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Afzal S, Dürrast N, Hassan I, Soleimanpour E, Tsai PL, Dieterich DC, Fendt M. Probing cognitive flexibility in Shank2-deficient mice: Effects of D-cycloserine and NMDAR signaling hub dynamics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111051. [PMID: 38849086 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111051] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have a heterogeneous etiology but are largely associated with genetic factors. Robust evidence from recent human genetic studies has linked mutations in the Shank2 gene to idiopathic ASD. Modeling these Shank2 mutations in animal models recapitulates behavioral changes, e.g. impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior of ASD patients. Shank2-deficient mice exhibit NMDA receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and associated behavioral deficits. Of note, NMDARs are strongly implicated in cognitive flexibility. Their hypofunction, e.g. observed in schizophrenia, or their pharmacological inhibition leads to impaired cognitive flexibility. However, the association between Shank2 mutations and cognitive flexibility is poorly understood. Using Shank2-deficient mice, we explored the role of Shank2 in cognitive flexibility measured by the attentional set shifting task (ASST) and whether ASST performance in Shank2-deficient mice can be modulated by treatment with the partial NMDAR agonist D-cycloserine (DCS). Furthermore, we investigated the effects of Shank2 deficiency, ASST training, and DCS treatment on the expression level of NMDAR signaling hub components in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), including NMDAR subunits (GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C), phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase and serine racemase. Surprisingly, Shank2 deficiency did not affect ASST performance or alter the expression of the investigated NMDAR signaling hub components. Importantly, however, DCS significantly improved ASST performance, demonstrating that positive NMDAR modulation facilitates cognitive flexibility. Furthermore, DCS increased the expression of GluN2A in the OFC, but not that of other NMDAR signaling hub components. Our findings highlight the potential of DCS as a pharmacological intervention to improve cognitive flexibility impairments downstream of NMDAR modulation and substantiate the key role of NMDAR in cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samia Afzal
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Nora Dürrast
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Iman Hassan
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Elaheh Soleimanpour
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Pei-Ling Tsai
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniela C Dieterich
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Center of Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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2
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Khaledi F, Dehkordi HT, Zarean E, Shahrani M, Amini-Khoei H. Possible role of NO/NMDA pathway in the autistic-like behaviors induced by maternal separation stress in mice. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292631. [PMID: 37815997 PMCID: PMC10564128 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Maternal separation (MS) stress is an established model of early-life stress associated with autistic-like behaviors. Altered glutamatergic and nitrergic neurotransmissions may contribute to the pathophysiology of ASD. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these alterations and their relationship to MS-induced autistic-like behaviors remain unclear. Addressing this knowledge gap, this study aims to elucidate the involvement of the nitric oxide (NO)/ N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) pathway in MS-induced autistic-like behaviors in mice. This knowledge has the potential to guide future research, potentially leading to the development of targeted interventions or treatments aimed at modulating the NO/NMDA pathway to ameliorate ASD symptoms. Ninety male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were assigned to six groups (n = 15) comprising a control group (treated with saline) and five groups subjected to MS and treated with saline, ketamine, NMDA, L-NAME, and L-arginine. Behavioral tests were conducted, including the three-chamber test, shuttle box, elevated plus-maze, and marble burying test. Gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, and NMDA-R subunits (NR2A and NR2B), along with nitrite levels, was evaluated in the hippocampus. The findings demonstrated that MS induced autistic-like behaviors, accompanied by increased gene expression of iNOS, nNOS, NR2B, NR2A, and elevated nitrite levels in the hippocampus. Modulation of the NO/NMDA pathway with activators and inhibitors altered the effects of MS. These results suggest that the NO/NMDA pathway plays a role in mediating the negative effects of MS and potentially contributes to the development of autistic-like behaviors in maternally separated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khaledi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Tahmasebi Dehkordi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Elham Zarean
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Shahrani
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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3
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Mu X, Wang K, He L, Liu Z, Zhang Y, Zhang R, Duan M, Wang C. Neural System Impairment and Involved Microglia-Neuron Regulation of Broflanilide in Zebrafish Larvae. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14138-14149. [PMID: 37695573 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Broflanilide is widely used to control pests and has attracted attention due to its adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Our previous study showed that broflanilide has a negative impact on the central nervous system (CNS) at lethal dosages; however, its neural effects under practical situations and the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. To elucidate how broflanilide affects the CNS, we exposed zebrafish larvae to broflanilide at 16.9 and 88.0 μg/L (the environmentally relevant concentrations) for 120 h. Zebrafish locomotion was significantly disturbed at 88.0 μg/L, with a decreased moving distance and velocity accompanied by an inhibited neurotransmitter level. In vivo neuroimaging analysis indicated that the nerves of zebrafish larvae, including the axons, myelin sheaths, and neurons, were impaired. The number of neurons was significantly reduced after exposure, with an impaired morphological structure. These changes were accompanied by the abnormal transcription of genes involved in early CNS development. In addition, an increased total number of microglia and an elevated proportion of amoeboid microglia were observed after 88.0 μg/L broflanilide exposure, pointing out to an upstream role of microglia activation in mediating broflanilide neurotoxicity. Meanwhile, increased inflammatory cytokine levels and brain neutrophil numbers were observed, implicating significant inflammatory response and immune toxicity. Our findings indicate that broflanilide interferes with microglia-neuron regulation and induces neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyan Mu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Wang
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu He
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaiteng Liu
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Yining Zhang
- Institute of Quality Standard and Testing Technology for Agro-Products, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Zhang
- Plant Protection College, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 100866, People's Republic of China
| | - Manman Duan
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengju Wang
- College of Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, People's Republic of China
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Mohapatra AN, Wagner S. The role of the prefrontal cortex in social interactions of animal models and the implications for autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1205199. [PMID: 37409155 PMCID: PMC10318347 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1205199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Social interaction is a complex behavior which requires the individual to integrate various internal processes, such as social motivation, social recognition, salience, reward, and emotional state, as well as external cues informing the individual of others' behavior, emotional state and social rank. This complex phenotype is susceptible to disruption in humans affected by neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Multiple pieces of convergent evidence collected from studies of humans and rodents suggest that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays a pivotal role in social interactions, serving as a hub for motivation, affiliation, empathy, and social hierarchy. Indeed, disruption of the PFC circuitry results in social behavior deficits symptomatic of ASD. Here, we review this evidence and describe various ethologically relevant social behavior tasks which could be employed with rodent models to study the role of the PFC in social interactions. We also discuss the evidence linking the PFC to pathologies associated with ASD. Finally, we address specific questions regarding mechanisms employed by the PFC circuitry that may result in atypical social interactions in rodent models, which future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alok Nath Mohapatra
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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Kim NS, Ringeling FR, Zhou Y, Nguyen HN, Temme SJ, Lin YT, Eacker S, Dawson VL, Dawson TM, Xiao B, Hsu KS, Canzar S, Li W, Worley P, Christian KM, Yoon KJ, Song H, Ming GL. CYFIP1 Dosages Exhibit Divergent Behavioral Impact via Diametric Regulation of NMDA Receptor Complex Translation in Mouse Models of Psychiatric Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:815-826. [PMID: 34247782 PMCID: PMC8568734 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gene dosage imbalance caused by copy number variations (CNVs) is a prominent contributor to brain disorders. In particular, 15q11.2 CNV duplications and deletions have been associated with autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia, respectively. The mechanism underlying these diametric contributions remains unclear. METHODS We established both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mouse models of Cyfip1, one of four genes within 15q11.2 CNVs. To assess the functional consequences of altered CYFIP1 levels, we performed systematic investigations on behavioral, electrophysiological, and biochemical phenotypes in both mouse models. In addition, we utilized RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (RIP-seq) analysis to reveal molecular targets of CYFIP1 in vivo. RESULTS Cyfip1 loss-of-function and gain-of function mouse models exhibited distinct and shared behavioral abnormalities related to autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. RIP-seq analysis identified messenger RNA targets of CYFIP1 in vivo, including postsynaptic NMDA receptor (NMDAR) complex components. In addition, these mouse models showed diametric changes in levels of postsynaptic NMDAR complex components at synapses because of dysregulated protein translation, resulting in bidirectional alteration of NMDAR-mediated signaling. Importantly, pharmacological balancing of NMDAR signaling in these mouse models with diametric Cyfip1 dosages rescues behavioral abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS CYFIP1 regulates protein translation of NMDAR and associated complex components at synapses to maintain normal synaptic functions and behaviors. Our integrated analyses provide insight into how gene dosage imbalance caused by CNVs may contribute to divergent neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam-Shik Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Francisca Rojas Ringeling
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ying Zhou
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ha Nam Nguyen
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephanie J Temme
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yu-Ting Lin
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Stephen Eacker
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Bo Xiao
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kuei-Sen Hsu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Stefan Canzar
- Gene Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Paul Worley
- Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kimberly M Christian
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ki-Jun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
| | - Hongjun Song
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Department of Neuroscience, Mahoney Institute for Neurosciences, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School for Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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7
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Wilde M, Constantin L, Thorne PR, Montgomery JM, Scott EK, Cheyne JE. Auditory processing in rodent models of autism: a systematic review. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:48. [PMID: 36042393 PMCID: PMC9429780 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09458-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a complex condition with many traits, including differences in auditory sensitivity. Studies in human autism are plagued by the difficulty of controlling for aetiology, whereas studies in individual rodent models cannot represent the full spectrum of human autism. This systematic review compares results in auditory studies across a wide range of established rodent models of autism to mimic the wide range of aetiologies in the human population. A search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases to find primary research articles in mouse or rat models of autism which investigate central auditory processing. A total of 88 studies were included. These used non-invasive measures of auditory function, such as auditory brainstem response recordings, cortical event-related potentials, electroencephalography, and behavioural tests, which are translatable to human studies. They also included invasive measures, such as electrophysiology and histology, which shed insight on the origins of the phenotypes found in the non-invasive studies. The most consistent results across these studies were increased latency of the N1 peak of event-related potentials, decreased power and coherence of gamma activity in the auditory cortex, and increased auditory startle responses to high sound levels. Invasive studies indicated loss of subcortical inhibitory neurons, hyperactivity in the lateral superior olive and auditory thalamus, and reduced specificity of responses in the auditory cortex. This review compares the auditory phenotypes across rodent models and highlights those that mimic findings in human studies, providing a framework and avenues for future studies to inform understanding of the auditory system in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Wilde
