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King C, Maze T, Plakke B. Altered prefrontal and cerebellar parvalbumin neuron counts are associated with cognitive changes in male rats. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:2295-2308. [PMID: 39085433 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06902-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a common anti-seizure medication, in utero is a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with ASD often display changes in the cerebellum, including volume changes, altered circuitry, and changes in Purkinje cell populations. ASD is also characterized by changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), where excitatory/inhibitory balance is often altered. This study exposed rats to a high dose of VPA during gestation and assessed cognition and anxiety-like behaviors during young adulthood using a set-shifting task and the elevated plus maze. Inhibitory parvalbumin-expressing (PV +) neuron counts were assessed in the mPFC and cerebellar lobules VI and VII (Purkinje cell layers), which are known to modulate cognition. VPA males had increased PV + counts in crus I and II of lobule VII. VPA males also had decreased parvalbumin-expressing neuron counts in the mPFC. It was also found that VPA-exposed rats, regardless of sex, had increased parvalbumin-expressing Purkinje cell counts in lobule VI. In males, this was associated with impaired intra-dimensional shifting on a set-shifting task. Purkinje cell over proliferation may be contributing to the previously observed increase in volume of Lobule VI. These findings suggest that altered inhibitory signaling in cerebellar-frontal circuits may contribute to the cognitive deficits that occur within ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cole King
- Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 1114 Mid-Campus Dr., Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Tessa Maze
- Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 1114 Mid-Campus Dr., Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Bethany Plakke
- Psychological Sciences, Kansas State University, 1114 Mid-Campus Dr., Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
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Thomas SD, Abdalla S, Eissa N, Akour A, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. Targeting Microglia in Neuroinflammation: H3 Receptor Antagonists as a Novel Therapeutic Approach for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:831. [PMID: 39065682 PMCID: PMC11279978 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Histamine performs dual roles as an immune regulator and a neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain. The histaminergic system plays a vital role in the regulation of wakefulness, cognition, neuroinflammation, and neurogenesis that are substantially disrupted in various neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Histamine H3 receptor (H3R) antagonists and inverse agonists potentiate the endogenous release of brain histamine and have been shown to enhance cognitive abilities in animal models of several brain disorders. Microglial activation and subsequent neuroinflammation are implicated in impacting embryonic and adult neurogenesis, contributing to the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Acknowledging the importance of microglia in both neuroinflammation and neurodevelopment, as well as their regulation by histamine, offers an intriguing therapeutic target for these disorders. The inhibition of brain H3Rs has been found to facilitate a shift from a proinflammatory M1 state to an anti-inflammatory M2 state, leading to a reduction in the activity of microglial cells. Also, pharmacological studies have demonstrated that H3R antagonists showed positive effects by reducing the proinflammatory biomarkers, suggesting their potential role in simultaneously modulating crucial brain neurotransmissions and signaling cascades such as the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β pathway. In this review, we highlight the potential therapeutic role of the H3R antagonists in addressing the pathology and cognitive decline in brain disorders, e.g., AD, PD, and ASD, with an inflammatory component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sabna Abdalla
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 59911, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Centre for Global Health Research, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, India
- Centre of Research Impact and Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, India
- School of Bioengineering & Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, India
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied & Life Sciences (SALS), Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates; (S.D.T.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 1551, United Arab Emirates
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Abbott PW, Hardie JB, Walsh KP, Nessler AJ, Farley SJ, Freeman JH, Wemmie JA, Wendt L, Kim YC, Sowers LP, Parker KL. Knockdown of the Non-canonical Wnt Gene Prickle2 Leads to Cerebellar Purkinje Cell Abnormalities While Cerebellar-Mediated Behaviors Remain Intact. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2024:10.1007/s12311-023-01648-9. [PMID: 38165577 PMCID: PMC11217148 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-023-01648-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) involve brain wide abnormalities that contribute to a constellation of symptoms including behavioral inflexibility, cognitive dysfunction, learning impairments, altered social interactions, and perceptive time difficulties. Although a single genetic variation does not cause ASD, genetic variations such as one involving a non-canonical Wnt signaling gene, Prickle2, has been found in individuals with ASD. Previous work looking into phenotypes of Prickle2 knock-out (Prickle2-/-) and heterozygous mice (Prickle2-/+) suggest patterns of behavior similar to individuals with ASD including altered social interaction and behavioral inflexibility. Growing evidence implicates the cerebellum in ASD. As Prickle2 is expressed in the cerebellum, this animal model presents a unique opportunity to investigate the cerebellar contribution to autism-like phenotypes. Here, we explore cerebellar structural and physiological abnormalities in animals with Prickle2 knockdown using immunohistochemistry, whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology, and several cerebellar-associated motor and timing tasks, including interval timing and eyeblink conditioning. Histologically, Prickle2-/- mice have significantly more empty spaces or gaps between Purkinje cells in the posterior lobules and a decreased propensity for Purkinje cells to fire action potentials. These structural cerebellar abnormalities did not impair cerebellar-associated behaviors as eyeblink conditioning and interval timing remained intact. Therefore, although Prickle-/- mice show classic phenotypes of ASD, they do not recapitulate the involvement of the adult cerebellum and may not represent the pathophysiological heterogeneity of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker W Abbott
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Jason B Hardie
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Kyle P Walsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Aaron J Nessler
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | | | - John H Freeman
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - John A Wemmie
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Linder Wendt
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Young-Cho Kim
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
- Department of Neurology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Levi P Sowers
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA
| | - Krystal L Parker
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52245, USA.
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Nishiyama H, Nishiyama N, Zemelman BV. Loss of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthens the cerebellothalamic synapses. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.01.564864. [PMID: 37961231 PMCID: PMC10635038 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.01.564864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar damage early in life often causes long-lasting motor, social, and cognitive impairments, suggesting the roles of the cerebellum in developing a broad spectrum of behaviors. This recent finding has promoted research on how cerebellar damage affects the development of the cerebral cortex, the brain region responsible for higher-order control of all behaviors. However, the cerebral cortex is not directly connected to the cerebellum. The thalamus is the direct postsynaptic target of the cerebellum, sending cerebellar outputs to the cerebral cortex. Despite its crucial position in cerebello-cerebral interaction, thalamic susceptibility to cerebellar damage remains largely unclear. Here, we studied the consequences of early cerebellar perturbation on thalamic development. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings showed that the synaptic organization of the cerebellothlamic circuit is similar to that of the primary sensory thalamus, in which aberrant sensory activity alters synaptic circuit formation. The hemizygous deletion of the tuberous sclerosis complex-1 ( Tsc1 ) gene in the Purkinje cell-known to cause Purkinje cell hypoactivity and autistic behaviors-did not alter cerebellothalamic synapses or intrinsic membrane properties of thalamic neurons. However, the ablation of Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum strengthened the cerebellothalamic synapses and enhanced thalamic suprathreshold activities. These results suggest that the cerebellothalamic circuit is resistant to moderate perturbation in the developing cerebellum, such as the reduced firing rate of Purkinje cells, and that autistic behaviors are not necessarily linked to thalamic abnormality. Still, Purkinje cell loss alters the thalamic circuit, suggesting the vulnerability of the thalamus to substantial disturbance in the developing cerebellum.
