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Morin-Parent F, Champigny C, Côté S, Mohamad T, Hasani SA, Çaku A, Corbin F, Lepage JF. Neurophysiological effects of a combined treatment of lovastatin and minocycline in patients with fragile X syndrome: Ancillary results of the LOVAMIX randomized clinical trial. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 39248107 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3222] [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: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the primary hereditary cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. It is characterized by exacerbated neuronal excitability, and its correction is considered an objective measure of treatment response in animal models, a marker albeit rarely used in clinical trials. Here, we used an extensive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) battery to assess the neurophysiological effects of a therapy combining two disease-modifying drugs, lovastatin (40 mg) and minocycline (100 mg), administered alone for 8 weeks and in combination for 12 weeks, in 19 patients (mean age of 23.58 ± 1.51) with FXS taking part in the LOVAmix trial. The TMS battery, which included the resting motor threshold, short-interval intracortical inhibition, long-interval intracortical inhibition, corticospinal silent period, and intracortical facilitation, was completed at baseline after 8 weeks of monotherapy (visit 2 of the clinical trial) and after 12 weeks of dual therapy (visit 4 of the clinical trial). Repeated measure ANOVAs were performed between baseline and visit 2 (monotherapy) and visit 3 (dual therapy) with interactions for which monotherapy the participants received when they began the clinical trial. Results showed that dual therapy was associated with reduced cortical excitability after 20 weeks. This was reflected by a significant increase in the resting-motor threshold after dual therapy compared to baseline. There was a tendency for enhanced short-intracortical inhibition, a marker of GABAa-mediated inhibition after 8 weeks of monotherapy compared to baseline. Together, these results suggest that a combined therapy of minocycline and lovastatin might act on the core neurophysiopathology of FXS. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02680379).
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Morin-Parent
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Camille Champigny
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Samantha Côté
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Teddy Mohamad
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Seyede Anis Hasani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - François Corbin
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Jean-François Lepage
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sherbrooke University, Sherbrooke, Canada
- Sherbrooke University Hospital Research Center, Sherbrooke, Canada
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2
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Ferraguto C, Piquemal-Lagoueillat M, Lemaire V, Moreau MM, Trazzi S, Uguagliati B, Ciani E, Bertrand SS, Louette E, Bontempi B, Pietropaolo S. Therapeutic efficacy of the BKCa channel opener chlorzoxazone in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01956-6. [PMID: 39223257 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01956-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several behavioral abnormalities, including hyperactivity, anxiety, sensory hyper-responsiveness, and autistic-like symptoms such as social deficits. Despite considerable efforts, effective pharmacological treatments are still lacking, prompting the need for exploring the therapeutic value of existing drugs beyond their original approved use. One such repurposed drug is chlorzoxazone which is classified as a large-conductance calcium-dependent potassium (BKCa) channel opener. Reduced BKCa channel functionality has been reported in FXS patients, suggesting that molecules activating these channels could serve as promising treatments for this syndrome. Here, we sought to characterize the therapeutic potential of chlorzoxazone using the Fmr1-KO mouse model of FXS which recapitulates the main phenotypes of FXS, including BKCa channel alterations. Chlorzoxazone, administered either acutely or chronically, rescued hyperactivity and acoustic hyper-responsiveness as well as impaired social interactions exhibited by Fmr1-KO mice. Chlorzoxazone was more efficacious in alleviating these phenotypes than gaboxadol and metformin, two repurposed treatments for FXS that do not target BKCa channels. Systemic administration of chlorzoxazone modulated the neuronal activity-dependent gene c-fos in selected brain areas of Fmr1-KO mice, corrected aberrant hippocampal dendritic spines, and was able to rescue impaired BKCa currents recorded from hippocampal and cortical neurons of these mutants. Collectively, these findings provide further preclinical support for BKCa channels as a valuable therapeutic target for treating FXS and encourage the repurposing of chlorzoxazone for clinical applications in FXS and other related neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Valerie Lemaire
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maïté M Moreau
- Univ. Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Uguagliati
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Bruno Bontempi
- Univ. Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
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Blandin KJ, Narvaiz DA, Sullens DG, Womble PD, Hodges SL, Binder MS, Faust A, Nguyen PH, Pranske ZJ, Lugo JN. A Two-Hit Approach Inducing Flurothyl Seizures in Fmr1 Knockout Mice Impacts Anxiety and Repetitive Behaviors. Brain Sci 2024; 14:892. [PMID: 39335388 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14090892] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading monogenetic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is associated with seizures. We examined the impact of repeated seizures on the behavioral and molecular changes in male Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. METHODS Seizures were induced by administering three flurothyl seizures per day across postnatal days (PD) 7-11, for a total of 15 seizures. In adulthood, mice were tested in a battery of behavioral tasks to assess long-term behavioral deficits. RESULTS The two-hit impact of a Fmr1 knockout and seizures resulted in decreased anxiety-like behavior in the elevated plus maze test and a longer latency to their first nose poke (repetitive behavior). Seizures resulted in decreased activity, decreased repetitive behavior (grooming and rearings), and decreased social behavior, while they also increased habituation to auditory stimuli and increased freezing in delayed fear conditioning in both KO and control mice. KO mice displayed increased repetitive behavior in the open field task (clockwise revolutions) and repeated nose pokes, and decreased anxiety in the open field test. No differences in mTOR signaling were found. CONCLUSIONS These findings further illuminate the long-term effects of synergistic impact of two hits on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine J Blandin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - David A Narvaiz
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | | | - Paige D Womble
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Samantha L Hodges
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew S Binder
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University School of Medicine, East Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Amanda Faust
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
| | - Phuoc H Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 20742, USA
| | | | - Joaquin N Lugo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76798, USA
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Zhang B, Zhang J, Chen H, Qiao D, Guo F, Hu X, Qin C, Jin X, Zhang K, Wang C, Cui H, Li S. Role of FMRP in AKT/mTOR pathway-mediated hippocampal autophagy in fragile X syndrome. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111036. [PMID: 38823765 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111036] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by epigenetic silencing of the Fmr1 gene, leading to the deletion of the coding protein FMRP. FXS induces abnormal hippocampal autophagy and mTOR overactivation. However, it remains unclear whether FMRP regulates hippocampal autophagy through the AKT/mTOR pathway, which influences the neural behavior of FXS. Our study revealed that FMRP deficiency increased the protein levels of p-ULK-1 and p62 and decreased LC3II/LC3I level in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 with knockdown of Fmr1 by lentivirus showed that the protein levels of p-ULK-1 and p62 were increased, whereas LC3II/LC3I was unchanged. Further observations revealed that FMRP deficiency obstructed autophagic flow in HT22 cells. Therefore, FMRP deficiency inhibited autophagy in the mouse hippocampus and HT22 cells. Moreover, FMRP deficiency increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, decreased the co-localization between the mitochondrial outer membrane proteins TOM20 and LC3 in HT22 cells, and caused a decrease in the mitochondrial autophagy protein PINK1 in HT22 cells and Fmr1 KO mice, indicating that FMRP deficiency caused mitochondrial autophagy disorder in HT22 cells and Fmr1 KO mice. To explore the mechanism by which FMRP deficiency inhibits autophagy, we examined the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of Fmr1 KO mice, found that FMRP deficiency caused overactivation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition activated and enhanced mitochondrial autophagy. Finally, we examined whether rapamycin affected the neurobehavior of Fmr1 KO mice. The Fmr1 KO mice exhibited stereotypical behavior, impaired social ability, and learning and memory impairment, while rapamycin treatment improved behavioral disorders in Fmr1 KO mice. Thus, our study revealed the molecular mechanism by which FMRP regulates autophagy function, clarifying the role of hippocampal neuron mitochondrial autophagy in the pathogenesis of FXS, and providing novel insights into potential therapeutic targets of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Fangzhen Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiangting Hu
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Grade 2021, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaowen Jin
- Grade 2021, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Kaixi Zhang
- Grade 2021, 5+3 Integrated pediatrics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology of Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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5
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Choi JH, Marsal-García L, Peraldi E, Walters C, Huang Z, Gantois I, Sonenberg N. Early metformin treatment: An effective approach for targeting fragile X syndrome pathophysiology. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2407546121. [PMID: 39042682 PMCID: PMC11295030 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407546121] [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: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder engendered by transcriptional silencing of the fragile X messenger ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Given the early onset of behavioral and molecular changes, it is imperative to know the optimal timing for therapeutic intervention. Case reports documented benefits of metformin treatment in FXS children between 2 and 14 y old. In this study, we administered metformin from birth to Fmr1-/y mice which corrected up-regulated mitogen-2 activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling pathways and specific synaptic mRNA-binding targets of FMRP. Metformin rescued increased number of calls in ultrasonic vocalization and repetitive behavior in Fmr1-/y mice. Our findings demonstrate that in mice, early-in-life metformin intervention is effective in treating FXS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hyun Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Laura Marsal-García
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Eve Peraldi
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Caleb Walters
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Ziying Huang
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QCH3A 1A3, Canada
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6
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Thacker JS, Bettio L, Liang S, Shkolnikov I, Collingridge GL, Christie BR. Adiponectin rescues synaptic plasticity in the dentate gyrus of a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2024; 379:20230221. [PMID: 38853554 PMCID: PMC11343265 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2023.0221] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and is the leading known single-gene cause of autism spectrum disorder. Patients with FXS display varied behavioural deficits that include mild to severe cognitive impairments in addition to mood disorders. Currently, there is no cure for this condition; however, there is an emerging focus on therapies that inhibit mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-dependent protein synthesis owing to the clinical effectiveness of metformin for alleviating some behavioural symptoms in FXS. Adiponectin (APN) is a neurohormone that is released by adipocytes and provides an alternative means to inhibit mTOR activation in the brain. In these studies, we show that Fmr1 knockout mice, like patients with FXS, show reduced levels of circulating APN and that both long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) in the dentate gyrus (DG) are impaired. Brief (20 min) incubation of hippocampal slices in APN (50 nM) was able to rescue both LTP and LTD in the DG and increased both the surface expression and phosphorylation of GluA1 receptors. These results provide evidence for reduced APN levels in FXS playing a role in decreasing bidirectional synaptic plasticity and show that therapies which enhance APN levels may have therapeutic potential for this and related conditions.This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Long-term potentiation: 50 years on'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Thacker
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Luis Bettio
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Stanley Liang
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Irene Shkolnikov
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Graham L. Collingridge
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Toronto, OntarioM5G 1X5, Canada
- Tanz Centre for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioM5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brian R. Christie
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
- Island Medical Program, University of British Columbia, Victoria, British ColumbiaV8P 5C2, Canada
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA92120, USA
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7
