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Yang X, Wan R, Liu Z, Feng S, Yang J, Jing N, Tang K. The differentiation and integration of the hippocampal dorsoventral axis are controlled by two nuclear receptor genes. eLife 2023; 12:RP86940. [PMID: 37751231 PMCID: PMC10522401 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus executes crucial functions from declarative memory to adaptive behaviors associated with cognition and emotion. However, the mechanisms of how morphogenesis and functions along the hippocampal dorsoventral axis are differentiated and integrated are still largely unclear. Here, we show that Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 genes are distinctively expressed in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, respectively. The loss of Nr2f2 results in ectopic CA1/CA3 domains in the ventral hippocampus. The deficiency of Nr2f1 leads to the failed specification of dorsal CA1, among which there are place cells. The deletion of both Nr2f genes causes almost agenesis of the hippocampus with abnormalities of trisynaptic circuit and adult neurogenesis. Moreover, Nr2f1/2 may cooperate to guarantee appropriate morphogenesis and function of the hippocampus by regulating the Lhx5-Lhx2 axis. Our findings revealed a novel mechanism that Nr2f1 and Nr2f2 converge to govern the differentiation and integration of distinct characteristics of the hippocampus in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiong Yang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Rong Wan
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhiwen Liu
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Su Feng
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Jiaxin Yang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Naihe Jing
- Guangzhou Laboratory/Bioland LaboratoryGuangzhouChina
- CAS Key Laboratory of Regenerative Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Guangdong Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Chinese Academy of SciencesGuangzhouChina
| | - Ke Tang
- Precise Genome Engineering Center, School of Life Sciences, Guangzhou UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Pathophysiological Heterogeneity of the BBSOA Neurodevelopmental Syndrome. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081260. [PMID: 35455940 PMCID: PMC9024734 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation and maturation of the human brain is regulated by highly coordinated developmental events, such as neural cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Any impairment of these interconnected multi-factorial processes can affect brain structure and function and lead to distinctive neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review the pathophysiology of the Bosch–Boonstra–Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS; OMIM 615722; ORPHA 401777), a recently described monogenic neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by the haploinsufficiency of NR2F1 gene, a key transcriptional regulator of brain development. Although intellectual disability, developmental delay and visual impairment are arguably the most common symptoms affecting BBSOAS patients, multiple additional features are often reported, including epilepsy, autistic traits and hypotonia. The presence of specific symptoms and their variable level of severity might depend on still poorly characterized genotype–phenotype correlations. We begin with an overview of the several mutations of NR2F1 identified to date, then further focuses on the main pathological features of BBSOAS patients, providing evidence—whenever possible—for the existing genotype–phenotype correlations. On the clinical side, we lay out an up-to-date list of clinical examinations and therapeutic interventions recommended for children with BBSOAS. On the experimental side, we describe state-of-the-art in vivo and in vitro studies aiming at deciphering the role of mouse Nr2f1, in physiological conditions and in pathological contexts, underlying the BBSOAS features. Furthermore, by modeling distinct NR2F1 genetic alterations in terms of dimer formation and nuclear receptor binding efficiencies, we attempt to estimate the total amounts of functional NR2F1 acting in developing brain cells in normal and pathological conditions. Finally, using the NR2F1 gene and BBSOAS as a paradigm of monogenic rare neurodevelopmental disorder, we aim to set the path for future explorations of causative links between impaired brain development and the appearance of symptoms in human neurological syndromes.
