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Croom K, Rumschlag JA, Molinaro G, Erickson MA, Binder DK, Huber KM, Razak KA. Developmental trajectory and sex differences in auditory processing in a PTEN-deletion model of autism spectrum disorders. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 200:106628. [PMID: 39111703 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) encompass a wide array of debilitating symptoms, including severe sensory deficits and abnormal language development. Sensory deficits early in development may lead to broader symptomatology in adolescents and adults. The mechanistic links between ASD risk genes, sensory processing and language impairment are unclear. There is also a sex bias in ASD diagnosis and symptomatology. The current study aims to identify the developmental trajectory and genotype- and sex-dependent differences in auditory sensitivity and temporal processing in a Pten-deletion (phosphatase and tensin homolog missing on chromosome 10) mouse model of ASD. Auditory temporal processing is crucial for speech recognition and language development and deficits will cause language impairments. However, very little is known about the development of temporal processing in ASD animal models, and if there are sex differences. To address this major gap, we recorded epidural electroencephalography (EEG) signals from the frontal (FC) and auditory (AC) cortex in developing and adult Nse-cre PTEN mice, in which Pten is deleted in specific cortical layers (layers III-V) (PTEN conditional knock-out (cKO). We quantified resting EEG spectral power distribution, auditory event related potentials (ERP) and temporal processing from awake and freely moving male and female mice. Temporal processing is measured using a gap-in-noise-ASSR (auditory steady state response) stimulus paradigm. The experimental manipulation of gap duration and modulation depth allows us to measure cortical entrainment to rapid gaps in sounds. Temporal processing was quantified using inter-trial phase clustering (ITPC) values that account for phase consistency across trials. The results show genotype differences in resting power distribution in PTEN cKO mice throughout development. Male and female cKO mice have significantly increased beta power but decreased high frequency oscillations in the AC and FC. Both male and female PTEN cKO mice show diminished ITPC in their gap-ASSR responses in the AC and FC compared to control mice. Overall, deficits become more prominent in adult (p60) mice, with cKO mice having significantly increased sound evoked power and decreased ITPC compared to controls. While both male and female cKO mice demonstrated severe temporal processing deficits across development, female cKO mice showed increased hypersensitivity compared to males, reflected as increased N1 and P2 amplitudes. These data identify a number of novel sensory processing deficits in a PTEN-ASD mouse model that are present from an early age. Abnormal temporal processing and hypersensitive responses may contribute to abnormal development of language function in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katilynne Croom
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey A Rumschlag
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, United States of America
| | - Gemma Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, O'Donnell Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael A Erickson
- Psychology Department, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Devin K Binder
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, United States of America; Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, United States of America
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, O'Donnell Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States of America
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California, Riverside, United States of America; Psychology Department, University of California, Riverside, United States of America.
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Li S, Cheng C, Lu L, Ma X, Zhang X, Li A, Chen J, Qian X, Gao X. Hearing Loss in Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716300. [PMID: 34458270 PMCID: PMC8385440 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects approximately 466 million people worldwide, which is projected to reach 900 million by 2050. Its histological characteristics are lesions in cochlear hair cells, supporting cells, and auditory nerve endings. Neurological disorders cover a wide range of diseases affecting the nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), etc. Many studies have revealed that neurological disorders manifest with hearing loss, in addition to typical nervous symptoms. The prevalence, manifestations, and neuropathological mechanisms underlying vary among different diseases. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature, from clinical trials to research mice models, to provide an overview of auditory dysfunctions in the most common neurological disorders, particularly those associated with hearing loss, and to explain their underlying pathological and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
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Poornimai Abirami GP, Radhakrishnan RK, Johnson E, Roshan SA, Yesudhas A, Parveen S, Biswas A, Ravichandran VR, Muthuswamy A, Kandasamy M. The Regulation of Reactive Neuroblastosis, Neuroplasticity, and Nutraceuticals for Effective Management of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:207-222. [PMID: 32006362 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a cluster of neurodevelopmental and genetic disorders that has been characterized mainly by social withdrawal, repetitive behavior, restricted interests, and deficits in language processing mainly in children. ASD has been known to severely impair behavioral patterns and cognitive functions including learning and memory due to defects in neuroplasticity. The biology of the ASD appears to be highly complex and heterogeneous, and thus, finding a therapeutic target for autism remains obscure. There has been no complete prevention or disease-modifying cure for this disorder. Recently, individuals with autism have been characterized by reactive neurogenesis, obstructions in axonal growth, heterotopia, resulting from dysplasia of neuroblasts in different brain regions. Therefore, it can be assumed that the aforementioned neuropathological correlates seen in the autistic individuals might originate from the defects mainly in the regulation of neuroblasts in the developing as well as adult brain. Nutrient deficiencies during early brain development and intake of certain allergic foods have been proposed as main reasons for the development of ASD. However, the integrated understanding of neurodevelopment and functional aspects of neuroplasticity working through neurogenesis in ASD is highly limited. Moreover, neurogenesis at the level of neuroblasts can be regulated by nutrition. Hence, defects in neuroblastosis underlying the severity of autism potentially could be rectified by appropriate implementation of nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Poornimai Abirami
- School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Risna Kanjirassery Radhakrishnan
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Esther Johnson
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Syed Aasish Roshan
- Molecular Gerontology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ajisha Yesudhas
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Suhadha Parveen
- Molecular Gerontology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abir Biswas
- Molecular Gerontology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Vijaya Roobini Ravichandran
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anusuyadevi Muthuswamy
- School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. .,Molecular Gerontology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Mahesh Kandasamy
- School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. .,Laboratory of Stem Cells and Neuroregeneration, Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. .,Faculty Recharge Programme, University Grants Commission (UGC-FRP), New Delhi, India.
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Lynch G. Using Pupillometry to Assess the Atypical Pupillary Light Reflex and LC-NE System in ASD. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:E108. [PMID: 30469373 PMCID: PMC6262612 DOI: 10.3390/bs8110108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With recent advances in technology, there has been growing interest in use of eye-tracking and pupillometry to assess the visual pathway in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Within emerging literature, an atypical pupillary light reflex (PLR) has been documented, holding potential for use as a clinical screening biomarker for ASD. This review outlines dominant theories of neuropathology associated with ASD and integrates underlying neuroscience associated with the atypical PLR through a reciprocal model of brainstem involvement and cortical underconnectivity. This review draws from animal models of ASD demonstrating disruption of cranial motor nuclei and brain imaging studies examining arousal and the influence of the locus coeruleus norepinephrine (LC-NE) system on the pupillary response. Pupillometry methods are explained in relation to existing data examining the PLR in ASD and pupillary parameters of constriction latency and tonic pupil diameter as key parameters for investigation. This focused review provides preliminary data toward future work developing pupillometry metrics and offers direction for studies aimed at rigorous study replication using pupillometry with the ASD population. Experimental conditions and testing protocol for capturing pupil parameters with this clinical population are discussed to promote clinical research and translational application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Lynch
- Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99210-1495, USA.
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Yang C, Zhao W, Deng K, Zhou V, Zhou X, Hou Y. The association between air pollutants and autism spectrum disorders. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:15949-15958. [PMID: 28540549 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-8928-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are a member of the pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) that have been increasing dramatically since described by Leo Kanner in 1943. In the past decade, the number of epidemiological publications addressing air pollution exposures and autism has grown correspondingly, but the association is still unclear. Whether air pollutants play a causal role and which substances are related with autism requires further study. We systematically reviewed the literature from 2005 to 2016 in MEDLINE (National Library of Medicine), Web of Science, and PubMed and summarized the association between different air pollutants and autism. Furthermore, we further discussed the exposure time window and potential confounders that should be considered in the association analysis studies. Our objective is to summarize the association between different air pollutants and autism with literature, which has been published since 2005, and explore whether the exposure time window and potential confounders have influence on this association. These results could provide more comprehensive information about the association between air pollutants and autism and be helpful towards further validation study. Graphical abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Weiwei Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Kui Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Vanessa Zhou
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington Autism Center, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
| | - Xiaohua Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
| | - Yan Hou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Harbin, 150081, China.