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Seyedinia SA, Tarahomi P, Abbarin D, Sedaghat K, Rashidy-Pour A, Yaribeygi H, Vafaei AA, Raise-Abdullahi P. Saffron and crocin ameliorate prenatal valproic acid-induced autistic-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress in the male offspring rats. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2231-2241. [PMID: 37566156 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurobehavioral disease that induces cognitive and behavioral alterations, usually accompanied by oxidative stress in the brain. Crocus sativus (saffron) and its active ingredient, crocin, have potent antioxidative effects that may benefit autistic behaviors. This study aimed to determine the effects of saffron extract and crocin against brain oxidative stress and behavioral, motor, and cognitive deficits in an animal model of autism in male offspring rats. 14 female rats were randomly divided into the saline and valproic acid (VPA) groups. Then, they were placed with mature male rats to mate and produce offspring. VPA (500 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected on day 12.5 of pregnancy (gestational day, GD 12.5) to induce an experimental model of autism. 48 male pups were left undisturbed for 29 days. First-round behavioral tests (before treatments) were performed on 30-33 post-natal days (PND), followed by 28 days of treatment (PND 34-61) with saffron (30 mg/kg, IP), crocin (15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.), or saline (2 ml/kg, i.p.). The second round of behavioral tests (after treatments) was performed on PND 62-65 to assess the effects of the treatments on behavioral and cognitive features. In the end, animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and their brains were dissected to evaluate the brain oxidative stress parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). VPA injection into female rats increased anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced pain threshold, impaired motor functions, disturbed balance power, increased MDA, and decreased GSH and CAT in their male offspring. 28 days of treatment with saffron or crocin significantly ameliorated behavioral abnormalities, reduced MDA, and increased GSH and CAT levels. Brain oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autistic-like behaviors. Saffron and crocin ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors, pain responses, motor functions, and brain oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model of autism. Saffron and crocin may hold promise as herbal-based pharmacological treatments for individuals with autism. However, further histological evidence is needed to confirm their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ali Seyedinia
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parnia Tarahomi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Davood Abbarin
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Katayoun Sedaghat
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Habib Yaribeygi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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Cundari M, Vestberg S, Gustafsson P, Gorcenco S, Rasmussen A. Neurocognitive and cerebellar function in ADHD, autism and spinocerebellar ataxia. Front Syst Neurosci 2023; 17:1168666. [PMID: 37415926 PMCID: PMC10321758 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2023.1168666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum plays a major role in balance, motor control and sensorimotor integration, but also in cognition, language, and emotional regulation. Several neuropsychiatric disorders such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as neurological diseases such as spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) are associated with differences in cerebellar function. Morphological abnormalities in different cerebellar subregions produce distinct behavioral symptoms related to the functional disruption of specific cerebro-cerebellar circuits. The specific contribution of the cerebellum to typical development may therefore involve the optimization of the structure and function of cerebro-cerebellar circuits underlying skill acquisition in multiple domains. Here, we review cerebellar structural and functional differences between healthy and patients with ADHD, ASD, and SCA3, and explore how disruption of cerebellar networks affects the neurocognitive functions in these conditions. We discuss how cerebellar computations contribute to performance on cognitive and motor tasks and how cerebellar signals are interfaced with signals from other brain regions during normal and dysfunctional behavior. We conclude that the cerebellum plays a role in many cognitive functions. Still, more clinical studies with the support of neuroimaging are needed to clarify the cerebellum's role in normal and dysfunctional behavior and cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cundari
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Unit of Neuropsychiatry, Hospital of Helsingborg, Helsingborg, Sweden
- Unit of Neurology, Hospital of Helsingborg, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Susanna Vestberg
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Peik Gustafsson
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sorina Gorcenco
- Department for Clinical Sciences Lund, Neurology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Rasmussen
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Elgamal MA, Khodeer DM, Abdel-Wahab BA, Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Moustafa YM, Ali AA, El-Sayed NM. Canagliflozin alleviates valproic acid-induced autism in rat pups: Role of PTEN/PDK/PPAR-γ signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113966. [PMID: 36909191 PMCID: PMC9992196 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is complex and multifactorial, and is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders. Canagliflozin (Cana) is an antidiabetic drug that exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurodegenerative syndromes. This study investigated the possible protective effect of Cana against the valproic acid (VPA)-induced model of autism. VPA was injected subcutaneously (SC) into rat pups at a dose of 300 mg/kg, twice daily on postnatal day-2 (PD-2) and PD-3, and once on PD-4 to induce an autism-like syndrome. Graded doses of Cana were administered (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg, P.O.) starting from the first day of VPA injections and continued for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, behavioral tests and histopathological alterations were assessed. In addition, the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), cellular myeloctomatosis (c-Myc) with protein expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and level of acetylcholine (ACh) were determined. Treatment with Cana significantly counteracted histopathological changes in the cerebellum tissues of the brain induced by VPA. Cana (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg) improved sociability and social preference, enhanced stereotypic behaviors, and decreased hyperlocomotion activity, in addition to its significant effect on the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway via the downregulation of gene expression of LDHA (22%, 64%, and 73% in cerebellum tissues with 51%, 60%, and 75% in cerebrum tissues), PDK (27%, 50%, and 67% in cerebellum tissues with 34%, 66%, and 77% in cerebrum tissues), c-Myc (35%, 44%, and 72% in cerebellum tissues with 19%, 58%, and 79% in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of GLUT-1 (32%, 48%, and 49% in cerebellum tissues with 30%, 50%, and 54% in cerebrum tissues), and elevating gene expression of PPAR-γ (2, 3, and 4 folds in cerebellum tissues with 1.5, 3, and 9 folds in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of PTEN (2, 5, and 6 folds in cerebellum tissues with 6, 6, and 10 folds in cerebrum tissues), and increasing the ACh levels (4, 5, and 7 folds) in brain tissues. The current study confirmed the ameliorating effect of Cana against neurochemical and behavioral alterations in the VPA-induced model of autism in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam A Elgamal
- Egypt Healthcare Authority, Comprehensive Health Insurance, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Dina M Khodeer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Azza A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Chen Z, Long H, Guo J, Wang Y, He K, Tao C, Li X, Jiang K, Guo S, Pi Y. Autism-Risk Gene necab2 Regulates Psychomotor and Social Behavior as a Neuronal Modulator of mGluR1 Signaling. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:901682. [PMID: 35909444 PMCID: PMC9326220 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.901682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundDe novo deletion of the neuronal calcium-binding protein 2 (NECAB2) locus is associated with idiopathic autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The in vivo function of NECAB2 in the brain remains largely elusive.MethodsWe investigated the morphological and behavioral profiles of both necab2 knock-out and overexpression zebrafish models. The expression pattern and molecular role of necab2 were probed through a combination of in vitro and in vivo assays.ResultsWe show that Necab2 is a neuronal specific, cytoplasmic, and membrane-associated protein, abundantly expressed in the telencephalon, habenula, and cerebellum. Necab2 is distributed peri-synaptically in subsets of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. CRISPR/Cas9-generated necab2 knock-out zebrafish display normal morphology but exhibit a decrease in locomotor activity and thigmotaxis with impaired social interaction only in males. Conversely, necab2 overexpression yields behavioral phenotypes opposite to the loss-of-function. Proteomic profiling uncovers a role of Necab2 in modulating signal transduction of G-protein coupled receptors. Specifically, co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and confocal live-cell imaging suggest a complex containing NECAB2 and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1). In vivo measurement of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate further substantiates that Necab2 promotes mGluR1 signaling.ConclusionsNecab2 regulates psychomotor and social behavior via modulating a signaling cascade downstream of mGluR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zexu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Eye Institute and Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Myopia (Fudan University), Key Laboratory of Myopia, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Long
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiran Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Kezhe He
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenchen Tao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Keji Jiang
- East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Su Guo
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, Programs in Human Genetics and Biological Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Su Guo,
| | - Yan Pi
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Yan Pi,
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9
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Lalonde R, Strazielle C. The Hole-Board Test in Mutant Mice. Behav Genet 2022; 52:158-169. [PMID: 35482162 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-022-10102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
First described by Boissier and Simon in (Ther Recreat J 17:1225-1232, 1962), the hole-board has become a recognized test of anxiety and spatial memory. Benzodiazepines acting at the GABAA-BZD site increase hole-pokes in rats and mice, indicating a loss in behavioral inhibition concordant with the behavior of mutant mice deficient in the GABA transporter. Hole-poking also depends on arousal mechanisms dependent on dopaminergic transmission, as indicated by drug and null mutant studies. In addition, the behavior is modified in natural and null mutants affecting the cerebellum as well as null mutants affecting neuropeptides, growth factors, cell adhesion, and inflammation. Further research is required to determine convergences between genetic and pharmacological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Lalonde
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medical School, University of Lorraine, 54500, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Catherine Strazielle
- Laboratory of Stress, Immunity, Pathogens (EA7300), Medical School, University of Lorraine, 54500, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France. .,CHRU Nancy, Vandœuvre-les-Nancy, France.