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Lena Constantin
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Peter R Thorne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Section of Audiology, School of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ethan K Scott
- The Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Juliette E Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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8
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Bove M, Schiavone S, Tucci P, Sikora V, Dimonte S, Colia AL, Morgese MG, Trabace L. Ketamine administration in early postnatal life as a tool for mimicking Autism Spectrum Disorders core symptoms. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110560. [PMID: 35460811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) core symptoms include deficits of social interaction, stereotyped behaviours, dysfunction in language and communication. Beyond them, several additional symptoms, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety-like states and hyperactivity are often occurring, mainly overlapping with other neuropsychiatric diseases. To untangle mechanisms underlying ASD etiology, and to identify possible pharmacological approaches, different factors, such as environmental, immunological and genetic ones, need to be considered. In this context, ASD animal models, aiming to reproduce the wide range of behavioural phenotypes of this uniquely human disorder, represent a very useful tool. Ketamine administration in early postnatal life of mice has already been studied as a suitable animal model resembling psychotic-like symptoms. Here, we investigated whether ketamine administration, at postnatal days 7, 9 and 11, might induce behavioural features able to mimic ASD typical symptoms in adult mice. To this aim, we developed a 4-days behavioural tests battery, including Marble Burying, Hole Board, Olfactory and Social tests, to assess repetitive and stereotyped behaviour, social deficits and anxiety-like symptoms. Moreover, by using this mouse model, we performed neurochemical and biomolecular analyses, quantifying neurotransmitters belonging to excitatory-inhibitory pathways, such as glutamate, glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), as well as immune activation biomarkers related to ASD, such as CD11b and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), in the hippocampus and amygdala. Possible alterations in levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus and amygdala were also evaluated. Our results showed an increase in stereotyped behaviours, together with social impairments and anxiety-like behaviour in adult mice, receiving ketamine administration in early postnatal life. In addition, we found decreased BDNF and enhanced GFAP hippocampal expression levels, accompanied by elevations in glutamate amount, as well as reduction in GABA content in amygdala and hippocampus. In conclusion, early ketamine administration may represent a suitable animal model of ASD, exhibiting face validity to mimic specific ASD symptoms, such as social deficits, repetitive repertoire and anxiety-like behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bove
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Stefania Schiavone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Paolo Tucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Vladyslav Sikora
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy; Department of Pathology, Sumy State University, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - Stefania Dimonte
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Colia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Morgese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Luigia Trabace
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
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9
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Lipina T, Men X, Blundell M, Salahpour A, Ramsey AJ. Abnormal sensory perception masks behavioral performance of Grin1 knockdown mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12825. [PMID: 35705513 PMCID: PMC9744498 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The development and function of sensory systems require intact glutamatergic neurotransmission. Changes in touch sensation and vision are common symptoms in autism spectrum disorders, where altered glutamatergic neurotransmission is strongly implicated. Further, cortical visual impairment is a frequent symptom of GRIN disorder, a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by pathogenic variants of GRIN genes that encode NMDA receptors. We asked if Grin1 knockdown mice (Grin1KD), as a model of GRIN disorder, had visual impairments resulting from NMDA receptor deficiency. We discovered that Grin1KD mice had deficient visual depth perception in the visual cliff test. Since Grin1KD mice are known to display robust changes in measures of learning, memory, and emotionality, we asked whether deficits in these higher-level processes could be partly explained by their visual impairment. By changing the experimental conditions to improve visual signals, we observed significant improvements in the performance of Grin1KD mice in tests that measure spatial memory, executive function, and anxiety. We went further and found destabilization of the outer segment of retina together with the deficient number and size of Meissner corpuscles (mechanical sensor) in the hind paw of Grin1KD mice. Overall, our findings suggest that abnormal sensory perception can mask the expression of emotional, motivational and cognitive behavior of Grin1KD mice. This study demonstrates new methods to adapt routine behavioral paradigms to reveal the contribution of vision and other sensory modalities in cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Lipina
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Xiaoyu Men
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Matisse Blundell
- Department of PhysiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Ali Salahpour
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Amy J. Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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10
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Nisar S, Bhat AA, Masoodi T, Hashem S, Akhtar S, Ali TA, Amjad S, Chawla S, Bagga P, Frenneaux MP, Reddy R, Fakhro K, Haris M. Genetics of glutamate and its receptors in autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2380-2392. [PMID: 35296811 PMCID: PMC9135628 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01506-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental impairment characterized by deficits in social interaction skills, impaired communication, and repetitive and restricted behaviors that are thought to be due to altered neurotransmission processes. The amino acid glutamate is an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in the human brain that regulates cognitive functions such as learning and memory, which are usually impaired in ASD. Over the last several years, increasing evidence from genetics, neuroimaging, protein expression, and animal model studies supporting the notion of altered glutamate metabolism has heightened the interest in evaluating glutamatergic dysfunction in ASD. Numerous pharmacological, behavioral, and imaging studies have demonstrated the imbalance in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, thus revealing the involvement of the glutamatergic system in ASD pathology. Here, we review the effects of genetic alterations on glutamate and its receptors in ASD and the role of non-invasive imaging modalities in detecting these changes. We also highlight the potential therapeutic targets associated with impaired glutamatergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sheema Hashem
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sabah Akhtar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Tayyiba Akbar Ali
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sara Amjad
- Shibli National College, Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, 276001, India
| | - Sanjeev Chawla
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Puneet Bagga
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, 38105, USA
| | - Michael P Frenneaux
- Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ravinder Reddy
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Khalid Fakhro
- Department of Human Genetics, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, P.O. Box 26999, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Laboratory of Animal Research, Qatar University, P.O. Box 2713, Doha, Qatar.
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11
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Perdikaris P, Dermon CR. Behavioral and neurochemical profile of MK-801 adult zebrafish model: Forebrain β 2-adrenoceptors contribute to social withdrawal and anxiety-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 115:110494. [PMID: 34896197 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in social communication and interaction are core clinical symptoms characterizing multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. Interestingly, elevated anxiety levels are a common comorbid psychopathology characterizing individuals with aberrant social behavior. Despite recent progress, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that link anxiety with social withdrawal remain poorly understood. The present study developed a zebrafish pharmacological model displaying social withdrawal behavior, following a 3-h exposure to 4 μΜ (+)-MK-801, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, for 7 days. Interestingly, MK-801-treated zebrafish displayed elevated anxiety levels along with higher frequency of stereotypical behaviors, rendering this zebrafish model appropriate to unravel a possible link of catecholaminergic and ASD-like phenotypes. MK-801-treated zebrafish showed increased telencephalic protein expression of metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5), dopamine transporter (DAT) and β2-adrenergic receptors (β2-ARs), supporting the presence of excitation/inhibition imbalance along with altered dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity. Interestingly, β2-ARs expression, was differentially regulated across the Social Decision-Making (SDM) network nodes, exhibiting increased levels in ventral telencephalic area (Vv), a key-area integrating reward and social circuits but decreased expression in dorso-medial telencephalic area (Dm) and anterior tuberal nucleus (ATN). Moreover, the co-localization of β2-ARs with elements of GABAergic and glutamatergic systems, as well as with GAP-43, a protein indicating increased brain plasticity potential, support the key-role of β2-ARs in the MK-801 zebrafish social dysfunctions. Our results highlight the importance of the catecholaminergic neurotransmission in the manifestation of ASD-like behavior, representing a site of potential interventions for amelioration of ASD-like symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Perdikaris
- Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26500 Patras, Greece
| | - Catherine R Dermon
- Human and Animal Physiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Patras, Rio, 26500 Patras, Greece.
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12
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Koh W, Park M, Chun YE, Lee J, Shim HS, Park MG, Kim S, Sa M, Joo J, Kang H, Oh SJ, Woo J, Chun H, Lee SE, Hong J, Feng J, Li Y, Ryu H, Cho J, Lee CJ. Astrocytes Render Memory Flexible by Releasing D-Serine and Regulating NMDA Receptor Tone in the Hippocampus. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:740-752. [PMID: 34952697 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND NMDA receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders with impairment of cognitive flexibility. However, the molecular mechanism of how NMDAR hypofunction with decreased NMDAR tone causes the impairment of cognitive flexibility has been minimally understood. Furthermore, it has been unclear whether hippocampal astrocytes regulate NMDAR tone and cognitive flexibility. METHODS We employed cell type-specific genetic manipulations, ex vivo electrophysiological recordings, sniffer patch recordings, cutting-edge biosensor for norepinephrine, and behavioral assays to investigate whether astrocytes can regulate NMDAR tone by releasing D-serine and glutamate. Subsequently, we further investigated the role of NMDAR tone in heterosynaptic long-term depression, metaplasticity, and cognitive flexibility. RESULTS We found that hippocampal astrocytes regulate NMDAR tone via BEST1-mediated corelease of D-serine and glutamate. Best1 knockout mice exhibited reduced NMDAR tone and impairments of homosynaptic and α1 adrenergic receptor-dependent heterosynaptic long-term depression, which leads to defects in metaplasticity and cognitive flexibility. These impairments in Best1 knockout mice can be rescued by hippocampal astrocyte-specific BEST1 expression or enhanced NMDAR tone through D-serine supplement. D-serine injection in Best1 knockout mice during initial learning rescues subsequent reversal learning. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that NMDAR tone during initial learning is important for subsequent learning, and hippocampal NMDAR tone regulated by astrocytic BEST1 is critical for heterosynaptic long-term depression, metaplasticity, and cognitive flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wuhyun Koh
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mijeong Park
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ye Eun Chun
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jaekwang Lee
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Shim
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mingu Gordon Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sunpil Kim
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Moonsun Sa
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinhyeong Joo
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyunji Kang
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Soo-Jin Oh
- Convergence Research Center for Diagnosis, Treatment and Care System of Dementia, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Junsung Woo
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Heejung Chun
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea; Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Virus Facility, Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jinpyo Hong
- Center for Functional Connectomics, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jiesi Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hoon Ryu
- Center for Neuroscience, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeiwon Cho
- Brain and Cognitive Science, Scranton College, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Department of Neuroscience, Division of BioMedical Science & Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Seoul, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea; IBS School, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.