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Sinclair D, Oranje B, Razak KA, Siegel SJ, Schmid S. Sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome-From the clinic to animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:235-253. [PMID: 27235081 PMCID: PMC5465967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brains are constantly flooded with sensory information that needs to be filtered at the pre-attentional level and integrated into endogenous activity in order to allow for detection of salient information and an appropriate behavioral response. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are often over- or under-reactive to stimulation, leading to a wide range of behavioral symptoms. This altered sensitivity may be caused by disrupted sensory processing, signal integration and/or gating, and is often being neglected. Here, we review translational experimental approaches that are used to investigate sensory processing in humans with ASD and FXS, and in relevant rodent models. This includes electroencephalographic measurement of event related potentials, neural oscillations and mismatch negativity, as well as habituation and pre-pulse inhibition of startle. We outline robust evidence of disrupted sensory processing in individuals with ASD and FXS, and in respective animal models, focusing on the auditory sensory domain. Animal models provide an excellent opportunity to examine common mechanisms of sensory pathophysiology in order to develop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinclair
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - B Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP A 01.126 Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Ndr. Ringvej 29-67, Glostrup, 2600, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Sensory Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K A Razak
- Psychology Department, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - S J Siegel
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Schmid
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, MSB 470, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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Kelemenova S, Ostatnikova D. Androgens Contribute to the Process of Neuronal Development: Implications in Explanation of Autism Pathogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/bf03379917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Fetal testosterone significantly influences the brain development. It affects number of neurons and conformation of dendritic spines within the sexual dimorphic preoptic area in the hypothalamus. Excessive testosterone levels in utero possibly contribute to the masculinization of the brain. Evidences of these facts are plausible in the anatomic field as well as behavioral effects both in rat models and in humans. Rats exposed to excessive testosterone doses in utero show masculinized brain anatomy and behavior, such as better spatial visualization performance typical for males. In humans, congenital adrenal hyperplasia that causes elevated androgen level possibly results in masculinized behavior observed in these individuals. There are reasons for the theory of the connection existence between testosterone influence on the brain functions and the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, pathogenesis of autism, the most genetic neurodevelopmental disease is discussed. Autism is a disease with broad genetic heterogeneity and polygenic inheritance. Autism associated genes are localized throughout the genome, with the chromosome 7q most frequently involved. One of these genes encodes reelin protein that is crucial for neuronal migration in the developing brain. The connection between androgens, neuronal migration and neurodevelopmental disorder pathophysiology is also discussed.
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Ecker C, Schmeisser MJ, Loth E, Murphy DG. Neuroanatomy and Neuropathology of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Humans. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:27-48. [PMID: 28551749 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is associated with differences in brain anatomy and connectivity. Yet, the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underpin the atypical developmental of the brain in ASD remain poorly understood. Here, we review the findings of in vivo neuroimaging studies examining the time course of atypical brain development in ASD and relate the different neurodevelopmental stages that are atypical in ASD to the known neurobiological mechanisms that drive the maturation of the typically developing brain. In particular, we focus on the notion of 'early brain overgrowth' in ASD, which may lead to differences in the formation of the brain's micro- and macro-circuitry. Moreover, we attempt to link the in vivo reports describing differences in brain anatomy and connectivity on the macroscopic level to the increasing number of post-mortem studies examining the neural architecture of the brain in ASD on the microscopic level. In addition, we discuss future directions and outstanding questions in this particular field of research and highlight the need for establishing the link between micro- and macro-pathology in the same set of individuals with ASD based on advances in genetic, molecular and imaging techniques. In combination, these may proof to be invaluable for patient stratification and the development of novel pharmacotherapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK.
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Eva Loth
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
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Györffy BA, Gulyássy P, Gellén B, Völgyi K, Madarasi D, Kis V, Ozohanics O, Papp I, Kovács P, Lubec G, Dobolyi Á, Kardos J, Drahos L, Juhász G, Kékesi KA. Widespread alterations in the synaptic proteome of the adolescent cerebral cortex following prenatal immune activation in rats. Brain Behav Immun 2016; 56:289-309. [PMID: 27058163 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have revealed associations between pre- and perinatal immune activation and the development of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Accordingly, neuroimmune crosstalk has a considerably large impact on brain development during early ontogenesis. While a plethora of heterogeneous abnormalities have already been described in established maternal immune activation (MIA) rodent and primate animal models, which highly correlate to those found in human diseases, the underlying molecular background remains obscure. In the current study, we describe the long-term effects of MIA on the neocortical pre- and postsynaptic proteome of adolescent rat offspring in detail. Molecular differences were revealed in sub-synaptic fractions, which were first thoroughly characterized using independent methods. The widespread proteomic examination of cortical samples from offspring exposed to maternal lipopolysaccharide administration at embryonic day 13.5 was conducted via combinations of different gel-based proteomic techniques and tandem mass spectrometry. Our experimentally validated proteomic data revealed more pre- than postsynaptic protein level changes in the offspring. The results propose the relevance of altered synaptic vesicle recycling, cytoskeletal structure and energy metabolism in the presynaptic region in addition to alterations in vesicle trafficking, the cytoskeleton and signal transduction in the postsynaptic compartment in MIA offspring. Differing levels of the prominent signaling regulator molecule calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II in the postsynapse was validated and identified specifically in the prefrontal cortex. Finally, several potential common molecular regulators of these altered proteins, which are already known to be implicated in schizophrenia and ASD, were identified and assessed. In summary, unexpectedly widespread changes in the synaptic molecular machinery in MIA rats were demonstrated which might underlie the pathological cortical functions that are characteristic of schizophrenia and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs A Györffy
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; MTA-ELTE NAP B Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Péter Gulyássy
- MTA-TTK NAP B MS Neuroproteomics Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Barbara Gellén
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; MTA-ELTE NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Katalin Völgyi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; MTA-ELTE NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Dóra Madarasi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Viktor Kis
- Department of Anatomy, Cell and Developmental Biology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Olivér Ozohanics
- MTA-TTK NAP B MS Neuroproteomics Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | | | | | - Gert Lubec
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna A-1090, Austria
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- MTA-ELTE NAP B Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - József Kardos
- MTA-ELTE NAP B Neuroimmunology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - László Drahos
- MTA-TTK NAP B MS Neuroproteomics Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Gábor Juhász
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; MTA-TTK NAP B MS Neuroproteomics Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest H-1117, Hungary
| | - Katalin A Kékesi
- Laboratory of Proteomics, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary; Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest H-1117, Hungary.
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Ben-Reuven L, Reiner O. Modeling the autistic cell: iPSCs recapitulate developmental principles of syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. Dev Growth Differ 2016; 58:481-91. [PMID: 27111774 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The opportunity to model autism spectrum disorders (ASD) through generation of patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is currently an emerging topic. Wide-scale research of altered brain circuits in syndromic ASD, including Rett Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Angelman's Syndrome and sporadic Schizophrenia, was made possible through animal models. However, possibly due to species differences, and to the possible contribution of epigenetics in the pathophysiology of these diseases, animal models fail to recapitulate many aspects of ASD. With the advent of iPSCs technology, 3D cultures of patient-derived cells are being used to study complex neuronal phenotypes, including both syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. Here, we review recent advances in using iPSCs to study various aspects of the ASD neuropathology, with emphasis on the efforts to create in vitro model systems for syndromic and nonsyndromic ASD. We summarize the main cellular activity phenotypes and aberrant genetic interaction networks that were found in iPSC-derived neurons of syndromic and nonsyndromic autistic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihi Ben-Reuven
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Orly Reiner
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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Control of Dendritic Spine Morphological and Functional Plasticity by Small GTPases. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:3025948. [PMID: 26989514 PMCID: PMC4775798 DOI: 10.1155/2016/3025948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural plasticity of excitatory synapses is a vital component of neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and behaviour. Abnormal development or regulation of excitatory synapses has also been strongly implicated in many neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. In the mammalian forebrain, the majority of excitatory synapses are located on dendritic spines, specialized dendritic protrusions that are enriched in actin. Research over recent years has begun to unravel the complexities involved in the regulation of dendritic spine structure. The small GTPase family of proteins have emerged as key regulators of structural plasticity, linking extracellular signals with the modulation of dendritic spines, which potentially underlies their ability to influence cognition. Here we review a number of studies that examine how small GTPases are activated and regulated in neurons and furthermore how they can impact actin dynamics, and thus dendritic spine morphology. Elucidating this signalling process is critical for furthering our understanding of the basic mechanisms by which information is encoded in neural circuits but may also provide insight into novel targets for the development of effective therapies to treat cognitive dysfunction seen in a range of neurological disorders.