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10
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Kútna V, O'Leary VB, Hoschl C, Ovsepian SV. Cerebellar demyelination and neurodegeneration associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity may contribute to the developmental onset of autism-like neurobehavioral phenotype in a rat model. Autism Res 2022; 15:791-805. [PMID: 35178882 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cerebellum hosts more than half of all neurons of the human brain, with their organized activity playing a key role in coordinating motor functions. Cerebellar activity has also been implicated in the control of speech, communication, and social behavior, which are compromised in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite major research advances, there is a shortage of mechanistic data relating cellular and molecular changes in the cerebellum to autistic behavior. We studied the impact of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 haploinsufficiency (Tsc2+/-) with downstream mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in 1, 9, and 18 m.o. Eker rats, to determine possible structural correlates of an autism-like behavioural phenotype in this model. We report a greater developmental expansion of the cerebellar vermis, owing to enlarged white matter and thickened molecular layer. Histochemical and immunofluorescence data suggest age-related demyelination of central tract of the vermis, as evident from reduced level of myelin-basic protein in the arbora vitae. We also observed a higher number of astrocytes in Tsc2+/- rats of older age while the number of Purkinje cells (PCs) in these animals was lower than in wild-type controls. Unlike astrocytes and PCs, Bergmann glia remained unaltered at all ages in both genotypes, while the number of microglia was higher in Tsc2+/- rats of older age. The convergent evidence for a variety of age-dependent cellular changes in the cerebellum of rats associated with mTORC1 hyperactivity, thus, predicts an array of functional impairments, which may contribute to the developmental onset of an autism-like behavioral phenotype in this model. LAY SUMMARY: This study elucidates the impact of constitutive mTORC1 hyperactivity on cerebellar morphology and cellular organization in a rat model of autism and epilepsy. It describes age-dependent degeneration of Purkinje neurons, with demyelination of central tract as well as activation of microglia, and discusses the implications of these changes for neuro-behavioral phenotypes. The described changes provide new indications for the putative mechanisms underlying cerebellar impairments with their age-related onset, which may contribute to the pathobiology of autism, epilepsy, and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viera Kútna
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Valerie Bríd O'Leary
- Department of Medical Genetics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Cyril Hoschl
- Department of Experimental Neurobiology, National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Department of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Saak V Ovsepian
- Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich London, Chatham Maritime, Kent, ME4 4TB, United Kingdom
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11
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Yang X, Yin H, Wang X, Sun Y, Bian X, Zhang G, Li A, Cao A, Li B, Ebrahimi-Fakhari D, Yang Z, Meisler MH, Liu Q. Social Deficits and Cerebellar Degeneration in Purkinje Cell Scn8a Knockout Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:822129. [PMID: 35557557 PMCID: PMC9087741 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.822129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the SCN8A gene encoding the voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit Nav1. 6 have been reported in individuals with epilepsy, intellectual disability and features of autism spectrum disorder. SCN8A is widely expressed in the central nervous system, including the cerebellum. Cerebellar dysfunction has been implicated in autism spectrum disorder. We investigated conditional Scn8a knockout mice under C57BL/6J strain background that specifically lack Scn8a expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells (Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice). Cerebellar morphology was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and MR imaging. Mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests including the accelerating rotarod, open field, elevated plus maze, light-dark transition box, three chambers, male-female interaction, social olfaction, and water T-maze tests. Patch clamp recordings were used to evaluate evoked action potentials in Purkinje cells. Behavioral phenotyping demonstrated that Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice have impaired social interaction, motor learning and reversal learning as well as increased repetitive behavior and anxiety-like behaviors. By 5 months of age, Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice began to exhibit cerebellar Purkinje cell loss and reduced molecular thickness. At 9 months of age, Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice exhibited decreased cerebellar size and a reduced number of cerebellar Purkinje cells more profoundly, with evidence of additional neurodegeneration in the molecular layer and deep cerebellar nuclei. Purkinje cells in Scn8a flox/flox , L7Cre + mice exhibited reduced repetitive firing. Taken together, our experiments indicated that loss of Scn8a expression in cerebellar Purkinje cells leads to cerebellar degeneration and several ASD-related behaviors. Our study demonstrated the specific contribution of loss of Scn8a in cerebellar Purkinje cells to behavioral deficits characteristic of ASD. However, it should be noted that our observed effects reported here are specific to the C57BL/6 genome type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hongqiang Yin
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Operational Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Environmental & Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaojing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yueqing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xianli Bian
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Gaorui Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Anning Li
- Department of Radiology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Aihua Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Baomin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Darius Ebrahimi-Fakhari
- Department of Neurology, The F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zhuo Yang
- Medical School, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Miriam H Meisler
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Qiji Liu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Teratology, Ministry of Education, Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Regulation and Control Technology of National Health Commission of China, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong Province, Jinan, China
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12
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Poleg S, Kourieh E, Ruban A, Shapira G, Shomron N, Barak B, Offen D. Behavioral aspects and neurobiological properties underlying medical cannabis treatment in Shank3 mouse model of autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:524. [PMID: 34645786 PMCID: PMC8514476 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease with a wide spectrum of manifestation. The core symptoms of ASD are persistent deficits in social communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. These are often accompanied by intellectual disabilities. At present, there is no designated effective treatment for the core symptoms and co-morbidities of ASD. Recently, interest is rising in medical cannabis as a treatment for ASD, with promising clinical data. However, there is a notable absence of basic pre-clinical research in this field. In this study, we investigate the behavioral and biochemical effects of long-term oral treatment with CBD-enriched medical cannabis oil in a human mutation-based Shank3 mouse model of ASD. Our findings show that this treatment alleviates anxiety and decreases repetitive grooming behavior by over 70% in treated mutant mice compared to non-treated mutant mice. Furthermore, we were able to uncover the involvement of CB1 receptor (CB1R) signaling in the Avidekel oil mechanism, alongside a mitigation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glutamate concentrations. Subsequently, RNA sequencing (RNA seq) of cerebellar brain samples revealed changes in mRNA expression of several neurotransmission-related genes post-treatment. Finally, our results question the relevancy of CBD enrichment of medical cannabis for treating the core symptoms of ASD, and emphasize the importance of the THC component for alleviating deficits in repetitive and social behaviors in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shani Poleg
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Emad Kourieh
- The George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Angela Ruban
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guy Shapira
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Noam Shomron
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Offen
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Human Molecular Genetics & Biochemistry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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13
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Bee S, Ringland A, Coutellier L. Social impairments in mice lacking the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1. Behav Brain Res 2021; 413:113468. [PMID: 34274375 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Parvalbumin (PV)-expressing neurons have been implicated in the pathology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Loss of PV expression and/or reduced number of PV-expressing neurons have been reported not only in genetic and environmental rodent models of ASD, but also in post-mortem analyses of brain tissues from ASD vs. healthy control human subjects. PV-expressing neurons play a pivotal role in the maintenance of the balance between excitation and inhibition within neural circuits in part because of their fast-spiking properties. Their high firing rate is mostly regulated by the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv3.1. It is yet unknown whether disturbances in the electrophysiological properties of PV-expressing neurons per se can lead to behavioral disturbances. We assessed locomotor activity, social interaction, recognition and memory, and stereotypic behaviors in Kv3.1 wild-type (WT) and knockout (KO) mice. We then used Western Blot analyses to measure the impact of Kv3.1 deficiency on markers of GABA transmission (PV and GAD67) and neural circuit activity (Egr1). Deficiency in Kv3.1 channel is sufficient to induce social deficits, hyperactivity and stereotypic behaviors. These behavioral changes were independent of changes in GAD67 levels and associated with increased levels of PV protein in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. These findings reveal that a loss of PV expression is not a necessary factor to induce an ASD-like phenotype in mice and support the need for further investigation to fully understand the contribution of PV-expressing neurons to ASD pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bee
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Amanda Ringland
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Laurence Coutellier
- Department of Psychology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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14
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Eissa N, Sadeq A, Sasse A, Sadek B. Role of Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder and the Emergence of Brain Histaminergic System. Lessons Also for BPSD? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:886. [PMID: 32612529 PMCID: PMC7309953 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Many behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) share similarities in executive functioning and communication deficits with those described in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), epilepsy, schizophrenia (SCH), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Numerous studies over the last four decades have documented altered neuroinflammation among individuals diagnosed with ASD. The purpose of this review is to examine the hypothesis that central histamine (HA) plays a significant role in the regulation of neuroinflammatory processes of microglia functions in numerous neuropsychiatric diseases, i.e., ASD, AD, SCH, and BPSD. In addition, this review summarizes the latest preclinical and clinical results that support the relevance of histamine H1-, H2-, and H3-receptor antagonists for the potential clinical use in ASD, SCH, AD, epilepsy, and BPSD, based on the substantial symptomatic overlap between these disorders with regards to cognitive dysfunction. The review focuses on the histaminergic neurotransmission as relevant in these brain disorders, as well as the effects of a variety of H3R antagonists in animal models and in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Eissa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Adel Sadeq
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Astrid Sasse
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.,Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
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15
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The Dual-Active Histamine H 3 Receptor Antagonist and Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitor E100 Alleviates Autistic-Like Behaviors and Oxidative Stress in Valproic Acid Induced Autism in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113996. [PMID: 32503208 PMCID: PMC7312782 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The histamine H3 receptor (H3R) functions as auto- and hetero-receptors, regulating the release of brain histamine (HA) and acetylcholine (ACh), respectively. The enzyme acetylcholine esterase (AChE) is involved in the metabolism of brain ACh. Both brain HA and ACh are implicated in several cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, anxiety, and narcolepsy, all of which are comorbid with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the novel dual-active ligand E100 with high H3R antagonist affinity (hH3R: Ki = 203 nM) and balanced AChE inhibitory effect (EeAChE: IC50 = 2 µM and EqBuChE: IC50 = 2 µM) was investigated on autistic-like sociability, repetitive/compulsive behaviour, anxiety, and oxidative stress in male C57BL/6 mice model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA, 500 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)). Subchronic systemic administration with E100 (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated sociability deficits of autistic (VPA) mice in three-chamber behaviour (TCB) test (all p < 0.05). Moreover, E100 significantly improved repetitive and compulsive behaviors by reducing the increased percentage of marbles buried in marble-burying behaviour (MBB) (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, pre-treatment with E100 (10 and 15 mg/kg, i.p.) corrected decreased anxiety levels (p < 0.05), however, failed to restore hyperactivity observed in elevated plus maze (EPM) test. In addition, E100 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated oxidative stress status by increasing the levels of decreased glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and decreasing the elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the cerebellar tissues (all p < 0.05). Additionally, E100 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the elevated levels of AChE activity in VPA mice (p < 0.05). These results demonstrate the promising effects of E100 on in-vivo VPA-induced ASD-like features in mice, and provide evidence that a potent dual-active H3R antagonist and AChE inhibitor (AChEI) is a potential drug candidate for future therapeutic management of autistic-like behaviours.