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13
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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14
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Late-Onset Behavioral and Synaptic Consequences of L-Type Ca 2+ Channel Activation in the Basolateral Amygdala of Developing Rats. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0282-21.2022. [PMID: 35064022 PMCID: PMC8868026 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0282-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Postnatal CNS development is fine-tuned to drive the functional needs of succeeding life stages; accordingly, the emergence of sensory and motor functions, behavioral patterns and cognitive abilities relies on a complex interplay of signaling pathways. Strictly regulated Ca2+ signaling mediated by L-type channels (LTCCs) is crucial in neural circuit development and aberrant increases in neuronal LTCC activity are linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. In the amygdala, a brain region that integrates signals associated with aversive and rewarding stimuli, LTCCs contribute to NMDA-independent long-term potentiation (LTP) and are required for the consolidation and extinction of fear memory. In vitro studies have elucidated distinct electrophysiological and synaptic properties characterizing the transition from immature to functionally mature basolateral subdivision of the amygdala (BLA) principal neurons. Further, acute increase of LTCC activity selectively regulates excitability and spontaneous synaptic activity in immature BLA neurons, suggesting an age-dependent regulation of BLA circuitry by LTCCs. This study aimed to elucidate whether early life alterations in LTCC activity subsequently affect synaptic strength and amygdala-dependent behaviors in early adulthood. In vivo intra-amygdala injection of an LTCC agonist at a critical period of postnatal neurodevelopment in male rat pups was used to examine synaptic plasticity of BLA excitatory inputs, expression of immediate early genes (IEGs) and glutamate receptors, as well as anxiety and social affiliation behaviors at a juvenile age. Results indicate that enhanced LTCC activity in immature BLA principal neurons trigger persistent changes in the developmental trajectory to modify membrane properties and synaptic LTP at later stages, concomitant with alterations in amygdala-related behavioral patterns.
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15
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McNally JM, Aguilar DD, Katsuki F, Radzik LK, Schiffino FL, Uygun DS, McKenna JT, Strecker RE, Deisseroth K, Spencer KM, Brown RE. Optogenetic manipulation of an ascending arousal system tunes cortical broadband gamma power and reveals functional deficits relevant to schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3461-3475. [PMID: 32690865 PMCID: PMC7855059 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0840-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Increases in broadband cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) power in the gamma band (30-80 Hz) range have been observed in schizophrenia patients and in mouse models of schizophrenia. They are also seen in humans and animals treated with the psychotomimetic agent ketamine. However, the mechanisms which can result in increased broadband gamma power and the pathophysiological implications for cognition and behavior are poorly understood. Here we report that tonic optogenetic manipulation of an ascending arousal system bidirectionally tunes cortical broadband gamma power, allowing on-demand tests of the effect on cortical processing and behavior. Constant, low wattage optogenetic stimulation of basal forebrain (BF) neurons containing the calcium-binding protein parvalbumin (PV) increased broadband gamma frequency power, increased locomotor activity, and impaired novel object recognition. Concomitantly, task-associated gamma band oscillations induced by trains of auditory stimuli, or exposure to novel objects, were impaired, reminiscent of findings in schizophrenia patients. Conversely, tonic optogenetic inhibition of BF-PV neurons partially rescued the elevated broadband gamma power elicited by subanesthetic doses of ketamine. These results support the idea that increased cortical broadband gamma activity leads to impairments in cognition and behavior, and identify BF-PV activity as a modulator of this activity. As such, BF-PV neurons may represent a novel target for pharmacotherapy in disorders such as schizophrenia which involve aberrant increases in cortical broadband gamma activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M McNally
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David D Aguilar
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fumi Katsuki
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leana K Radzik
- Department of Neuroscience, Stonehill College, Easton, MA, USA
| | - Felipe L Schiffino
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David S Uygun
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James T McKenna
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert E Strecker
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karl Deisseroth
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences/Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Spencer
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ritchie E Brown
- Department of Psychiatry, VA Boston Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, Boston, MA, USA
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16
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Keller R, Costa T, Imperiale D, Bianco A, Rondini E, Hassiotis A, Bertelli MO. Stereotypies in the Autism Spectrum Disorder: Can We Rely on an Ethological Model? Brain Sci 2021; 11:762. [PMID: 34201177 PMCID: PMC8230333 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stereotypic behaviour can be defined as a clear behavioural pattern where a specific function or target cannot be identified, although it delays on time. Nonetheless, repetitive and stereotypical behaviours play a key role in both animal and human behaviour. Similar behaviours are observed across species, in typical human developmental phases, and in some neuropsychiatric conditions, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability. This evidence led to the spread of animal models of repetitive behaviours to better understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these dysfunctional behaviours and to gain better insight into their role and origin within ASD and other disorders. This, in turn, could lead to new treatments of those disorders in humans. METHOD This paper maps the literature on repetitive behaviours in animal models of ASD, in order to improve understanding of stereotypies in persons with ASD in terms of characterization, pathophysiology, genomic and anatomical factors. RESULTS Literature mapping confirmed that phylogenic approach and animal models may help to improve understanding and differentiation of stereotypies in ASD. Some repetitive behaviours appear to be interconnected and mediated by common genomic and anatomical factors across species, mainly by alterations of basal ganglia circuitry. A new distinction between stereotypies and autotypies should be considered. CONCLUSIONS Phylogenic approach and studies on animal models may support clinical issues related to stereotypies in persons with ASD and provide new insights in classification, pathogenesis, and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Tatiana Costa
- Adult Autism Centre, Mental Health Department, ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy; (R.K.); (T.C.)
| | - Daniele Imperiale
- Neurology Unit, Maria Vittoria Hospital, ASL Città di Torino, 10144 Turin, Italy;
| | - Annamaria Bianco
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Elisa Rondini
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Angela Hassiotis
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London W1T 7NF, UK;
| | - Marco O. Bertelli
- CREA (Research and Clinical Centre), San Sebastiano Foundation, Misericordia di Firenze, 50142 Florence, Italy; (A.B.); (E.R.)
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17
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Wang P, Li M, Zhao A, Ma J. Application of animal experimental models in the research of schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2021; 186:209-227. [PMID: 34155806 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a relatively common but serious mental illness that results in a heavy burden to patients, their families, and society. The disease can be triggered by multiple factors, while the specific pathogenesis remains unclear. The development of effective therapeutic drugs for schizophrenia relies on a comprehensive understanding of the basic biology and pathophysiology of the disease. Therefore, effective animal experimental models play a vital role in the study of schizophrenia. Based on different molecular mechanisms and modeling methods, the currently used experimental animal experimental models of schizophrenia can be divided into four categories that can better simulate the clinical symptoms and the interplay between susceptible genes and the environment: neurodevelopmental, drug-induced, genetic-engineering, and genetic-environmental interaction of animal experimental models. Each of these categories contains multiple subtypes, which has its own advantages and disadvantages and therefore requires careful selection in a research application. The emergence and utilization of these models are promising in the prediction of the risk of schizophrenia at the molecular level, which will shed light on effective and targeted treatment at the genetic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengjie Wang
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Electron Microscope, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Manling Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Gui Yang, Guizhou, China
| | - Aizhen Zhao
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Medical Research Center, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, the Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Electron Microscope, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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18
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Jami SA, Cameron S, Wong JM, Daly ER, McAllister AK, Gray JA. Increased excitation-inhibition balance and loss of GABAergic synapses in the serine racemase knockout model of NMDA receptor hypofunction. J Neurophysiol 2021; 126:11-27. [PMID: 34038186 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00661.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
There is substantial evidence that both N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction and dysfunction of GABAergic neurotransmission contribute to schizophrenia, though the relationship between these pathophysiological processes remains largely unknown. Although models using cell-type-specific genetic deletion of NMDARs have been informative, they display overly pronounced phenotypes extending beyond those of schizophrenia. Here, we used the serine racemase knockout (SRKO) mice, a model of reduced NMDAR activity rather than complete receptor elimination, to examine the link between NMDAR hypofunction and decreased GABAergic inhibition. The SRKO mice, in which there is a >90% reduction in the NMDAR coagonist d-serine, exhibit many of the neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities observed in schizophrenia. We found a significant reduction in inhibitory synapses onto CA1 pyramidal neurons in the SRKO mice. This reduction increases the excitation/inhibition balance resulting in enhanced synaptically driven neuronal excitability without changes in intrinsic excitability. Consistently, significant reductions in inhibitory synapse density in CA1 were observed by immunohistochemistry. We further show, using a single-neuron genetic deletion approach, that the loss of GABAergic synapses onto pyramidal neurons observed in the SRKO mice is driven in a cell-autonomous manner following the deletion of SR in individual CA1 pyramidal cells. These results support a model whereby NMDAR hypofunction in pyramidal cells disrupts GABAergic synapses leading to disrupted feedback inhibition and impaired neuronal synchrony.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Recently, disruption of excitation/inhibition (E/I) balance has become an area of considerable interest for psychiatric research. Here, we report a reduction in inhibition in the serine racemase knockout mouse model of schizophrenia that increases E/I balance and enhances synaptically driven neuronal excitability. This reduced inhibition was driven cell-autonomously in pyramidal cells lacking serine racemase, suggesting a novel mechanism for how chronic NMDA receptor hypofunction can disrupt information processing in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shekib A Jami
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Scott Cameron
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Jonathan M Wong
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Emily R Daly
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California
| | - A Kimberley McAllister
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California.,Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, Davis, California.,Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, California
| | - John A Gray
- Center for Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, California.,Department of Neurology, University of California, Davis, California
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Chakraborty R, Vijay Kumar MJ, Clement JP. Critical aspects of neurodevelopment. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 180:107415. [PMID: 33647449 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Organisms have the unique ability to adapt to their environment by making use of external inputs. In the process, the brain is shaped by experiences that go hand-in-hand with optimisation of neural circuits. As such, there exists a time window for the development of different brain regions, each unique for a particular sensory modality, wherein the propensity of forming strong, irreversible connections are high, referred to as a critical period of development. Over the years, this domain of neurodevelopmental research has garnered considerable attention from many scientists, primarily because of the intensive activity-dependent nature of development. This review discusses the cellular, molecular, and neurophysiological bases of critical periods of different sensory modalities, and the disorders associated in cases the regulators of development are dysfunctional. Eventually, the neurobiological bases of the behavioural abnormalities related to developmental pathologies are discussed. A more in-depth insight into the development of the brain during the critical period of plasticity will eventually aid in developing potential therapeutics for several neurodevelopmental disorders that are categorised under critical period disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranabir Chakraborty
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India
| | - M J Vijay Kumar
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bengaluru. Karnataka. India.