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Yu C, King BH. Focus on Autism and Related Conditions. FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2016; 14:3-8. [PMID: 31975786 PMCID: PMC6524433 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20150030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent advances in genetics and brain imaging have expanded the understanding of autism spectrum disorder as a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder in both etiology and symptom severity. Such discoveries have caused changes in diagnostic criteria and are opening new doors for therapeutic options. This article examines the current understanding of autism spectrum disorder. This review includes estimates of prevalence, discussion of etiology, and current and evolving treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Yu
- The authors are with the Seattle Children's Autism Center, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital (e-mail: )
| | - Bryan H King
- The authors are with the Seattle Children's Autism Center, University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital (e-mail: )
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13
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Grayson DR, Guidotti A. Merging data from genetic and epigenetic approaches to better understand autistic spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2015; 8:85-104. [PMID: 26551091 PMCID: PMC4864049 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by a wide range of cognitive and behavioral abnormalities. Genetic research has identified large numbers of genes that contribute to ASD phenotypes. There is compelling evidence that environmental factors contribute to ASD through influences that differentially impact the brain through epigenetic mechanisms. Both genetic mutations and epigenetic influences alter gene expression in different cell types of the brain. Mutations impact the expression of large numbers of genes and also have downstream consequences depending on specific pathways associated with the mutation. Environmental factors impact the expression of sets of genes by altering methylation/hydroxymethylation patterns, local histone modification patterns and chromatin remodeling. Herein, we discuss recent developments in the research of ASD with a focus on epigenetic pathways as a complement to current genetic screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis R Grayson
- Department of Psychiatry, The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Alessandro Guidotti
- Department of Psychiatry, The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607, USA
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Hutsler JJ, Casanova MF. Review: Cortical construction in autism spectrum disorder: columns, connectivity and the subplate. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2015; 42:115-34. [PMID: 25630827 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The cerebral cortex undergoes protracted maturation during human development and exemplifies how biology and environment are inextricably intertwined in the construction of complex neural circuits. Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by a number of pathological changes arising from this developmental process. These include: (i) alterations to columnar structure that have significant implications for the organization of cortical circuits and connectivity; (ii) alterations to synaptic spines on individual cortical units that may underlie specific types of connectional changes; and (iii) alterations within the cortical subplate, a region that plays a role in proper cortical development and in regulating interregional communication in the mature brain. Although the cerebral cortex is not the only structure affected in the disorder, it is a fundamental contributor to the behaviours that characterize autism. These alterations to cortical circuitry likely underlie the behavioural phenotype in autism and contribute to the unique pattern of deficits and strengths that characterize cognitive functioning. Recent findings within the cortical subplate may indicate that alterations to cortical construction begin prenatally, before activity-dependent connections are established, and are in need of further study. A better understanding of cortical development in autism spectrum disorders will draw bridges between the microanatomical computational circuitry and the atypical behaviours that arise when that circuitry is modified. In addition, it will allow us to better exploit the constructional plasticity within the brain to design more targeted interventions that better manage atypical cortical construction and that can be applied very early in postnatal life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey J Hutsler
- Department of Psychology, Program in Neuroscience, University of Nevada, Reno, USA
| | - Manuel F Casanova
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, USA
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15
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Liew Z, Ritz B, von Ehrenstein OS, Bech BH, Nohr EA, Fei C, Bossi R, Henriksen TB, Bonefeld-Jørgensen EC, Olsen J. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and childhood autism in association with prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances: a nested case-control study in the Danish National Birth Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2015; 123:367-73. [PMID: 25616253 PMCID: PMC4383573 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1408412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent pollutants found to be endocrine disruptive and neurotoxic in animals. Positive correlations between PFASs and neurobehavioral problems in children were reported in cross-sectional data, but findings from prospective studies are limited. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether prenatal exposure to PFASs is associated with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or childhood autism in children. METHODS Among 83,389 mother-child pairs enrolled in the Danish National Birth Cohort during 1996-2002, we identified 890 ADHD cases and 301 childhood autism cases from the Danish National Hospital Registry and the Danish Psychiatric Central Registry. From this cohort, we randomly selected 220 cases each of ADHD and autism, and we also randomly selected 550 controls frequency matched by child's sex. Sixteen PFASs were measured in maternal plasma collected in early or mid-pregnancy. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) using generalized linear models, taking into account sampling weights. RESULTS Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were detected in all samples; four other PFASs were quantified in ≥ 90% of the samples. We did not find consistent evidence of associations between mother's PFAS plasma levels and ADHD [per natural log nanograms per milliliter increase: PFOS RR = 0.87 (95% CI: 0.74, 1.02); PFOA RR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.82, 1.16)] or autism [per natural log nanograms per milliliter increase: PFOS RR = 0.92 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.22); PFOA RR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.73, 1.31)]. We found positive as well as negative associations between higher PFAS quartiles and ADHD in models that simultaneously adjusted for all PFASs, but these estimates were imprecise. CONCLUSIONS In this study we found no consistent evidence to suggest that prenatal PFAS exposure increases the risk of ADHD or childhood autism in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyan Liew
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Navarro D, Alvarado M, Navarrete F, Giner M, Obregon MJ, Manzanares J, Berbel P. Gestational and early postnatal hypothyroidism alters VGluT1 and VGAT bouton distribution in the neocortex and hippocampus, and behavior in rats. Front Neuroanat 2015; 9:9. [PMID: 25741243 PMCID: PMC4330898 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2015.00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid hormones are fundamental for the expression of genes involved in the development of the CNS and their deficiency is associated with a wide spectrum of neurological diseases including mental retardation, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorders. We examined in rat whether developmental and early postnatal hypothyroidism affects the distribution of vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGluT1; glutamatergic) and vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (VGAT; GABAergic) immunoreactive (ir) boutons in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex, and the behavior of the pups. Hypothyroidism was induced by adding 0.02% methimazole (MMI) and 1% KClO4 to the drinking water starting at embryonic day 10 (E10; developmental hypothyroidism) and E21 (early postnatal hypothyroidism) until day of sacrifice at postnatal day 50. Behavior was studied using the acoustic prepulse inhibition (somatosensory attention) and the elevated plus-maze (anxiety-like assessment) tests. The distribution, density and size of VGluT1-ir and VGAT-ir boutons in the hippocampus and somatosensory cortex was abnormal in MMI pups and these changes correlate with behavioral changes, as prepulse inhibition of the startle response amplitude was reduced, and the percentage of time spent in open arms increased. In conclusion, both developmental and early postnatal hypothyroidism significantly decreases the ratio of GABAergic to glutamatergic boutons in dentate gyrus leading to an abnormal flow of information to the hippocampus and infragranular layers of the somatosensory cortex, and alter behavior in rats. Our data show cytoarchitectonic alterations in the basic excitatory hippocampal loop, and in local inhibitory circuits of the somatosensory cortex and hippocampus that might contribute to the delayed neurocognitive outcome observed in thyroid hormone deficient children born in iodine deficient areas, or suffering from congenital hypothyroidism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Navarro
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
| | - Mayvi Alvarado
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
- Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad VeracruzanaXalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasAlicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Giner
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
| | - Maria Jesus Obregon
- Instituto de investigaciones Biomédicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas and Universidad Autónoma de MadridMadrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientíficasAlicante, Spain
| | - Pere Berbel
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel HernándezAlicante, Spain
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Brick DJ, Nethercott HE, Montesano S, Banuelos MG, Stover AE, Schutte SS, O'Dowd DK, Hagerman RJ, Ono M, Hessl DR, Tassone F, Schwartz PH. The Autism Spectrum Disorders Stem Cell Resource at Children's Hospital of Orange County: Implications for Disease Modeling and Drug Discovery. Stem Cells Transl Med 2014; 3:1275-86. [PMID: 25273538 PMCID: PMC4214842 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2014-0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) comprise a set of neurodevelopmental disorders that are, at best, poorly understood but are the fastest growing developmental disorders in the United States. Because animal models of polygenic disorders such as the ASDs are difficult to validate, the derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by somatic cell reprogramming offers an alternative strategy for identifying the cellular mechanisms contributing to ASDs and the development of new treatment options. Access to statistically relevant numbers of ASD patient cell lines, however, is still a limiting factor for the field. We describe a new resource with more than 200 cell lines (fibroblasts, iPSC clones, neural stem cells, glia) from unaffected volunteers and patients with a wide range of clinical ASD diagnoses, including fragile X syndrome. We have shown that both normal and ASD-specific iPSCs can be differentiated toward a neural stem cell phenotype and terminally differentiated into action-potential firing neurons and glia. The ability to evaluate and compare data from a number of different cell lines will facilitate greater insight into the cause or causes and biology of the ASDs and will be extremely useful for uncovering new therapeutic and diagnostic targets. Some drug treatments have already shown promise in reversing the neurobiological abnormalities in iPSC-based models of ASD-associated diseases. The ASD Stem Cell Resource at the Children's Hospital of Orange County will continue expanding its collection and make all lines available on request with the goal of advancing the use of ASD patient cells as disease models by the scientific community.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Brick
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Hubert E Nethercott
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Samantha Montesano
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Maria G Banuelos
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alexander E Stover
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Soleil Sun Schutte
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Diane K O'Dowd
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michele Ono
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - David R Hessl
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Philip H Schwartz
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource, Centers for Neuroscience and Translational Research, Children's Hospital of Orange County Research Institute, Orange, California, USA; Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA; Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, Department of Pediatrics, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
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Berbel P, Navarro D, Román GC. An evo-devo approach to thyroid hormones in cerebral and cerebellar cortical development: etiological implications for autism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:146. [PMID: 25250016 PMCID: PMC4158880 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The morphological alterations of cortical lamination observed in mouse models of developmental hypothyroidism prompted the recognition that these experimental changes resembled the brain lesions of children with autism; this led to recent studies showing that maternal thyroid hormone deficiency increases fourfold the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), offering for the first time the possibility of prevention of some forms of ASD. For ethical reasons, the role of thyroid hormones on brain development is currently studied using animal models, usually mice and rats. Although mammals have in common many basic developmental principles regulating brain development, as well as fundamental basic mechanisms that are controlled by similar metabolic pathway activated genes, there are also important differences. For instance, the rodent cerebral cortex is basically a primary cortex, whereas the primary sensory areas in humans account for a very small surface in the cerebral cortex when compared to the associative and frontal areas that are more extensive. Associative and frontal areas in humans are involved in many neurological disorders, including ASD, attention deficit-hyperactive disorder, and dyslexia, among others. Therefore, an evo-devo approach to neocortical evolution among species is fundamental to understand not only the role of thyroid hormones and environmental thyroid disruptors on evolution, development, and organization of the cerebral cortex in mammals but also their role in neurological diseases associated to thyroid dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Berbel
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Daniela Navarro
- Departamento de Histología y Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Gustavo C. Román
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Methodist Neurological Institute, Houston, TX, USA
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19
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Stackpole EE, Akins MR, Fallon JR. N-myristoylation regulates the axonal distribution of the Fragile X-related protein FXR2P. Mol Cell Neurosci 2014; 62:42-50. [PMID: 25109237 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome, the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism, is caused by loss of function of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA binding protein that regulates local protein synthesis in the somatodendritic compartment. However, emerging evidence also indicates important roles for FMRP in axonal and presynaptic functions. In particular, FMRP and its homologue FXR2P localize axonally and presynaptically to discrete endogenous structures in the brain termed Fragile X granules (FXGs). FXR2P is a component of all FXGs and is necessary for the axonal and presynaptic localization of FMRP to these structures. We therefore sought to identify and characterize structural features of FXR2P that regulate its axonal localization. Sequence analysis reveals that FXR2P harbors a consensus N-terminal myristoylation sequence (MGXXXS) that is absent in FMRP. Using click chemistry with wild type and an unmyristoylatable G2A mutant we demonstrate that FXR2P is N-myristoylated on glycine 2, establishing it as a lipid-modified RNA binding protein. To investigate the role of FXR2P N-myristoylation in neurons we generated fluorescently tagged wild type and unmyristoylatable FXR2P (WT and G2A, respectively) and expressed them in primary cortical cultures. Both FXR2P(WT) and FXR2P(G2A) are expressed at equivalent overall levels and are capable of forming FMRP-containing axonal granules. However, FXR2P(WT) granules are largely restricted to proximal axonal segments while granules formed with unmyristoylatable FXR2P(G2A) are localized throughout the axonal arbor, including in growth cones. These studies indicate that N-terminal myristoylation of the RNA binding protein FXR2P regulates its localization within the axonal arbor. Moreover, since FMRP localization within axonal domains requires its association with FXR2P, these findings suggest that FXR2P lipid modification is a control point for the axonal and presynaptic distribution of FMRP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily E Stackpole
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Michael R Akins
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Justin R Fallon
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA.