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16
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Rauf S, Soesatyo MH, Agustiningsih D, Partadiredja G. Moderate intensity intermittent exercise upregulates neurotrophic and neuroprotective genes expression and inhibits Purkinje cell loss in the cerebellum of ovariectomized rats. Behav Brain Res 2020; 382:112481. [PMID: 31954098 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Decreases in estrogen levels due to menopause or ovariectomy may disrupt cerebellar motor functions. This study aimed at investigating the effects of Moderate Intensity Intermittent Exercise (MIEx) on the cerebellum of ovariectomized rats by analyzing neurotrophic and neuroprotective markers, as well as cerebellar motor functions. Thirty-two female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups, i.e. Sham and ovariectomy (Ovx) of non-MIEx (NMIEx) groups, and Sham and Ovx with MIEx groups. MIEx was performed 5 days a week on treadmill for 6 weeks. Motor functions were assessed using rotarod, footprint, open field, and wire hanging tests. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of Pgc-1α, BDNF, synaptophysin, Bcl-2, and Bax. Unbiased stereology was used to estimate the total number of cerebellar Purkinje cells. The Ovx MIEx group had higher Pgc-1α and Bcl-2 mRNA expressions, and number of Purkinje cells, but lower Bax mRNA expression than the Ovx NMIEx group. All motor functions of MIEx groups were better than the Sham and Ovx groups without MIEx. Motor functions on rotarod task, OFT, and FPT correlated significantly with the mRNAs expression of Bcl-2, Bax, BDNF, synaptophysin, Pgc-1α, and the number of cerebellar Purkinje cells in ovariectomized rats. MIEx improves cerebellar neurotrophic and neuroprotective markers, as well as motor functions of ovariectomized rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saidah Rauf
- Doctoral Program, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Masohi Nursing Study Program, Maluku Health Polytechnic, Maluku, Indonesia.
| | - Marsetyawan Hne Soesatyo
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Denny Agustiningsih
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ginus Partadiredja
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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17
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Weisner PA, Chen CY, Sun Y, Yoo J, Kao WC, Zhang H, Baltz ET, Troy JM, Stubbs L. A Mouse Mutation That Dysregulates Neighboring Galnt17 and Auts2 Genes Is Associated with Phenotypes Related to the Human AUTS2 Syndrome. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:3891-3906. [PMID: 31554716 PMCID: PMC6829118 DOI: 10.1534/g3.119.400723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
AUTS2 was originally discovered as the gene disrupted by a translocation in human twins with Autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. Since that initial finding, AUTS2-linked mutations and variants have been associated with a very broad array of neuropsychiatric disorders, sugg esting that AUTS2 is required for fundamental steps of neurodevelopment. However, genotype-phenotype correlations in this region are complicated, because most mutations could also involve neighboring genes. Of particular interest is the nearest downstream neighbor of AUTS2, GALNT17, which encodes a brain-expressed N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase of unknown brain function. Here we describe a mouse (Mus musculus) mutation, T(5G2;8A1)GSO (abbreviated 16Gso), a reciprocal translocation that breaks between Auts2 and Galnt17 and dysregulates both genes. Despite this complex regulatory effect, 16Gso homozygotes model certain human AUTS2-linked phenotypes very well. In addition to abnormalities in growth, craniofacial structure, learning and memory, and behavior, 16Gso homozygotes display distinct pathologies of the cerebellum and hippocampus that are similar to those associated with autism and other types of AUTS2-linked neurological disease. Analyzing mutant cerebellar and hippocampal transcriptomes to explain this pathology, we identified disturbances in pathways related to neuron and synapse maturation, neurotransmitter signaling, and cellular stress, suggesting possible cellular mechanisms. These pathways, coupled with the translocation's selective effects on Auts2 isoforms and coordinated dysregulation of Galnt17, suggest novel hypotheses regarding the etiology of the human "AUTS2 syndrome" and the wide array of neurodevelopmental disorders linked to variance in this genomic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Anne Weisner
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Neuroscience Program
| | - Chih-Ying Chen
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | - Younguk Sun
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph M Troy
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
| | - Lisa Stubbs
- Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology,
- Neuroscience Program
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, and
- Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana IL 61802
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18
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Mejias R, Chiu SL, Han M, Rose R, Gil-Infante A, Zhao Y, Huganir RL, Wang T. Purkinje cell-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice show increased repetitive self-grooming and enhanced mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104602. [PMID: 31476380 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) loss is a consistent pathological finding in autism. However, neural mechanisms of PC-dysfunction in autism remain poorly characterized. Glutamate receptor interacting proteins 1/2 (Grip1/2) regulate AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking and synaptic strength. To evaluate role of PC-AMPAR signaling in autism, we produced PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice by crossing Grip2 conventional and Grip1 conditional KO with L7-Cre driver mice. PCs in the mutant mice showed normal morphology and number, and a lack of Grip1/2 expression. Rodent behavioral testing identified normal ambulation, anxiety, social interaction, and an increase in repetitive self-grooming. Electrophysiology studies revealed normal mEPSCs but an impaired mGluR-LTD at the Parallel Fiber-PC synapses. Immunoblots showed increased expression of mGluR5 and Arc, and enhanced phosphorylation of P38 and AKT in cerebellum of PC-specific Grip1/2 knockout mice. Results indicate that loss of Grip1/2 in PCs contributes to increased repetitive self-grooming, a core autism behavior in mice. Results support a role of AMPAR trafficking defects in PCs and disturbances of mGluR5 signaling in cerebellum in the pathogenesis of repetitive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Mejias
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - Shu-Ling Chiu
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Mei Han
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Rose
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ana Gil-Infante
- Department of Physiology, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Yifan Zhao
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- McKusick-Nathans Department of Genetic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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19
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Cerebro-Cerebellar Functional Connectivity is Associated with Cerebellar Excitation–Inhibition Balance in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:3460-3473. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3613-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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20
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Marinho V, Oliveira T, Rocha K, Ribeiro J, Magalhães F, Bento T, Pinto GR, Velasques B, Ribeiro P, Di Giorgio L, Orsini M, Gupta DS, Bittencourt J, Bastos VH, Teixeira S. The dopaminergic system dynamic in the time perception: a review of the evidence. Int J Neurosci 2017; 128:262-282. [PMID: 28950734 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2017.1385614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Dopaminergic system plays a key role in perception, which is an important executive function of the brain. Modulation in dopaminergic system forms an important biochemical underpinning of neural mechanisms of time perception in a very wide range, from milliseconds to seconds to longer daily rhythms. Distinct types of temporal experience are poorly understood, and the relationship between processing of different intervals by the brain has received little attention. A comprehensive understanding of interval timing functions should be sought within a wider context of temporal processing, involving genetic aspects, pharmacological models, cognitive aspects, motor control and the neurological diseases with impaired dopaminergic system. Particularly, an unexplored question is whether the role of dopamine in interval timing can be integrated with the role of dopamine in non-interval timing temporal components. In this review, we explore a wider perspective of dopaminergic system, involving genetic polymorphisms, pharmacological models, executive functions and neurological diseases on the time perception. We conclude that the dopaminergic system has great participation in impact on time perception and neurobiological basis of the executive functions and neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Marinho
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil.,b Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Thomaz Oliveira
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil.,b Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Kaline Rocha
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Jéssica Ribeiro
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Francisco Magalhães
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Thalys Bento
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Giovanny R Pinto
- b Genetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Bruna Velasques
- c Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Pedro Ribeiro
- c Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Luiza Di Giorgio
- c Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Marco Orsini
- c Brain Mapping and Sensory Motor Integration Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry of Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IPUB/UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.,d Rehabilitation Science Program, Analysis of Human Movement Laboratory, Augusto Motta University Center (UNISUAM) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Daya S Gupta
- e Department of Biology , Camden County College , Blackwood , NJ , USA
| | - Juliana Bittencourt
- f Biomedical Engineering Program (COPPE), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
| | - Victor Hugo Bastos
- g Brain Mapping and Functionality Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
| | - Silmar Teixeira
- a Brain Mapping and Plasticity Laboratory, Federal University of Piauí (UFPI) , Parnaíba , Brazil
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21
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Aberrant connections between climbing fibres and Purkinje cells induce alterations in the timing of an instrumental response in the rat. Exp Brain Res 2017. [PMID: 28634887 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-017-5014-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cerebellar participation in timing and sensory-motor sequences has been supported by several experimental and clinical studies. A relevant role of the cerebellum in timing of conditioned responses in the range of milliseconds has been demonstrated, but less is known regarding the role of the cerebellum in supra-second timing of operant responses. A dissociated role of the cerebellum and striatum in timing in the millisecond and second range had been reported, respectively. The climbing fibre-Purkinje cell synapse is crucial in timing models; thus, the aberrant connection between these cellular elements is a suitable model for evaluating the contribution of the cerebellum in timing in the supra-second range. The aberrant connection between climbing fibres and Purkinje cells was induced by administration of the antagonist of NMDA receptors MK-801 to Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal days 7-14. The timing of an operant response with two fixed intervals (5 and 8 s) and egocentric sequential learning was evaluated in 60-day-old adult rats. The aberrant connections caused a reduced accuracy in the timing of the instrumental response that was more evident in the 8-s interval and a reduced number of successive correct responses (responses emitted in the correct second without any other response between them) in the 8-s interval. In addition, an inability to incorporate new information in a sequence previously learned in egocentric-based sequence learning was apparent in rats with aberrant CF-PC synapses. These results support a relevant role for the cerebellum in the fine-tuning of the timing of operant responses in the supra-second range.
