1
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Chaudry S, Vasudevan N. mTOR-Dependent Spine Dynamics in Autism. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:877609. [PMID: 35782388 PMCID: PMC9241970 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.877609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted range of interests. ASC are complex genetic disorders with moderate to high heritability, and associated with atypical patterns of neural connectivity. Many of the genes implicated in ASC are involved in dendritic spine pruning and spine development, both of which can be mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Consistent with this idea, human postmortem studies have shown increased spine density in ASC compared to controls suggesting that the balance between autophagy and spinogenesis is altered in ASC. However, murine models of ASC have shown inconsistent results for spine morphology, which may underlie functional connectivity. This review seeks to establish the relevance of changes in dendritic spines in ASC using data gathered from rodent models. Using a literature survey, we identify 20 genes that are linked to dendritic spine pruning or development in rodents that are also strongly implicated in ASC in humans. Furthermore, we show that all 20 genes are linked to the mTOR pathway and propose that the mTOR pathway regulating spine dynamics is a potential mechanism underlying the ASC signaling pathway in ASC. We show here that the direction of change in spine density was mostly correlated to the upstream positive or negative regulation of the mTOR pathway and most rodent models of mutant mTOR regulators show increases in immature spines, based on morphological analyses. We further explore the idea that these mutations in these genes result in aberrant social behavior in rodent models that is due to these altered spine dynamics. This review should therefore pave the way for further research on the specific genes outlined, their effect on spine morphology or density with an emphasis on understanding the functional role of these changes in ASC.
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2
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Napolitano A, Schiavi S, La Rosa P, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Petrillo S, Bottino F, Tagliente E, Longo D, Lupi E, Casula L, Valeri G, Piemonte F, Trezza V, Vicari S. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnostic, Neurobiological, and Behavioral Features. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:889636. [PMID: 35633791 PMCID: PMC9136002 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.889636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a worldwide prevalence of about 1%, characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, repetitive patterns of behaviors, and can be associated with hyper- or hypo-reactivity of sensory stimulation and cognitive disability. ASD comorbid features include internalizing and externalizing symptoms such as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, and attention problems. The precise etiology of ASD is still unknown and it is undoubted that the disorder is linked to some extent to both genetic and environmental factors. It is also well-documented and known that one of the most striking and consistent finding in ASD is the higher prevalence in males compared to females, with around 70% of ASD cases described being males. The present review looked into the most significant studies that attempted to investigate differences in ASD males and females thus trying to shade some light on the peculiar characteristics of this prevalence in terms of diagnosis, imaging, major autistic-like behavior and sex-dependent uniqueness. The study also discussed sex differences found in animal models of ASD, to provide a possible explanation of the neurological mechanisms underpinning the different presentation of autistic symptoms in males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Napolitano
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Piergiorgio La Rosa
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- NESMOS, Neuroradiology Department, S. Andrea Hospital Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Petrillo
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Bottino
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Tagliente
- Medical Physics Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Longo
- Neuroradiology Unit, Imaging Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Lupi
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Casula
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Valeri
- Head Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Piemonte
- Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Diseases Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Science Department, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Neuroscience Department, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Life Sciences and Public Health Department, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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3
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Assimopoulos S, Hammill C, Fernandes DJ, Spencer Noakes TL, Zhou YQ, Nutter LMJ, Ellegood J, Anagnostou E, Sled JG, Lerch JP. Genetic mouse models of autism spectrum disorder present subtle heterogenous cardiac abnormalities. Autism Res 2022; 15:1189-1208. [PMID: 35445787 PMCID: PMC9325472 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and congenital heart disease (CHD) are linked on a functional and genetic level. Most work has investigated CHD‐related neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Cardiac abnormalities in ASD have been less studied. We investigated the prevalence of cardiac comorbidities relative to ASD genetic contributors. Using high frequency ultrasound imaging, we screened 9 ASD‐related genetic mouse models (Arid1b(+/−), Chd8(+/−), 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Sgsh(−/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(+/−), Shank3 Δexon 4–9(−/−), Fmr1(−/−), Vps13b(+/−)), and pooled wild‐type littermates (WTs). We measured heart rate (HR), aorta diameter (AoD), thickness and thickening of the left‐ventricular (LV) anterior and posterior walls, LV chamber diameter, fractional shortening, stroke volume and cardiac output, mitral inflow Peak E and A velocity ratio, ascending aorta velocity time integral (VTI). Mutant groups presented small‐scale