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Henis M, Rücker T, Scharrenberg R, Richter M, Baltussen L, Hong S, Meka DP, Schwanke B, Neelagandan N, Daaboul D, Murtaza N, Krisp C, Harder S, Schlüter H, Kneussel M, Hermans-Borgmeyer I, de Wit J, Singh KK, Duncan KE, de Anda FC. The autism susceptibility kinase, TAOK2, phosphorylates eEF2 and modulates translation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadf7001. [PMID: 38608030 PMCID: PMC11014455 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adf7001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Genes implicated in translation control have been associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, some important genetic causes of autism, including the 16p11.2 microdeletion, bear no obvious connection to translation. Here, we use proteomics, genetics, and translation assays in cultured cells and mouse brain to reveal altered translation mediated by loss of the kinase TAOK2 in 16p11.2 deletion models. We show that TAOK2 associates with the translational machinery and functions as a translational brake by phosphorylating eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2). Previously, all signal-mediated regulation of translation elongation via eEF2 phosphorylation was believed to be mediated by a single kinase, eEF2K. However, we show that TAOK2 can directly phosphorylate eEF2 on the same regulatory site, but functions independently of eEF2K signaling. Collectively, our results reveal an eEF2K-independent signaling pathway for control of translation elongation and suggest altered translation as a molecular component in the etiology of some forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melad Henis
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, New Valley University, 72511 El-Kharga, Egypt
| | - Tabitha Rücker
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robin Scharrenberg
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Richter
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lucas Baltussen
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Shuai Hong
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Durga Praveen Meka
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Schwanke
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nagammal Neelagandan
- Neuronal Translational Control Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Institute of Bioengineering (IBI), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Danie Daaboul
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nadeem Murtaza
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4A9, Canada
| | - Christoph Krisp
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Harder
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Mass Spectrometric Proteomics Group, Campus Forschung, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kneussel
- Institute of Neurogenetics, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Hermans-Borgmeyer
- Transgenic Service Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Joris de Wit
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karun K. Singh
- Krembil Research Institute, Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 0S8, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Cir, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1 A8, Canada
| | - Kent E. Duncan
- Neuronal Translational Control Group, Center for Molecular Neurobiology (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Falkenried 94, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
- Evotec SE, Manfred Eigen Campus, Essener Bogen 7, 22419 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Froylan Calderón de Anda
- Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany
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Deslauriers JC, Ghotkar RP, Russ LA, Jarman JA, Martin RM, Tippett RG, Sumathipala SH, Burton DF, Cole DC, Marsden KC. Cyfip2 controls the acoustic startle threshold through FMRP, actin polymerization, and GABA B receptor function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.22.573054. [PMID: 38187577 PMCID: PMC10769380 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.573054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Animals process a constant stream of sensory input, and to survive they must detect and respond to dangerous stimuli while ignoring innocuous or irrelevant ones. Behavioral responses are elicited when certain properties of a stimulus such as its intensity or size reach a critical value, and such behavioral thresholds can be a simple and effective mechanism to filter sensory information. For example, the acoustic startle response is a conserved and stereotyped defensive behavior induced by sudden loud sounds, but dysregulation of the threshold to initiate this behavior can result in startle hypersensitivity that is associated with sensory processing disorders including schizophrenia and autism. Through a previous forward genetic screen for regulators of the startle threshold a nonsense mutation in Cytoplasmic Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP)-interacting protein 2 (cyfip2) was found that causes startle hypersensitivity in zebrafish larvae, but the molecular mechanisms by which Cyfip2 establishes the acoustic startle threshold are unknown. Here we used conditional transgenic rescue and CRISPR/Cas9 to determine that Cyfip2 acts though both Rac1 and FMRP pathways, but not the closely related FXR1 or FXR2, to establish the acoustic startle threshold during early neurodevelopment. To identify proteins and pathways that may be downstream effectors of Rac1 and FMRP, we performed a candidate-based drug screen that indicated that Cyfip2 can also act acutely to maintain the startle threshold branched actin polymerization and N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). To complement this approach, we used unbiased discovery proteomics to determine that loss of Cyfip2 alters cytoskeletal and extracellular matrix components while also disrupting oxidative phosphorylation and GABA receptor signaling. Finally, we functionally validated our proteomics findings by showing that activating GABAB receptors, which like NMDARs are also FMRP targets, restores normal startle sensitivity in cyfip2 mutants. Together, these data reveal multiple mechanisms by which Cyfip2 regulates excitatory/inhibitory balance in the startle circuit to control the processing of acoustic information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Deslauriers
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rohit P. Ghotkar
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Putnam Associates, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsey A. Russ
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA
| | - Jordan A. Jarman
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rubia M. Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Current address: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Rachel G. Tippett
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sureni H. Sumathipala
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Derek F. Burton
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - D. Chris Cole
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kurt C. Marsden
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment (CHHE), North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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9
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Hooshmandi M, Sharma V, Thörn Perez C, Sood R, Krimbacher K, Wong C, Lister KC, Ureña Guzmán A, Bartley TD, Rocha C, Maussion G, Nadler E, Roque PM, Gantois I, Popic J, Lévesque M, Kaufman RJ, Avoli M, Sanz E, Nader K, Hagerman RJ, Durcan TM, Costa-Mattioli M, Prager-Khoutorsky M, Lacaille JC, Martinez-Cerdeno V, Gibson JR, Huber KM, Sonenberg N, Gkogkas CG, Khoutorsky A. Excitatory neuron-specific suppression of the integrated stress response contributes to autism-related phenotypes in fragile X syndrome. Neuron 2023; 111:3028-3040.e6. [PMID: 37473758 PMCID: PMC10592416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of protein synthesis is one of the key mechanisms underlying autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the role of a major pathway controlling protein synthesis, the integrated stress response (ISR), in ASD remains poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the main arm of the ISR, eIF2α phosphorylation (p-eIF2α), is suppressed in excitatory, but not inhibitory, neurons in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome (FXS; Fmr1-/y). We further show that the decrease in p-eIF2α is mediated via activation of mTORC1. Genetic reduction of p-eIF2α only in excitatory neurons is sufficient to increase general protein synthesis and cause autism-like behavior. In Fmr1-/y mice, restoration of p-eIF2α solely in excitatory neurons reverses elevated protein synthesis and rescues autism-related phenotypes. Thus, we reveal a previously unknown causal relationship between excitatory neuron-specific translational control via the ISR pathway, general protein synthesis, and core phenotypes reminiscent of autism in a mouse model of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hooshmandi
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Vijendra Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Carolina Thörn Perez
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rapita Sood
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Konstanze Krimbacher
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Calvin Wong
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Kevin C Lister
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alba Ureña Guzmán
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Trevor D Bartley
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cecilia Rocha
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gilles Maussion
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Emma Nadler
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Patricia Margarita Roque
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jelena Popic
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Maxime Lévesque
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Diseases Program, Center for Genetic Disorders and Aging Research, Sanford-Burnham-Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Massimo Avoli
- Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, Departments of Neurology & Neurosurgery and of Physiology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elisenda Sanz
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, and Neuroscience Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Karim Nader
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Randi Jenssen Hagerman
- MIND Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Thomas M Durcan
- The Neuro's Early Drug Discovery Unit (EDDU), Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | | | | | - Jean-Claude Lacaille
- Department of Neurosciences, Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Brain and Learning, and Research Group on Neural Signaling and Circuitry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Veronica Martinez-Cerdeno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine and Shriners Hospitals for Children of Northern California, MIND Institute, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jay R Gibson
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Department of Neuroscience, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Department of Neuroscience, Dallas, TX 75390-9111, USA
| | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
| | - Christos G Gkogkas
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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10
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Réthelyi JM, Vincze K, Schall D, Glennon J, Berkel S. The role of insulin/IGF1 signalling in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders - Evidence from human neuronal cell models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105330. [PMID: 37516219 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105330] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling play a central role in the development and maintenance of neurons in the brain, and human neurodevelopmental as well as neuropsychiatric disorders have been linked to impaired insulin and IGF1 signalling. This review focuses on the impairments of the insulin and IGF1 signalling cascade in the context of neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, based on evidence from human neuronal cell models. Clear evidence was obtained for impaired insulin and IGF1 receptor downstream signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders, while the evidence for its role in neuropsychiatric disorders was less substantial. Human neuronal model systems can greatly add to our knowledge about insulin/IGF1 signalling in the brain, its role in restoring dendritic maturity, and complement results from clinical studies and animal models. Moreover, they represent a useful model for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to systematically investigate the exact role of the insulin/IGF1 signalling cascades in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and to elucidate the respective therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- János M Réthelyi
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Vincze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Doctoral School of Mental Health Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dorothea Schall
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeffrey Glennon
- Conway Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Simone Berkel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; Interdisciplinary Centre of Neurosciences (IZN), Heidelberg University, Germany.
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11
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Verrillo L, Di Palma R, de Bellis A, Drongitis D, Miano MG. Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) Is a Driver Molecule of Neuroplasticity: Implication for Neurological Diseases. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1301. [PMID: 37759701 PMCID: PMC10526795 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091301] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroplasticity is a crucial property of the central nervous system to change its activity in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This is mainly achieved through the promotion of changes in the epigenome. One of the epi-drivers priming this process is suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA or Vorinostat), a pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor that modulates and promotes neuroplasticity in healthy and disease conditions. Knowledge of the specific molecular changes induced by this epidrug is an important area of neuro-epigenetics for the identification of new compounds to treat cognition impairment and/or epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the findings obtained in cellular and animal models of various brain disorders, highlighting the multiple mechanisms activated by SAHA, such as improvement of memory, learning and behavior, and correction of faulty neuronal functioning. Supporting this evidence, in vitro and in vivo data underline how SAHA positively regulates the expression of neuronal genes and microtubule dynamics, induces neurite outgrowth and spine density, and enhances synaptic transmission and potentiation. In particular, we outline studies regarding neurodevelopmental disorders with pharmaco-resistant seizures and/or severe cognitive impairment that to date lack effective drug treatments in which SAHA could ameliorate defective neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Verrillo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Rosita Di Palma
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (R.D.P.)
| | - Alberto de Bellis
- A.O.R.N. S. Anna and S. Sebastiano Hospital, Division of Neurosurgery, 81100 Caserta, Italy;
- Maria Rosaria Maglione Foundation Onlus, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Denise Drongitis
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (R.D.P.)