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22
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Dickson PE, Cairns J, Goldowitz D, Mittleman G. Cerebellar contribution to higher and lower order rule learning and cognitive flexibility in mice. Neuroscience 2017; 345:99-109. [PMID: 27012612 PMCID: PMC5031514 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility has traditionally been considered a frontal lobe function. However, converging evidence suggests involvement of a larger brain circuit which includes the cerebellum. Reciprocal pathways connecting the cerebellum to the prefrontal cortex provide a biological substrate through which the cerebellum may modulate higher cognitive functions, and it has been observed that cognitive inflexibility and cerebellar pathology co-occur in psychiatric disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia, addiction). However, the degree to which the cerebellum contributes to distinct forms of cognitive flexibility and rule learning is unknown. We tested lurcher↔wildtype aggregation chimeras which lose 0-100% of cerebellar Purkinje cells during development on a touchscreen-mediated attentional set-shifting task to assess the contribution of the cerebellum to higher and lower order rule learning and cognitive flexibility. Purkinje cells, the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, ranged from 0 to 108,390 in tested mice. Reversal learning and extradimensional set-shifting were impaired in mice with⩾95% Purkinje cell loss. Cognitive deficits were unrelated to motor deficits in ataxic mice. Acquisition of a simple visual discrimination and an attentional-set were unrelated to Purkinje cells. A positive relationship was observed between Purkinje cells and errors when exemplars from a novel, non-relevant dimension were introduced. Collectively, these data suggest that the cerebellum contributes to higher order cognitive flexibility, lower order cognitive flexibility, and attention to novel stimuli, but not the acquisition of higher and lower order rules. These data indicate that the cerebellar pathology observed in psychiatric disorders may underlie deficits involving cognitive flexibility and attention to novel stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- P E Dickson
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, United States
| | - J Cairns
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - D Goldowitz
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - G Mittleman
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN 38152, United States.
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23
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Constantin L. The Role of MicroRNAs in Cerebellar Development and Autism Spectrum Disorder During Embryogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6944-6959. [PMID: 27774573 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0220-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules with wide-ranging and subtle effects on protein production. Their activity during the development of the cerebellum provides a valuable exemplar of how non-coding molecules may assist the development and function of the central nervous system and drive neurodevelopmental disorders. Three distinct aspects of miRNA contribution to early cerebellar development will here be reviewed. Aspects are the establishment of the cerebellar anlage, the generation and maturation of at least two principal cell types of the developing cerebellar microcircuit, and the etiology and early progression of autism spectrum disorder. It will be argued here that the autism spectrum is an adept model to explore miRNA impact on the cognitive and affective processes that descend from the developing cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Constantin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.
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24
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Kim KC, Gonzales EL, Lázaro MT, Choi CS, Bahn GH, Yoo HJ, Shin CY. Clinical and Neurobiological Relevance of Current Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2016; 24:207-43. [PMID: 27133257 PMCID: PMC4859786 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2016.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. The phenotypic heterogeneity of ASD has made it overwhelmingly difficult to determine the exact etiology and pathophysiology underlying the core symptoms, which are often accompanied by comorbidities such as hyperactivity, seizures, and sensorimotor abnormalities. To our benefit, the advent of animal models has allowed us to assess and test diverse risk factors of ASD, both genetic and environmental, and measure their contribution to the manifestation of autistic symptoms. At a broader scale, rodent models have helped consolidate molecular pathways and unify the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying each one of the various etiologies. This approach will potentially enable the stratification of ASD into clinical, molecular, and neurophenotypic subgroups, further proving their translational utility. It is henceforth paramount to establish a common ground of mechanistic theories from complementing results in preclinical research. In this review, we cluster the ASD animal models into lesion and genetic models and further classify them based on the corresponding environmental, epigenetic and genetic factors. Finally, we summarize the symptoms and neuropathological highlights for each model and make critical comparisons that elucidate their clinical and neurobiological relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Chan Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.,Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Edson Luck Gonzales
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - María T Lázaro
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Chang Soon Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon Ho Bahn
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jeong Yoo
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Seoul National University Bungdang Hospital, Seongnam 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Young Shin
- Center for Neuroscience Research, SMART Institute of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea.,School of Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 05029, Republic of Korea
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25
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Cupolillo D, Hoxha E, Faralli A, De Luca A, Rossi F, Tempia F, Carulli D. Autistic-Like Traits and Cerebellar Dysfunction in Purkinje Cell PTEN Knock-Out Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:1457-66. [PMID: 26538449 PMCID: PMC4832032 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Revised: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction, isolated areas of interest, and insistence on sameness. Mutations in Phosphatase and tensin homolog missing on chromosome 10 (PTEN) have been reported in individuals with ASDs. Recent evidence highlights a crucial role of the cerebellum in the etiopathogenesis of ASDs. In the present study we analyzed the specific contribution of cerebellar Purkinje cell (PC) PTEN loss to these disorders. Using the Cre-loxP recombination system, we generated conditional knockout mice in which PTEN inactivation was induced specifically in PCs. We investigated PC morphology and physiology as well as sociability, repetitive behavior, motor learning, and cognitive inflexibility of adult PC PTEN-mutant mice. Loss of PTEN in PCs results in autistic-like traits, including impaired sociability, repetitive behavior and deficits in motor learning. Mutant PCs appear hypertrophic and show structural abnormalities in dendrites and axons, decreased excitability, disrupted parallel fiber and climbing fiber synapses and late-onset cell death. Our results unveil new roles of PTEN in PC function and provide the first evidence of a link between the loss of PTEN in PCs and the genesis of ASD-like traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Cupolillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Eriola Hoxha
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Faralli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Annarita De Luca
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Rossi
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Tempia
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniela Carulli
- Department of Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Neuroscience Institute of the Cavalieri-Ottolenghi Foundation (NICO), University of Turin, Regione Gonzole 10, Orbassano, Turin 10043, Italy, Tel: +39 011 6706614, Fax: +39 011 670 6621, E-mail:
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26
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Stevenson JM, Reilly JL, Harris MSH, Patel SR, Weiden PJ, Prasad KM, Badner JA, Nimgaonkar VL, Keshavan MS, Sweeney JA, Bishop JR. Antipsychotic pharmacogenomics in first episode psychosis: a role for glutamate genes. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e739. [PMID: 26905411 PMCID: PMC4872428 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors may underlie beneficial and adverse responses to antipsychotic treatment. These relationships may be easier to identify among patients early in the course of disease who have limited exposure to antipsychotic drugs. We examined 86 first episode patients (schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder with psychotic features) who had minimal to no prior antipsychotic exposure in a 6-week pharmacogenomic study of antipsychotic treatment response. Response was measured by change in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale total score. Risperidone monotherapy was the primary antipsychotic treatment. Pharmacogenomic association studies were completed to (1) examine candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes known to be involved with glutamate signaling, and (2) conduct an exploratory genome-wide association study of symptom response to identify potential novel associations for future investigation. Two SNPs in GRM7 (rs2069062 and rs2014195) were significantly associated with antipsychotic response in candidate gene analysis, as were two SNPs in the human glutamate receptor delta 2 (GRID2) gene (rs9307122 and rs1875705) in genome-wide association analysis. Further examination of these findings with those from a separate risperidone-treated study sample demonstrated that top SNPs in both studies were overrepresented in glutamate genes and that there were similarities in neurodevelopmental gene categories associated with drug response from both study samples. These associations indicate a role for gene variants related to glutamate signaling and antipsychotic response with more broad association patterns indicating the potential importance of genes involved in neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Stevenson
- Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J L Reilly
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M S H Harris
- Jesse Brown Veterans Administration Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - S R Patel
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - P J Weiden
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K M Prasad
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - J A Badner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - V L Nimgaonkar
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - M S Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - J A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - J R Bishop
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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27
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Hampson DR, Blatt GJ. Autism spectrum disorders and neuropathology of the cerebellum. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:420. [PMID: 26594141 PMCID: PMC4635214 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The cerebellum contains the largest number of neurons and synapses of any structure in the central nervous system. The concept that the cerebellum is solely involved in fine motor function has become outdated; substantial evidence has accumulated linking the cerebellum with higher cognitive functions including language. Cerebellar deficits have been implicated in autism for more than two decades. The computational power of the cerebellum is essential for many, if not most of the processes that are perturbed in autism including language and communication, social interactions, stereotyped behavior, motor activity and motor coordination, and higher cognitive functions. The link between autism and cerebellar dysfunction should not be surprising to those who study its cellular, physiological, and functional properties. Postmortem studies have revealed neuropathological abnormalities in cerebellar cellular architecture while studies on mouse lines with cell loss or mutations in single genes restricted to cerebellar Purkinje cells have also strongly implicated this brain structure in contributing to the autistic phenotype. This connection has been further substantiated by studies investigating brain damage in humans restricted to the cerebellum. In this review, we summarize advances in research on idiopathic autism and three genetic forms of autism that highlight the key roles that the cerebellum plays in this spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Hampson
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism Baltimore, MD, USA
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28
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Lee DY. Roles of mTOR Signaling in Brain Development. Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:177-85. [PMID: 26412966 PMCID: PMC4580744 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.3.177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase composed of multiple protein components. Intracellular signaling of mTOR complexes is involved in many of physiological functions including cell survival, proliferation and differentiation through the regulation of protein synthesis in multiple cell types. During brain development, mTOR-mediated signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the process of neuronal and glial differentiation and the maintenance of the stemness of neural stem cells. The abnormalities in the activity of mTOR and its downstream signaling molecules in neural stem cells result in severe defects of brain developmental processes causing a significant number of brain disorders, such as pediatric brain tumors, autism, seizure, learning disability and mental retardation. Understanding the implication of mTOR activity in neural stem cells would be able to provide an important clue in the development of future brain developmental disorder therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Yong Lee
- Stem Cell Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon 34141, Korea
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29