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20
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Ghiretti AE, Paradis S. Molecular mechanisms of activity-dependent changes in dendritic morphology: role of RGK proteins. Trends Neurosci 2014; 37:399-407. [PMID: 24910262 PMCID: PMC4113564 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system has the amazing capacity to transform sensory experience from the environment into changes in neuronal activity that, in turn, cause long-lasting alterations in neuronal morphology. Recent findings indicate that, surprisingly, sensory experience concurrently activates molecular signaling pathways that both promote and inhibit dendritic complexity. Historically, a number of positive regulators of activity-dependent dendritic complexity have been described, whereas the list of identified negative regulators of this process is much shorter. In recent years, there has been an emerging appreciation of the importance of the Rad/Rem/Rem2/Gem/Kir (RGK) GTPases as mediators of activity-dependent structural plasticity. In the following review, we discuss the traditional view of RGK proteins, as well as our evolving understanding of the role of these proteins in instructing structural plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy E Ghiretti
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics, and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Suzanne Paradis
- Department of Biology, National Center for Behavioral Genomics, and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA.
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21
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Doyle-Thomas KA, Card D, Soorya LV, Wang AT, Fan J, Anagnostou E. Metabolic mapping of deep brain structures and associations with symptomatology in autism spectrum disorders. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2014; 8:44-51. [PMID: 24459534 PMCID: PMC3897261 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2013.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Structural neuroimaging studies in autism report atypical volume in deep brain structures which are related to symptomatology. Little is known about metabolic changes in these regions, and how they vary with age and sex, and/or relate to clinical behaviors. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy we measured N-acetylaspartate, choline, creatine, myoinositol and glutamate in the caudate, putamen, and thalamus of 20 children with autism and 16 typically developing controls (7-18 years). Relative to controls, individuals with autism had elevated glutamate/creatine in the putamen. In addition, both groups showed age-related increases in glutamate in this region. Boys, relative to girls had increased choline/creatine in the thalamus. Lastly, there were correlations between glutamate, choline, and myoinositol in all three regions, and behavioral scores in the ASD group. These findings suggest changes in deep gray matter neurochemistry, which are sensitive to diagnosis, age and sex, and are associated with behavioral differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krissy A.R. Doyle-Thomas
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1R8
| | - Dallas Card
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8
- Neurosciences & Mental Health Program, Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Canada M5G 1X8
| | - Latha V. Soorya
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - A. Ting Wang
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
| | - Jin Fan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Queens, NY 11367-1597, USA
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, 150 Kilgour Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 1R8
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Iodine Deficiency in Egyptian Autistic Children and Their Mothers: Relation to Disease Severity. Arch Med Res 2013; 44:555-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2013.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Zikopoulos B, Barbas H. Altered neural connectivity in excitatory and inhibitory cortical circuits in autism. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:609. [PMID: 24098278 PMCID: PMC3784686 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Converging evidence from diverse studies suggests that atypical brain connectivity in autism affects in distinct ways short- and long-range cortical pathways, disrupting neural communication and the balance of excitation and inhibition. This hypothesis is based mostly on functional non-invasive studies that show atypical synchronization and connectivity patterns between cortical areas in children and adults with autism. Indirect methods to study the course and integrity of major brain pathways at low resolution show changes in fractional anisotropy (FA) or diffusivity of the white matter in autism. Findings in post-mortem brains of adults with autism provide evidence of changes in the fine structure of axons below prefrontal cortices, which communicate over short- or long-range pathways with other cortices and subcortical structures. Here we focus on evidence of cellular and axon features that likely underlie the changes in short- and long-range communication in autism. We review recent findings of changes in the shape, thickness, and volume of brain areas, cytoarchitecture, neuronal morphology, cellular elements, and structural and neurochemical features of individual axons in the white matter, where pathology is evident even in gross images. We relate cellular and molecular features to imaging and genetic studies that highlight a variety of polymorphisms and epigenetic factors that primarily affect neurite growth and synapse formation and function in autism. We report preliminary findings of changes in autism in the ratio of distinct types of inhibitory neurons in prefrontal cortex, known to shape network dynamics and the balance of excitation and inhibition. Finally we present a model that synthesizes diverse findings by relating them to developmental events, with a goal to identify common processes that perturb development in autism and affect neural communication, reflected in altered patterns of attention, social interactions, and language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basilis Zikopoulos
- Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University Boston, MA, USA
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Essa MM, Subash S, Braidy N, Al-Adawi S, Lim CK, Manivasagam T, Guillemin GJ. Role of NAD(+), Oxidative Stress, and Tryptophan Metabolism in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Tryptophan Res 2013; 6:15-28. [PMID: 23922500 PMCID: PMC3729335 DOI: 10.4137/ijtr.s11355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neuro-developmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, reduced/absent verbal and non-verbal communication, and repetitive behavior during early childhood. The etiology of this developmental disorder is poorly understood, and no biomarkers have been identified. Identification of novel biochemical markers related to autism would be advantageous for earlier clinical diagnosis and intervention. Studies suggest that oxidative stress-induced mechanisms and reduced antioxidant defense, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired energy metabolism (NAD(+), NADH, ATP, pyruvate, and lactate), are major causes of ASD. This review provides renewed insight regarding current autism research related to oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and altered tryptophan metabolism in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Dept of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. ; School of Medical Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney, Australia
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25
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Esposito G, Paşca SP. Motor abnormalities as a putative endophenotype for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Integr Neurosci 2013; 7:43. [PMID: 23781177 PMCID: PMC3678087 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2013.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) represent a complex group of behaviorally defined conditions with core deficits in social communication and the presence of repetitive and restrictive behaviors. To date, neuropathological studies have failed to identify pathognomonic cellular features for ASDs and there remains a fundamental disconnection between the complex clinical aspects of ASDs and the underlying neurobiology. Although not listed among the core diagnostic domains of impairment in ASDs, motor abnormalities have been consistently reported across the spectrum. In this perspective article, we summarize the evidence that supports the use of motor abnormalities as a putative endophenotype for ASDs. We argue that because these motor abnormalities do not directly depend on social or linguistic development, they may serve as an early disease indicator. Furthermore, we propose that stratifying patients based on motor development could be useful not only as an outcome predictor and in identifying more specific treatments for different ASDs categories, but also in exposing neurobiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Esposito
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Unit for Affiliative Social BehaviorWako-Shi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sergiu P. Paşca
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanford, CA, USA
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26