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Tocco C, Bertacchi M, Studer M. Structural and Functional Aspects of the Neurodevelopmental Gene NR2F1: From Animal Models to Human Pathology. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 14:767965. [PMID: 34975398 PMCID: PMC8715095 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.767965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The assembly and maturation of the mammalian brain result from an intricate cascade of highly coordinated developmental events, such as cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Any impairment of this delicate multi-factorial process can lead to complex neurodevelopmental diseases, sharing common pathogenic mechanisms and molecular pathways resulting in multiple clinical signs. A recently described monogenic neurodevelopmental syndrome named Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf Optic Atrophy Syndrome (BBSOAS) is caused by NR2F1 haploinsufficiency. The NR2F1 gene, coding for a transcriptional regulator belonging to the steroid/thyroid hormone receptor superfamily, is known to play key roles in several brain developmental processes, from proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitors to migration and identity acquisition of neocortical neurons. In a clinical context, the disruption of these cellular processes could underlie the pathogenesis of several symptoms affecting BBSOAS patients, such as intellectual disability, visual impairment, epilepsy, and autistic traits. In this review, we will introduce NR2F1 protein structure, molecular functioning, and expression profile in the developing mouse brain. Then, we will focus on Nr2f1 several functions during cortical development, from neocortical area and cell-type specification to maturation of network activity, hippocampal development governing learning behaviors, assembly of the visual system, and finally establishment of cortico-spinal descending tracts regulating motor execution. Whenever possible, we will link experimental findings in animal or cellular models to corresponding features of the human pathology. Finally, we will highlight some of the unresolved questions on the diverse functions played by Nr2f1 during brain development, in order to propose future research directions. All in all, we believe that understanding BBSOAS mechanisms will contribute to further unveiling pathophysiological mechanisms shared by several neurodevelopmental disorders and eventually lead to effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tocco
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, Nice, France
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Del Pino I, Tocco C, Magrinelli E, Marcantoni A, Ferraguto C, Tomagra G, Bertacchi M, Alfano C, Leinekugel X, Frick A, Studer M. COUP-TFI/Nr2f1 Orchestrates Intrinsic Neuronal Activity during Development of the Somatosensory Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:5667-5685. [DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The formation of functional cortical maps in the cerebral cortex results from a timely regulated interaction between intrinsic genetic mechanisms and electrical activity. To understand how transcriptional regulation influences network activity and neuronal excitability within the neocortex, we used mice deficient for Nr2f1 (also known as COUP-TFI), a key determinant of primary somatosensory (S1) area specification during development. We found that the cortical loss of Nr2f1 impacts on spontaneous network activity and synchronization of S1 cortex at perinatal stages. In addition, we observed alterations in the intrinsic excitability and morphological features of layer V pyramidal neurons. Accordingly, we identified distinct voltage-gated ion channels regulated by Nr2f1 that might directly influence intrinsic bioelectrical properties during critical time windows of S1 cortex specification. Altogether, our data suggest a tight link between Nr2f1 and neuronal excitability in the developmental sequence that ultimately sculpts the emergence of cortical network activity within the immature neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Del Pino
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Chiara Tocco
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Elia Magrinelli
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
- Département des Neurosciences Fondamentales, Université de Lausanne, CH-1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Tomagra
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
| | | | | | - Xavier Leinekugel
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Andreas Frick
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Michèle Studer
- Université Côte d’Azur, CNRS, Inserm, iBV, 06108 Nice, France
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5
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Mio C, Fogolari F, Pezzoli L, D'Elia AV, Iascone M, Damante G. Missense NR2F1 variant in monozygotic twins affected with the Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2020; 8:e1278. [PMID: 32412696 PMCID: PMC7336747 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) is an autosomal-dominant disorder (OMIM615722) mostly characterized by optic atrophy and/or hypoplasia, mild intellectual disability, hypotonia, seizures/infantile epilepsy. This disorder is caused by loss-of-function alterations of NR2F1 (i.e., either whole gene deletions or single nucleotide variants) and, to date, 40 patients have been identified with deletions or mutations in this gene. Here we describe two monozygotic twins harboring a de novo missense variant in the DNA-binding domain of NR2F1 (c.313G>A, p.Gly105Ser), with well-characterized features associated to BBSOAS. METHODS Patients' DNA was analyzed by exome sequencing identifying the missense variant c.313G>A in NR2F1 (NM_005654.4). Furthermore, molecular