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Wöhr M, Orduz D, Gregory P, Moreno H, Khan U, Vörckel KJ, Wolfer DP, Welzl H, Gall D, Schiffmann SN, Schwaller B. Lack of parvalbumin in mice leads to behavioral deficits relevant to all human autism core symptoms and related neural morphofunctional abnormalities. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e525. [PMID: 25756808 PMCID: PMC4354349 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene mutations and gene copy number variants are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Affected gene products are often part of signaling networks implicated in synapse formation and/or function leading to alterations in the excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance. Although the network of parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons has gained particular attention in ASD, little is known on PV's putative role with respect to ASD. Genetic mouse models represent powerful translational tools for studying the role of genetic and neurobiological factors underlying ASD. Here, we report that PV knockout mice (PV(-/-)) display behavioral phenotypes with relevance to all three core symptoms present in human ASD patients: abnormal reciprocal social interactions, impairments in communication and repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior. PV-depleted mice also showed several signs of ASD-associated comorbidities, such as reduced pain sensitivity and startle responses yet increased seizure susceptibility, whereas no evidence for behavioral phenotypes with relevance to anxiety, depression and schizophrenia was obtained. Reduced social interactions and communication were also observed in heterozygous (PV(+/-)) mice characterized by lower PV expression levels, indicating that merely a decrease in PV levels might be sufficient to elicit core ASD-like deficits. Structural magnetic resonance imaging measurements in PV(-/-) and PV(+/-) mice further revealed ASD-associated developmental neuroanatomical changes, including transient cortical hypertrophy and cerebellar hypoplasia. Electrophysiological experiments finally demonstrated that the E/I balance in these mice is altered by modification of both inhibitory and excitatory synaptic transmission. On the basis of the reported changes in PV expression patterns in several, mostly genetic rodent models of ASD, we propose that in these models downregulation of PV might represent one of the points of convergence, thus providing a common link between apparently unrelated ASD-associated synapse structure/function phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wöhr
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - D Orduz
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - P Gregory
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - H Moreno
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, The Robert F Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - U Khan
- Department of Neurology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, The Robert F Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - K J Vörckel
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - D P Wolfer
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland,Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport, ETH Zürich, D-HEST, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - H Welzl
- Institute of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - D Gall
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - S N Schiffmann
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, ULB Neuroscience Institute (UNI), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - B Schwaller
- Anatomy Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland,Anatomy, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Route Albert-Gockel 1, Fribourg CH 1700, Switzerland. E-mail:
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30
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McKimm E, Corkill B, Goldowitz D, Albritton LM, Homayouni R, Blaha CD, Mittleman G. Glutamate dysfunction associated with developmental cerebellar damage: relevance to autism spectrum disorders. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 13:346-53. [PMID: 24307139 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0541-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neural abnormalities commonly associated with autism spectrum disorders include prefrontal cortex (PFC) dysfunction and cerebellar pathology in the form of Purkinje cell loss and cerebellar hypoplasia. It has been reported that loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells results in aberrant dopamine neurotransmission in the PFC which occurs via dysregulation of multisynaptic efferents from the cerebellum to the PFC. Using a mouse model, we investigated the possibility that developmental cerebellar Purkinje cell loss could disrupt glutamatergic cerebellar projections to the PFC that ultimately modulate DA release. We measured glutamate release evoked by local electrical stimulation using fixed-potential amperometry in combination with glutamate selective enzyme-based recording probes in urethane-anesthetized Lurcher mutant and wildtype mice. Target sites included the mediodorsal and ventrolateral thalamic nuclei, reticulotegmental nuclei, pedunculopontine nuclei, and ventral tegmental area. With the exception of the ventral tegmental area, the results indicated that in comparison to wildtype mice, evoked glutamate release was reduced in Lurcher mutants by between 9 and 72% at all stimulated sites. These results are consistent with the notion that developmental loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells drives reductions in evoked glutamate release in cerebellar efferent pathways that ultimately influence PFC dopamine release. Possible mechanisms whereby reductions in glutamate release could occur are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric McKimm
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN, 38152, USA
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31
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Martin L, Sample H, Gregg M, Wood C. Validation of operant social motivation paradigms using BTBR T+tf/J and C57BL/6J inbred mouse strains. Brain Behav 2014; 4:754-64. [PMID: 25328850 PMCID: PMC4188367 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As purported causal factors are identified for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), new assays are needed to better phenotype animal models designed to explore these factors. With recent evidence suggesting that deficits in social motivation are at the core of ASD behavior, the development of quantitative measures of social motivation is particularly important. The goal of our study was to develop and validate novel assays to quantitatively measure social motivation in mice. METHODS In order to test the validity of our paradigms, we compared the BTBR strain, with documented social deficits, to the prosocial C57BL/6J strain. Two novel conditioning paradigms were developed that allowed the test mouse to control access to a social partner. In the social motivation task, the test mice lever pressed for a social reward. The reward contingency was set on a progressive ratio of reinforcement and the number of lever presses achieved in the final trial of a testing session (breakpoint) was used as an index of social motivation. In the valence comparison task, motivation for a food reward was compared to a social reward. We also explored activity, social affiliation, and preference for social novelty through a series of tasks using an ANY-Maze video-tracking system in an open-field arena. RESULTS BTBR mice had significantly lower breakpoints in the social motivation paradigm than C57BL/6J mice. However, the valence comparison task revealed that BTBR mice also made significantly fewer lever presses for a food reward. CONCLUSIONS The results of the conditioning paradigms suggest that the BTBR strain has an overall deficit in motivated behavior. Furthermore, the results of the open-field observations may suggest that social differences in the BTBR strain are anxiety induced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Martin
- Department of Graduate Psychology, Azusa Pacific University 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, 91702, California
| | - Hannah Sample
- Department of Graduate Psychology, Azusa Pacific University 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, 91702, California
| | - Michael Gregg
- Department of Graduate Psychology, Azusa Pacific University 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, 91702, California
| | - Caleb Wood
- Department of Graduate Psychology, Azusa Pacific University 901 E Alosta Ave, Azusa, 91702, California
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32
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Foti F, Mazzone L, Menghini D, De Peppo L, Federico F, Postorino V, Baumgartner E, Valeri G, Petrosini L, Vicari S. Learning by observation in children with autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2014; 44:2437-2447. [PMID: 24433947 DOI: 10.1017/s003329171300322x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observing another person performing a complex action accelerates the observer's acquisition of the same action and limits the time-consuming process of learning by trial and error. Learning by observation requires specific skills such as attending, imitating and understanding contingencies. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit deficits in these skills. METHOD The performance of 20 ASD children was compared with that of a group of typically developing (TD) children matched for chronological age (CA), IQ and gender on tasks of learning of a visuomotor sequence by observation or by trial and error. Acquiring the correct sequence involved three phases: a detection phase (DP), in which participants discovered the correct sequence and learned how to perform the task; an exercise phase (EP), in which they reproduced the sequence until performance was error free; and an automatization phase (AP), in which by repeating the error-free sequence they became accurate and speedy. RESULTS In the DP, ASD children were impaired in detecting a sequence by trial and error only when the task was proposed as first, whereas they were as efficient as TD children in detecting a sequence by observation. In the EP, ASD children were as efficient as TD children. In the AP, ASD children were impaired in automatizing the sequence. Although the positive effect of learning by observation was evident, ASD children made a high number of imitative errors, indicating marked tendencies to hyperimitate. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the imitative abilities of ASD children although the presence of imitative errors indicates an impairment in the control of imitative behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Foti
- Department of Psychology,Sapienza University of Rome,Italy
| | - L Mazzone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
| | - D Menghini
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
| | - L De Peppo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
| | - F Federico
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology,Sapienza University of Rome,Italy
| | - V Postorino
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
| | - E Baumgartner
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology,Sapienza University of Rome,Italy
| | - G Valeri
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
| | - L Petrosini
- Department of Psychology,Sapienza University of Rome,Italy
| | - S Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience,Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital,Rome,Italy
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Cendelin J. From mice to men: lessons from mutant ataxic mice. CEREBELLUM & ATAXIAS 2014; 1:4. [PMID: 26331028 PMCID: PMC4549131 DOI: 10.1186/2053-8871-1-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ataxic mutant mice can be used to represent models of cerebellar degenerative disorders. They serve for investigation of cerebellar function, pathogenesis of degenerative processes as well as of therapeutic approaches. Lurcher, Hot-foot, Purkinje cell degeneration, Nervous, Staggerer, Weaver, Reeler, and Scrambler mouse models and mouse models of SCA1, SCA2, SCA3, SCA6, SCA7, SCA23, DRPLA, Niemann-Pick disease and Friedreich ataxia are reviewed with special regard to cerebellar pathology, pathogenesis, functional changes and possible therapeutic influences, if any. Finally, benefits and limitations of mouse models are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Lidicka 1, 301 66 Plzen, Czech Republic ; Biomedical Centre, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic
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Zhang L, Chung SK, Chow BKC. The knockout of secretin in cerebellar Purkinje cells impairs mouse motor coordination and motor learning. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:1460-8. [PMID: 24356714 PMCID: PMC3988549 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2013.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Revised: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 12/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Secretin (SCT) was first considered to be a gut hormone regulating gastrointestinal functions when discovered. Recently, however, central actions of SCT have drawn intense research interest and are supported by the broad distribution of SCT in specific neuronal populations and by in vivo physiological studies regarding its role in water homeostasis and food intake. The direct action of SCT on a central neuron was first discovered in cerebellar Purkinje cells in which SCT from cerebellar Purkinje cells was found to potentiate GABAergic inhibitory transmission from presynaptic basket cells. Because Purkinje neurons have a major role in motor coordination and learning functions, we hypothesize a behavioral modulatory function for SCT. In this study, we successfully generated a mouse model in which the SCT gene was deleted specifically in Purkinje cells. This mouse line was tested together with SCT knockout and SCT receptor knockout mice in a full battery of behavioral tasks. We found that the knockout of SCT in Purkinje neurons did not affect general motor ability or the anxiety level in open field tests. However, knockout mice did exhibit impairments in neuromuscular strength, motor coordination, and motor learning abilities, as shown by wire hanging, vertical climbing, and rotarod tests. In addition, SCT knockout in Purkinje cells possibly led to the delayed development of motor neurons, as supported by the later occurrence of key neural reflexes. In summary, our data suggest a role in motor coordination and motor learning for SCT expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sookja Kim Chung
- Department of Anatomy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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35
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Restricted and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders: the relationship of attention and motor deficits. Dev Psychopathol 2014; 25:773-84. [PMID: 23880391 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579413000163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are hallmark symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs); however, it has proven difficult to understand the mechanisms underlying these behaviors. One hypothesis suggests that RRBs are the result of a core deficit in attention. Alternatively, abnormalities of the motor system may constitute the central mechanism underlying RRBs, given motor deficits observed in ASDs. In this experiment, we investigated the etiology of RRBs and the relationship between attention and motor deficits. Movement impairments (a) may be indirectly related to attention deficits, (b) may result from a shared compromised process, or (c) may be independent. Twenty-two adolescents with ASD and 20 typically developing participants performed a spatial attention task. Movement impairments were assessed with a rhythmic tapping task. Attentional orienting and motor control were found to be related and supported the hypothesis that these impairments in ASD arise from a shared process. In contrast, measures of attention switching and motor control were found to be independent. Stereotyped behaviors, as assessed by parental ratings, were related more to the degree of motor impairment than to deficits of attention. These results suggest that both attentional orienting deficits and stereotyped RRBs are related to a compromised motor system.