- Maria Rosaria Maglione Foundation Onlus, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Giuseppina Miano
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics Adriano Buzzati-Traverso, CNR, 80131 Naples, Italy; (L.V.); (R.D.P.)
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12
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Premoli M, Fyke W, Bellocchio L, Lemaire V, Wolley-Roberts M, Bontempi B, Pietropaolo S. Early Administration of the Phytocannabinoid Cannabidivarin Prevents the Neurobehavioral Abnormalities Associated with the Fmr1-KO Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1927. [PMID: 37566006 PMCID: PMC10416983 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Phytocannabinoids, including the non-addictive cannabis component cannabidivarin (CBDV), have been reported to hold therapeutic potential in several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Nonetheless, the therapeutic value of phytocannabinoids for treating Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a major NDD, remains unexplored. Here, we characterized the neurobehavioral effects of CBDV at doses of 20 or 100 mg/kg in the Fmr1-knockout (Fmr1-KO) mouse model of FXS using two temporally different intraperitoneal regimens: subchronic 10-day delivery during adulthood (Study 1: rescue treatment) or chronic 5-week delivery at adolescence (Study 2: preventive treatment). Behavioral tests assessing FXS-like abnormalities included anxiety, locomotor, cognitive, social and sensory alterations. Expression of inflammatory and plasticity markers was investigated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. When administered during adulthood (Study 1), the effects of CBDV were marginal, rescuing at the lower dose only the acoustic hyper-responsiveness of Fmr1-KO mice and at both doses their altered hippocampal expression of neurotrophins. When administered during adolescence (Study 2), CBDV at both doses prevented the cognitive, social and acoustic alterations of adult Fmr1-KO mice and modified the expression of several inflammatory brain markers in both wild-type littermates and mutants. These findings warrant the therapeutic potential of CBDV for preventing neurobehavioral alterations associated with FXS, highlighting the relevance of its early administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - William Fyke
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Group Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation, University of Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Valerie Lemaire
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Bruno Bontempi
- CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Univ. Bordeaux, 33000 Bordeaux, France
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13
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Aishworiya R, Chi MH, Zafarullah M, Mendoza G, Ponzini MD, Kim K, Biag HMB, Thurman AJ, Abbeduto L, Hessl D, Randol JL, Bolduc FV, Jacquemont S, Lippé S, Hagerman P, Hagerman R, Schneider A, Tassone F. Intercorrelation of Molecular Biomarkers and Clinical Phenotype Measures in Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1920. [PMID: 37508583 PMCID: PMC10377864 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141920] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study contributes to a greater understanding of the utility of molecular biomarkers to identify clinical phenotypes of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Correlations of baseline clinical trial data (molecular measures-FMR1 mRNA, CYFIP1 mRNA, MMP9 and FMRP protein expression levels, nonverbal IQ, body mass index and weight, language level, NIH Toolbox, adaptive behavior rating, autism, and other mental health correlates) of 59 participants with FXS ages of 6-32 years are reported. FMR1 mRNA expression levels correlated positively with adaptive functioning levels, expressive language, and specific NIH Toolbox measures. The findings of a positive correlation of MMP-9 levels with obesity, CYFIP1 mRNA with mood and autistic symptoms, and FMR1 mRNA expression level with better cognitive, language, and adaptive functions indicate potential biomarkers for specific FXS phenotypes. These may be potential markers for future clinical trials for targeted treatments of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Mei-Hung Chi
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Guadalupe Mendoza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Matthew Dominic Ponzini
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hazel Maridith Barlahan Biag
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jamie Leah Randol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- UC Davis Biotechnology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Medical Genetics, Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sebastien Jacquemont
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippé
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Paul Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Andrea Schneider
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
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14
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Thomas SD, Jha NK, Ojha S, Sadek B. mTOR Signaling Disruption and Its Association with the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041889. [PMID: 36838876 PMCID: PMC9964164 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication along with repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Currently, there are no specific biomarkers for diagnostic screening or treatments available for autistic patients. Numerous genetic disorders are associated with high prevalence of ASD, including tuberous sclerosis complex, phosphatase and tensin homolog, and fragile X syndrome. Preclinical investigations in animal models of these diseases have revealed irregularities in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway as well as ASD-related behavioral defects. Reversal of the downstream molecular irregularities, associated with mTOR hyperactivation, improved the behavioral deficits observed in the preclinical investigations. Plant bioactive molecules have shown beneficial pre-clinical evidence in ASD treatment by modulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. In this review, we summarize the involvement of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway as well as the genetic alterations of the pathway components and its critical impact on the development of the autism spectrum disorder. Mutations in negative regulators of mTORC1, such as TSC1, TSC2, and PTEN, result in ASD-like phenotypes through the disruption of the mTORC1-mediated signaling. We further discuss the various naturally occurring phytoconstituents that have been identified to be bioactive and modulate the pathway to prevent its disruption and contribute to beneficial therapeutic effects in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilu Deepa Thomas
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, 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 and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence:
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15
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Abstract
The fragile X-related disorders are an important group of hereditary disorders that are caused by expanded CGG repeats in the 5' untranslated region of the FMR1 gene or by mutations in the coding sequence of this gene. Two categories of pathological CGG repeats are associated with these disorders, full mutation alleles and shorter premutation alleles. Individuals with full mutation alleles develop fragile X syndrome, which causes autism and intellectual disability, whereas those with premutation alleles, which have shorter CGG expansions, can develop fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome, a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Thus, fragile X-related disorders can manifest as neurodegenerative or neurodevelopmental disorders, depending on the size of the repeat expansion. Here, we review mouse models of fragile X-related disorders and discuss how they have informed our understanding of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. We also assess the translational value of these models for developing rational targeted therapies for intellectual disability and autism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rob Willemsen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, 3015 CN Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium
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16
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Developing Novel Experimental Models of m-TORopathic Epilepsy and Related Neuropathologies: Translational Insights from Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021530. [PMID: 36675042 PMCID: PMC9866103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an important molecular regulator of cell growth and proliferation. Brain mTOR activity plays a crucial role in synaptic plasticity, cell development, migration and proliferation, as well as memory storage, protein synthesis, autophagy, ion channel expression and axonal regeneration. Aberrant mTOR signaling causes a diverse group of neurological disorders, termed 'mTORopathies'. Typically arising from mutations within the mTOR signaling pathway, these disorders are characterized by cortical malformations and other neuromorphological abnormalities that usually co-occur with severe, often treatment-resistant, epilepsy. Here, we discuss recent advances and current challenges in developing experimental models of mTOR-dependent epilepsy and other related mTORopathies, including using zebrafish models for studying these disorders, as well as outline future directions of research in this field.
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17
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Chatterjee D, Beaulieu JM. Inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 by lithium, a mechanism in search of specificity. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1028963. [PMID: 36504683 PMCID: PMC9731798 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1028963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a popular explanation for the effects of lithium ions on mood regulation in bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, including major depression, cyclothymia, and schizophrenia. Contribution of GSK3 is supported by evidence obtained from animal and patient derived model systems. However, the two GSK3 enzymes, GSK3α and GSK3β, have more than 100 validated substrates. They are thus central hubs for major biological functions, such as dopamine-glutamate neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity (Hebbian and homeostatic), inflammation, circadian regulation, protein synthesis, metabolism, inflammation, and mitochondrial functions. The intricate contributions of GSK3 to several biological processes make it difficult to identify specific mechanisms of mood stabilization for therapeutic development. Identification of GSK3 substrates involved in lithium therapeutic action is thus critical. We provide an overview of GSK3 biological functions and substrates for which there is evidence for a contribution to lithium effects. A particular focus is given to four of these: the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), the RNA-binding protein FXR1, kinesin subunits, and the cytoskeletal regulator CRMP2. An overview of how co-regulation of these substrates may result in shared outcomes is also presented. Better understanding of how inhibition of GSK3 contributes to the therapeutic effects of lithium should allow for identification of more specific targets for future drug development. It may also provide a framework for the understanding of how lithium effects overlap with those of other drugs such as ketamine and antipsychotics, which also inhibit brain GSK3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean Martin Beaulieu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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18
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Susco SG, Ghosh S, Mazzucato P, Angelini G, Beccard A, Barrera V, Berryer MH, Messana A, Lam D, Hazelbaker DZ, Barrett LE. Molecular convergence between Down syndrome and fragile X syndrome identified using human pluripotent stem cell models. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111312. [PMID: 36070702 PMCID: PMC9465809 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), driven by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (HSA21), and fragile X syndrome (FXS), driven by loss of the RNA-binding protein FMRP, are two common genetic causes of intellectual disability and autism. Based upon the number of DS-implicated transcripts bound by FMRP, we hypothesize that DS and FXS may share underlying mechanisms. Comparing DS and FXS human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) and glutamatergic neuron models, we identify increased protein expression of select targets and overlapping transcriptional perturbations. Moreover, acute upregulation of endogenous FMRP in DS patient cells using CRISPRa is sufficient to significantly reduce expression levels of candidate proteins and reverse 40% of global transcriptional perturbations. These results pinpoint specific molecular perturbations shared between DS and FXS that can be leveraged as a strategy for target prioritization; they also provide evidence for the functional relevance of previous associations between FMRP targets and disease-implicated genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara G Susco
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Sulagna Ghosh
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Patrizia Mazzucato
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gabriella Angelini
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Amanda Beccard
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Victor Barrera
- Bioinformatics Core, Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Martin H Berryer
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Angelica Messana
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Daisy Lam
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dane Z Hazelbaker
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lindy E Barrett
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA; Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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19
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Singla R, Mishra A, Cao R. The trilateral interactions between mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders: an emerging model. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:355. [PMID: 36045116 PMCID: PMC9433414 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02120-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian (~24 h) rhythms in physiology and behavior are evolutionarily conserved and found in almost all living organisms. The rhythms are endogenously driven by daily oscillatory activities of so-called "clock genes/proteins", which are widely distributed throughout the mammalian brain. Mammalian (mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is a fundamental intracellular signal transduction cascade that controls important neuronal processes including neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, metabolism, and aging. Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is associated with psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and mood disorders (MD), in which patients often exhibit disrupted daily physiological rhythms and abnormal circadian gene expression in the brain. Recent work has found that the activities of mTOR signaling are temporally controlled by the circadian clock and exhibit robust circadian oscillations in multiple systems. In the meantime, mTOR signaling regulates fundamental properties of the central and peripheral circadian clocks, including period length, entrainment, and synchronization. Whereas the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, increasing clinical and preclinical evidence support significant crosstalk between mTOR signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the trilateral interactions and propose an "interaction triangle" model between mTOR signaling, the circadian clock, and psychiatric disorders (focusing on ASD and MD).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubal Singla
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812 USA
| | - Abhishek Mishra
- grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN 55812 USA