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20
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Early Adolescence Prefrontal Cortex Alterations in Female Rats Lacking Dopamine Transporter. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9020157. [PMID: 33562738 PMCID: PMC7914429 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9020157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoamine dysfunctions in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) can contribute to diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD and depression. Disrupted dopamine (DA) homeostasis, and more specifically dopamine transporter (DAT) alterations, have been reported in a variety of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Recent studies using female adult rats heterozygous (DAT+/-) and homozygous (DAT-/-) for DAT gene, showed the utility of those rats in the study of PTSD and ADHD. Currently, a gap in the knowledge of these disorders affecting adolescent females still represents a major limit for the development of appropriate treatments. The present work focuses on the characterization of the PFC function under conditions of heterozygous and homozygous ablation of DAT during early adolescence based on the known implication of DAT and PFC DA in psychopathology during adolescence. We report herein that genetic ablation of DAT in the early adolescent PFC of female rats leads to changes in neuronal and glial cell homeostasis. In brief, we observed a concurrent hyperactive phenotype, accompanied by PFC alterations in glutamatergic neurotransmission, signs of neurodegeneration and glial activation in DAT-ablated rats. The present study provides further understanding of underlying neuroinflammatory pathological processes that occur in DAT-ablated female rats, what can provide novel investigational approaches in human diseases.
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21
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El Hayek L, Tuncay IO, Nijem N, Russell J, Ludwig S, Kaur K, Li X, Anderton P, Tang M, Gerard A, Heinze A, Zacher P, Alsaif HS, Rad A, Hassanpour K, Abbaszadegan MR, Washington C, DuPont BR, Louie RJ, Couse M, Faden M, Rogers RC, Abou Jamra R, Elias ER, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Lehman A, Beutler B, Chahrour MH. KDM5A mutations identified in autism spectrum disorder using forward genetics. eLife 2020; 9:56883. [PMID: 33350388 PMCID: PMC7755391 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a constellation of neurodevelopmental disorders with high phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, complicating the discovery of causative genes. Through a forward genetics approach selecting for defective vocalization in mice, we identified Kdm5a as a candidate ASD gene. To validate our discovery, we generated a Kdm5a knockout mouse model (Kdm5a-/-) and confirmed that inactivating Kdm5a disrupts vocalization. In addition, Kdm5a-/- mice displayed repetitive behaviors, sociability deficits, cognitive dysfunction, and abnormal dendritic morphogenesis. Loss of KDM5A also resulted in dysregulation of the hippocampal transcriptome. To determine if KDM5A mutations cause ASD in humans, we screened whole exome sequencing and microarray data from a clinical cohort. We identified pathogenic KDM5A variants in nine patients with ASD and lack of speech. Our findings illustrate the power and efficacy of forward genetics in identifying ASD genes and highlight the importance of KDM5A in normal brain development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauretta El Hayek
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Islam Oguz Tuncay
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Nadine Nijem
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Jamie Russell
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Sara Ludwig
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Kiran Kaur
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Priscilla Anderton
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Miao Tang
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Amanda Gerard
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, United States.,Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, United States
| | - Anja Heinze
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Pia Zacher
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.,The Saxon Epilepsy Center Kleinwachau, Radeberg, Germany
| | - Hessa S Alsaif
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aboulfazl Rad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Kazem Hassanpour
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Abbaszadegan
- Pardis Clinical and Genetics Laboratory, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.,Division of Human Genetics, Avicenna Research Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran
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- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Madeline Couse
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Maha Faden
- Department of Genetics, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Rami Abou Jamra
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ellen R Elias
- Department of Pediatrics and Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, United States
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, University College London, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Lehman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, British Columbia Children's and Women's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bruce Beutler
- Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
| | - Maria H Chahrour
- Eugene McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Center for the Genetics of Host Defense, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States.,Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, United States
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22
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Coyle JT, Ruzicka WB, Balu DT. Fifty Years of Research on Schizophrenia: The Ascendance of the Glutamatergic Synapse. Am J Psychiatry 2020; 177:1119-1128. [PMID: 33256439 PMCID: PMC8011846 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20101481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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23
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GSK3β inhibition restores cortical gamma oscillation and cognitive behavior in a mouse model of NMDA receptor hypofunction relevant to schizophrenia. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:2207-2218. [PMID: 32859995 PMCID: PMC7784891 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00819-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cortical gamma oscillations are believed to be involved in mental processes which are disturbed in schizophrenia. For example, the magnitudes of sensory-evoked oscillations, as measured by auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) at 40 Hz, are robustly diminished, whereas the baseline gamma power is enhanced in schizophrenia. Such dual gamma oscillation abnormalities are also present in a mouse model of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction (Ppp1r2cre/Grin1 knockout mice). However, it is unclear whether the abnormal gamma oscillations are associated with dysfunction in schizophrenia. We found that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is overactivated in corticolimbic parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons in Grin1 mutant mice. Here we addressed whether GSK3β inhibition reverses both abnormal gamma oscillations and behavioral deficits with high correlation by pharmacological and genetic approach. We demonstrated that the paralog selective-GSK3β inhibitor, but not GSK3α inhibitor, normalizes the diminished ASSRs, excessive baseline gamma power, and deficits in spatial working memory and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in Grin1 mutant mice. Cell-type specific GSK3B knockdown, but not GSK3A knockdown, also reversed abnormal gamma oscillations and behavioral deficits. Moreover, GSK3B knockdown, but not GSK3A knockdown, reverses the mutants' in vivo spike synchrony deficits. Finally, ex vivo patch-clamp recording from pairs of neighboring cortical pyramidal neurons showed a reduction of synchronous spontaneous inhibitory-postsynaptic-current events in mutants, which was reversed by GSK3β inhibition genetically and pharmacologically. Together, GSK3β inhibition in corticolimbic interneurons ameliorates the deficits in spatial working memory and PPI, presumably by restoration of synchronous GABA release, synchronous spike firing, and evoked-gamma power increase with lowered baseline power.