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36
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Reorganization of circuits underlying cerebellar modulation of prefrontal cortical dopamine in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. THE CEREBELLUM 2014; 12:547-56. [PMID: 23436049 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-013-0462-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Imaging, clinical, and pre-clinical studies have provided ample evidence for a cerebellar involvement in cognitive brain function including cognitive brain disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia. We previously reported that cerebellar activity modulates dopamine release in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) via two distinct pathways: (1) cerebellum to mPFC via dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and (2) cerebellum to mPFC via glutamatergic projections from the mediodorsal and ventrolateral thalamus (ThN md and vl). The present study compared functional adaptations of cerebello-cortical circuitry following developmental cerebellar pathology in a mouse model of developmental loss of Purkinje cells (Lurcher) and a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (Fmr1 KO mice). Fixed potential amperometry was used to measure mPFC dopamine release in response to cerebellar electrical stimulation. Mutant mice of both strains showed an attenuation in cerebellar-evoked mPFC dopamine release compared to respective wildtype mice. This was accompanied by a functional reorganization of the VTA and thalamic pathways mediating cerebellar modulation of mPFC dopamine release. Inactivation of the VTA pathway by intra-VTA lidocaine or kynurenate infusions decreased dopamine release by 50 % in wildtype and 20-30 % in mutant mice of both strains. Intra-ThN vl infusions of either drug decreased dopamine release by 15 % in wildtype and 40 % in mutant mice of both strains, while dopamine release remained relatively unchanged following intra-ThN md drug infusions. These results indicate a shift in strength towards the thalamic vl projection, away from the VTA. Thus, cerebellar neuropathologies associated with autism spectrum disorders may cause a reduction in cerebellar modulation of mPFC dopamine release that is related to a reorganization of the mediating neuronal pathways.
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37
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Ady V, Perroy J, Tricoire L, Piochon C, Dadak S, Chen X, Dusart I, Fagni L, Lambolez B, Levenes C. Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGlu1) trigger the gating of GluD2 delta glutamate receptors. EMBO Rep 2013; 15:103-9. [PMID: 24357660 DOI: 10.1002/embr.201337371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan GluD2 receptor belongs to the ionotropic glutamate receptor family but does not bind glutamate. Ligand-gated GluD2 currents have never been evidenced, and whether GluD2 operates as an ion channel has been a long-standing question. Here, we show that GluD2 gating is triggered by type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors, both in a heterologous expression system and in Purkinje cells. Thus, GluD2 is not only an adhesion molecule at synapses but also works as a channel. This gating mechanism reveals new properties of glutamate receptors that emerge from their interaction and opens unexpected perspectives regarding synaptic transmission and plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Visou Ady
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 8119 Neurophysics and Physiology Laboratory, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
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38
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Steadman PE, Ellegood J, Szulc KU, Turnbull DH, Joyner AL, Henkelman RM, Lerch JP. Genetic effects on cerebellar structure across mouse models of autism using a magnetic resonance imaging atlas. Autism Res 2013; 7:124-37. [PMID: 24151012 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of autism populations is confounded by the inherent heterogeneity in the individuals' genetics and environment, two factors difficult to control for. Imaging genetic animal models that recapitulate a mutation associated with autism quantify the impact of genetics on brain morphology and mitigate the confounding factors in human studies. Here, we used MRI to image three genetic mouse models with single mutations implicated in autism: Neuroligin-3 R451C knock-in, Methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MECP2) 308-truncation and integrin β3 homozygous knockout. This study identified the morphological differences specific to the cerebellum, a structure repeatedly linked to autism in human neuroimaging and postmortem studies. To accomplish a comparative analysis, a segmented cerebellum template was created and used to segment each study image. This template delineated 39 different cerebellar structures. For Neuroligin-3 R451C male mutants, the gray (effect size (ES) = 1.94, FDR q = 0.03) and white (ES = 1.84, q = 0.037) matter of crus II lobule and the gray matter of the paraflocculus (ES = 1.45, q = 0.045) were larger in volume. The MECP2 mutant mice had cerebellar volume changes that increased in scope depending on the genotype: hemizygous males to homozygous females. The integrin β3 mutant mouse had a drastically smaller cerebellum than controls with 28 out of 39 cerebellar structures smaller. These imaging results are discussed in relation to repetitive behaviors, sociability, and learning in the context of autism. This work further illuminates the cerebellum's role in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick E Steadman
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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39
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Lucchina L, Depino AM. Altered Peripheral and Central Inflammatory Responses in a Mouse Model of Autism. Autism Res 2013; 7:273-89. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Lucchina
- Institute for Physiology; Molecular Biology and Neurosciences; CONICET-UBA; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Department of Physiology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; FCEyN; University of Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
| | - Amaicha Mara Depino
- Institute for Physiology; Molecular Biology and Neurosciences; CONICET-UBA; Buenos Aires Argentina
- Department of Physiology; Molecular and Cellular Biology; FCEyN; University of Buenos Aires; Buenos Aires Argentina
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40
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Behavioural methods used in rodent models of autism spectrum disorders: Current standards and new developments. Behav Brain Res 2013; 251:5-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.05.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Revised: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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41
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable, and six genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of ASDs have been published to date. In this study, we have integrated the findings from these GWASs with other genetic data to identify enriched genetic networks that are associated with ASDs. We conducted bioinformatics and systematic literature analyses of 200 top-ranked ASD candidate genes from five published GWASs. The sixth GWAS was used for replication and validation of our findings. Further corroborating evidence was obtained through rare genetic variant studies, that is, exome sequencing and copy number variation (CNV) studies, and/or other genetic evidence, including candidate gene association, microRNA and gene expression, gene function and genetic animal studies. We found three signaling networks regulating steroidogenesis, neurite outgrowth and (glutamatergic) synaptic function to be enriched in the data. Most genes from the five GWASs were also implicated--independent of gene size--in ASDs by at least one other line of genomic evidence. Importantly, A-kinase anchor proteins (AKAPs) functionally integrate signaling cascades within and between these networks. The three identified protein networks provide an important contribution to increasing our understanding of the molecular basis of ASDs. In addition, our results point towards the AKAPs as promising targets for developing novel ASD treatments.