alterations in cardiac structure and function compared to WTs (LV anterior wall thickness and thickening, chamber diameter and fractional shortening, HR). A greater number of significant differences was observed among mutant groups than between mutant groups and WTs. Mutant groups differed primarily in structural measures (LV chamber diameter and anterior wall thickness, HR, AoD). The mutant groups with most differences to WTs were 16p11.2 (deletion), Fmr1(−/−), Arid1b(+/−). The mutant groups with most differences from other mutant groups were 16p11.2 (deletion), Sgsh(+/−), Fmr1(−/−). Our results recapitulate the associated clinical findings. The characteristic ASD heterogeneity was recapitulated in the cardiac phenotype. The type of abnormal measures (morphological, functional) can highlight common underlying mechanisms. Clinically, knowledge of cardiac abnormalities in ASD can be essential as even non‐lethal abnormalities impact normal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephania Assimopoulos
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher Hammill
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Darren J Fernandes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Leigh Spencer Noakes
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yu-Qing Zhou
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lauryl M J Nutter
- Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Centre for Phenogenomics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - John G Sled
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Sickkids Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, The University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Deng Z, Zhou X, Lu JH, Yue Z. Autophagy deficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:214. [PMID: 34920755 PMCID: PMC8684077 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cell self-digestion pathway through lysosome and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and cytoprotection. Characterization of autophagy related genes in cell and animal models reveals diverse physiological functions of autophagy in various cell types and tissues. In central nervous system, by recycling injured organelles and misfolded protein complexes or aggregates, autophagy is integrated into synaptic functions of neurons and subjected to distinct regulation in presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal compartments. A plethora of studies have shown the neuroprotective function of autophagy in major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent human genetic and genomic evidence has demonstrated an emerging, significant role of autophagy in human brain development and prevention of spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we will review the evidence demonstrating the causal link of autophagy deficiency to congenital brain diseases, the mechanism whereby autophagy functions in neurodevelopment, and therapeutic potential of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.,Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, 999078, China.
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of Neurology, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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5
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Biosca-Brull J, Pérez-Fernández C, Mora S, Carrillo B, Pinos H, Conejo NM, Collado P, Arias JL, Martín-Sánchez F, Sánchez-Santed F, Colomina MT. Relationship between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Pesticides: A Systematic Review of Human and Preclinical Models. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105190. [PMID: 34068255 PMCID: PMC8153127 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex set of neurodevelopmental pathologies characterized by impoverished social and communicative abilities and stereotyped behaviors. Although its genetic basis is unquestionable, the involvement of environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides has also been proposed. Despite the systematic analyses of this relationship in humans, there are no specific reviews including both human and preclinical models. The present systematic review summarizes, analyzes, and discusses recent advances in preclinical and epidemiological studies. We included 45 human and 16 preclinical studies. These studies focused on Organophosphates (OP), Organochlorine (OC), Pyrethroid (PT), Neonicotinoid (NN), Carbamate (CM), and mixed exposures. Preclinical studies, where the OP Chlorpyrifos (CPF) compound is the one most studied, pointed to an association between gestational exposure and increased ASD-like behaviors, although the data are inconclusive with regard to other ages or pesticides. Studies in humans focused on prenatal exposure to OP and OC agents, and report cognitive and behavioral alterations related to ASD symptomatology. The results of both suggest that gestational exposure to certain OP agents could be linked to the clinical signs of ASD. Future experimental studies should focus on extending the analysis of ASD-like behaviors in preclinical models and include exposure patterns similar to those observed in human studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Biosca-Brull
- Department of Psychology, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
- Research in Neurobehavior, Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Cristian Pérez-Fernández
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (C.P.-F.); (S.M.)
| | - Santiago Mora
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (C.P.-F.); (S.M.)
| | - Beatriz Carrillo
- Department of Psychobiology, University Institute of Research-UNED-Institute of Health Carlos III (IMIENS), National Distance Education University (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain; (B.C.); (H.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Helena Pinos
- Department of Psychobiology, University Institute of Research-UNED-Institute of Health Carlos III (IMIENS), National Distance Education University (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain; (B.C.); (H.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Nelida Maria Conejo
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (N.M.C.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Paloma Collado
- Department of Psychobiology, University Institute of Research-UNED-Institute of Health Carlos III (IMIENS), National Distance Education University (UNED), 28015 Madrid, Spain; (B.C.); (H.P.); (P.C.)