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, 55812, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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20
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Cogram P, Deacon RMJ, Klamer D, Rebowe N, Sprouse J, Reyes ST, Missling CU, Kaufmann WE. Brain cell signaling abnormalities are detected in blood in a murine model of Fragile X syndrome and corrected by Sigma-1 receptor agonist Blarcamesine. Am J Med Genet A 2022; 188:2497-2500. [PMID: 35661397 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cogram
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
- GeN.DDI Ltd, London, UK
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | - Robert M J Deacon
- FRAXA-DVI, FRAXA, Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
- GeN.DDI Ltd, London, UK
- Fraunhofer Chile Research, Center for Systems Biotechnology, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Nell Rebowe
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Samantha T Reyes
- Stanford University, Department of Radiology, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Anavex Life Sciences Corp, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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21
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Song C, Broadie K. Dysregulation of BMP, Wnt, and Insulin Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:934662. [PMID: 35880195 PMCID: PMC9307498 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.934662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Drosophila models of neurological disease contribute tremendously to research progress due to the high conservation of human disease genes, the powerful and sophisticated genetic toolkit, and the rapid generation time. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most prevalent heritable cause of intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders, and the Drosophila FXS disease model has been critical for the genetic screening discovery of new intercellular secretion mechanisms. Here, we focus on the roles of three major signaling pathways: BMP, Wnt, and insulin-like peptides. We present Drosophila FXS model defects compared to mouse models in stem cells/embryos, the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction (NMJ) synapse model, and the developing adult brain. All three of these secreted signaling pathways are strikingly altered in FXS disease models, giving new mechanistic insights into impaired cellular outcomes and neurological phenotypes. Drosophila provides a powerful genetic screening platform to expand understanding of these secretory mechanisms and to test cellular roles in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The studies demonstrate the importance of exploring broad genetic interactions and unexpected regulatory mechanisms. We discuss a number of research avenues to pursue BMP, Wnt, and insulin signaling in future FXS investigations and the development of potential therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzhu Song
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Kendal Broadie
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Science, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Kennedy Center for Research on Human Development, Nashville, TN, United States
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University and Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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22
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Chaudry S, Vasudevan N. mTOR-Dependent Spine Dynamics in Autism. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:877609. [PMID: 35782388 PMCID: PMC9241970 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.877609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction as well as repetitive behaviors and restricted range of interests. ASC are complex genetic disorders with moderate to high heritability, and associated with atypical patterns of neural connectivity. Many of the genes implicated in ASC are involved in dendritic spine pruning and spine development, both of which can be mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. Consistent with this idea, human postmortem studies have shown increased spine density in ASC compared to controls suggesting that the balance between autophagy and spinogenesis is altered in ASC. However, murine models of ASC have shown inconsistent results for spine morphology, which may underlie functional connectivity. This review seeks to establish the relevance of changes in dendritic spines in ASC using data gathered from rodent models. Using a literature survey, we identify 20 genes that are linked to dendritic spine pruning or development in rodents that are also strongly implicated in ASC in humans. Furthermore, we show that all 20 genes are linked to the mTOR pathway and propose that the mTOR pathway regulating spine dynamics is a potential mechanism underlying the ASC signaling pathway in ASC. We show here that the direction of change in spine density was mostly correlated to the upstream positive or negative regulation of the mTOR pathway and most rodent models of mutant mTOR regulators show increases in immature spines, based on morphological analyses. We further explore the idea that these mutations in these genes result in aberrant social behavior in rodent models that is due to these altered spine dynamics. This review should therefore pave the way for further research on the specific genes outlined, their effect on spine morphology or density with an emphasis on understanding the functional role of these changes in ASC.
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Donnard E, Shu H, Garber M. Single cell transcriptomics reveals dysregulated cellular and molecular networks in a fragile X syndrome model. PLoS Genet 2022; 18:e1010221. [PMID: 35675353 PMCID: PMC9212148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology of Fragile X syndrome (FXS), its molecular basis is still poorly understood. Whole brain tissue expression profiles have proved surprisingly uninformative, therefore we applied single cell RNA sequencing to profile an FMRP deficient mouse model with higher resolution. We found that the absence of FMRP results in highly cell type specific gene expression changes that are strongest among specific neuronal types, where FMRP-bound mRNAs were prominently downregulated. Metabolic pathways including translation and respiration are significantly upregulated across most cell types with the notable exception of excitatory neurons. These effects point to a potential difference in the activity of mTOR pathways, and together with other dysregulated pathways, suggest an excitatory-inhibitory imbalance in the Fmr1-knock out cortex that is exacerbated by astrocytes. Our data demonstrate that FMRP loss affects abundance of key cellular communication genes that potentially affect neuronal synapses and provide a resource for interrogating the biological basis of this disorder. Fragile X syndrome is a leading genetic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder. It results from the inactivation of a single gene, FMR1 and hence the loss of its encoded protein FMRP. Despite decades of intensive research, we still lack an overview of the molecular and biological consequences of the disease. Using single cell RNA sequencing, we profiled cells from the brain of healthy mice and of knock-out mice lacking the FMRP protein, a common model for this disease, to identify molecular changes that happen across different cell types. We find neurons are the most impacted cell type, where genes in multiple pathways are similarly impacted. This includes transcripts known to be bound by FMRP, which are collectively decreased only in neurons but not in other cell types. Our results show how the loss of FMRP affects the intricate interactions between different brain cell types, which could provide new perspectives to the development of therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Donnard
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ED); (HS); (MG)
| | - Huan Shu
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ED); (HS); (MG)
| | - Manuel Garber
- Program in Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail: (ED); (HS); (MG)
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24
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D’Incal C, Broos J, Torfs T, Kooy RF, Vanden Berghe W. Towards Kinase Inhibitor Therapies for Fragile X Syndrome: Tweaking Twists in the Autism Spectrum Kinase Signaling Network. Cells 2022; 11:cells11081325. [PMID: 35456004 PMCID: PMC9029738 DOI: 10.3390/cells11081325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Absence of the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) causes autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability, commonly referred to as the Fragile X syndrome. FMRP is a negative regulator of protein translation and is essential for neuronal development and synapse formation. FMRP is a target for several post-translational modifications (PTMs) such as phosphorylation and methylation, which tightly regulate its cellular functions. Studies have indicated the involvement of FMRP in a multitude of cellular pathways, and an absence of FMRP was shown to affect several neurotransmitter receptors, for example, the GABA receptor and intracellular signaling molecules such as Akt, ERK, mTOR, and GSK3. Interestingly, many of these molecules function as protein kinases or phosphatases and thus are potentially amendable by pharmacological treatment. Several treatments acting on these kinase-phosphatase systems have been shown to be successful in preclinical models; however, they have failed to convincingly show any improvements in clinical trials. In this review, we highlight the different protein kinase and phosphatase studies that have been performed in the Fragile X syndrome. In our opinion, some of the paradoxical study conclusions are potentially due to the lack of insight into integrative kinase signaling networks in the disease. Quantitative proteome analyses have been performed in several models for the FXS to determine global molecular processes in FXS. However, only one phosphoproteomics study has been carried out in Fmr1 knock-out mouse embryonic fibroblasts, and it showed dysfunctional protein kinase and phosphatase signaling hubs in the brain. This suggests that the further use of phosphoproteomics approaches in Fragile X syndrome holds promise for identifying novel targets for kinase inhibitor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D’Incal
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Jitse Broos
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
| | - Thierry Torfs
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
| | - R. Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Wim Vanden Berghe
- Protein Chemistry, Proteomics and Epigenetic Signaling (PPES), Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium; (C.D.); (J.B.); (T.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +0032-(0)-32-652-657
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25
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Sheardown E, Mech AM, Petrazzini MEM, Leggieri A, Gidziela A, Hosseinian S, Sealy IM, Torres-Perez JV, Busch-Nentwich EM, Malanchini M, Brennan CH. Translational relevance of forward genetic screens in animal models for the study of psychiatric disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104559. [PMID: 35124155 PMCID: PMC9016269 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders represent a significant burden in our societies. Despite the convincing evidence pointing at gene and gene-environment interaction contributions, the role of genetics in the etiology of psychiatric disease is still poorly understood. Forward genetic screens in animal models have helped elucidate causal links. Here we discuss the application of mutagenesis-based forward genetic approaches in common animal model species: two invertebrates, nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) and fruit flies (Drosophila sp.); and two vertebrates, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and mice (Mus musculus), in relation to psychiatric disease. We also discuss the use of large scale genomic studies in human populations. Despite the advances using data from human populations, animal models coupled with next-generation sequencing strategies are still needed. Although with its own limitations, zebrafish possess characteristics that make them especially well-suited to forward genetic studies exploring the etiology of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sheardown
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Aleksandra M Mech
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | | | - Adele Leggieri
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Agnieszka Gidziela
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Saeedeh Hosseinian
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Ian M Sealy
- Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology & Infectious Disease (CITIID), Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jose V Torres-Perez
- UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London and Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, 86 Wood Lane, London W12 0BZ, UK
| | - Elisabeth M Busch-Nentwich
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Margherita Malanchini
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK
| | - Caroline H Brennan
- School of Biological and Behavioural Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, England, UK.
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26
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Fleming A, Bourdenx M, Fujimaki M, Karabiyik C, Krause GJ, Lopez A, Martín-Segura A, Puri C, Scrivo A, Skidmore J, Son SM, Stamatakou E, Wrobel L, Zhu Y, Cuervo AM, Rubinsztein DC. The different autophagy degradation pathways and neurodegeneration. Neuron 2022; 110:935-966. [PMID: 35134347 PMCID: PMC8930707 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The term autophagy encompasses different pathways that route cytoplasmic material to lysosomes for degradation and includes macroautophagy, chaperone-mediated autophagy, and microautophagy. Since these pathways are crucial for degradation of aggregate-prone proteins and dysfunctional organelles such as mitochondria, they help to maintain cellular homeostasis. As post-mitotic neurons cannot dilute unwanted protein and organelle accumulation by cell division, the nervous system is particularly dependent on autophagic pathways. This dependence may be a vulnerability as people age and these processes become less effective in the brain. Here, we will review how the different autophagic pathways may protect against neurodegeneration, giving examples of both polygenic and monogenic diseases. We have considered how autophagy may have roles in normal CNS functions and the relationships between these degradative pathways and different types of programmed cell death. Finally, we will provide an overview of recently described strategies for upregulating autophagic pathways for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeleen Fleming
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Mathieu Bourdenx
- Université de Bordeaux, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; CNRS, Institut des Maladies Neurodégénératives, UMR 5293, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Motoki Fujimaki
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Cansu Karabiyik
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Gregory J Krause
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ana Lopez
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3DY, UK
| | - Adrián Martín-Segura
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claudia Puri
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Aurora Scrivo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John Skidmore
- The ALBORADA Drug Discovery Institute, University of Cambridge, Island Research Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Sung Min Son
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Eleanna Stamatakou
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Lidia Wrobel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Ye Zhu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Ana Maria Cuervo
- Department of Developmental and Molecular Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Institute for Aging Studies, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, The Keith Peters Building, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK.