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24
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Wang X, Gao C, Zhang Y, Xu J, Fang Q, Gou L, Yang Z, Mei D, Liu L, Li L, Liu J, Zhang H, Song Y. Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Knockdown Within Basolateral Amygdala Induces Autistic-Related Phenotypes and Decreases Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Mice. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:886. [PMID: 32982674 PMCID: PMC7488195 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in communication, impaired social interaction, and repetitive or restricted interests and behaviors. We have recently shown that neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression was reduced in the basolateral amygdala of mice after postnatal valproic acid exposure. However, the specific role of nNOS downregulation in mice remains to be elucidated. Herein, we investigated the behavioral alternations of naive mice with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated knockdown of nNOS in a comprehensive test battery, including the social interaction, marble burying, self-grooming, and open field tests. Further, the electrophysiological and surface expression changes induced by nNOS deficiency of the basolateral amygdala in these animals were examined. Our results show that nNOS knockdown displayed typical symptoms of ASD-like behaviors, such as reduced social interaction and communication, elevated stereotypes, and anxiety in mice. Surprisingly, we found that nNOS knockdown exhibited greatly reduced excitatory synaptic transmission concomitant with the lower surface expression of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and postsynaptic density protein 95 in mice. These findings support a notion that dysregulation of nNOS might contribute to ASD-associated phenotypes, with disease pathogenesis most likely resulting from deficits in excitatory synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jinxiu Xu
- School of Basic Medicine, Sanquan Medical College, Xinxiang, China
| | - Quanfeng Fang
- Healthcare Department, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lingshan Gou
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Xuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Yang
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Leiming Liu
- Department of Medical Assistance, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Linfei Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center for Children, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huichun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yinsen Song
- People's Hospital Affiliated to Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
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25
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Shrestha A, Sultana R, Adeniyi PA, Lee CC, Ogundele OM. Positive Modulation of SK Channel Impedes Neuron-Specific Cytoskeletal Organization and Maturation. Dev Neurosci 2020; 42:59-71. [PMID: 32580196 PMCID: PMC7486235 DOI: 10.1159/000507989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulates the structural plasticity of dendritic spines by impacting cytoskeletal organization and kinase signaling. In the developing nervous system, activation of NMDAR is pertinent for neuronal migration, neurite differentiation, and cellular organization. Given that small conductance potassium channels (SK2/3) repress NMDAR ionotropic signaling, this study highlights the impact of neonatal SK channel potentiation on adult cortical and hippocampal organization. Neonatal SK channel potentiation was performed by one injection of SK2/3 agonist (CyPPA) into the pallium of mice on postnatal day 2 (P2). When the animals reached adulthood (P55), the hippocampus and cortex were examined to assess neuronal maturation, lamination, and the distribution of synaptic cytoskeletal proteins. Immunodetection of neuronal markers in the brain of P2-treated P55 mice revealed the presence of immature neurons in the upper cortical layers (layers II-IV) and CA1 (hippocampus). Also, layer-dependent cortical-cell density was attenuated due to the ectopic localization of mature (NeuN+) and immature (Doublecortin+ [DCX+]) neurons in cortical layers II-IV. Similarly, the decreased count of NeuN+ neurons in the CA1 is accompanied by an increase in the number of immature DCX+ neurons. Ectopic localization of neurons in the upper cortex and CA1 caused the dramatic expression of neuron-specific cytoskeletal proteins. In line with this, structural deformity of neuronal projections and the loss of postsynaptic densities suggests that postsynaptic integrity is compromised in the SK2/3+ brain. From these results, we deduced that SK channel activity in the developing brain likely impacts neuronal maturation through its effects on cytoskeletal formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Shrestha
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Razia Sultana
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Philip A Adeniyi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Charles C Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
| | - Olalekan M Ogundele
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA,
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26
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Intson K, van Eede MC, Islam R, Milenkovic M, Yan Y, Salahpour A, Henkelman RM, Ramsey AJ. Progressive neuroanatomical changes caused by Grin1 loss-of-function mutation. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 132:104527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.104527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
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27
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The Role of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Social Behavior in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20225599. [PMID: 31717513 PMCID: PMC6887971 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20225599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The appropriate display of social behaviors is essential for the well-being, reproductive success and survival of an individual. Deficits in social behavior are associated with impaired N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated neurotransmission. In this review, we describe recent studies using genetically modified mice and pharmacological approaches which link the impaired functioning of the NMDA receptors, especially of the receptor subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B, to abnormal social behavior. This abnormal social behavior is expressed as impaired social interaction and communication, deficits in social memory, deficits in sexual and maternal behavior, as well as abnormal or heightened aggression. We also describe the positive effects of pharmacological stimulation of the NMDA receptors on these social deficits. Indeed, pharmacological stimulation of the glycine-binding site either by direct stimulation or by elevating the synaptic glycine levels represents a promising strategy for the normalization of genetically-induced, pharmacologically-induced or innate deficits in social behavior. We emphasize on the importance of future studies investigating the role of subunit-selective NMDA receptor ligands on different types of social behavior to provide a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms, which might support the development of selective tools for the optimized treatment of disorders associated with social deficits.
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28
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Jurek B, Chayka M, Kreye J, Lang K, Kraus L, Fidzinski P, Kornau HC, Dao LM, Wenke NK, Long M, Rivalan M, Winter Y, Leubner J, Herken J, Mayer S, Mueller S, Boehm-Sturm P, Dirnagl U, Schmitz D, Kölch M, Prüss H. Human gestational N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor autoantibodies impair neonatal murine brain function. Ann Neurol 2019; 86:656-670. [PMID: 31325344 DOI: 10.1002/ana.25552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Maternal autoantibodies are a risk factor for impaired brain development in offspring. Antibodies (ABs) against the NR1 (GluN1) subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) are among the most frequently diagnosed anti-neuronal surface ABs, yet little is known about effects on fetal development during pregnancy. METHODS We established a murine model of in utero exposure to human recombinant NR1 and isotype-matched nonreactive control ABs. Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected on embryonic days 13 and 17 each with 240μg of human monoclonal ABs. Offspring were investigated for acute and chronic effects on NMDAR function, brain development, and behavior. RESULTS Transferred NR1 ABs enriched in the fetus and bound to synaptic structures in the fetal brain. Density of NMDAR was considerably reduced (up to -49.2%) and electrophysiological properties were altered, reflected by decreased amplitudes of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents in young neonates (-34.4%). NR1 AB-treated animals displayed increased early postnatal mortality (+27.2%), impaired neurodevelopmental reflexes, altered blood pH, and reduced bodyweight. During adolescence and adulthood, animals showed hyperactivity (+27.8% median activity over 14 days), lower anxiety, and impaired sensorimotor gating. NR1 ABs caused long-lasting neuropathological effects also in aged mice (10 months), such as reduced volumes of cerebellum, midbrain, and brainstem. INTERPRETATION The data collectively support a model in which asymptomatic mothers can harbor low-level pathogenic human NR1 ABs that are diaplacentally transferred, causing neurotoxic effects on neonatal development. Thus, AB-mediated network changes may represent a potentially treatable neurodevelopmental congenital brain disorder contributing to lifelong neuropsychiatric morbidity in affected children. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:656-670.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Jurek
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mariya Chayka
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Kreye
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Lang
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Larissa Kraus
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Clinical and Experimental Epileptology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pawel Fidzinski
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Clinical and Experimental Epileptology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Kornau
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Le-Minh Dao
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina K Wenke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Melissa Long
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Animal Outcome Core Facility, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marion Rivalan
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Animal Outcome Core Facility, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - York Winter
- Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Animal Outcome Core Facility, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jonas Leubner
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Herken
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Mayer
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research and Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Susanne Mueller
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Boehm-Sturm
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Neurocure Cluster of Excellence, Core Facility 7T Experimental MRIs, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Dirnagl
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dietmar Schmitz
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Neuroscience Research Center, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Einstein Center for Neurosciences, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Kölch
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Neurology, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE) Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Center for Autoimmune Encephalitis and Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndromes, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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29
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Ward KR, Featherstone RE, Naschek MJ, Melnychenko O, Banerjee A, Yi J, Gifford RL, Borgmann-Winter KE, Salter MW, Hahn CG, Siegel SJ. Src deficient mice demonstrate behavioral and electrophysiological alterations relevant to psychiatric and developmental disease. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 93:84-92. [PMID: 30826459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Much evidence suggests that hypofunction of the N-methyl-d-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) may contribute broadly towards a subset of molecular, cognitive and behavioral abnormalities common among psychiatric and developmental diseases. However, little is known about the specific molecular changes that lead to NMDAR dysfunction. As such, personalized approaches to remediating NMDAR dysfunction based on a specific etiology remains a challenge. Sarcoma tyrosine kinase (Src) serves as a hub for multiple signaling mechanisms affecting GluN2 phosphorylation and can be disrupted by convergent alterations of various signaling pathways. We recently showed reduced Src signaling in post mortem tissue from schizophrenia patients, despite increased MK-801 binding and NMDA receptor complex expression in the postsynaptic density (PSD). These data suggest that Src dysregulation may be an important underlying mechanism responsible for reduced glutamate signaling. Despite this evidence for a central role of Src in NMDAR signaling, little is known about how reductions in Src activity might regulate phenotypic changes in cognition and behavior. As such, the current study sought to characterize behavioral and electrophysiological phenotypes in mice heterozygous for the Src Acl gene (Src+/- mice). Src+/- mice demonstrated decreased sociability and working memory relative to Src+/+ (WT) mice while no significant differences were seen on locomotive activity and anxiety-related behavior. In relation to WT mice, Src+/- mice showed decreased mid-latency P20 auditory event related potential (aERP) amplitudes, decreased mismatch negativity (MMN) and decreased evoked gamma power, which was only present in males. These data indicate that Src+/- mice are a promising new model to help understand the pathophysiology of these electrophysiological, behavioral and cognitive changes. As such, we propose that Src+/- mice can be used in the future to evaluate potential therapeutic approaches by targeting increased Src activity as a common final pathway for multiple etiologies of SCZ and other diseases characterized by reduced glutamate function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn R Ward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Robert E Featherstone
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Melissa J Naschek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Olga Melnychenko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anamika Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Janice Yi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Raymond L Gifford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Michael W Salter
- Program in Neurosciences &Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Chang-Gyu Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, USA.