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Lesiak A, Pelz C, Ando H, Zhu M, Davare M, Lambert TJ, Hansen KF, Obrietan K, Appleyard SM, Impey S, Wayman GA. A genome-wide screen of CREB occupancy identifies the RhoA inhibitors Par6C and Rnd3 as regulators of BDNF-induced synaptogenesis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64658. [PMID: 23762244 PMCID: PMC3675129 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 04/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin-regulated gene expression is believed to play a key role in long-term changes in synaptic structure and the formation of dendritic spines. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to induce increases in dendritic spine formation, and this process is thought to function in part by stimulating CREB-dependent transcriptional changes. To identify CREB-regulated genes linked to BDNF-induced synaptogenesis, we profiled transcriptional occupancy of CREB in hippocampal neurons. Interestingly, de novo motif analysis of hippocampal ChIP-Seq data identified a non-canonical CRE motif (TGGCG) that was enriched at CREB target regions and conferred CREB-responsiveness. Because cytoskeletal remodeling is an essential element of the formation of dendritic spines, within our screens we focused our attention on genes previously identified as inhibitors of RhoA GTPase. Bioinformatic analyses identified dozens of candidate CREB target genes known to regulate synaptic architecture and function. We showed that two of these, the RhoA inhibitors Par6C (Pard6A) and Rnd3 (RhoE), are BDNF-induced CREB-regulated genes. Interestingly, CREB occupied a cluster of non-canonical CRE motifs in the Rnd3 promoter region. Lastly, we show that BDNF-stimulated synaptogenesis requires the expression of Par6C and Rnd3, and that overexpression of either protein is sufficient to increase synaptogenesis. Thus, we propose that BDNF can regulate formation of functional synapses by increasing the expression of the RhoA inhibitors, Par6C and Rnd3. This study shows that genome-wide analyses of CREB target genes can facilitate the discovery of new regulators of synaptogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Lesiak
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Carl Pelz
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Hideaki Ando
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Mingyan Zhu
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Monika Davare
- Vollum Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Talley J. Lambert
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Katelin F. Hansen
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Karl Obrietan
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Suzanne M. Appleyard
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - Soren Impey
- Oregon Stem Cell Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GAW); (SI)
| | - Gary A. Wayman
- Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Pharmacology and Physiology, Program in Neuroscience, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail: (GAW); (SI)
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Abstract
Converging lines of evidence show that a sizable subset of autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) is characterized by increased blood levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), yet the mechanistic link between these two phenomena remains unclear. The enzymatic degradation of brain 5-HT is mainly mediated by monoamine oxidase (MAO)A and, in the absence of this enzyme, by its cognate isoenzyme MAOB. MAOA and A/B knockout (KO) mice display high 5-HT levels, particularly during early developmental stages. Here we show that both mutant lines exhibit numerous behavioural hallmarks of ASDs, such as social and communication impairments, perseverative and stereotypical responses, behavioural inflexibility, as well as subtle tactile and motor deficits. Furthermore, both MAOA and A/B KO mice displayed neuropathological alterations reminiscent of typical ASD features, including reduced thickness of the corpus callosum, increased dendritic arborization of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex and disrupted microarchitecture of the cerebellum. The severity of repetitive responses and neuropathological aberrances was generally greater in MAOA/B KO animals. These findings suggest that the neurochemical imbalances induced by MAOA deficiency (either by itself or in conjunction with lack of MAOB) may result in an array of abnormalities similar to those observed in ASDs. Thus, MAOA and A/B KO mice may afford valuable models to help elucidate the neurobiological bases of these disorders and related neurodevelopmental problems.
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28
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Akins MR, Leblanc HF, Stackpole EE, Chyung E, Fallon JR. Systematic mapping of fragile X granules in the mouse brain reveals a potential role for presynaptic FMRP in sensorimotor functions. J Comp Neurol 2013; 520:3687-706. [PMID: 22522693 DOI: 10.1002/cne.23123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Loss of Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability and autism. Although the functions of FMRP and its homologs FXR1P and FXR2P are well studied in the somatodendritic domain, recent evidence suggests that this family of RNA binding proteins also plays a role in the axonal and presynaptic compartments. Fragile X granules (FXGs) are morphologically and genetically defined structures containing Fragile X proteins that are expressed axonally and presynaptically in a subset of circuits. To further understand the role of presynaptic Fragile X proteins in the brain, we systematically mapped the FXG distribution in the mouse central nervous system. This analysis revealed both the circuits and the neuronal types that express FXGs. FXGs are enriched in circuits that mediate sensory processing and motor planning-functions that are particularly perturbed in FXS patients. Analysis of FXG expression in the hippocampus suggests that CA3 pyramidal neurons use presynaptic Fragile X proteins to modulate recurrent but not feedforward processing. Neuron-specific FMRP mutants revealed a requirement for neuronal FMRP in the regulation of FXGs. Finally, conditional FMRP ablation demonstrated that FXGs are expressed in axons of thalamic relay nuclei that innervate cortex, but not in axons of thalamic reticular nuclei, striatal nuclei, or cortical neurons that innervate thalamus. Together, these findings support the proposal that dysregulation of axonal and presynaptic Fragile X proteins contribute to the neurological symptoms of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Akins
- Department of Neuroscience, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, USA
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29
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Fujita E, Tanabe Y, Imhof BA, Momoi MY, Momoi T. A complex of synaptic adhesion molecule CADM1, a molecule related to autism spectrum disorder, with MUPP1 in the cerebellum. J Neurochem 2012; 123:886-94. [PMID: 22994563 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Revised: 06/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the synaptic adhesion protein CADM1 (RA175/SynCAM1) are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder of uncertain molecular origin. Cadm1-knock out (KO) mice exhibit smaller cerebella with decreased number of synapse of Purkinje cells and some ASD-like symptoms, including impaired ultrasonic vocalization. In this study, we examined the alteration of the Cadm1 synaptic complex in the mouse cerebellum at post-natal stages. The C-terminal peptide of Cadm1 associated with Mupp1 at PSD-95/Dlg/ZO-1 (PDZ)(1-5), a scaffold protein containing 13 PDZ domains, which interacted with gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor (GABBR)2 at PDZ13, but not with PSD-95. The GABBR2 was detected in a set of proteins interacting with Cadm1 C-terminal. Cadm1 colocalized with Mupp1 and GABBR2 on the dendrites of Purkinje cells in the molecular layers of the developing cerebellum and on the dendrites of hippocampal neurons cultured in vitro. These observations suggest that the Cadm1 synaptic receptor complex, including Mupp1-GABBR2, is located on the dendrites of Purkinje cells. The amount of GABBR2 protein, but not mRNA, was increased in the cerebella of Cadm1 KO mice, suggesting that lack of Cadm1 does not affect transcription of GABBR2, but may stabilize the Mupp1-GABBR2 complex; the Mupp1-GABBR2 interaction may be stabilized by conformational change in Mupp1 or association with other adhesion molecules and by anchorage to the post-synaptic membrane. Up-regulation of GABBR2 in the cerebellum in the absence of CADM1 may be associated with ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Fujita
- Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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30
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Reelin and its complex involvement in brain development and function. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2012; 44:1501-4. [PMID: 22705982 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2011] [Revised: 05/25/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Reelin is a neuroprotein with crucial role during neurodevelopment and also in postnatal period. It regulates neuronal migration and positioning in developing neocortex and cerebellar cortex. Postnatally it participates in regulation of dendritic and axonal growth, synaptogenesis, neurotransmission and it contribute to synaptic plasticity necessary for learning and memory functions. Role of Reelin seems to be rather complex, profound research gradually uncovers its further functions. Deficits of Reelin were detected in neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and autism. Pathogenesis of these disorders is far from being clearly understood. Reelin contribution to these diseases seems to be vital, since genetic variants of Reelin were associated with these diseases and often influence symptom severity. Reelin is a promising candidate molecule with potential future use in diagnostics and therapy, however further detailed research is essential.