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27
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Manigandan S, Yun JW. Loss of cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) induces browning in 3T3-L1 adipocytes via repression of GABA-BR and activation of mTORC1. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:863-877. [PMID: 35233844 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and related metabolic disorders are epidemic diseases. Promoting thermogenesis and a functional increase in the browning of white adipocytes may counteract obesity. On the other hand, the molecular mechanism that regulates brown and beige fat-mediated thermogenesis is unclear. This article reports a molecular network led by cytoplasmic FMR1-interacting protein 2 (CYFIP2) that negatively regulates adipocyte browning in white adipocytes. Although the function of CYFIP2 in Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) and autism have been reported, its physiological roles in adipocytes remain elusive. Therefore, this study examined the physiological consequences of its deprivation in cultured 3T3-L1 white adipocytes using loss-of-function studies. Combined real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analysis showed that the loss of CYFIP2 induces fat browning, as evidenced by the gene and protein expression levels of the brown fat-associated markers. A deficiency of CYFIP2 promoted mitochondrial biogenesis and significantly enhanced the expression of the core set beige fat-specific genes (Cd137, Cidea, Cited1, Tbx1, and Tmem26) and proteins (PGC-1α, PRDM16, and UCP1). In addition, a CYFIP2 deficiency promoted lipid catabolism and suppressed adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and autophagy. A mechanistic study showed that the loss of CYFIP2 induces browning in white adipocytes, independently via the activation of mTORC1 and suppression of the GABA-BR signaling pathway. The present data revealed a previously unidentified mechanism of CYFIP2 in the browning of white adipocytes and emphasized the potential of CYFIP2 as a pharmacotherapeutic target for treating obesity and other metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subramani Manigandan
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Won Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
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Novak G, Kyriakis D, Grzyb K, Bernini M, Rodius S, Dittmar G, Finkbeiner S, Skupin A. Single-cell transcriptomics of human iPSC differentiation dynamics reveal a core molecular network of Parkinson's disease. Commun Biol 2022; 5:49. [PMID: 35027645 PMCID: PMC8758783 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02973-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons (mDA) in the midbrain. The underlying mechanisms are only partly understood and there is no treatment to reverse PD progression. Here, we investigated the disease mechanism using mDA neurons differentiated from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) carrying the ILE368ASN mutation within the PINK1 gene, which is strongly associated with PD. Single-cell RNA sequencing (RNAseq) and gene expression analysis of a PINK1-ILE368ASN and a control cell line identified genes differentially expressed during mDA neuron differentiation. Network analysis revealed that these genes form a core network, members of which interact with all known 19 protein-coding Parkinson's disease-associated genes. This core network encompasses key PD-associated pathways, including ubiquitination, mitochondrial function, protein processing, RNA metabolism, and vesicular transport. Proteomics analysis showed a consistent alteration in proteins of dopamine metabolism, indicating a defect of dopaminergic metabolism in PINK1-ILE368ASN neurons. Our findings suggest the existence of a network onto which pathways associated with PD pathology converge, and offers an inclusive interpretation of the phenotypic heterogeneity of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Novak
- The Integrative Cell Signalling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, the Gladstone Institutes and Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Kyriakis
- The Integrative Cell Signalling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Kamil Grzyb
- The Integrative Cell Signalling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Michela Bernini
- The Integrative Cell Signalling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Sophie Rodius
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Gunnar Dittmar
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Steven Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, the Gladstone Institutes and Departments of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Alexander Skupin
- The Integrative Cell Signalling Group, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
- University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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29
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Ru FX, Kong F, Ren CY, He YS, Xia SY, Li YN, Liang YP, Feng JJ, Wei ZY, Chen JH. Repeated Winning and Losing Experiences in Chronic Social Conflicts Are Linked to RNA Editing Pattern Difference. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:896794. [PMID: 35664469 PMCID: PMC9161819 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.896794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Winner-loser effects influence subsequent agonistic interactions between conspecifics. Previous winning experiences could strengthen future aggression and increase the chance of winning the next agonistic interaction, while previous losing experiences could have the opposite effect. Although the role of A-to-I RNA editing has been recently implicated in chronic social defeat stress and aggressive behavior, it remains to be further elucidated in chronic social conflicts in agonistic interactions, especially in the repeated aggression (winners) and repeated defeat (losers) resulted from these conflicts. In the current study, transcriptome-wide A-to-I RNA editing in the dorsal striatum was investigated in a mouse model of chronic social conflicts, and compared between mice repeatedly winning and losing daily agonistic interactions. Our analysis identified 622 A-to-I RNA editing sites in the mouse dorsal striatum, with 23 to be differentially edited in 22 genes, most of which had been previously associated with neurological, psychiatric, or immune disorders. Among these differential RNA editing (DRE) sites four missense variants were observed in neuroligin 2 (Nlgn2), Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor 9 (Arhgef9) BLCAP apoptosis inducing factor (Blcap), and cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 2 (Cyfip2), as well as two noncoding RNA sites in small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (Snhg11) and the maternally expressed 3 (Meg3) gene. Moreover, significant changes were observed in gene functions and pathways enriched by genes with A-to-I RNA editing in losers and especially winners compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that repeated winning and losing experiences in chronic social conflicts are linked to A-to-I RNA editing pattern difference, underlining its role in the molecular mechanism of agonistic interactions between conspecifics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fu-Xia Ru
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Fanzhi Kong
- Shantou University Mental Health Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chun-Yan Ren
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Shan He
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Shou-Yue Xia
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Yu-Ning Li
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Ya-Ping Liang
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun-Jie Feng
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Wei
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
| | - Jian-Huan Chen
- Laboratory of Genomic and Precision Medicine, Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Joint Primate Research Center for Chronic Diseases, Institute of Zoology of Guangdong Academy of Science, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
- Jiangnan University Brain Institute, Wuxi, China
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30
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Deng Z, Zhou X, Lu JH, Yue Z. Autophagy deficiency in neurodevelopmental disorders. Cell Biosci 2021; 11:214. [PMID: 34920755 PMCID: PMC8684077 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-021-00726-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cell self-digestion pathway through lysosome and plays a critical role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and cytoprotection. Characterization of autophagy related genes in cell and animal models reveals diverse physiological functions of autophagy in various cell types and tissues. In central nervous system, by recycling injured organelles and misfolded protein complexes or aggregates, autophagy is integrated into synaptic functions of neurons and subjected to distinct regulation in presynaptic and postsynaptic neuronal compartments. A plethora of studies have shown the neuroprotective function of autophagy in major neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent human genetic and genomic evidence has demonstrated an emerging, significant role of autophagy in human brain development and prevention of spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here we will review the evidence demonstrating the causal link of autophagy deficiency to congenital brain diseases, the mechanism whereby autophagy functions in neurodevelopment, and therapeutic potential of autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Xiaoting Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.,Department of Geriatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Jia-Hong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macao SAR, 999078, China.
| | - Zhenyu Yue
- Department of Neurology, The Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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31
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ERK/MAPK signalling in the developing brain: Perturbations and consequences. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:792-805. [PMID: 34634357 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular regulated kinase/microtubule-associated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) signalling pathway transduces signals that cause an alteration in the ongoing metabolic pathways and modifies gene expression patterns; thus, influencing cellular behaviour. ERK/MAPK signalling is essential for the proper development of the nervous system from neural progenitor cells derived from the embryonic mesoderm. Several signalling molecules that regulate the well-coordinated process of neurodevelopment transduce developmental information through the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway. The ERK/MAPK is a potential novel therapeutic target in several neurodevelopmental disorders, however, despite years of study, there is still significant uncertainty about the exact mechanism by which the ERK/MAPK signalling pathway elicits specific responses in neurodevelopment. Here, we will review the evidence highlighting the role of ERK/MAPK signalling in neurodevelopment. We will also discuss the structural implication and behavioural deficits associated with perturbed ERK/MAPK signalling pathway in cortical development, whilst examining its contribution to the neuropathology of several neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Schizophrenia, Fragile X, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
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32
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Kang Y, Zhou Y, Li Y, Han Y, Xu J, Niu W, Li Z, Liu S, Feng H, Huang W, Duan R, Xu T, Raj N, Zhang F, Dou J, Xu C, Wu H, Bassell GJ, Warren ST, Allen EG, Jin P, Wen Z. A human forebrain organoid model of fragile X syndrome exhibits altered neurogenesis and highlights new treatment strategies. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:1377-1391. [PMID: 34413513 PMCID: PMC8484073 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-021-00913-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by the loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein that can regulate the translation of specific mRNAs. In this study, we developed an FXS human forebrain organoid model and observed that the loss of FMRP led to dysregulated neurogenesis, neuronal maturation and neuronal excitability. Bulk and single-cell gene expression analyses of FXS forebrain organoids revealed that the loss of FMRP altered gene expression in a cell-type-specific manner. The developmental deficits in FXS forebrain organoids could be rescued by inhibiting the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway but not the metabotropic glutamate pathway disrupted in the FXS mouse model. We identified a large number of human-specific mRNAs bound by FMRP. One of these human-specific FMRP targets, CHD2, contributed to the altered gene expression in FXS organoids. Collectively, our study revealed molecular, cellular and electrophysiological abnormalities associated with the loss of FMRP during human brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhee Kang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yujing Li
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Yanfei Han
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jie Xu
- The Graduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Emory University, GA 30322, USA
| | - Weibo Niu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Shiying Liu
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, OH 44106, USA
| | - Wen Huang
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Ranhui Duan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
| | - Tianmin Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Nisha Raj
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Feiran Zhang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Juan Dou
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Chongchong Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Gary J Bassell
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Stephen T Warren
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Emily G Allen
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Peng Jin
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,To whom correspondence should be addressed: (P.J.) and (Z.W.)
| | - Zhexing Wen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Scieces, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;,To whom correspondence should be addressed: (P.J.) and (Z.W.)