| | - Jorge L. Arias
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Instituto de Neurociencias del Principado de Asturias (INEUROPA), University of Oviedo, 33011 Oviedo, Spain; (N.M.C.); (J.L.A.)
| | - Fernando Martín-Sánchez
- National Scholl of Public Health, Institute of Health Carlos III, University Institute of Research-UNED-Institute of Health Carlos III (IMIENS), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Fernando Sánchez-Santed
- Department of Psychology, Health Research Center (CEINSA), Almeria University, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (C.P.-F.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (M.T.C.)
| | - Maria Teresa Colomina
- Department of Psychology, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain;
- Research in Neurobehavior, Health (NEUROLAB), Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43007 Tarragona, Spain
- Correspondence: (F.S.-S.); (M.T.C.)
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6
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Fertan E, Wong AA, Purdon MK, Weaver ICG, Brown RE. The effect of background strain on the behavioral phenotypes of the MDGA2 +/- mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 20:e12696. [PMID: 32808443 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The membrane-associated mucin (MAM) domain containing glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor 2 protein single knock-out mice (MDGA2+/- ) are models of ASD. We examined the behavioral phenotypes of male and female MDGA2+/- and wildtype mice on C57BL6/NJ and C57BL6/N backgrounds at 2 months of age and measured MDGA2, neuroligin 1 and neuroligin 2 levels at 7 months. Mice on the C57BL6/NJ background performed better than those on the C57BL6/N background in visual ability and in learning and memory performance in the Morris water maze and differed in measures of motor behavior and anxiety. Mice with the MDGA2+/- genotype differed from WT mice in motor, social and repetitive behavior and anxiety, but most of these effects involved interactions between MDGA2+/- genotype and background strain. The background strain also influenced MDGA2 levels and NLGN2 association in MDGA2+/- mice. Our findings emphasize the importance of the background strain used in studies of genetically modified mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Fertan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Aimée A Wong
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Michaela K Purdon
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Ian C G Weaver
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Brain Repair Centre, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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7
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de Abreu MS, C V V Giacomini A, Genario R, Fontana BD, Parker MO, Marcon L, Scolari N, Bueno B, Demin KA, Galstyan D, Kolesnikova TO, Amstislavskaya TG, Zabegalov KN, Strekalova T, Kalueff AV. Zebrafish models of impulsivity and impulse control disorders. Eur J Neurosci 2020; 52:4233-4248. [PMID: 32619029 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are characterized by generalized difficulty controlling emotions and behaviors. ICDs are a broad group of the central nervous system (CNS) disorders including conduct disorder, intermittent explosive, oppositional-defiant disorder, antisocial personality disorder, kleptomania, pyromania and other illnesses. Although they all share a common feature (aberrant impulsivity), their pathobiology is complex and poorly understood. There are also currently no ICD-specific therapies to treat these illnesses. Animal models are a valuable tool for studying ICD pathobiology and potential therapies. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a useful model organism to study CNS disorders due to high genetic and physiological homology to mammals, and sensitivity to various pharmacological and genetic manipulations. Here, we summarize experimental models of impulsivity and ICD in zebrafish and highlight their growing translational significance. We also emphasize the need for further development of zebrafish ICD models to improve our understanding of their pathogenesis and to search for novel therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo S de Abreu
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.,The International Zebrafish Neuroscience Research Consortium (ZNRC), Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Ana C V V Giacomini
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program in Environmental Sciences, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Genario
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, UK
| | - Leticia Marcon
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Naiara Scolari
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Barbara Bueno
- Bioscience Institute, University of Passo Fundo, Passo Fundo, Brazil
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - David Galstyan
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Tatyana O Kolesnikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Center, Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | | | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, University of Würzburg, Moscow, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- School of Pharmacy, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.,Laboratory of Petrochemistry, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
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8
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Sathyanesan A, Zhou J, Scafidi J, Heck DH, Sillitoe RV, Gallo V. Emerging connections between cerebellar development, behaviour and complex brain disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2019; 20:298-313. [PMID: 30923348 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-019-0152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The human cerebellum has a protracted developmental timeline compared with the neocortex, expanding the window of vulnerability to neurological disorders. As the cerebellum is critical for motor behaviour, it is not surprising that most neurodevelopmental disorders share motor deficits as a common sequela. However, evidence gathered since the late 1980s suggests that the cerebellum is involved in motor and non-motor function, including cognition and emotion. More recently, evidence indicates that major neurodevelopmental disorders such as intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and Down syndrome have potential links to abnormal cerebellar development. Out of recent findings from clinical and preclinical studies, the concept of the 'cerebellar connectome' has emerged that can be used as a framework to link the role of cerebellar development to human behaviour, disease states and the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Sathyanesan
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Joy Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joseph Scafidi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA.,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Detlef H Heck
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Roy V Sillitoe
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute of Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's Research Institute, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC, USA. .,George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