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30
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Hanson E, Armbruster M, Lau LA, Sommer ME, Klaft ZJ, Swanger SA, Traynelis SF, Moss SJ, Noubary F, Chadchankar J, Dulla CG. Tonic Activation of GluN2C/GluN2D-Containing NMDA Receptors by Ambient Glutamate Facilitates Cortical Interneuron Maturation. J Neurosci 2019; 39:3611-3626. [PMID: 30846615 PMCID: PMC6510335 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1392-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Developing cortical GABAergic interneurons rely on genetic programs, neuronal activity, and environmental cues to construct inhibitory circuits during early postnatal development. Disruption of these events can cause long-term changes in cortical inhibition and may be involved in neurological disorders associated with inhibitory circuit dysfunction. We hypothesized that tonic glutamate signaling in the neonatal cortex contributes to, and is necessary for, the maturation of cortical interneurons. To test this hypothesis, we used mice of both sexes to quantify extracellular glutamate concentrations in the cortex during development, measure ambient glutamate-mediated activation of developing cortical interneurons, and manipulate tonic glutamate signaling using subtype-specific NMDA receptor antagonists in vitro and in vivo We report that ambient glutamate levels are high (≈100 nm) in the neonatal cortex and decrease (to ≈50 nm) during the first weeks of life, coincident with increases in astrocytic glutamate uptake. Consistent with elevated ambient glutamate, putative parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the cortex (identified using G42:GAD1-eGFP reporter mice) exhibit a transient, tonic NMDA current at the end of the first postnatal week. GluN2C/GluN2D-containing NMDA receptors mediate the majority of this current and contribute to the resting membrane potential and intrinsic properties of developing putative parvalbumin interneurons. Pharmacological blockade of GluN2C/GluN2D-containing NMDA receptors in vivo during the period of tonic interneuron activation, but not later, leads to lasting decreases in interneuron morphological complexity and causes deficits in cortical inhibition later in life. These results demonstrate that dynamic ambient glutamate signaling contributes to cortical interneuron maturation via tonic activation of GluN2C/GluN2D-containing NMDA receptors.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Inhibitory GABAergic interneurons make up 20% of cortical neurons and are critical to controlling cortical network activity. Dysfunction of cortical inhibition is associated with multiple neurological disorders, including epilepsy. Establishing inhibitory cortical networks requires in utero proliferation, differentiation, and migration of immature GABAergic interneurons, and subsequent postnatal morphological maturation and circuit integration. Here, we demonstrate that ambient glutamate provides tonic activation of immature, putative parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons in the neonatal cortex via high-affinity NMDA receptors. When this activation is blocked, GABAergic interneuron maturation is disrupted, and cortical networks exhibit lasting abnormal hyperexcitability. We conclude that temporally precise activation of developing cortical interneurons by ambient glutamate is critically important for establishing normal cortical inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Hanson
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
- Neuroscience Program, Tufts Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
| | - Moritz Armbruster
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
| | - Lauren A Lau
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
- Neuroscience Program, Tufts Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
| | - Mary E Sommer
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
| | - Zin-Juan Klaft
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
| | - Sharon A Swanger
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Stephen F Traynelis
- Department of Pharmacology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
| | - Stephen J Moss
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
- AstraZeneca Tufts Laboratory for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, and
| | - Farzad Noubary
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Jayashree Chadchankar
- AstraZeneca Tufts Laboratory for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, and
| | - Chris G Dulla
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts 02111,
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31
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Port RG, Berman JI, Liu S, Featherstone RE, Roberts TP, Siegel SJ. Parvalbumin Cell Ablation of NMDA-R1 Leads to Altered Phase, But Not Amplitude, of Gamma-Band Cross-Frequency Coupling. Brain Connect 2019; 9:263-272. [PMID: 30588822 PMCID: PMC6479236 DOI: 10.1089/brain.2018.0639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Altered gamma-band electrophysiological activity in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented, and analogous gamma-band alterations are recapitulated in several preclinical murine models relevant to ASD. Such gamma-band activity is hypothesized to underlie local circuit processes. Gamma-band cross-frequency coupling (CFC), a related though distinct metric, interrogates local neural circuit signal integration. Several recent studies have observed perturbed gamma-band CFC in individuals with ASD, although the direction of change remains unresolved. It also remains unclear whether murine models relevant to ASD recapitulate this altered gamma-band CFC. As such, this study examined whether mice with parvalbumin (PV) cell-specific ablation of NMDA-R1 (PVcre/NR1fl/fl) demonstrated altered gamma-band CFC as compared with their control littermates (PVcre/NR1+/+-mice that do not have the PV cell-specific ablation of NMDA-R1). Ten mice of each genotype had 4 min of "resting" electroencephalography recorded and analyzed. First, resting electrophysiological power was parsed into the canonical frequency bands and genotype-related differences were subsequently explored so as to provide context for the subsequent CFC analyses. PVcre/NR1fl/fl mice exhibited an increase in resting power specific to the high gamma-band, but not other frequency bands, as compared with PVcre/NR1+/+. CFC analyses then examined both the standard magnitude (strength) of CFC and the novel metric PhaseMax-which denotes the phase of the lower frequency signal at which the peak higher frequency signal power occurred. PVcre/NR1fl/fl mice exhibited altered PhaseMax, but not strength, of gamma-band CFC as compared with PVcre/NR1+/+ mice. As such, this study suggests a potential novel metric to explore when studying neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell G. Port
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jeffrey I. Berman
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Song Liu
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert E. Featherstone
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Timothy P.L. Roberts
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Steven J. Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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32
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Ajram LA, Pereira AC, Durieux AMS, Velthius HE, Petrinovic MM, McAlonan GM. The contribution of [1H] magnetic resonance spectroscopy to the study of excitation-inhibition in autism. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:236-244. [PMID: 30248378 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects over 1:100 of the population and costs the UK more than £32bn and the USA more than $175bn (£104bn) annually. Its core symptoms are social and communication difficulties, repetitive behaviours and sensory hyper- or hypo-sensitivities. A highly diverse phenotypic presentation likely reflects its etiological heterogeneity and makes finding treatment targets for ASD challenging. In addition, there are no means to identify biologically responsive individuals who may benefit from specific interventions. There is hope however, and in this review we consolidate how findings from magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) add to the evidence that differences in the brain's excitatory glutamate and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) balance may be both a key biomarker and a tractable treatment target in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Ajram
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Andreia C Pereira
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; CIBIT - Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, Faculty of Medicine, ICNAS - Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Polo 3, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Alice M S Durieux
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Hester E Velthius
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Marija M Petrinovic
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK; Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK.
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33
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Cai G, Wang M, Wang S, Liu Y, Zhao Y, Zhu Y, Zhao S, Zhang M, Guo B, Yao H, Wang W, Wang J, Wu S. Brain mGluR5 in Shank3B -/- Mice Studied With in vivo [ 18F]FPEB PET Imaging and ex vivo Immunoblotting. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:38. [PMID: 30809159 PMCID: PMC6379301 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although several studies have found that metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5) may play an important role in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), the mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we used a Shank3 gene complete knockout mouse model (Shank3B-/-) to explore the change in mGluR5 in the brain. To assess whether deletion of Shank3 in mice results in ASD-like behavior, we conducted a battery of behavioral experiments to characterize Shank3B-/- mice, including repetitive grooming behavior tests, three-chamber tests and resident-intruder tests. Wild-type C57/BL6 and Shank3B-/- mice underwent PET scans with [18F]FPEB, which was highly specific to mGluR5. Mouse brains were extracted post-scan, and mGluR5 protein levels were assessed by immunoblotting. The binding potential (BPnd) of mGluR5 was rich in the hippocampus, thalamus, striatum, and amygdala. More importantly, Shank3B-/- mice showed significantly increased BPnd compared to the control mice in these brain regions. Immunoblotting revealed elevated mGluR5 levels in the hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala but not in the striatum compared with control mice. These findings indicated that [18F]FPEB could visualize mGluR5 in the mouse brain. The deficiency of Shank3 can impair mGluR5 expression in multiple brain regions. Future work is also needed to understand the reasons for different results between in vivo PET and ex vivo immunoblotting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guohong Cai
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengmeng Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuailiang Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Suo Zhao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Baolin Guo
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Han Yao
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenting Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shengxi Wu
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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34
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Bygrave AM, Kilonzo K, Kullmann DM, Bannerman DM, Kätzel D. Can N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Hypofunction in Schizophrenia Be Localized to an Individual Cell Type? Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:835. [PMID: 31824347 PMCID: PMC6881463 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypofunction of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors (NMDARs), whether caused by endogenous factors like auto-antibodies or mutations, or by pharmacological or genetic manipulations, produces a wide variety of deficits which overlap with-but do not precisely match-the symptom spectrum of schizophrenia. In order to understand how NMDAR hypofunction leads to different components of the syndrome, it is necessary to take into account which neuronal subtypes are particularly affected by it in terms of detrimental functional alterations. We provide a comprehensive overview detailing findings in rodent models with cell type-specific knockout of NMDARs. Regarding inhibitory cortical cells, an emerging model suggests that NMDAR hypofunction in parvalbumin (PV) positive interneurons is a potential risk factor for this disease. PV interneurons display a selective vulnerability resulting from a combination of genetic, cellular, and environmental factors that produce pathological multi-level positive feedback loops. Central to this are two antioxidant mechanisms-NMDAR activity and perineuronal nets-which are themselves impaired by oxidative stress, amplifying disinhibition. However, NMDAR hypofunction in excitatory pyramidal cells also produces a range of schizophrenia-related deficits, in particular maladaptive learning and memory recall. Furthermore, NMDAR blockade in the thalamus disturbs thalamocortical communication, and NMDAR ablation in dopaminergic neurons may provoke over-generalization in associative learning, which could relate to the positive symptom domain. Therefore, NMDAR hypofunction can produce schizophrenia-related effects through an action on various different circuits and cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei M Bygrave
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kasyoka Kilonzo
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Dimitri M Kullmann
- UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Bannerman
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dennis Kätzel
- Institute of Applied Physiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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35
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Chen Y, Milenkovic M, Horsfall W, Salahpour A, Soderling SH, Ramsey AJ. Restoring striatal WAVE-1 improves maze exploration performance of GluN1 knockdown mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199341. [PMID: 30352064 PMCID: PMC6198945 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptors are important for cognition and are implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders. GluN1 knockdown (GluN1KD) mice have reduced NMDA receptor levels, striatal spine density deficits, and cognitive impairments. However, how NMDA depletion leads to these effects is unclear. Since Rho GTPases are known to regulate spine density and cognition, we examined the levels of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 signaling proteins. Striatal Rac1-pathway components are reduced in GluN1KD mice, with Rac1 and WAVE-1 deficits at 6 and 12 weeks of age. Concurrently, medium spiny neuron (MSN) spine density deficits are present in mice at these ages. To determine whether WAVE-1 deficits were causal or compensatory in relation to these phenotypes, we intercrossed GluN1KD mice with WAVE-1 overexpressing (WAVE-Tg) mice to restore WAVE-1 levels. GluN1KD-WAVE-Tg hybrids showed rescue of striatal WAVE-1 protein levels and MSN spine density, as well as selective behavioral rescue in the Y-maze and 8-arm radial maze tests. GluN1KD-WAVE-Tg mice expressed normalized WAVE-1 protein levels in the hippocampus, yet spine density of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons was not significantly altered. Our data suggest a nuanced role for WAVE-1 effects on cognition and a delineation of specific cognitive domains served by the striatum. Rescue of striatal WAVE-1 and MSN spine density may be significant for goal-directed exploration and associated long-term memory in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marija Milenkovic
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Wendy Horsfall
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ali Salahpour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Scott H. Soderling
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Amy J. Ramsey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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36
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Dissociated features of social cognition altered in mouse models of schizophrenia: Focus on social dominance and acoustic communication. Neuropharmacology 2018; 159:107334. [PMID: 30236964 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social and communication impairments are common features of psychiatric disorders. Animal models of schizophrenia display various social deficits due to difference in tests, mouse strains and drugs. Moreover, communication deficits have not been studied. Our objectives were to assess and compare three major features of social cognition in different mouse models of schizophrenia: interest for a social stimulus, organization and acceptance of social contact, and acoustic communication to question whether mouse models for schizophrenia with social dysfunction also exhibit vocal communication defects. To achieve these aims we treated acutely C57BL/6J mice either with MK-801 or ketamine and tested WT and microtubule-associated protein 6 -MAP6- KO mice in two complementary social tasks: the 3-chamber test which measures social motivation and the social interaction task -SIT- which relies on prefrontal cortex activity and measures the ability to organize and respond to a real interaction, and which promotes ultrasonic vocalizations. Our results reveal that schizophrenia models have intact interest for a social stimulus in the 3-chamber test. However, thanks to principal component analyses of social interaction data, we demonstrate that social motivation and the ability to act socially rely on distinct mechanisms in revealing a decrease in dominance and communication in pharmacological schizophrenia models along with social withdraw, classically observed in schizophrenia, in MK-801 model. In this latter model, some social parameters can be significantly improved by aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic. Our social protocol, combined with fine-tuned analysis, is expected to provide an innovative framework for testing future treatments in preclinical models. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The neuropharmacology of social behavior: from bench to bedside'.