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33
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Chalkiadaki K, Statoulla E, Markou M, Bellou S, Bagli E, Fotsis T, Murphy C, Gkogkas CG. Translational control in neurovascular brain development. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:211088. [PMID: 34659781 PMCID: PMC8511748 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.211088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The human brain carries out complex tasks and higher functions and is crucial for organismal survival, as it senses both intrinsic and extrinsic environments. Proper brain development relies on the orchestrated development of different precursor cells, which will give rise to the plethora of mature brain cell-types. Within this process, neuronal cells develop closely to and in coordination with vascular cells (endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes) in a bilateral communication process that relies on neuronal activity, attractive or repulsive guidance cues for both cell types and on tight-regulation of gene expression. Translational control is a master regulator of the gene-expression pathway and in particular for neuronal and ECs, it can be localized in developmentally relevant (axon growth cone, endothelial tip cell) and mature compartments (synapses, axons). Herein, we will review mechanisms of translational control relevant to brain development in neurons and ECs in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Elpida Statoulla
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Markou
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Sofia Bellou
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Eleni Bagli
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodore Fotsis
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Carol Murphy
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos G. Gkogkas
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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34
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Fisher PR, Allan CY, Sanislav O, Atkinson A, Ngoei KRW, Kemp BE, Storey E, Loesch DZ, Annesley SJ. Relationships between Mitochondrial Function, AMPK, and TORC1 Signaling in Lymphoblasts with Premutation Alleles of the FMR1 Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10393. [PMID: 34638732 PMCID: PMC8508849 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The X-linked FMR1 gene contains a non-coding trinucleotide repeat in its 5' region that, in normal, healthy individuals contains 20-44 copies. Large expansions of this region (>200 copies) cause fragile X syndrome (FXS), but expansions of 55-199 copies (referred to as premutation alleles) predispose carriers to a neurodegenerative disease called fragile X-associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS). The cytopathological mechanisms underlying FXTAS are poorly understood, but abnormalities in mitochondrial function are believed to play a role. We previously reported that lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs, or lymphoblasts) of premutation carriers have elevated mitochondrial respiratory activities. In the carriers, especially those not clinically affected with FXTAS, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity was shown to be elevated. In the FXTAS patients, however, it was negatively correlated with brain white matter lesions, suggesting a protective role in the molecular mechanisms. Here, we report an enlarged and extended study of mitochondrial function and associated cellular stress-signaling pathways in lymphoblasts isolated from male and female premutation carriers, regardless of their clinical status, and healthy controls. The results confirmed the elevation of AMPK and mitochondrial respiratory activities and reduction in reactive O2 species (ROS) levels in premutation cells and revealed for the first time that target of rapamycin complex I (TORC1) activities are reduced. Extensive correlation, multiple regression, and principal components analysis revealed the best fitting statistical explanations of these changes in terms of the other variables measured. These suggested which variables might be the most "proximal" regulators of the others in the extensive network of known causal interactions amongst the measured parameters of mitochondrial function and cellular stress signaling. In the resulting model, the premutation alleles activate AMPK and inhibit both TORC1 and ROS production, the reduced TORC1 activity contributes to activation of AMPK and of nonmitochondrial metabolism, and the higher AMPK activity results in elevated catabolic metabolism, mitochondrial respiration, and ATP steady state levels. In addition, the results suggest a separate CGG repeat number-dependent elevation of TORC1 activity that is insufficient to overcome the inhibition of TORC1 in premutation cells but may presage the previously reported activation of TORC1 in FXS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul R. Fisher
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Claire Y. Allan
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Oana Sanislav
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
| | - Anna Atkinson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.A.); (D.Z.L.)
| | - Kevin R. W. Ngoei
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (K.R.W.N.); (B.E.K.)
| | - Bruce E. Kemp
- St. Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research, Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; (K.R.W.N.); (B.E.K.)
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Elsdon Storey
- Department of Medicine, Alfred Hospital Campus, Monash University, Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Danuta Z. Loesch
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (A.A.); (D.Z.L.)
| | - Sarah J. Annesley
- Department of Physiology Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia; (C.Y.A.); (O.S.); (S.J.A.)
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35
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Biembengut ÍV, Silva ILZ, Souza TDACBD, Shigunov P. Cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family members and their function in neural development and disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:6131-6143. [PMID: 34327661 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06585-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In humans, the cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein (CYFIP) family is composed of CYFIP1 and CYFIP2. Despite their high similarity and shared interaction with many partners, CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 act at different points in cellular processes. CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 have different expression levels in human tissues, and knockout animals die at different time points of development. CYFIP1, similar to CYFIP2, acts in the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) and plays a role in actin dynamics through the activation of the Arp2/3 complex and in a posttranscriptional regulatory complex with the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Previous reports have shown that CYFIP1 and CYFIP2 may play roles in posttranscriptional regulation in different ways. While CYFIP1 is involved in translation initiation via the 5'UTR, CYFIP2 may regulate mRNA expression via the 3'UTR. In addition, this CYFIP protein family is involved in neural development and maturation as well as in different neural disorders, such as intellectual disabilities, autistic spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. In this review, we map diverse studies regarding the functions, regulation, and implications of CYFIP proteins in a series of molecular pathways. We also highlight mutations and their structural effects both in functional studies and in neural diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ísis Venturi Biembengut
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil
| | | | | | - Patrícia Shigunov
- Carlos Chagas Institute-FIOCRUZ-PR, Rua Prof. Algacyr Munhoz Mader, 3775, CIC, Curitiba, Paraná, 81830-010, Brazil.
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36
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Lovelace JW, Rais M, Palacios AR, Shuai XS, Bishay S, Popa O, Pirbhoy PS, Binder DK, Nelson DL, Ethell IM, Razak KA. Deletion of Fmr1 from Forebrain Excitatory Neurons Triggers Abnormal Cellular, EEG, and Behavioral Phenotypes in the Auditory Cortex of a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:969-988. [PMID: 31364704 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a leading genetic cause of autism with symptoms that include sensory processing deficits. In both humans with FXS and a mouse model [Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse], electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings show enhanced resting state gamma power and reduced sound-evoked gamma synchrony. We previously showed that elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) may contribute to these phenotypes by affecting perineuronal nets (PNNs) around parvalbumin (PV) interneurons in the auditory cortex of Fmr1 KO mice. However, how different cell types within local cortical circuits contribute to these deficits is not known. Here, we examined whether Fmr1 deletion in forebrain excitatory neurons affects neural oscillations, MMP-9 activity, and PV/PNN expression in the auditory cortex. We found that cortical MMP-9 gelatinase activity, mTOR/Akt phosphorylation, and resting EEG gamma power were enhanced in CreNex1/Fmr1Flox/y conditional KO (cKO) mice, whereas the density of PV/PNN cells was reduced. The CreNex1/Fmr1Flox/y cKO mice also show increased locomotor activity, but not the anxiety-like behaviors. These results indicate that fragile X mental retardation protein changes in excitatory neurons in the cortex are sufficient to elicit cellular, electrophysiological, and behavioral phenotypes in Fmr1 KO mice. More broadly, these results indicate that local cortical circuit abnormalities contribute to sensory processing deficits in autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maham Rais
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Otilia Popa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine
| | | | - Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine.,Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521,USA
| | - David L Nelson
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine , Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Iryna M Ethell
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine.,Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521,USA
| | - Khaleel A Razak
- Department of Psychology.,Graduate Neuroscience Program, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521,USA
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mTOR Driven Gene Transcription Is Required for Cholesterol Production in Neurons of the Developing Cerebral Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116034. [PMID: 34204880 PMCID: PMC8199781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulated mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from idiopathic autism spectrum disorders (ASD) to syndromes caused by single gene defects. This suggests that maintaining mTOR activity levels in a physiological range is essential for brain development and functioning. Upon activation, mTOR regulates a variety of cellular processes such as cell growth, autophagy, and metabolism. On a molecular level, however, the consequences of mTOR activation in the brain are not well understood. Low levels of cholesterol are associated with a wide variety of neurodevelopmental disorders. We here describe numerous genes of the sterol/cholesterol biosynthesis pathway to be transcriptionally regulated by mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in vitro in primary neurons and in vivo in the developing cerebral cortex of the mouse. We find that these genes are shared targets of the transcription factors SREBP, SP1, and NF-Y. Prenatal as well as postnatal mTORC1 inhibition downregulated expression of these genes which directly translated into reduced cholesterol levels, pointing towards a substantial metabolic function of the mTORC1 signaling cascade. Altogether, our results indicate that mTORC1 is an essential transcriptional regulator of the expression of sterol/cholesterol biosynthesis genes in the developing brain. Altered expression of these genes may be an important factor contributing to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders associated with dysregulated mTOR signaling.