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9
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Topál J, Román V, Turcsán B. The dog (Canis familiaris) as a translational model of autism: It is high time we move from promise to reality. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. COGNITIVE SCIENCE 2019; 10:e1495. [PMID: 30762306 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.1495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Selecting appropriate animal models for a particular human phenomenon is a difficult but important challenge. The difficulty lies in finding animal behaviors that are not only sufficiently relevant and analog to the complex human symptoms (face validity) but also have similar underlying biological and etiological mechanisms (translational or construct validity), and have "human-like" responses to treatment (predictive validity). Over the past several years, the domestic dog (Canis familiaris) has become increasingly proposed as a model for comparative and translational neuroscience. In parallel to the recent advances in canine behavior research, dogs have also been proposed as a model of many human neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this opinion paper we will shortly discuss the challenging nature of autism research then summarize the different neurocognitive frameworks for ASD making the case for a canine model of autism. The translational value of a dog model stems from the recognition that (a) there is a large inter-individual variability in the manifestation of dogs' social cognitive abilities including both high and low phenotypic extremes; (b) the phenotypic similarity between the dog and human symptoms are much higher than between the rodent and human symptoms; (c) the symptoms are functionally analogous to the human condition; and (d) more likely to have similar etiology. This article is categorized under: Psychology > Comparative Psychology Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- József Topál
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Román
- Laboratory of Neurodevelopmental Biology, Chemical Works of Gedeon Richter Plc., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Borbála Turcsán
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Kanner S, Goldin M, Galron R, Ben Jacob E, Bonifazi P, Barzilai A. Astrocytes restore connectivity and synchronization in dysfunctional cerebellar networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:8025-8030. [PMID: 30012604 PMCID: PMC6077713 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1718582115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that astrocytes play key roles in structural and functional organization of neuronal circuits. To understand how astrocytes influence the physiopathology of cerebellar circuits, we cultured cells from cerebella of mice that lack the ATM gene. Mutations in ATM are causative of the human cerebellar degenerative disease ataxia-telangiectasia. Cerebellar cultures grown from Atm-/- mice had disrupted network synchronization, atrophied astrocytic arborizations, reduced autophagy levels, and higher numbers of synapses per neuron than wild-type cultures. Chimeric circuitries composed of wild-type astrocytes and Atm-/- neurons were indistinguishable from wild-type cultures. Adult cerebellar characterizations confirmed disrupted astrocyte morphology, increased GABAergic synaptic markers, and reduced autophagy in Atm-/- compared with wild-type mice. These results indicate that astrocytes can impact neuronal circuits at levels ranging from synaptic expression to global dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sivan Kanner
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Miri Goldin
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Computational Neuroimaging Laboratory, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, 48903 Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain
| | - Ronit Galron
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eshel Ben Jacob
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Paolo Bonifazi
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel;
- Computational Neuroimaging Laboratory, Biocruces Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, 48903 Baracaldo, Vizcaya, Spain
- Ikerbasque: The Basque Foundation for Science, 48013 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ari Barzilai
- Department of Neurobiology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel;
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel
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Wu H, Zhang Q, Gao J, Sun C, Wang J, Xia W, Cao Y, Hao Y, Wu L. Modulation of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) attenuates spatial learning and memory impairments in the valproic acid rat model of autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:873-886. [PMID: 29218394 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4805-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a set of pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that manifest in early childhood, and it is growing up to be a major cause of disability in children. However, the etiology and treatment of ASD are not well understood. In our previous study, we found that serum levels of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) were increased significantly in children with autism, indicating that S1P levels may be involved in ASD. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify a link between increased levels of S1P and neurobehavioral changes in autism. METHODS We utilized a valproic acid (VPA) -induced rat model of autism to evaluate the levels of S1P and the expression of sphingosine kinase (SphK), a key enzyme for S1P production, in serum and hippocampal tissue. Furthermore, we assessed cognitive functional changes and histopathological and neurochemical alterations in VPA-exposed rats after SphK blockade to explore the possible link between increased levels of S1P and neurobehavioral changes in autism. RESULTS We found that SphK2 and S1P are upregulated in hippocampal tissue from VPA-exposed rats, while pharmacological inhibition of SphK reduced S1P levels, attenuated spatial learning and memory impairments, increased the expression of phosphorylated CaMKII and CREB and autophagy-related proteins, inhibited cytochrome c release, decreased the expression of apoptosis related proteins, and protected against neuronal loss in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that an increased level of SphK2/S1P is involved in the spatial learning and memory impairments of autism, and this signaling pathway represents a novel therapeutic target and direction for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongmei Wu
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Quanzhi Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China.,Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Jingquan Gao
- Department of Nursing, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Yonggang Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, Harbin Medical University in Daqing, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Yanqiu Hao
- Department of pediatrics, The 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, 157 Baojian Road, Nangang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150081, China.