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31
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is an X-linked autism-spectrum disorder caused by mutations in MECP2, encoding methyl CpG-binding protein 2. Since the discovery of MECP2 mutations as the genetic cause of Rett syndrome, the understanding of MeCP2 function has evolved. Although MeCP2 was predicted to be a global transcriptional repressor of methylated promoters, large-scale combined epigenomic approaches of MeCP2 binding, methylation and gene expression have demonstrated that MeCP2 binds preferentially to intergenic and intronic regions, and sparsely methylated promoters of active genes. This review compares the evolution of thought within two ‘classic’ epigenetic mechanisms of parental imprinting and X chromosome inactivation to that of the MeCP2 field, and considers the future relevance of integrated epigenomic databases to understanding autism and Rett syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M LaSalle
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology and Rowe Program in Human Genetics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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32
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Owens SE, Summar ML, Ryckman KK, Haines JL, Reiss S, Summar SR, Aschner M. Lack of association between autism and four heavy metal regulatory genes. Neurotoxicology 2011; 32:769-75. [PMID: 21798283 PMCID: PMC3206176 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2011.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental components. Though unproven, genetic susceptibility to high mercury (Hg) body burden has been suggested as an autism risk factor in a subset of children. We hypothesized that exposure to "safe" Hg levels could be implicated in the etiology of autism if genetic susceptibility altered Hg's metabolism or intracellular compartmentalization. Genetic sequences of four genes implicated in the transport and response to Hg were screened for variation and association with autism. LAT1 and DMT1 function in Hg transport, and Hg exposure induces MTF1 and MT1a. We identified and characterized 74 variants in MT1a, DMT1, LAT1 and MTF1. Polymorphisms identified through screening 48 unrelated individuals from the general and autistic populations were evaluated for differences in allele frequencies using Fisher's exact test. Three variants with suggestive p-values <0.1 and four variants with significant p-values <0.05 were followed-up with TaqMan genotyping in a larger cohort of 204 patients and 323 control samples. The pedigree disequilibrium test was used to examine linkage and association. Analysis failed to show association with autism for any variant evaluated in both the initial screening set and the expanded cohort, suggesting that variations in the ability of the four genes studied to process and transport Hg may not play a significant role in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Owens
- Department of Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Marshall L. Summar
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelli K. Ryckman
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Jonathan L. Haines
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sara Reiss
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Samantha R. Summar
- Center for Human Genetics Research, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Pediatric Toxicology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, USA
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33
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Fujita E, Tanabe Y, Momoi MY, Momoi T. Cntnap2 expression in the cerebellum of Foxp2(R552H) mice, with a mutation related to speech-language disorder. Neurosci Lett 2011; 506:277-80. [PMID: 22133810 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Revised: 11/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Foxp2(R552H) knock-in (KI) mice carrying a mutation related to human speech-language disorder exhibit impaired ultrasonic vocalization and poor Purkinje cell development. Foxp2 is a forkhead domain-containing transcriptional repressor that associates with its co-repressor CtBP; Foxp2(R552H) displays reduced DNA binding activity. A genetic connection between FOXP2 and CNTNAP2 has been demonstrated in vitro, but not in vivo. Here we show that Cntnap2 mRNA levels significantly increased in the cerebellum of Foxp2(R552H) KI pups, although the cerebellar population of Foxp2-positive Purkinje cells was very small. Furthermore, Cntnap2 immunofluorescence did not decrease in the poorly developed Purkinje cells of Foxp2(R552H) KI pups, although synaptophysin immunofluorescence decreased. Cntnap2 and CtBP were ubiquitously expressed, while Foxp2 co-localized with CtBP only in Purkinje cells. Taken together, these observations suggest that Foxp2 may regulate ultrasonic vocalization by associating with CtBP in Purkinje cells; Cntnap2 may be a target of this co-repressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Fujita
- Center for Medical Science, International University of Health and Welfare, 2600-1, Kitakanemaru, Ohtawara, Tochigi, Japan
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Azmitia EC, Singh JS, Hou XP, Wegiel J. Dystrophic serotonin axons in postmortem brains from young autism patients. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2011; 294:1653-62. [PMID: 21901837 PMCID: PMC4112519 DOI: 10.1002/ar.21243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism causes neuropathological changes in varied anatomical loci. A coherent neural mechanism to explain the spectrum of autistic symptomatology has not been proposed because most anatomical researchers focus on point-to-point functional neural systems (e.g., auditory and social networks) rather than considering global chemical neural systems. Serotonergic neurons have a global innervation pattern. Disorders Research Program, AS073234, Program Project (JW). Their cell bodies are found in the midbrain but they project their axons throughout the neural axis beginning in the fetal brain. This global system is implicated in autism by animal models and by biochemical, imaging, pharmacological, and genetics studies. However, no anatomical studies of the 5-HT innervation of autistic donors have been reported. Our review presents immunocytochemical evidence of an increase in 5-HT axons in postmortem brain tissue from autism donors aged 2.8-29 years relative to controls. This increase is observed in the principle ascending fiber bundles of the medial and lateral forebrain bundles, and in the innervation density of the amygdala and the piriform, superior temporal, and parahippocampal cortices. In autistic donors 8 years of age and up, several types of dystrophic 5-HT axons were seen in the termination fields. One class of these dystrophic axons, the thick heavily stained axons, was not seen in the brains of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide morphological evidence for the involvement of serotonin neurons in the early etiology of autism, and suggest new therapies may be effective to blunt serotonin's trophic actions during early brain development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrain C Azmitia
- Department of Biology, New York University, New York, 10003, USA.
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Expression profiling of autism candidate genes during human brain development implicates central immune signaling pathways. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24691. [PMID: 21935439 PMCID: PMC3174192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) represent a clinically heterogeneous set of conditions with strong hereditary components. Despite substantial efforts to uncover the genetic basis of ASD, the genomic etiology appears complex and a clear understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Autism remains elusive. We hypothesized that focusing gene interaction networks on ASD-implicated genes that are highly expressed in the developing brain may reveal core mechanisms that are otherwise obscured by the genomic heterogeneity of the disorder. Here we report an in silico study of the gene expression profile from ASD-implicated genes in the unaffected developing human brain. By implementing a biologically relevant approach, we identified a subset of highly expressed ASD-candidate genes from which interactome networks were derived. Strikingly, immune signaling through NFκB, Tnf, and Jnk was central to ASD networks at multiple levels of our analysis, and cell-type specific expression suggested glia--in addition to neurons--deserve consideration. This work provides integrated genomic evidence that ASD-implicated genes may converge on central cytokine signaling pathways.
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Sokol DK, Maloney B, Long JM, Ray B, Lahiri DK. Autism, Alzheimer disease, and fragile X: APP, FMRP, and mGluR5 are molecular links. Neurology 2011; 76:1344-52. [PMID: 21482951 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3182166dc7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present review highlights an association between autism, Alzheimer disease (AD), and fragile X syndrome (FXS). We propose a conceptual framework involving the amyloid-β peptide (Aβ), Aβ precursor protein (APP), and fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) based on experimental evidence. The anabolic (growth-promoting) effect of the secreted α form of the amyloid-β precursor protein (sAPPα) may contribute to the state of brain overgrowth implicated in autism and FXS. Our previous report demonstrated that higher plasma sAPPα levels associate with more severe symptoms of autism, including aggression. This molecular effect could contribute to intellectual disability due to repression of cell-cell adhesion, promotion of dense, long, thin dendritic spines, and the potential for disorganized brain structure as a result of disrupted neurogenesis and migration. At the molecular level, APP and FMRP are linked via the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). Specifically, mGluR5 activation releases FMRP repression of APP mRNA translation and stimulates sAPP secretion. The relatively lower sAPPα level in AD may contribute to AD symptoms that significantly contrast with those of FXS and autism. Low sAPPα and production of insoluble Aβ would favor a degenerative process, with the brain atrophy seen in AD. Treatment with mGluR antagonists may help repress APP mRNA translation and reduce secretion of sAPP in FXS and perhaps autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Sokol
- Department of Neurology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 791 Union Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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37
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Stephenson DT, O'Neill SM, Narayan S, Tiwari A, Arnold E, Samaroo HD, Du F, Ring RH, Campbell B, Pletcher M, Vaidya VA, Morton D. Histopathologic characterization of the BTBR mouse model of autistic-like behavior reveals selective changes in neurodevelopmental proteins and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Mol Autism 2011; 2:7. [PMID: 21575186 PMCID: PMC3135520 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2010] [Accepted: 05/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The inbred mouse strain BTBR T+ tf/J (BTBR) exhibits behavioral deficits that mimic the core deficits of autism. Neuroanatomically, the BTBR strain is also characterized by a complete absence of the corpus callosum. The goal of this study was to identify novel molecular and cellular changes in the BTBR mouse, focusing on neuronal, synaptic, glial and plasticity markers in the limbic system as a model for identifying putative molecular and cellular substrates associated with autistic behaviors. METHODS Forebrains of 8 to 10-week-old male BTBR and age-matched C57Bl/6J control mice were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using free-floating and paraffin embedded sections. Twenty antibodies directed against antigens specific to neurons, synapses and glia were used. Nissl, Timm and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) stains were performed to assess cytoarchitecture, mossy fibers and cholinergic fiber density, respectively. In the hippocampus, quantitative stereological estimates for the mitotic marker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were performed to determine hippocampal progenitor proliferation, survival and differentiation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA was quantified by in situ hybridization. Quantitative image analysis was performed for NG2, doublecortin (DCX), NeuroD, GAD67 and Poly-Sialic Acid Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (PSA-NCAM). RESULTS In midline structures including the region of the absent corpus callosum of BTBR mice, the myelin markers 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) and myelin basic protein (MBP) were reduced, and the oligodendrocyte precursor NG2 was increased. MBP and CNPase were expressed in small ectopic white matter bundles within the cingulate cortex. Microglia and astrocytes showed no evidence of gliosis, yet orientations of glial fibers were altered in specific white-matter areas. In the hippocampus, evidence of reduced neurogenesis included significant reductions in the number of doublecortin, PSA-NCAM and NeuroD immunoreactive cells in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, and a marked reduction in the number of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) positive progenitors. Furthermore, a significant and profound reduction in BDNF mRNA was seen in the BTBR dentate gyrus. No significant differences were seen in the expression of AchE, mossy fiber synapses or immunoreactivities of microtubule-associated protein MAP2, parvalbumin and glutamate decarboxylase GAD65 or GAD67 isoforms. CONCLUSIONS We documented modest and selective alterations in glia, neurons and synapses in BTBR forebrain, along with reduced neurogenesis in the adult hippocampus. Of all markers examined, the most distinctive changes were seen in the neurodevelopmental proteins NG2, PSA-NCAM, NeuroD and DCX. Our results are consistent with aberrant development of the nervous system in BTBR mice, and may reveal novel substrates to link callosal abnormalities and autistic behaviors. The changes that we observed in the BTBR mice suggest potential novel therapeutic strategies for intervention in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane T Stephenson
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Sharon M O'Neill
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Sapna Narayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Aadhya Tiwari
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Elizabeth Arnold
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Harry D Samaroo