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37
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Hamed NO, Al-Ayadhi L, Osman MA, Elkhawad AO, Qasem H, Al-Marshoud M, Merghani NM, El-Ansary A. Understanding the roles of glutamine synthetase, glutaminase, and glutamate decarboxylase autoantibodies in imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission as etiological mechanisms of autism. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 72:362-373. [PMID: 29356297 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Autism is a heterogeneous neurological disorder that is characterized by impairments in communication and social interactions, repetitive behaviors, and sensory abnormalities. The etiology of autism remains unclear. Animal, genetic, and post-mortem studies suggest that an imbalance exists in the neuronal excitation and inhibition system in autism. The aim of this study was to determine whether alterations of the measured parameters in children with autism are significantly associated with the risk of a sensory dysfunction. METHODS The glutamine synthetase (GS), kidney-type glutaminase (GLS1), and glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibody levels were analyzed in 38 autistic children and 33 age- and sex-matched controls using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS The obtained data demonstrated significant alterations in glutamate and glutamine cycle enzymes, as represented by GS and GLS1, respectively. While the glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies levels were remarkably increased, no significant difference was observed compared to the healthy control participants. CONCLUSION The obtained data indicate that GS and GLS1 are promising indicators of a neuronal excitation and inhibition system imbalance and that combined measured parameters are good predictive biomarkers of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najat O Hamed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan.,Department of Pharmacology, Almaarefa Colleges for Science & Technology (MCST), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A Osman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Khartoum, Sudan.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sudan Medical and Scientific Research Institute, Khartoum, Sudan
| | | | - Hanan Qasem
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majida Al-Marshoud
- Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada M Merghani
- Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf El-Ansary
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Shaik AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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38
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Coba MP, Ramaker MJ, Ho EV, Thompson SL, Komiyama NH, Grant SGN, Knowles JA, Dulawa SC. Dlgap1 knockout mice exhibit alterations of the postsynaptic density and selective reductions in sociability. Sci Rep 2018; 8:2281. [PMID: 29396406 PMCID: PMC5797244 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20610-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The scaffold protein DLGAP1 is localized at the post-synaptic density (PSD) of glutamatergic neurons and is a component of supramolecular protein complexes organized by PSD95. Gain-of-function variants of DLGAP1 have been associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), while haploinsufficient variants have been linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia in human genetic studies. We tested male and female Dlgap1 wild type (WT), heterozygous (HT), and knockout (KO) mice in a battery of behavioral tests: open field, dig, splash, prepulse inhibition, forced swim, nest building, social approach, and sucrose preference. We also used biochemical approaches to examine the role of DLGAP1 in the organization of PSD protein complexes. Dlgap1 KO mice were most notable for disruption of protein interactions in the PSD, and deficits in sociability. Other behavioral measures were largely unaffected. Our data suggest that Dlgap1 knockout leads to PSD disruption and reduced sociability, consistent with reports of DLGAP1 haploinsufficient variants in schizophrenia and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Coba
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - M J Ramaker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - E V Ho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - S L Thompson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA
- Committee on Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - N H Komiyama
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - S G N Grant
- Genes to Cognition Program, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - J A Knowles
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - S C Dulawa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, USA.
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39
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Aroniadou-Anderjaska V, Pidoplichko VI, Figueiredo TH, Braga MFM. Oscillatory Synchronous Inhibition in the Basolateral Amygdala and its Primary Dependence on NR2A-containing NMDA Receptors. Neuroscience 2018; 373:145-158. [PMID: 29339324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Synchronous, rhythmic firing of GABAergic interneurons is a fundamental mechanism underlying the generation of brain oscillations, and evidence suggests that NMDA receptors (NMDARs) play a key role in oscillatory activity by regulating the activity of interneurons. Consistent with this, derangement of brain rhythms in certain neuropsychiatric disorders, notably schizophrenia and autism, is associated with NMDAR hypofunction and loss of inhibitory interneurons. In the basolateral amygdala (BLA)-dysfunction of which is involved in a host of neuropsychiatric diseases-, principal neurons display spontaneous, rhythmic "bursts" of inhibitory activity, which could potentially be involved in the orchestration of oscillations in the BLA network; here, we investigated the role of NMDARs in these inhibitory oscillations. Rhythmic bursts of spontaneous IPSCs (0.5 Hz average burst frequency) recorded from rat BLA principal cells were blocked or significantly suppressed by D-AP5, and could be driven by NMDAR activation alone. BLA interneurons generated spontaneous bursts of suprathreshold EPSCs at a similar frequency, which were also blocked or reduced by D-AP5. PEAQX (GluN2A-NMDAR antagonist; 0.4 μM) or Ro-25-6981 (GluN2B-NMDAR antagonist; 5 μM) suppressed the IPSC and EPSC bursts; suppression by PEAQX was significantly greater than that by Ro-25-6981. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed the presence of both GluN2A- and GluN2B-NMDARs on GABAergic BLA interneurons, while, functionally, GluN2A-NMDARs have the dominant role, as suggested by a greater reduction of NMDA-evoked currents by PEAQX versus Ro-25-6981. Entrainment of BLA principal neurons in an oscillatory generation of inhibitory activity depends primarily on activation of GluN2A-NMDARs, and interneuronal GluN2A-NMDARs may play a significant role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassiliki Aroniadou-Anderjaska
- Department of Psychiatry, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Volodymyr I Pidoplichko
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Taiza H Figueiredo
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
| | - Maria F M Braga
- Department of Psychiatry, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
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40
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Sultana R, Ghandi T, M. Davila A, Lee CC, Ogundele OM. Upregulated SK2 Expression and Impaired CaMKII Phosphorylation Are Shared Synaptic Defects Between 16p11.2del and 129S: Δdisc1 Mutant Mice. ASN Neuro 2018; 10:1759091418817641. [PMID: 33592687 PMCID: PMC6295693 DOI: 10.1177/1759091418817641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Ion channel gating and kinase regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1 activity are fundamental mechanisms that govern synaptic plasticity. In this study, we showed that two mutant models (16p11.2del and Δdisc1 ) that recapitulate aspects of human cognitive disorders shared a similar defect in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 1-dependent synaptic function. Our results demonstrate that the expression of small-conductance potassium channels (SK2 or KCa2.2) was significantly upregulated in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of 16p11.2del and 129S:Δdisc1 mutant mice. Likewise, both mutant strains exhibited an impairment of T286 phosphorylation of calcium-calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. In vivo neural recordings revealed that increased SK2 expression and impaired T286 phosphorylation of CaMKII coincide with a prolonged interspike interval in the hippocampal cornu ammonis-1 (CA1) field for both 16p11.2del and 129S:Δdisc1 mutant mice. These findings suggest that alteration of small conductance channels and T286 phosphorylation of CaMKII are likely shared factors underlying behavioral changes in these two genetic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razia Sultana
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State
University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Tanya Ghandi
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State
University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Alexandra M. Davila
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State
University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Charles C. Lee
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State
University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Olalekan M. Ogundele
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Louisiana State
University School of Veterinary Medicine, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
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Altered surface mGluR5 dynamics provoke synaptic NMDAR dysfunction and cognitive defects in Fmr1 knockout mice. Nat Commun 2017; 8:1103. [PMID: 29062097 PMCID: PMC5653653 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-01191-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) is crucially implicated in the pathophysiology of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS); however, its dysfunction at the sub-cellular level, and related synaptic and cognitive phenotypes are unexplored. Here, we probed the consequences of mGluR5/Homer scaffold disruption for mGluR5 cell-surface mobility, synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function, and behavioral phenotypes in the second-generation Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse. Using single-molecule tracking, we found that mGluR5 was significantly more mobile at synapses in hippocampal Fmr1 KO neurons, causing an increased synaptic surface co-clustering of mGluR5 and NMDAR. This correlated with a reduced amplitude of synaptic NMDAR currents, a lack of their mGluR5-activated long-term depression, and NMDAR/hippocampus dependent cognitive deficits. These synaptic and behavioral phenomena were reversed by knocking down Homer1a in Fmr1 KO mice. Our study provides a mechanistic link between changes of mGluR5 dynamics and pathological phenotypes of FXS, unveiling novel targets for mGluR5-based therapeutics. Dysfunction of mGluR5 has been implicated in Fragile X syndrome. Here, using a single-molecule tracking technique, the authors found an increased lateral mobility of mGluR5 at the synaptic site in Fmr1 KO hippocampal neurons, leading to abnormal NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity and cognitive deficits.
