imprinted gene with roles in embryonic development, post-natal metabolism and behaviour. Using mouse models with altered dosages of Cdkn1c, we have previously identified a role for the gene in promoting brown adipose tissue formation. Here, we use these transgenic mouse lines to model the loss of imprinting of Cdkn1c in adulthood. We demonstrate that only a two-fold increase in the expression of Cdkn1c during development is sufficient to protect against age-related weight gain in addition to glucose and insulin intolerance. Further to this, we show that the loss of imprinting of Cdkn1c protects against diet-induced obesity. Bisulphite sequencing was performed to test the stability of the two differentially methylated regions that regulate Cdkn1c imprinting, and both were found to be unaltered in aged or diet-challenged adipose tissue, despite drastic reductions in Cdkn1c expression. These data demonstrate a critical role for Cdkn1c in regulating adult adipose tissue, with modest changes in expression capable of protecting against both age and diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome, with a natural decline in Cdkn1c expression observed that may contribute to less healthy metabolic aging. Finally, we have observed a post-natal insensitivity of the imprint to environmental factors, in contrast to recent observations of an in utero sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simon J Tunster
- School of BioSciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Rosalind M John
- School of BioSciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK.
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11
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McNamara GI, John RM, Isles AR. Territorial Behavior and Social Stability in the Mouse Require Correct Expression of Imprinted Cdkn1c. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:28. [PMID: 29535616 PMCID: PMC5834910 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imprinting, the epigenetic process by which transcription occurs from a single parental allele, is believed to influence social behaviors in mammals. An important social behavior is group living, which is enriched in Eutherian mammals relative to monotremes and marsupials. Group living facilitates resource acquisition, defense of territory and co-care of young, but requires a stable social group with complex inter-individual relationships. Co-occurring with increased group living in Eutherians is an increase in the number of imprinted loci, including that spanning the maternally expressed Cdkn1c. Using a 'loss-of-imprinting' model of Cdkn1c (Cdkn1cBACx1), we demonstrated that twofold over expression of Cdkn1c results in abnormal social behaviors. Although, our previous work indicated that male Cdkn1cBACx1 mice were more dominant as measured by tube test encounters with unfamiliar wild-type (WT) males. Building upon this work, using more ecologically relevant assessments of social dominance, indicated that within their normal social group, Cdkn1cBACx1 mice did not occupy higher ranking positions. Nevertheless, we find that presence of Cdkn1cBACx1 animals within a group leads to instability of the normal social hierarchy, as indicated by greater variability in social rank within the group over time and an increase in territorial behavior in WT cage-mates. Consequently, these abnormal behaviors led to an increased incidence of fighting and wounding within the group. Taken together these data indicate that normal expression of Cdkn1c is required for maintaining stability of the social group and suggests that the acquisition of monoallelic expression of Cdkn1c may have enhanced social behavior in Eutherian mammals to facilitate group living.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gráinne I. McNamara
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Rosalind M. John
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony R. Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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12
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Clarkson JM, Dwyer DM, Flecknell PA, Leach MC, Rowe C. Handling method alters the hedonic value of reward in laboratory mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2448. [PMID: 29402923 PMCID: PMC5799408 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice are the most widely used model species for drug discovery and scientific research. Consequently, it is important to refine laboratory procedures and practices to ensure high standards of welfare and scientific data quality. Recent studies have identified that the standard practice of handling laboratory mice by their tails increases behaviours indicative of anxiety, which can be overcome by handling mice using a tunnel. However, despite clear negative effects on mice’s behaviour, tunnel handling has yet to be widely implemented. In this study, we provide the first evidence that tail handling also reduces mice’s responses to reward. Anhedonia is a core symptom of clinical depression, and is measured in rodents by assessing how they consume a sucrose solution: depressed mice consume less sucrose and the size of their licking bouts when drinking (their ‘lick cluster sizes’) also tend to be smaller. We found that tail handled mice showed more anhedonic responses in both measures compared to tunnel handled mice, indicative of a decreased responsiveness to reward and potentially a more depressive-like state. Our findings have significant implications for the welfare of laboratory mice as well as the design and interpretation of scientific studies, particularly those investigating or involving reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine M Clarkson
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
| | - Dominic M Dwyer
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Flecknell
- Comparative Biology Centre, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew C Leach
- School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, Agriculture Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
| | - Candy Rowe
- Centre for Behaviour and Evolution, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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13