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Fu Du
- FD Neurotechnologies, Inc, Ellicott City, MD 21041, USA
| | - Robert H Ring
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Brian Campbell
- Neuroscience Biology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, Eastern Point Road, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Mathew Pletcher
- Compound Safety Prediction Group, Pfizer Global Research & Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Vidita A Vaidya
- Department of Biological Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai 400005 India
| | - Daniel Morton
- Toxicologic Pathology, Pfizer Global Research and Development, 35 Cambridgepark Drive, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
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Dufour-Rainfray D, Vourc’h P, Tourlet S, Guilloteau D, Chalon S, Andres CR. Fetal exposure to teratogens: Evidence of genes involved in autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:1254-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Revised: 12/08/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Chauhan A, Gu F, Essa MM, Wegiel J, Kaur K, Brown WT, Chauhan V. Brain region-specific deficit in mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes in children with autism. J Neurochem 2011; 117:209-20. [PMID: 21250997 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07189.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria play important roles in generation of free radicals, ATP formation, and in apoptosis. We studied the levels of mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complexes, that is, complexes I, II, III, IV, and V, in brain tissue samples from the cerebellum and the frontal, parietal, occipital, and temporal cortices of subjects with autism and age-matched control subjects. The subjects were divided into two groups according to their ages: Group A (children, ages 4-10 years) and Group B (adults, ages 14-39 years). In Group A, we observed significantly lower levels of complexes III and V in the cerebellum (p<0.05), of complex I in the frontal cortex (p<0.05), and of complexes II (p<0.01), III (p<0.01), and V (p<0.05) in the temporal cortex of children with autism as compared to age-matched control subjects, while none of the five ETC complexes was affected in the parietal and occipital cortices in subjects with autism. In the cerebellum and temporal cortex, no overlap was observed in the levels of these ETC complexes between subjects with autism and control subjects. In the frontal cortex of Group A, a lower level of ETC complexes was observed in a subset of autism cases, that is, 60% (3/5) for complexes I, II, and V, and 40% (2/5) for complexes III and IV. A striking observation was that the levels of ETC complexes were similar in adult subjects with autism and control subjects (Group B). A significant increase in the levels of lipid hydroperoxides, an oxidative stress marker, was also observed in the cerebellum and temporal cortex in the children with autism. These results suggest that the expression of ETC complexes is decreased in the cerebellum and the frontal and temporal regions of the brain in children with autism, which may lead to abnormal energy metabolism and oxidative stress. The deficits observed in the levels of ETC complexes in children with autism may readjust to normal levels by adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abha Chauhan
- NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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Aziz A, Harrop SP, Bishop NE. DIA1R is an X-linked gene related to Deleted In Autism-1. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14534. [PMID: 21264219 PMCID: PMC3022024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are frequently occurring disorders diagnosed by deficits in three core functional areas: social skills, communication, and behaviours and/or interests. Mental retardation frequently accompanies the most severe forms of ASDs, while overall ASDs are more commonly diagnosed in males. Most ASDs have a genetic origin and one gene recently implicated in the etiology of autism is the Deleted-In-Autism-1 (DIA1) gene. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a bioinformatics-based approach, we have identified a human gene closely related to DIA1, we term DIA1R (DIA1-Related). While DIA1 is autosomal (chromosome 3, position 3q24), DIA1R localizes to the X chromosome at position Xp11.3 and is known to escape X-inactivation. The gene products are of similar size, with DIA1 encoding 430, and DIA1R 433, residues. At the amino acid level, DIA1 and DIA1R are 62% similar overall (28% identical), and both encode signal peptides for targeting to the secretory pathway. Both genes are ubiquitously expressed, including in fetal and adult brain tissue. Conclusions/Significance Examination of published literature revealed point mutations in DIA1R are associated with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) and DIA1R deletion is associated with syndromes with ASD-like traits and/or XLMR. Together, these results support a model where the DIA1 and DIA1R gene products regulate molecular traffic through the cellular secretory pathway or affect the function of secreted factors, and functional deficits cause disorders with ASD-like symptoms and/or mental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhari Aziz
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean P. Harrop
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naomi E. Bishop
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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41
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Srivastava DP, Penzes P. Rapid estradiol modulation of neuronal connectivity and its implications for disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:77. [PMID: 22654827 PMCID: PMC3356153 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens have multiple actions in the brain including modulating synaptic plasticity, connectivity, and cognitive behaviors. While the classical view of estrogens are as endocrine signals, whose effects manifest via the regulation of gene transcription, mounting evidence has been presented demonstrating that estrogens have rapid effects within specific areas of the brain. The emergence that 17 β-estradiol can be produced locally in the brain which can elicit rapid (within minutes) cellular responses has led to its classification as a neurosteroid. Moreover, recent studies have also begun to detail the molecular and cellular underpinnings of how 17 β-estradiol can rapidly modulate spiny synapses (dendritic spines). Remodeling of dendritic spines is a key step in the rewiring of neuronal circuitry thought to underlie the processing and storage of information in the forebrain. Conversely, abnormal remodeling of dendritic spines is thought to contribute to a number of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we review recent molecular and cellular work that offers a potential mechanism of how 17 β-estradiol may modulate synapse structure and function of cortical neurons. This mechanism allows cortical neurons to respond to activity-dependent stimuli with greater efficacy. In turn this form of plasticity may provide an insight into how 17 β-estradiol can modulate the rewiring of neuronal circuits, underlying its ability to influencing cortically based behaviors. We will then go on to discuss the potential role of 17 β-estradiol modulation of neural circuits and its potential relevance for the treatment of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak P. Srivastava
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
- Department of Neuroscience and Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour, The James Black Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College LondonLondon, UK
- *Correspondence: Deepak P. Srivastava, Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. e-mail:
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicago, IL, USA
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Kulesza RJ, Lukose R, Stevens LV. Malformation of the human superior olive in autistic spectrum disorders. Brain Res 2011; 1367:360-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Revised: 10/02/2010] [Accepted: 10/05/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Penzes P, Woolfrey KM, Srivastava DP. Epac2-mediated dendritic spine remodeling: implications for disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2010; 46:368-80. [PMID: 21115118 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2010.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the mammalian forebrain, most glutamatergic excitatory synapses occur on small dendritic protrusions called dendritic spines. Dendritic spines are highly plastic and can rapidly change morphology in response to numerous stimuli. This dynamic remodeling of dendritic spines is thought to be critical for information processing, memory and cognition. Conversely, multiple studies have revealed that neuropathologies such as autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are linked with alterations in dendritic spine morphologies and miswiring of neural circuitry. One compelling hypothesis is that abnormal dendritic spine remodeling is a key contributing factor for this miswiring. Ongoing research has identified a number of mechanisms that are critical for the control of dendritic spine remodeling. Among these mechanisms, regulation of small GTPase signaling by guanine-nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) is emerging as a critical mechanism for integrating physiological signals in the control of dendritic spine remodeling. Furthermore, multiple proteins associated with regulation of dendritic spine remodeling have also been implicated with multiple neuropathologies, including ASDs. Epac2, a GEF for the small GTPase Rap, has recently been described as a novel cAMP (yet PKA-independent) target localized to dendritic spines. Signaling via this protein in response to pharmacological stimulation or cAMP accumulation, via the dopamine D1/5 receptor, results in Rap activation, promotes structural destabilization, in the form of dendritic spine shrinkage, and functional depression due to removal of GluR2/3-containing AMPA receptors. In addition, Epac2 forms macromolecular complexes with ASD-associated proteins, which are sufficient to regulate Epac2 localization and function. Furthermore, rare non-synonymous variants of the EPAC2 gene associated with the ASD phenotype alter protein function, synaptic protein distribution, and spine morphology. We review here the role of Epac2 in the remodeling of dendritic spines under normal conditions, the mechanisms that underlie these effects, and the implications these disease-associated variants have on our understanding of the pathophysiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Fujita E, Dai H, Tanabe Y, Zhiling Y, Yamagata T, Miyakawa T, Tanokura M, Momoi MY, Momoi T. Autism spectrum disorder is related to endoplasmic reticulum stress induced by mutations in the synaptic cell adhesion molecule, CADM1. Cell Death Dis 2010; 1:e47. [PMID: 21364653 PMCID: PMC3032316 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2010.23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an unknown molecular pathogenesis. A recent molecular focus has been the mutated neuroligin 3, neuroligin 3(R451C), in gain-of-function studies and for its role in induced impairment of synaptic function, but endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by mutated molecules also deserves investigation. We previously found two missense mutations, H246N and Y251S, in the gene-encoding synaptic cell adhesion molecule-1 (CADM1) in ASD patients, including cleavage of the mutated CADM1 and its intracellular accumulation. In this study, we found that the mutated CADM1 showed slightly reduced homophilic interactions in vitro but that most of its interactions persist. The mutated CADM1 also showed morphological abnormalities, including shorter dendrites, and impaired synaptogenesis in neurons. Wild-type CADM1 was partly localized to the ER of C2C5 cells, whereas mutated CADM1 mainly accumulated in the ER despite different sensitivities toward 4-phenyl butyric acid with chemical chaperone activity and rapamycin with promotion activity for degradation of the aggregated protein. Modeling analysis suggested a direct relationship between the mutations and the conformation alteration. Both mutated CADM1 and neuroligin 3(R451C) induced upregulation of C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), an ER stress marker, suggesting that in addition to the trafficking impairment, this CHOP upregulation may also be involved in ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Fujita
- Division of Differentiation and Development, National Institute of Neuroscience, Kodaira, Tokyo, Japan
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45
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Genetic factors and epigenetic factors for autism: endoplasmic reticulum stress and impaired synaptic function. Cell Biol Int 2009; 34:13-9. [PMID: 20001973 DOI: 10.1042/cbi20090250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of ASD (autism spectrum disorder), one of the heritable neurodevelopmental disorders, is not well understood, although over 15 autistic-susceptible gene loci have been extensively studied. A major issue is whether the proteins that these candidate genes encode are involved in general function and signal transduction. Several mutations in genes encoding synaptic adhesion molecules such as neuroligin, neurexin, CNTNAP (contactin-associated protein) and CADM1 (cell-adhesion molecule 1) found in ASD suggest that impaired synaptic function is the underlying pathogenesis. However, knockout mouse models of these mutations do not show all of the autism-related symptoms, suggesting that gain-of-function in addition to loss-of-function arising from these mutations may be associated with ASD pathogenesis. Another finding is that family members with a given mutation frequently do not manifest autistic symptoms, which possibly may be because of gender effects, dominance theory and environmental factors, including hormones and stress. Thus epigenetic factors complicate our understanding of the relationship between these mutated genes and ASD pathogenesis. We focus in the present review on findings that ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress arising from these mutations causes a trafficking disorder of synaptic receptors, such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) B-receptors, and leads to their impaired synaptic function and signal transduction. In the present review we propose a hypothesis that ASD pathogenesis is linked not only to loss-of-function but also to gain-of-function, with an ER stress response to unfolded proteins under the influence of epigenetic factors.