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Mony TJ, Hong M, Lee HJ. Empathy Study in Rodent Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Psychiatry Investig 2018; 15:104-110. [PMID: 29475229 PMCID: PMC5900397 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2017.06.20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a highly cognitive and social context to empathy behavior in human. In various social contexts, rodents also display remarkable affective sensitivity and exhibit primitive forms of empathy similar to human. Therefore, we aimed to elaborate the concept of empathy about various components of empathetic behavior in rodents with the similar contexts of a human. In this review, we highlighted the behavioral paradigm that already examined different aspects of rodent empathetic behavior in response to conspecific distress. Additionally, we summarized homologous brain parts of human and rodents to express the empathetic behavior. Integrating the findings with corresponding experiments in the human will provide a novel insight into therapeutic intervention or expanded experimental approaches for neuropsychiatric disorders like autism spectrum disorders associated with empathetic behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamanna Jahan Mony
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Minha Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Seonam University, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jae Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
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Hisaoka T, Komori T, Kitamura T, Morikawa Y. Abnormal behaviours relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders in Kirrel3-knockout mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1408. [PMID: 29362445 PMCID: PMC5780462 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19844-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In the nervous system, Kirrel3 is involved in neuronal migration, axonal fasciculation, and synapse formation. Recently, genetic links have been reported between mutations in the KIRREL3 gene and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability. To elucidate the causal relationship between KIRREL3 deficiency and behavioural abnormalities relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders, we generated global Kirrel3-knockout (Kirrel3−/−) mice and investigated the detailed behavioural phenotypes. In the three-chambered social approach test, Kirrel3−/− mice displayed a significant preference for a mouse over a non-social object but no significant preference for a stranger mouse over a familiar mouse. Ultrasonic communications, including pup-to-mother calls, male-female courtship vocalisation and resident responses to intruder, were significantly impaired in Kirrel3−/− mice. Significant increases in locomotor activity and repetitive rearing were also observed in Kirrel3−/− mice. Furthermore, the performance of Kirrel3−/− mice in the rotarod test was significantly better than that of wild-type mice. In the acoustic startle test, Kirrel3−/− mice were significantly hypersensitive to acoustic stimuli. Anxiety-related behaviours and spatial or fear memory acquisition were normal in Kirrel3−/− mice. These findings suggest that Kirrel3−/− mice exhibit autistic-like behaviours, including social and communicative deficits, repetitive behaviours, and sensory abnormalities, as well as hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Hisaoka
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Tadasuke Komori
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Advanced Clinical Research Center, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 108-8639, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Morikawa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Wakayama Medical University, 811-1 Kimiidera, Wakayama, 641-8509, Japan.