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42
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Rogers TD, McKimm E, Dickson PE, Goldowitz D, Blaha CD, Mittleman G. Is autism a disease of the cerebellum? An integration of clinical and pre-clinical research. Front Syst Neurosci 2013; 7:15. [PMID: 23717269 PMCID: PMC3650713 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2013.00015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social skills and communication, stereotyped and repetitive behavior, and a range of deficits in cognitive function. While the etiology of autism is unknown, current research indicates that abnormalities of the cerebellum, now believed to be involved in cognitive function and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), are associated with autism. The current paper proposes that impaired cerebello-cortical circuitry could, at least in part, underlie autistic symptoms. The use of animal models that allow for manipulation of genetic and environmental influences are an effective means of elucidating both distal and proximal etiological factors in autism and their potential impact on cerebello-cortical circuitry. Some existing rodent models of autism, as well as some models not previously applied to the study of the disorder, display cerebellar and behavioral abnormalities that parallel those commonly seen in autistic patients. The novel findings produced from research utilizing rodent models could provide a better understanding of the neurochemical and behavioral impact of changes in cerebello-cortical circuitry in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany D Rogers
- Department of Psychology, The University of Memphis Memphis, TN, USA
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43
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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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44
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Vazquez-Sanroman D, Sanchis-Segura C, Toledo R, Hernandez M, Manzo J, Miquel M. The effects of enriched environment on BDNF expression in the mouse cerebellum depending on the length of exposure. Behav Brain Res 2013; 243:118-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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45
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Dean SL, Wright CL, Hoffman JF, Wang M, Alger BE, McCarthy MM. Prostaglandin E2 stimulates estradiol synthesis in the cerebellum postnatally with associated effects on Purkinje neuron dendritic arbor and electrophysiological properties. Endocrinology 2012; 153:5415-27. [PMID: 23054057 PMCID: PMC3473195 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Prostaglandins (PGs) are ubiquitous membrane-derived, lipid-signaling molecules with wide ranging effects throughout the body. In the brain, PGE(2) is the key regulator of fever after inflammation but is also implicated in neural development and synaptic plasticity. The steroid hormone estradiol is also a key regulator of neural development and synaptic plasticity. Recently, we showed that administering cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors to block PGE(2) production increased the total length of Purkinje cell dendrites, the number of dendritic spines, and the level of spinophilin protein, which is enriched in dendritic spines. Correspondingly, PGE(2) administration into the cerebellum decreased spinophilin protein content. We now report that PGE(2) stimulates estradiol synthesis in the immature rat cerebellum via enhanced activity of the aromatase enzyme. Treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors reduced cerebellar aromatase activity and estradiol content whereas PGE(2) administration increased both. Treatment with either PGE(2) or estradiol stunted Purkinje neuron dendritic length and complexity and produced a corresponding reduction in spinophilin content. Treatment with formestane to inhibit aromatase activity led to excessive sprouting of the dendritic tree, whereas elevated estradiol had the opposite effect. Electrophysiological measurements from Purkinje neurons revealed novel sex differences in input resistance and membrane capacitance that were abolished by estradiol exposure, whereas a sex difference in the amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization after an action potential was not. Correlated changes in action potential threshold suggest that prolonged alterations in neuronal firing activity could be a consequence of increased estradiol content during the second week of life. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated role for PG-stimulated steroidogenesis in the developing brain and a new potential route for inflammation-mediated disruption of neuronal maturation.
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Reith RM, McKenna J, Wu H, Hashmi SS, Cho SH, Dash PK, Gambello MJ. Loss of Tsc2 in Purkinje cells is associated with autistic-like behavior in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex. Neurobiol Dis 2012; 51:93-103. [PMID: 23123587 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2012] [Revised: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a dominant tumor suppressor disorder caused by mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2. TSC causes substantial neuropathology, often leading to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in up to 60% of patients. The anatomic and neurophysiologic links between these two disorders are not well understood. We have generated and characterized a novel TSC mouse model with Purkinje cell specific Tsc2 loss. These Tsc2f/-;Cre mice exhibit progressive Purkinje cell degeneration. Since loss of Purkinje cells is a well reported postmortem finding in patients with ASD, we conducted a series of behavior tests to asses if Tsc2f/-;Cre mice displayed autistic-like deficits. Tsc2f/-;Cre mice demonstrated increased repetitive behavior as assessed with marble burying activity. Using the three chambered apparatus to asses social behavior, we found that Tsc2f/-;Cre mice showed behavioral deficits, exhibiting no preference between a stranger mouse and an inanimate object, or between a novel and a familiar mouse. We also detected social deficits in Tsc2f/f;Cre mice, suggesting that Purkinje cell pathology is sufficient to induce ASD-like behavior. Importantly, social behavior deficits were prevented with rapamycin treatment. Altogether, these results demonstrate that loss of Tsc2 in Purkinje cells in a Tsc2-haploinsufficient background leads to autistic-like behavioral deficits. These studies provide compelling evidence that Purkinje cell loss and/or dysfunction may be an important link between TSC and ASD as well as a general anatomic phenomenon that contributes to the ASD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Michelle Reith
- Program in Human and Molecular Genetics, UT Health, Houston, TX, USA
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47
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Fatemi SH, Aldinger KA, Ashwood P, Bauman ML, Blaha CD, Blatt GJ, Chauhan A, Chauhan V, Dager SR, Dickson PE, Estes AM, Goldowitz D, Heck DH, Kemper TL, King BH, Martin LA, Millen KJ, Mittleman G, Mosconi MW, Persico AM, Sweeney JA, Webb SJ, Welsh JP. Consensus paper: pathological role of the cerebellum in autism. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2012; 11:777-807. [PMID: 22370873 PMCID: PMC3677555 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-012-0355-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There has been significant advancement in various aspects of scientific knowledge concerning the role of cerebellum in the etiopathogenesis of autism. In the current consensus paper, we will observe the diversity of opinions regarding the involvement of this important site in the pathology of autism. Recent emergent findings in literature related to cerebellar involvement in autism are discussed, including: cerebellar pathology, cerebellar imaging and symptom expression in autism, cerebellar genetics, cerebellar immune function, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, GABAergic and glutamatergic systems, cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, and oxytocin-related changes in autism, motor control and cognitive deficits, cerebellar coordination of movements and cognition, gene-environment interactions, therapeutics in autism, and relevant animal models of autism. Points of consensus include presence of abnormal cerebellar anatomy, abnormal neurotransmitter systems, oxidative stress, cerebellar motor and cognitive deficits, and neuroinflammation in subjects with autism. Undefined areas or areas requiring further investigation include lack of treatment options for core symptoms of autism, vermal hypoplasia, and other vermal abnormalities as a consistent feature of autism, mechanisms underlying cerebellar contributions to cognition, and unknown mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Hossein Fatemi
- University of Minnesota Medical School, 420 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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48
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Villanueva R. The cerebellum and neuropsychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Res 2012; 198:527-32. [PMID: 22436353 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Relative to non-human primates, in humans the cerebellum, and prefrontal cortex are brain regions which have undergone major evolutionary changes. In recent decades, progress in molecular biology and advances in the development of functional neuroimaging analysis have shown that the evolution of the human cerebellum was accompanied by the acquisition of more functions than were previously deduced from human post-mortem studies and animal experimentation. These new cerebellar functions included the control of attention and other cognitive functions, emotions and mood, and social behavior, which were all thought to represent cortical functions. The importance of this new view of cerebellar physiology has been confirmed by the frequency of neuropsychiatric disorders in individuals with cerebellar abnormalities. The information collected in this review emphasizes the importance of cerebellar studies in establishing the physiological substrate of mental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Villanueva
- Servicio de Psiquiatria, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de Castellana 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain.
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49
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Strazielle C, Lefevre A, Jacquelin C, Lalonde R. Abnormal grooming activity in Dab1scm (scrambler) mutant mice. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:24-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Revised: 04/19/2012] [Accepted: 04/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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50
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Armstrong CL, Duffin CA, McFarland R, Vogel MW. Mechanisms of compartmental purkinje cell death and survival in the lurcher mutant mouse. THE CEREBELLUM 2012; 10:504-14. [PMID: 21104177 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-010-0231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Lurcher mutant mouse is characterized by its ataxic gait and loss of cerebellar Purkinje cells and their afferents, granule cells and olivary neurons, during the first weeks of postnatal development. For the 50 years since its discovery, the heterozygous Lurcher mutant has served as an important model system for studying neuron-target interactions in the developing cerebellum and cerebellar function. The identification of the Lurcher (Lc) gene over 10 years ago as a gain-of-function mutation in the δ2 glutamate receptor (GluRδ2) led to extensive studies of cell death mechanisms in the Lc/+ cerebellum. The advantage of this model system is that GluRδ2(+) receptors and GluRδ2(Lc) channels are expressed predominantly in Purkinje cells, making it possible to study the effects of a well-characterized leak current in a well-defined cell type during a critical phase of neuronal development. Yet there is still controversy surrounding the mechanisms of neuronal death in Lc/+ Purkinje cells with competing hypotheses for necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic cell death pathways as a consequence of the excitotoxic stress caused by the GluRδ2(Lc) leak current. The goal of this review is to summarize recent studies that critically test the role of various cell death pathways in Lc/+ Purkinje cell degeneration with respect to evidence for the molecular heterogeneity of Purkinje cells. We propose that the expression of putative survival factors, such as heat shock proteins, in a subset of cerebellar Purkinje cells may affect cell death pathways and account for the pattern and diverse mechanisms of Lc/+ Purkinje degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Armstrong
- Department of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Mt Royal University, Calgary, AB, Canada, T3E 6K6
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