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Perrino PA, Chasse RY, Monaco AP, Molnár Z, Velayos‐Baeza A, Fitch RH. Rapid auditory processing and medial geniculate nucleus anomalies in Kiaa0319 knockout mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12808. [PMID: 35419947 PMCID: PMC9744489 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in reading and writing. Although underlying biological and genetic mechanisms remain unclear, anomalies in phonological processing and auditory processing have been associated with dyslexia. Several candidate risk genes have also been identified, with KIAA0319 as a main candidate. Animal models targeting the rodent homolog (Kiaa0319) have been used to explore putative behavioral and anatomic anomalies, with mixed results. For example after downregulation of Kiaa0319 expression in rats via shRNA, significant adult rapid auditory processing impairments were reported, along with cortical anomalies reflecting atypical neuronal migration. Conversely, Kiaa0319 knockout (KO) mice were reported to have typical adult auditory processing, and no visible cortical anomalies. To address these inconsistencies, we tested Kiaa0319 KO mice on auditory processing tasks similar to those used previously in rat shRNA knockdown studies. Subsequent neuroanatomic analyses on these same mice targeted medial geniculate nucleus (MGN), a receptive communication-related brain structure. Results confirm that Kiaa0319 KO mice exhibit significant auditory processing impairments specific to rapid/brief stimuli, and also show significant volumetric reductions and a shift toward fewer large and smaller neurons in the MGN. The latter finding is consistent with post mortem MGN data from human dyslexic brains. Combined evidence supports a role for KIAA0319 in the development of auditory CNS pathways subserving rapid auditory processing functions critical to the development of speech processing, language, and ultimately reading. Results affirm KIAA0319 variation as a possible risk factor for dyslexia specifically via anomalies in central acoustic processing pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Perrino
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral NeuroscienceUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | - Renee Y. Chasse
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral NeuroscienceUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
| | | | - Zoltán Molnár
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Antonio Velayos‐Baeza
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK,Wellcome Centre for Human GeneticsUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - R. Holly Fitch
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral NeuroscienceUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsConnecticutUSA
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2
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Animal models of developmental dyslexia: Where we are and what we are missing. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:1180-1197. [PMID: 34699847 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the most common learning disability among both school-aged children and across languages. Recently, sensory and cognitive mechanisms have been reported to be potential endophenotypes (EPs) for DD, and nine DD-candidate genes have been identified. Animal models have been used to investigate the etiopathological pathways that underlie the development of complex traits, as they enable the effects of genetic and/or environmental manipulations to be evaluated. Animal research designs have also been linked to cutting-edge clinical research questions by capitalizing on the use of EPs. For the present scoping review, we reviewed previous studies of murine models investigating the effects of DD-candidate genes. Moreover, we highlighted the use of animal models as an innovative way to unravel new insights behind the pathophysiology of reading (dis)ability and to assess cutting-edge preclinical models.
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Perani D, Scifo P, Cicchini GM, Rosa PD, Banfi C, Mascheretti S, Falini A, Marino C, Morrone MC. White matter deficits correlate with visual motion perception impairments in dyslexic carriers of the DCDC2 genetic risk variant. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2725-2740. [PMID: 34228165 PMCID: PMC8448712 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06137-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Motion perception deficits in dyslexia show a large intersubjective variability, partly reflecting genetic factors influencing brain architecture development. In previous work, we have demonstrated that dyslexic carriers of a mutation of the DCDC2 gene have a very strong impairment in motion perception. In the present study, we investigated structural white matter alterations associated with the poor motion perception in a cohort of twenty dyslexics with a subgroup carrying the DCDC2 gene deletion (DCDC2d+) and a subgroup without the risk variant (DCDC2d–). We observed significant deficits in motion contrast sensitivity and in motion direction discrimination accuracy at high contrast, stronger in the DCDC2d+ group. Both motion perception impairments correlated significantly with the fractional anisotropy in posterior ventral and dorsal tracts, including early visual pathways both along the optic radiation and in proximity of occipital cortex, MT and VWFA. However, the DCDC2d+ group showed stronger correlations between FA and motion perception impairments than the DCDC2d– group in early visual white matter bundles, including the optic radiations, and in ventral pathways located in the left inferior temporal cortex. Our results suggest that the DCDC2d+ group experiences higher vulnerability in visual motion processing even at early stages of visual analysis, which might represent a specific feature associated with the genotype and provide further neurobiological support to the visual-motion deficit account of dyslexia in a specific subpopulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Perani
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Scifo
- C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy.,Nuclear Medicine Department, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido M Cicchini
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), Pisa, Italy.