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Wen J, Xu J, Mathena RP, Choi JH, Mintz CD. Early Isoflurane Exposure Impairs Synaptic Development in Fmr1 KO Mice via the mTOR Pathway. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1577-1588. [PMID: 33791908 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03301-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
General anesthetics (GAs) may cause disruptions in brain development, and the effect of GA exposure in the setting of pre-existing neurodevelopmental disease is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that synaptic development is more vulnerable to GA-induced deficits in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome than in WT mice and asked whether they were related to the mTOR pathway, a signaling system implicated in both anesthesia toxicity and fragile X syndrome. Early postnatal WT and Fmr1-KO mice were exposed to isoflurane and brain slices were collected in adulthood. Primary neuron cultures isolated from WT and Fmr1-KO mice were exposed to isoflurane during development, in some cases treated with rapamycin, and processed for immunohistochemistry at maturity. Quantitative immunofluorescence microscopy was conducted for synaptic markers and markers of mTOR pathway activity. Isoflurane exposure caused reduction in Synpasin-1, PSD-95, and Gephyrin puncta that was significantly lower in Fmr1-KO mice than in WT mice. Similar results were found in cell culture, where synapse loss was ameliorated with rapamycin treatment. Early developmental exposure to isoflurane causes more profound synapse loss in Fmr1- KO than WT mice, and this effect is mediated by a pathologic increase in mTOR pathway activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieqiong Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - R Paige Mathena
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Jun H Choi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - C David Mintz
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Dionne O, Corbin F. An "Omic" Overview of Fragile X Syndrome. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:433. [PMID: 34068266 PMCID: PMC8153138 DOI: 10.3390/biology10050433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a wide range of cognitive, behavioral and medical problems. It arises from the silencing of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene and, consequently, in the absence of its encoded protein, FMRP (fragile X mental retardation protein). FMRP is a ubiquitously expressed and multifunctional RNA-binding protein, primarily considered as a translational regulator. Pre-clinical studies of the past two decades have therefore focused on this function to relate FMRP's absence to the molecular mechanisms underlying FXS physiopathology. Based on these data, successful pharmacological strategies were developed to rescue fragile X phenotype in animal models. Unfortunately, these results did not translate into humans as clinical trials using same therapeutic approaches did not reach the expected outcomes. These failures highlight the need to put into perspective the different functions of FMRP in order to get a more comprehensive understanding of FXS pathophysiology. This work presents a review of FMRP's involvement on noteworthy molecular mechanisms that may ultimately contribute to various biochemical alterations composing the fragile X phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Dionne
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, QC J1H 5H4, Canada;
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40
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Longo F, Klann E. Reciprocal control of translation and transcription in autism spectrum disorder. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52110. [PMID: 33977633 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202052110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted patterns of interest and repetitive behaviors. ASD is genetically heterogeneous and is believed to be caused by both inheritable and de novo gene variations. Studies have revealed an extremely complex genetic landscape of ASD, favoring the idea that mutations in different clusters of genes interfere with interconnected downstream signaling pathways and circuitry, resulting in aberrant behavior. In this review, we describe a select group of candidate genes that represent both syndromic and non-syndromic forms of ASD and encode proteins that are important in transcriptional and translational regulation. We focus on the interplay between dysregulated translation and transcription in ASD with the hypothesis that dysregulation of each synthetic process triggers a feedback loop to act on the other, which ultimately exacerbates ASD pathophysiology. Finally, we summarize findings from interdisciplinary studies that pave the way for the investigation of the cooperative impact of different genes and pathways underlying the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Longo
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Dionne O, Lortie A, Gagnon F, Corbin F. Rates of protein synthesis are reduced in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from fragile X individuals. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251367. [PMID: 33974659 PMCID: PMC8112704 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the leading inherited cause of intellectual disability and is caused by the loss of expression of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). In animal model of FXS, the absence of FMRP leads to an aberrant rate of neuronal protein synthesis, which in turn is believed to be at the origin of defects regarding spine morphology and synaptic plasticity. Normalisation of protein synthesis in these models has been associated with a rescue of FXS behavioral and biochemicals phenotype, thus establishing the rate of protein synthesis as one of the most promising monitoring biomarker for FXS. However, rate of protein synthesis alteration in fragile X individuals is not well characterized. Method We applied a robust radiolabeled assay to measure rate of protein synthesis in freshly extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and blood platelets. We ultimately settle on PBMCs to measure and compare rate of protein synthesis in 13 males with fragile X and 14 matched controls individuals. Results Using this method, we measured a 26.9% decrease (p = 0,0193) in the rate of protein synthesis in fragile X individuals PBMCs. Furthermore, the rate of protein synthesis measurements obtained were highly reproducible, highlighting the robustness of the method. Conclusion Our work presents the first evidence of a diminution of the rate of protein synthesis in a human peripheral model of fragile X. Our results also support the finding of previous studies using brain PET imaging in Fragile X individuals. Since our assay only requires a simple venous puncture, it could be used in other cases of intellectual disability in order to determine if an aberrant rate of protein synthesis is a common general mechanism leading to impairment in synaptic plasticity and to intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Dionne
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (OD); (FC)
| | - Audrey Lortie
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - Florence Gagnon
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
| | - François Corbin
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomic, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke and Centre de Recherche du CHUS, CIUSSS de l’Estrie-CHUS, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail: (OD); (FC)
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Karalis V, Bateup HS. Current Approaches and Future Directions for the Treatment of mTORopathies. Dev Neurosci 2021; 43:143-158. [PMID: 33910214 PMCID: PMC8440338 DOI: 10.1159/000515672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase at the center of an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that orchestrates cell growth and metabolism. mTOR responds to an array of intra- and extracellular stimuli and in turn controls multiple cellular anabolic and catabolic processes. Aberrant mTOR activity is associated with numerous diseases, with particularly profound impact on the nervous system. mTOR is found in two protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2), which are governed by different upstream regulators and have distinct cellular actions. Mutations in genes encoding for mTOR regulators result in a collection of neurodevelopmental disorders known as mTORopathies. While these disorders can affect multiple organs, neuropsychiatric conditions such as epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism spectrum disorder have a major impact on quality of life. The neuropsychiatric aspects of mTORopathies have been particularly challenging to treat in a clinical setting. Current therapeutic approaches center on rapamycin and its analogs, drugs that are administered systemically to inhibit mTOR activity. While these drugs show some clinical efficacy, adverse side effects, incomplete suppression of mTOR targets, and lack of specificity for mTORC1 or mTORC2 may limit their utility. An increased understanding of the neurobiology of mTOR and the underlying molecular, cellular, and circuit mechanisms of mTOR-related disorders will facilitate the development of improved therapeutics. Animal models of mTORopathies have helped unravel the consequences of mTOR pathway mutations in specific brain cell types and developmental stages, revealing an array of disease-related phenotypes. In this review, we discuss current progress and potential future directions for the therapeutic treatment of mTORopathies with a focus on findings from genetic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Karalis
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Helen S Bateup
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, California, USA
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Cell-type-specific profiling of human cellular models of fragile X syndrome reveal PI3K-dependent defects in translation and neurogenesis. Cell Rep 2021; 35:108991. [PMID: 33852833 PMCID: PMC8133829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional silencing of the FMR1 gene in fragile X syndrome (FXS) leads to the loss of the RNA-binding protein FMRP. In addition to regulating mRNA translation and protein synthesis, emerging evidence suggests that FMRP acts to coordinate proliferation and differentiation during early neural development. However, whether loss of FMRP-mediated translational control is related to impaired cell fate specification in the developing human brain remains unknown. Here, we use human patient induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural progenitor cells and organoids to model neurogenesis in FXS. We developed a high-throughput, in vitro assay that allows for the simultaneous quantification of protein synthesis and proliferation within defined neural subpopulations. We demonstrate that abnormal protein synthesis in FXS is coupled to altered cellular decisions to favor proliferative over neurogenic cell fates during early development. Furthermore, pharmacologic inhibition of elevated phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling corrects both excess protein synthesis and cell proliferation in a subset of patient neural cells. Raj et al. developed a multiparametric assay to measure cellular and molecular phenotypes during neurogenesis in fragile X syndrome iPSC-derived neural cells. Relative to controls, FXS patient cultures have more proliferative cells with increased protein synthesis. Defects in cell fate acquisition can be normalized by inhibiting overactive PI3K signaling.
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Hooshmandi M, Truong VT, Fields E, Thomas RE, Wong C, Sharma V, Gantois I, Soriano Roque P, Chalkiadaki K, Wu N, Chakraborty A, Tahmasebi S, Prager-Khoutorsky M, Sonenberg N, Suvrathan A, Watt AJ, Gkogkas CG, Khoutorsky A. 4E-BP2-dependent translation in cerebellar Purkinje cells controls spatial memory but not autism-like behaviors. Cell Rep 2021; 35:109036. [PMID: 33910008 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that selective activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in the cerebellum by deletion of the mTORC1 upstream repressors TSC1 or phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in Purkinje cells (PCs) causes autism-like features and cognitive deficits. However, the molecular mechanisms by which overactivated mTORC1 in the cerebellum engenders these behaviors remain unknown. The eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 2 (4E-BP2) is a central translational repressor downstream of mTORC1. Here, we show that mice with selective ablation of 4E-BP2 in PCs display a reduced number of PCs, increased regularity of PC action potential firing, and deficits in motor learning. Surprisingly, although spatial memory is impaired in these mice, they exhibit normal social interaction and show no deficits in repetitive behavior. Our data suggest that, downstream of mTORC1/4E-BP2, there are distinct cerebellar mechanisms independently controlling social behavior and memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hooshmandi
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vinh Tai Truong
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Eviatar Fields
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada; Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Riya Elizabeth Thomas
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Calvin Wong
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Vijendra Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Patricia Soriano Roque
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Kleanthi Chalkiadaki
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Neil Wu
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Anindyo Chakraborty
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Soroush Tahmasebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Nahum Sonenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Aparna Suvrathan
- Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal QC, H3G1A4, Canada
| | - Alanna J Watt
- Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
| | - Christos G Gkogkas
- Division of Biomedical Research, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, University Campus, 45110 Ioannina, Greece.
| | - Arkady Khoutorsky
- Department of Anesthesia and Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 0G1, Canada.
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Adenosine A 2A receptor inhibition reduces synaptic and cognitive hippocampal alterations in Fmr1 KO mice. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:112. [PMID: 33547274 PMCID: PMC7864914 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01238-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In fragile X syndrome (FXS) the lack of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) leads to exacerbated signaling through the metabotropic glutamate receptors 5 (mGlu5Rs). The adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), modulators of neuronal damage, could play a role in FXS. A synaptic colocalization and a strong permissive interaction between A2A and mGlu5 receptors in the hippocampus have been previously reported, suggesting that blocking A2ARs might normalize the mGlu5R-mediated effects of FXS. To study the cross-talk between A2A and mGlu5 receptors in the absence of FMRP, we performed extracellular electrophysiology experiments in hippocampal slices of Fmr1 KO mouse. The depression of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSPs) slope induced by the mGlu5R agonist CHPG was completely blocked by the A2AR antagonist ZM241385 and strongly potentiated by the A2AR agonist CGS21680, suggesting that the functional synergistic coupling between the two receptors could be increased in FXS. To verify if chronic A2AR blockade could reverse the FXS phenotypes, we treated the Fmr1 KO mice with istradefylline, an A2AR antagonist. We found that hippocampal DHPG-induced long-term depression (LTD), which is abnormally increased in FXS mice, was restored to the WT level. Furthermore, istradefylline corrected aberrant dendritic spine density, specific behavioral alterations, and overactive mTOR, TrkB, and STEP signaling in Fmr1 KO mice. Finally, we identified A2AR mRNA as a target of FMRP. Our results show that the pharmacological blockade of A2ARs partially restores some of the phenotypes of Fmr1 KO mice, both by reducing mGlu5R functioning and by acting on other A2AR-related downstream targets.