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Djagaeva I, Doronkin S. COP9 limits dendritic branching via Cullin3-dependent degradation of the actin-crosslinking BTB-domain protein Kelch. PLoS One 2009; 4:e7598. [PMID: 19859546 PMCID: PMC2762543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Components of the COP9 signalosome (CSN), a key member of the conserved 26S proteasome degradation pathway, have been detected to be altered in patients of several debilitating syndromes. These findings suggest that CSN acts in neural circuits, but the exact function of CSN in brain remains unidentified. Previously, using Drosophila peripheral nervous system (PNS) as a model system, we determined that CSN is a critical regulator of dendritic morphogenesis. We found that defects in CSN led to the strikingly contrast phenotype of either reducing or stimulating dendritic branching. In particular, we have reported that CSN stimulates dendritic branching via Cullin1-mediated proteolysis. Here we describe that CSN inhibits dendritic arborization in PNS neurons acting via control of Cullin3 function: loss of Cullin3 causes excessive dendritic branching. We also identified a downstream target for Cullin3-dependent degradation in neurons – the actin-crosslinking BTB-domain protein Kelch. Inappropriate accumulation of Kelch, either due to the impaired Cullin3-dependent turnover, or ectopic expression of Kelch, leads to uncontrolled dendritic branching. These findings indicate that the CSN pathway modulates neuronal network in a multilayer manner, providing the foundation for new insight into the CSN role in human mental retardation disorders and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inna Djagaeva
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
| | - Sergey Doronkin
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Woolfrey KM, Srivastava DP, Photowala H, Yamashita M, Barbolina MV, Cahill ME, Xie Z, Jones KA, Quilliam LA, Prakriya M, Penzes P. Epac2 induces synapse remodeling and depression and its disease-associated forms alter spines. Nat Neurosci 2009; 12:1275-84. [PMID: 19734897 PMCID: PMC2754861 DOI: 10.1038/nn.2386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic remodeling of spiny synapses is crucial for cortical circuit development, refinement and plasticity, whereas abnormal morphogenesis is associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. We found that activation of Epac2, a PKA-independent cAMP target and Rap guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF), in cultured rat cortical neurons induced spine shrinkage, increased spine motility, removed synaptic GluR2/3-containing AMPA receptors and depressed excitatory transmission, whereas its inhibition promoted spine enlargement and stabilization. Epac2 was required for dopamine D1-like receptor-dependent spine shrinkage and GluR2 removal from spines. Epac2 interaction with neuroligin promoted its membrane recruitment and enhanced its GEF activity. Rare missense mutations in the EPAC2 (also known as RAPGEF4) gene, previously found in individuals with autism, affected basal and neuroligin-stimulated GEF activity, dendritic Rap signaling, synaptic protein distribution and spine morphology. Thus, we identify a previously unknown mechanism that promotes dynamic remodeling and depression of spiny synapses, disruption of which may contribute to some aspects of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin M Woolfrey
- Department of Physiology and Biological Chemistry, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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El-Ansary A, Al-Daihan S, Al-Dbass A, Al-Ayadhi L. Measurement of selected ions related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism in Saudi autistic children. Clin Biochem 2009; 43:63-70. [PMID: 19781542 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social and emotional deficits, language impairments and stereotyped behaviors that manifest in early postnatal life. This study aims to clarify the role of selected ions related to energy metabolism as a consequence of oxidative stress in the deterioration accompanied autism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Malonaldehyde as measure of lipid peroxidation, Na(+)/K(+) ion pump (ATPase), together with the concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and Pb(2+) were determined in plasma of 30 Saudi autistic patients and compared to 30 age-matching control samples. RESULTS The obtained data recorded that Saudi autistic patients have a remarkable higher activities of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and high levels of lipid peroxidation compared to control. In addition, they have significantly elevated levels of K(+) and Pb(2+) while Ca(2+) recorded a significantly lower level compared to age-matching control subjects. On the other hand both Mg(2+) and Na(+) were non-significantly changed in autistic patients. CONCLUSION Alteration of the selected measured ions confirms that oxidative stress and defective mitochondrial energy production could represent the primary causative factor in the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, PO Box 22452, Zip code 11495, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have examined brainstem volume in autism, results have been mixed and no investigation has specifically measured gray- and white-matter structures. The aim of this investigation was to assess gray- and white-matter volumes in children with autism. METHOD Subjects included 22 right-handed, non-mentally retarded boys with autism and 22 gender- and age-matched controls. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained using a 1.5-T scanner and volumetric measurements were performed using the BRAINS2 software package. Gray- and white-matter volumes were measured using a semi-automated segmentation process. RESULTS There were no significant differences in age and total brain volume (TBV) between the two groups but full-scale IQ was higher in controls. A decrease in brainstem gray-matter volume was observed in the autism group before and after controlling for TBV. No significant differences were observed in white-matter volume. A significant relationship was observed between brainstem gray-matter volume and oral sensory sensitivity as measured by the Sensory Profile Questionnaire (SPQ). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study are suggestive of brainstem abnormalities in autism involving gray-matter structures with evidence supporting the existence of a relationship between these alterations and sensory deficits. These results are consistent with previous investigations and support the existence of disturbances in brainstem circuitry thought to be implicated in the sensory dysfunction observed in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger J. Jou
- Child Study Center and Investigative Medicine Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nancy J. Minshew
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nadine M. Melhem
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
| | - Antonio Y. Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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50
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Benvenuto A, Moavero R, Alessandrelli R, Manzi B, Curatolo P. Syndromic autism: causes and pathogenetic pathways. World J Pediatr 2009; 5:169-76. [PMID: 19693459 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-009-0033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 03/18/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder known to have many different etiologies. In the last few years, significant progresses have been made in comprehending the causes of autism and their multiple impacts on the developing brain. This article aims to review the current understanding of the etiologies and the multiple pathogenetic pathways that are likely to lead to the autistic phenotype. DATA SOURCES The PubMed database was searched with the keywords "autism" and "chromosomal abnormalities", "metabolic diseases", "susceptibility loci". RESULTS Genetic syndromes, defined mutations, and metabolic diseases account for less than 20% of autistic patients. Alterations of the neocortical excitatory/inhibitory balance and perturbations of interneurons' development represent the most probable pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the autistic phenotype in fragile X syndrome and tuberous sclerosis complex. Chromosomal abnormalities and potential candidate genes are strongly implicated in the disruption of neural connections, brain growth and synaptic/dendritic morphology. Metabolic and mitochondrial defects may have toxic effects on the brain cells, causing neuronal loss and altered modulation of neurotransmission systems. CONCLUSIONS A wide variety of cytogenetic abnormalities have been recently described, particularly in the low functioning individuals with dysmorphic features. Routine metabolic screening studies should be performed in the presence of autistic regression or suggestive clinical findings. As etiologies of autism are progressively discovered, the number of individuals with idiopathic autism will progressively shrink. Studies of genetic and environmentally modulated epigenetic factors are beginning to provide some clues to clarify the complexities of autism pathogenesis. The role of the neuropediatrician will be to understand the neurological basis of autism, and to identify more homogenous subgroups with specific biologic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Benvenuto
- Department of Neuroscience, Pediatric Neurology Unit, Tor Vergata University, via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, RM, Italy
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