| | - Pasquale Della Rosa
- C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy.,Unit of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Banfi
- Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sara Mascheretti
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.,C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy.,Unit of Neuroradiology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marino
- Department of Psychiatry, Unviersity of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Child and Youth Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
| | - Maria Concetta Morrone
- Department of Translational Research on New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Scientific Institute Stella Maris (IRCSS), Pisa, Italy
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Lopez-Cruz L, Bussey TJ, Saksida LM, Heath CJ. Using touchscreen-delivered cognitive assessments to address the principles of the 3Rs in behavioral sciences. Lab Anim (NY) 2021; 50:174-184. [PMID: 34140683 DOI: 10.1038/s41684-021-00791-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite considerable advances in both in silico and in vitro approaches, in vivo studies that involve animal model systems remain necessary in many research disciplines. Neuroscience is one such area, with studies often requiring access to a complete nervous system capable of dynamically selecting between and then executing a full range of cognitive and behavioral outputs in response to a given stimulus or other manipulation. The involvement of animals in research studies is an issue of active public debate and concern and is therefore carefully regulated. Such regulations are based on the principles of the 3Rs of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. In the sub-specialty of behavioral neuroscience, Full/Absolute Replacement remains a major challenge, as the complete ex vivo recapitulation of a system as complex and dynamic as the nervous system has yet to be achieved. However, a number of very positive developments have occurred in this area with respect to Relative Replacement and to both Refinement and Reduction. In this review, we discuss the Refinement- and Reduction-related benefits yielded by the introduction of touchscreen-based behavioral assessment apparatus. We also discuss how data generated by a specific panel of behavioral tasks developed for this platform might substantially enhance monitoring of laboratory animal welfare and provide robust, quantitative comparisons of husbandry techniques to define and ensure maintenance of best practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lopez-Cruz
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. .,School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK.
| | - Timothy J Bussey
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa M Saksida
- Department of Psychology and MRC/Wellcome Trust Behavioural and Clinical Neuroscience Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Robarts Research Institute & Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.,The Brain and Mind Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Christopher J Heath
- School of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
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Benson PJ, Wallace L, Beedie SA. Sensory auditory interval perception errors in developmental dyslexia. Neuropsychologia 2020; 147:107587. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2020.107587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lancaster HS, Liu X, Dinu V, Li J. Identifying interactive biological pathways associated with reading disability. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01735. [PMID: 32596987 PMCID: PMC7428467 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Past research has suggested that reading disability is a complex disorder involving genetic and environment contributions, as well as gene-gene and gene-environment interaction, but to date little is known about the underlying mechanisms. METHOD Using the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, we assessed the contributions of genetic, demographic, and environmental variables on case-control status using machine learning. We investigated the functional interactions between genes using pathway and network analysis. RESULTS Our results support a systems approach to studying the etiology of reading disability with many genes (e.g., RAPGEF2, KIAA0319, DLC1) and biological pathways (e.g., neuron migration, positive regulation of dendrite regulation, nervous system development) interacting with each other. We found that single nucleotide variants within genes often had opposite effects and that enriched biological pathways were mediated by neuron migration. We also identified behavioral (i.e., receptive language, nonverbal intelligence, and vocabulary), demographic (i.e., mother's highest education), and environmental (i.e., birthweight) factors that influenced case-control status when accounting for genetic information. DISCUSSION The behavioral and demographic factors were suggested to be protective against reading disability status, while birthweight conveyed risk. We provided supporting evidence that reading disability has a complex biological and environmental etiology and that there may be a shared genetic and neurobiological architecture for reading (dis)ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hope Sparks Lancaster
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- Department of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringSchools of EngineeringArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Department of Computing, Informatics, and Decision Systems EngineeringSchools of EngineeringArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Valentin Dinu
- College of Health SolutionsArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Jing Li
- School of Industrial and Systems EngineeringGeorgia Institute of TechnologyAtlantaGAUSA
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MacQueen DA, Young JW, Cope ZA. Cognitive Phenotypes for Biomarker Identification in Mental Illness: Forward and Reverse Translation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 40:111-166. [PMID: 29858983 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric illness has been acknowledged for as long as people were able to describe behavioral abnormalities in the general population. In modern times, these descriptions have been codified and continuously updated into manuals by which clinicians can diagnose patients. None of these diagnostic manuals have attempted to tie abnormalities to neural dysfunction however, nor do they necessitate the quantification of cognitive function despite common knowledge of its ties to functional outcome. In fact, in recent years the National Institute of Mental Health released a novel transdiagnostic classification, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), which utilizes quantifiable behavioral abnormalities linked to neurophysiological processes. This reclassification highlights the utility of RDoC constructs as potential cognitive biomarkers of disease state. In addition, with RDoC and cognitive biomarkers, the onus of researchers utilizing animal models no longer necessitates the recreation of an entire disease state, but distinct processes. Here, we describe the utilization of constructs from the RDoC initiative to forward animal research on these cognitive and behavioral processes, agnostic of disease. By linking neural processes to these constructs, identifying putative abnormalities in diseased patients, more targeted therapeutics can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A MacQueen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Zackary A Cope
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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