modeling was performed to evaluate putative differences in DNA binding between wild-type and mutated NR2F1. RESULTS The missense variant is predicted to be likely pathogenetic following the ACMG (American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics)/AMP (Association for Molecular Pathology) guidelines. Indeed, dynamic simulation experiments highlighted that the Gly105Ser substitution let the formation of a hydrogen bond between the S105 side chain and R142 and a base (G5) of the DNA sequence, allowing us to hypothesize that the G105 residue might be evolutionary conserved due to the absence of a side chain, besides glycine conformational features. Therefore, the G105S variation seems to cause a stiffening and a possible deformation in the protein-DNA complex due to the interaction of residues R142-S105 and G5 on the DNA, compared to the wild-type. CONCLUSION In summary, we described two monozygotic twins harboring a novel Gly105Ser mutation in NR2F1 DNA binding domain, displaying the classical phenotype of BBSOAS-affected patients. Our computational data suggest a dominant negative effect of this newly characterized missense variant. To date, this is the first genetic report analyzing in silico structural consequences of NR2F1 Gly105Ser substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Mio
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Federico Fogolari
- Department of Mathematics, Computer Sciences and Physics (DMIF), University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Laura Pezzoli
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Angela V D'Elia
- Institute of Medical Genetics, ASUIUD University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Maria Iascone
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Damante
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, Udine, Italy.,Institute of Medical Genetics, ASUIUD University Hospital of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Chen CA, Wang W, Pedersen SE, Raman A, Seymour ML, Ruiz FR, Xia A, van der Heijden ME, Wang L, Yin J, Lopez J, Rech ME, Lewis RA, Wu SM, Liu Z, Pereira FA, Pautler RG, Zoghbi HY, Schaaf CP. Nr2f1 heterozygous knockout mice recapitulate neurological phenotypes of Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome and show impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:705-715. [PMID: 31600777 PMCID: PMC7104670 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bosch-Boonstra-Schaaf optic atrophy syndrome (BBSOAS) has been identified as an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by a complex neurological phenotype, with high prevalence of intellectual disability and optic nerve atrophy/hypoplasia. The syndrome is caused by loss-of-function mutations in NR2F1, which encodes a highly conserved nuclear receptor that serves as a transcriptional regulator. Previous investigations to understand the protein's role in neurodevelopment have mostly used mouse models with constitutive and tissue-specific homozygous knockout of Nr2f1. In order to represent the human disease more accurately, which is caused by heterozygous NR2F1 mutations, we investigated a heterozygous knockout mouse model and found that this model recapitulates some of the neurological phenotypes of BBSOAS, including altered learning/memory, hearing defects, neonatal hypotonia and decreased hippocampal volume. The mice showed altered fear memory, and further electrophysiological investigation in hippocampal slices revealed significantly reduced long-term potentiation and long-term depression. These results suggest that a deficit or alteration in hippocampal synaptic plasticity may contribute to the intellectual disability frequently seen in BBSOAS. RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis revealed significant differential gene expression in the adult Nr2f1+/- hippocampus, including the up-regulation of multiple matrix metalloproteases, which are known to be critical for the development and the plasticity of the nervous system. Taken together, our studies highlight the important role of Nr2f1 in neurodevelopment. The discovery of impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity in the heterozygous mouse model sheds light on the pathophysiology of altered memory and cognitive function in BBSOAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-An Chen
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Steen E Pedersen
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics-Cardiovascular Sciences Track, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Ross University School of Medicine, Portsmouth, Commonwealth of Dominica
| | - Ayush Raman
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biosciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michelle L Seymour
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fernanda R Ruiz
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anping Xia
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Meike E van der Heijden
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jiani Yin
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Joanna Lopez
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Megan E Rech
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Richard A Lewis
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Samuel M Wu
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zhandong Liu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fred A Pereira
- Huffington Center on Aging and Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robia G Pautler
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics-Cardiovascular Sciences Track, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Program in Developmental Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christian P Schaaf
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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