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Van de Pette M, Abbas A, Feytout A, McNamara G, Bruno L, To WK, Dimond A, Sardini A, Webster Z, McGinty J, Paul EJ, Ungless MA, French PMW, Withers DJ, Uren A, Ferguson-Smith AC, Merkenschlager M, John RM, Fisher AG. Visualizing Changes in Cdkn1c Expression Links Early-Life Adversity to Imprint Mis-regulation in Adults. Cell Rep 2017; 18:1090-1099. [PMID: 28147266 PMCID: PMC5300902 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes are regulated according to parental origin and can influence embryonic growth and metabolism and confer disease susceptibility. Here, we designed sensitive allele-specific reporters to non-invasively monitor imprinted Cdkn1c expression in mice and showed that expression was modulated by environmental factors encountered in utero. Acute exposure to chromatin-modifying drugs resulted in de-repression of paternally inherited (silent) Cdkn1c alleles in embryos that was temporary and resolved after birth. In contrast, deprivation of maternal dietary protein in utero provoked permanent de-repression of imprinted Cdkn1c expression that was sustained into adulthood and occurred through a folate-dependent mechanism of DNA methylation loss. Given the function of imprinted genes in regulating behavior and metabolic processes in adults, these results establish imprinting deregulation as a credible mechanism linking early-life adversity to later-life outcomes. Furthermore, Cdkn1c-luciferase mice offer non-invasive tools to identify factors that disrupt epigenetic processes and strategies to limit their long-term impact. Allele-specific expression of imprinted Cdkn1c imaged in vivo using bioluminescence Chromatin-modifying drugs applied in utero transiently de-repress Cdkn1c imprinting In utero exposure to low-protein diet permanently disrupts the Cdkn1c imprint Folate supplements during gestation protect against loss of Cdkn1c imprinting
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew Van de Pette
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Allifia Abbas
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Amelie Feytout
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Gráinne McNamara
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ludovica Bruno
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Wilson K To
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Andrew Dimond
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Alessandro Sardini
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Zoe Webster
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - James McGinty
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Eleanor J Paul
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Mark A Ungless
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Paul M W French
- Photonics Group, Department of Physics, Blackett Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Dominic J Withers
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Anthony Uren
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Anne C Ferguson-Smith
- Department of Genetics, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EH, UK
| | - Matthias Merkenschlager
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Rosalind M John
- Cardiff School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Amanda G Fisher
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
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14
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McNamara GI, Davis BA, Browne M, Humby T, Dalley JW, Xia J, John RM, Isles AR. Dopaminergic and behavioural changes in a loss-of-imprinting model of Cdkn1c. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:149-157. [PMID: 28857482 PMCID: PMC5836939 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The imprinted gene Cdkn1c is expressed exclusively from the maternally inherited allele as a consequences of epigenetic regulation. Cdkn1c exemplifies many of the functional characteristics of imprinted genes, playing a role in foetal growth and placental development. However, Cdkn1c also plays an important role in the brain, being key to the appropriate proliferation and differentiation of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Using a transgenic model (Cdkn1cBACx1) with a twofold elevation in Cdkn1c expression that mimics loss‐of‐imprinting, we show that increased expression of Cdkn1c in the brain gives rise to neurobiological and behavioural changes indicative of a functionally altered dopaminergic system. Cdkn1cBACX1 mice displayed altered expression of dopamine system‐related genes, increased tyrosine hydroxylase (Th) staining and increased tissue content of dopamine in the striatum. In addition, Cdkn1cBACx1 animals were hypersensitive to amphetamine as showed by c‐fos expression in the nucleus accumbens. Cdkn1cBACX1 mice had significant changes in behaviours that are dependent on the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Specifically, increased motivation for palatable food stuffs, as indexed on a progressive ratio task. In addition, Cdkn1cBACX1 mice displayed enhanced social dominance. These data show, for the first time, the consequence of elevated Cdkn1c expression on dopamine‐related behaviours highlighting the importance of correct dosage of this imprinted gene in the brain. This work has significant relevance for deepening our understanding of the epigenetic factors that can shape neurobiology and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- G I McNamara
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - B A Davis
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - M Browne
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - T Humby
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.,School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - J W Dalley
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - J Xia
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - R M John
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - A R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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