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Champigny C, Morin-Parent F, Bellehumeur-Lefebvre L, Çaku A, Lepage JF, Corbin F. Combining Lovastatin and Minocycline for the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome: Results From the LovaMiX Clinical Trial. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:762967. [PMID: 35058813 PMCID: PMC8763805 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.762967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Limited success of previous clinical trials for Fragile X syndrome (FXS) has led researchers to consider combining different drugs to correct the pleiotropic consequences caused by the absence of the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). Here, we report the results of the LovaMiX clinical trial, the first trial for FXS combining two disease-modifying drugs, lovastatin, and minocycline, which have both shown positive effects when used independently. Aim: The main goals of the study were to assess the safety and efficacy of a treatment combining lovastatin and minocycline for patients with FXS. Design: Pilot Phase II open-label clinical trial. Patients with a molecular diagnostic of FXS were first randomized to receive, in two-step titration either lovastatin or minocycline for 8 weeks, followed by dual treatment with lovastatin 40 mg and minocycline 100 mg for 2 weeks. Clinical assessments were performed at the beginning, after 8 weeks of monotherapy, and at week 20 (12 weeks of combined therapy). Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measure was the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-Community (ABC-C) global score. Secondary outcome measures included subscales of the FXS specific ABC-C (ABC-CFX), the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF), and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale second edition (VABS-II). Results: Twenty-one individuals out of 22 completed the trial. There were no serious adverse events related to the use of either drugs alone or in combination, suggesting good tolerability and safety profile of the combined therapy. Significant improvement was noted on the primary outcome measure with a 40% decrease on ABC-C global score with the combined therapy. Several outcome measures also showed significance. Conclusion: The combination of lovastatin and minocycline is safe in patients for FXS individuals and appears to improve several elements of the behavior. These results set the stage for a larger, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial to confirm the beneficial effects of the combined therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Champigny
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | | | - Laurence Bellehumeur-Lefebvre
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Artuela Çaku
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-François Lepage
- Centre de Recherche du CHUS (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Pediatrics, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - François Corbin
- Department of Biochemistry and Functional Genomics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUS (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Cabal-Herrera AM, Punatar RH, Clark CJ, Romney CA, Hagerman RJ. Overlapping Molecular Pathways Leading to Autism Spectrum Disorders, Fragile X Syndrome, and Targeted Treatments. Neurotherapeutics 2021; 18:265-283. [PMID: 33215285 PMCID: PMC8116395 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00968-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are subdivided into idiopathic (unknown) etiology and secondary, based on known etiology. There are hundreds of causes of ASD and most of them are genetic in origin or related to the interplay of genetic etiology and environmental toxicology. Approximately 30 to 50% of the etiologies can be identified when using a combination of available genetic testing. Many of these gene mutations are either core components of the Wnt signaling pathway or their modulators. The full mutation of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of monogenic origin of ASD, accounting for ~ 2% of the cases. There is an overlap of molecular mechanisms in those with idiopathic ASD and those with FXS, an interaction between various signaling pathways is suggested during the development of the autistic brain. This review summarizes the cross talk between neurobiological pathways found in ASD and FXS. These signaling pathways are currently under evaluation to target specific treatments in search of the reversal of the molecular abnormalities found in both idiopathic ASD and FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UC Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Ana Maria Cabal-Herrera
- Group on Congenital Malformations and Dysmorphology, Faculty of Health, Universidad del Valle, Cali, 00000, Colombia
| | - Ruchi Harendra Punatar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Courtney Jessica Clark
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Christopher Allen Romney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute UCDHS, University of California Davis, 2825 50th Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
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Casingal CR, Kikkawa T, Inada H, Sasaki Y, Osumi N. Identification of FMRP target mRNAs in the developmental brain: FMRP might coordinate Ras/MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, and mTOR signaling during corticogenesis. Mol Brain 2020; 13:167. [PMID: 33323119 PMCID: PMC7739466 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Corticogenesis is one of the most critical and complicated processes during embryonic brain development. Any slight impairment in corticogenesis could cause neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fragile X syndrome (FXS), of which symptoms contain intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA-binding protein responsible for FXS, shows strong expression in neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) during corticogenesis, although its function during brain development remains largely unknown. In this study, we attempted to identify the FMRP target mRNAs in the cortical primordium using RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing analysis in the mouse embryonic brain. We identified 865 candidate genes as targets of FMRP involving 126 and 118 genes overlapped with ID and ASD-associated genes, respectively. These overlapped genes were enriched with those related to chromatin/chromosome organization and histone modifications, suggesting the involvement of FMRP in epigenetic regulation. We further identified a common set of 17 FMRP “core” target genes involved in neurogenesis/FXS/ID/ASD, containing factors associated with Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt/β-catenin, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. We indeed showed overactivation of mTOR signaling via an increase in mTOR phosphorylation in the Fmr1 knockout (Fmr1 KO) neocortex. Our results provide further insight into the critical roles of FMRP in the developing brain, where dysfunction of FMRP may influence the regulation of its mRNA targets affecting signaling pathways and epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristine R Casingal
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takako Kikkawa
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Inada
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.,Laboratory of Health and Sports Sciences, Division of Biomedical Engineering for Health and Welfare, Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, 6-6-12, Aramaki Aza Aoba Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8579, Japan
| | - Yukio Sasaki
- Functional Structure Biology Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Science, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medical Life Science, 1-7-29 Suehiro-cho, Tsumuri-ku, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Noriko Osumi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, United Center for Advanced Research and Translational Medicine (ART), Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan.
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Prem S, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Dysregulation of Neurite Outgrowth and Cell Migration in Autism and Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 25:109-153. [PMID: 32578146 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-45493-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of study, elucidation of the underlying etiology of complex developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SCZ), intellectual disability (ID), and bipolar disorder (BPD) has been hampered by the inability to study human neurons, the heterogeneity of these disorders, and the relevance of animal model systems. Moreover, a majority of these developmental disorders have multifactorial or idiopathic (unknown) causes making them difficult to model using traditional methods of genetic alteration. Examination of the brains of individuals with ASD and other developmental disorders in both post-mortem and MRI studies shows defects that are suggestive of dysregulation of embryonic and early postnatal development. For ASD, more recent genetic studies have also suggested that risk genes largely converge upon the developing human cerebral cortex between weeks 8 and 24 in utero. Yet, an overwhelming majority of studies in autism rodent models have focused on postnatal development or adult synaptic transmission defects in autism related circuits. Thus, studies looking at early developmental processes such as proliferation, cell migration, and early differentiation, which are essential to build the brain, are largely lacking. Yet, interestingly, a few studies that did assess early neurodevelopment found that alterations in brain structure and function associated with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) begin as early as the initial formation and patterning of the neural tube. By the early to mid-2000s, the derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and later induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) allowed us to study living human neural cells in culture for the first time. Specifically, iPSCs gave us the unprecedented ability to study cells derived from individuals with idiopathic disorders. Studies indicate that iPSC-derived neural cells, whether precursors or "matured" neurons, largely resemble cortical cells of embryonic humans from weeks 8 to 24. Thus, these cells are an excellent model to study early human neurodevelopment, particularly in the context of genetically complex diseases. Indeed, since 2011, numerous studies have assessed developmental phenotypes in neurons derived from individuals with both genetic and idiopathic forms of ASD and other NDDs. However, while iPSC-derived neurons are fetal in nature, they are post-mitotic and thus cannot be used to study developmental processes that occur before terminal differentiation. Moreover, it is important to note that during the 8-24-week window of human neurodevelopment, neural precursor cells are actively undergoing proliferation, migration, and early differentiation to form the basic cytoarchitecture of the brain. Thus, by studying NPCs specifically, we could gain insight into how early neurodevelopmental processes contribute to the pathogenesis of NDDs. Indeed, a few studies have explored NPC phenotypes in NDDs and have uncovered dysregulations in cell proliferation. Yet, few studies have explored migration and early differentiation phenotypes of NPCs in NDDs. In this chapter, we will discuss cell migration and neurite outgrowth and the role of these processes in neurodevelopment and NDDs. We will begin by reviewing the processes that are important in early neurodevelopment and early cortical development. We will then delve into the roles of neurite outgrowth and cell migration in the formation of the brain and how errors in these processes affect brain development. We also provide review of a few key molecules that are involved in the regulation of neurite outgrowth and migration while discussing how dysregulations in these molecules can lead to abnormalities in brain structure and function thereby highlighting their contribution to pathogenesis of NDDs. Then we will discuss whether neurite outgrowth, migration, and the molecules that regulate these processes are associated with ASD. Lastly, we will review the utility of iPSCs in modeling NDDs and discuss future goals for the study of NDDs using this technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smrithi Prem
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology/Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
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50
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Berry-Kravis E, Horrigan JP, Tartaglia N, Hagerman R, Kolevzon A, Erickson CA, Hatti S, Snape M, Yaroshinsky A, Stoms G, Glass L, Jones NE. A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of Trofinetide in the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome. Pediatr Neurol 2020; 110:30-41. [PMID: 32660869 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We analyze the safety and tolerability of trofinetide and provide a preliminary evaluation of its efficacy in adolescent and adult males with fragile X syndrome. METHODS This study was an exploratory, phase 2, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group study of the safety and tolerability of orally administered trofinetide in 72 adolescent and adult males with fragile X syndrome. Subjects were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to 35 or 70 mg/kg twice daily trofinetide or placebo for 28 days. Safety assessments included adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, electrocardiograms, physical examinations, and concomitant medications. Efficacy measurements were categorized into four efficacy domains, which related to clinically relevant phenotypic dimensions of impairment associated with fragile X syndrome. RESULTS Both 35 and 70 mg/kg dose levels of trofinetide were well tolerated and appeared to be generally safe. Trofinetide at the 70 mg/kg dose level demonstrated efficacy compared with placebo based on prespecified criteria. On the basis of a permutation test, the probability of a false-positive outcome for the achieved prespecified success was 0.045. In the group analysis, improvement from treatment baseline was demonstrated on three fragile X syndrome-specific outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Trofinetide was well tolerated in adolescent and adult males with fragile X syndrome. Despite the relatively short duration of the study, a consistent signal of efficacy at the higher dose was observed in both caregiver and clinician assessments, based on a novel analytical model incorporating evaluation of multiple key symptom areas of fragile X syndrome. This finding suggests a potential for trofinetide treatment to provide clinically meaningful improvement in core fragile X syndrome symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Berry-Kravis
- Department of Pediatrics, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Department of Biochemistry, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois.
| | - Joseph P Horrigan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis MIND Institute, Sacramento, California
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Larry Glass
- Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy E Jones
- Neuren Pharmaceuticals, Ltd., Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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