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Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Crawley JN. Behavioral Phenotyping Assays for Genetic Mouse Models of Neurodevelopmental, Neurodegenerative, and Psychiatric Disorders. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 5:371-389. [PMID: 28199172 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Animal models offer heuristic research tools to understand the causes of human diseases and to identify potential treatments. With rapidly evolving genetic engineering technologies, mutations identified in a human disorder can be generated in the mouse genome. Phenotypic outcomes of the mutation are then explicated to confirm hypotheses about causes and to discover effective therapeutics. Most neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders are diagnosed primarily by their prominent behavioral symptoms. Mouse behavioral assays analogous to the human symptoms have been developed to analyze the consequences of mutations and to evaluate proposed therapeutics preclinically. Here we describe the range of mouse behavioral tests available in the established behavioral neuroscience literature, along with examples of their translational applications. Concepts presented have been successfully used in other species, including flies, worms, fish, rats, pigs, and nonhuman primates. Identical strategies can be employed to test hypotheses about environmental causes and gene × environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817;
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15
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Immature Neurons and Radial Glia, But Not Astrocytes or Microglia, Are Altered in Adult Cntnap2 and Shank3 Mice, Models of Autism. eNeuro 2016; 3:eN-CFN-0196-16. [PMID: 27785461 PMCID: PMC5066262 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0196-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often associated with cognitive deficits and excessive anxiety. Neuroimaging studies have shown atypical structure and neural connectivity in the hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and striatum, regions associated with cognitive function and anxiety regulation. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis is involved in many behaviors that are disrupted in ASD, including cognition, anxiety, and social behaviors. Additionally, glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, are important for modulating neural connectivity during development, and glial dysfunction has been hypothesized to be a key contributor to the development of ASD. Cells with astroglial characteristics are known to serve as progenitor cells in the developing and adult brain. Here, we examined adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, as well as astroglia and microglia in the hippocampus, mPFC, and striatum of two models that display autism-like phenotypes, Cntnap2-/- and Shank3+/ΔC transgenic mice. We found a substantial decrease in the number of immature neurons and radial glial progenitor cells in the ventral hippocampus of both transgenic models compared with wild-type controls. No consistent differences were detected in the number or size of astrocytes or microglia in any other brain region examined. Future work is needed to explore the functional contribution of adult neurogenesis to autism-related behaviors as well as to temporally characterize glial plasticity as it is associated with ASD.
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Jaber M. [The cerebellum as a major player in motor disturbances related to Autistic Syndrome Disorders]. Encephale 2016; 43:170-175. [PMID: 27616580 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2016.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
SCIENTIFIC BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders associated with disturbances in communication, social interactions, cognition and affect. ASD are also accompanied by complex movement disorders, including ataxia. A special focus of recent research in this area is made on the striatum and the cerebellum, two structures known not only to control movement but also to be involved in cognitive functions such as memory and language. Dysfunction within the motor system may be associated with abnormal movements in ASD that are translated into ataxia, abnormal pattern of righting, gait sequencing, development of walking, and hand positioning. This line of study may generate new knowledge and understanding of motor symptoms associated with ASD and aims to deliver fresh perspectives for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies against ASD. AIMS OF THE REVIEW Despite the relative paucity of research in this area (compared to the social, linguistic, and behavioural disturbances in ASD), there is evidence that the frontostriatal motor system and/or the cerebellar motor systems may be the site of dysfunction in ASD. Indeed, the cerebellum seems to be essential in the development of basic social capabilities, communication, repetitive/restrictive behaviors, and motor and cognitive behaviors that are all impaired in ASD. Cerebellar neuropathology including cerebellar hypoplasia and reduced cerebellar Purkinje cell numbers are the most consistent neuropathologies linked to ASD. The functional state of the cerebellum and its impact on brain function in ASD is the focus of this review. This review starts by recapitulating historical findings pointing towards an implication of the cerebellum, and to a lesser extent the basal ganglia structures, in TSA. We then detail the structure/function of the cerebellum at the regional and cellular levels before describing human and animal findings indicating a role of the cerebellum and basal ganglia in ASD. HUMAN AND ANIMAL FINDINGS Several studies have attempted to identify the nature of the motor system dysfunction in ASD, and it became apparent that the motor fronto-striatal and cerebellar systems are major sites of dysfunction in this psychiatric illness. Anomalies in these structures have been revealed both at the anatomical and functional levels in human patients as well as in animal models. These models are obtained by manipulation of genes that are often implicated in glutamate transmission, by lesions of brain structures among which the cerebellum, by pharmacological treatment with drugs such as the Valproate or by maternal infections with bacterial membrane extracts of double stranded RNA mimicking a viral infection. CONCLUSION The "cognitive approach" has dominated ASD research for three decades and led to the design of interventional strategies, which have yielded satisfactory results. Nevertheless, new approaches and alternative hypotheses on the aetiology and diagnosis of ASD are needed. Research focused on motor rather than psychiatric symptoms may have a greater potential to elucidate the neurobiological basis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Jaber
- Inserm U-1084, laboratoire de neurosciences expérimentales et cliniques, LNEC, université de Poitiers, CHU de Poitiers, bâtiment B36, 1, rue Georges-Bonnet, BP 633, TSA 51106, 86022 Poitiers cedex, France.
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Exploiting aberrant mRNA expression in autism for gene discovery and diagnosis. Hum Genet 2016; 135:797-811. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-016-1673-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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