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42
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van Schalkwyk GI, Volkmar FR, Corlett PR. A Predictive Coding Account of Psychotic Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1323-1340. [PMID: 28185044 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3065-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms represents an important clinical challenge. Here we consider this problem in the context of a computational psychiatry approach that has been applied to both conditions-predictive coding. Some symptoms of schizophrenia have been explained in terms of a failure of top-down predictions or an enhanced weighting of bottom-up prediction errors. Likewise, autism has been explained in terms of similar perturbations. We suggest that this theoretical overlap may explain overlapping symptomatology. Experimental evidence highlights meaningful distinctions and consistencies between these disorders. We hypothesize individuals with ASD may experience some degree of delusions without the presence of any additional impairment, but that hallucinations are likely indicative of a distinct process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Philip R Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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43
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Port RG, Gajewski C, Krizman E, Dow HC, Hirano S, Brodkin ES, Carlson GC, Robinson MB, Roberts TPL, Siegel SJ. Protocadherin 10 alters γ oscillations, amino acid levels, and their coupling; baclofen partially restores these oscillatory deficits. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:324-338. [PMID: 28844789 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Revised: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately one in 45 children have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which is characterized by social/communication impairments. Recent studies have linked a subset of familial ASD to mutations in the Protocadherin 10 (Pcdh10) gene. Additionally, Pcdh10's expression pattern, as well as its known role within protein networks, implicates the gene in ASD. Subsequently, the neurobiology of mice heterozygous for Pcdh10 (Pcdh10+/-) has been investigated as a proxy for ASD. Male Pcdh10+/- mice have demonstrated sex-specific deficits in social behavior, recapitulating the gender bias observed in ASD. Furthermore, in vitro slice preparations of these Pcdh10+/- mice demonstrate selective decreases to high frequency electrophysiological responses, mimicking clinical observations. The direct in vivo ramifications of such decreased in vitro high frequency responses are unclear. As such, Pcdh10+/- mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates underwent in vivo electrocorticography (ECoG), as well as ex vivo amino acid concentration quantification using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Similar to the previously observed reductions to in vitro high frequency electrophysiological responses in Pcdh10+/- mice, male Pcdh10+/- mice exhibited reduced gamma-band (30-80Hz), but not lower frequency (10 and 20Hz), auditory steady state responses (ASSR). In addition, male Pcdh10+/- mice exhibited decreased signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) for high gamma-band (60-100Hz) activity. These gamma-band perturbations for both ASSR and SNR were not observed in females. Administration of a GABAB agonist remediated these electrophysiological alterations among male Pcdh10+/-mice. Pcdh10+/- mice demonstrated increased concentrations of GABA and glutamine. Of note, a correlation of auditory gamma-band responses with underlying GABA concentrations was observed in WT mice. This correlation was not present in Pcdh10+/- mice. This study demonstrates the role of Pcdh10 in the regulation of excitatory-inhibitory balance as a function of GABA in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Russell G Port
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher Gajewski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth Krizman
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pediatric, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Holly C Dow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shinji Hirano
- Department of Cell Biology, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka 573-1010, Japan
| | - Edward S Brodkin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Gregory C Carlson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael B Robinson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Department of Pediatric, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Systems Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Timothy P L Roberts
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Perelman, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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Ford TC, Nibbs R, Crewther DP. Increased glutamate/GABA+ ratio in a shared autistic and schizotypal trait phenotype termed Social Disorganisation. Neuroimage Clin 2017; 16:125-131. [PMID: 28794973 PMCID: PMC5537407 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism and schizophrenia are multi-dimensional spectrum disorders that have substantial phenotypic overlap. This overlap is readily identified in the non-clinical population, and has been conceptualised as Social Disorganisation (SD). This study investigates the balance of excitatory glutamate and inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentrations in a non-clinical sample with high and low trait SD, as glutamate and GABA abnormalities are reported across the autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Participants were 18 low (10 females) and 19 high (9 females) SD scorers aged 18 to 40 years who underwent 1H-MRS for glutamate and GABA+macromolecule (GABA+) concentrations in right and left hemisphere superior temporal (ST) voxels. Reduced GABA+ concentration (p = 0.03) and increased glutamate/GABA+ ratio (p = 0.003) in the right ST voxel for the high SD group was found, and there was increased GABA+ concentration in the left compared to right ST voxel (p = 0.047). Bilateral glutamate concentration was increased for the high SD group (p = 0.006); there was no hemisphere by group interaction (p = 0.772). Results suggest that a higher expression of the SD phenotype may be associated with increased glutamate/GABA+ ratio in the right ST region, which may affect speech prosody processing, and lead behavioural characteristics that are shared within the autistic and schizotypal spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talitha C. Ford
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Nibbs
- Swinburne Neuroimaging, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David P. Crewther
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Heath, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Ko J. Neuroanatomical Substrates of Rodent Social Behavior: The Medial Prefrontal Cortex and Its Projection Patterns. Front Neural Circuits 2017; 11:41. [PMID: 28659766 PMCID: PMC5468389 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2017.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Social behavior encompasses a number of distinctive and complex constructs that form the core elements of human imitative culture, mainly represented as either affiliative or antagonistic interactions with conspecifics. Traditionally considered in the realm of psychology, social behavior research has benefited from recent advancements in neuroscience that have accelerated identification of the neural systems, circuits, causative genes and molecular mechanisms that underlie distinct social cognitive traits. In this review article, I summarize recent findings regarding the neuroanatomical substrates of key social behaviors, focusing on results from experiments conducted in rodent models. In particular, I will review the role of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and downstream subcortical structures in controlling social behavior, and discuss pertinent future research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewon Ko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST)Daegu, South Korea
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46
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Milne E, Dickinson A, Smith R. Adults with autism spectrum conditions experience increased levels of anomalous perception. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0177804. [PMID: 28542171 PMCID: PMC5436824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0177804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum condition (ASC) is characterised by differences in social interaction and behavioural inflexibility. In addition to these core symptoms, atypical sensory responses are prevalent in the ASC phenotype. Here we investigated anomalous perception, i.e. hallucinatory and/or out of body experiences in adults with ASC. Thirty participants with an ASC diagnosis and thirty neurotypical controls completed the Cardiff Anomalous Perception Scale (CAPS) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2). The CAPS is a 32-item questionnaire that asks participants to indicate whether or not they experience a range of anomalous and out of body experiences, and to rate how intrusive and distressing these experiences are. The SRS-2 asks participants to rate the extent to which they identify with a series of 65 statements that describe behaviours associated with the autism phenotype. We found that total CAPS score was significantly higher in the participants with ASC (mean = 14.8, S.D. = 7.9) than the participants without ASC (mean = 3.6, S.D. = 4.1). In addition, the frequency of anomalous perception, the level of distraction and the level of distress associated with the experience were significantly increased in participants with ASC. Importantly, both the frequency of anomalous perceptual experiences and the level of distress caused by anomalous perception in this sample of adults with ASC were very similar to that reported previously in a sample of non-autistic participants who were being treated in hospital for a current psychotic episode. These data indicate that anomalous perceptual experiences are common in adults with ASC and are associated with a high level of distress. The origins of anomalous perception in ASC and the implication of this phenomenon are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Milne
- Sheffield Autism Research Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Abigail Dickinson
- Sheffield Autism Research Lab, Department of Psychology, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Smith
- Sheffield Adult Autism and Neurodevelopmental Service, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
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47
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Lee E, Lee J, Kim E. Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Animal Models of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:838-847. [PMID: 27450033 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 294] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Imbalances between excitation and inhibition in synaptic transmission and neural circuits have been implicated in autism spectrum disorders. Excitation and inhibition imbalances are frequently observed in animal models of autism spectrum disorders, and their correction normalizes key autistic-like phenotypes in these animals. These results suggest that excitation and inhibition imbalances may contribute to the development and maintenance of autism spectrum disorders and represent an important therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jiseok Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.
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48
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Sinclair D, Oranje B, Razak KA, Siegel SJ, Schmid S. Sensory processing in autism spectrum disorders and Fragile X syndrome-From the clinic to animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:235-253. [PMID: 27235081 PMCID: PMC5465967 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Brains are constantly flooded with sensory information that needs to be filtered at the pre-attentional level and integrated into endogenous activity in order to allow for detection of salient information and an appropriate behavioral response. People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are often over- or under-reactive to stimulation, leading to a wide range of behavioral symptoms. This altered sensitivity may be caused by disrupted sensory processing, signal integration and/or gating, and is often being neglected. Here, we review translational experimental approaches that are used to investigate sensory processing in humans with ASD and FXS, and in relevant rodent models. This includes electroencephalographic measurement of event related potentials, neural oscillations and mismatch negativity, as well as habituation and pre-pulse inhibition of startle. We outline robust evidence of disrupted sensory processing in individuals with ASD and FXS, and in respective animal models, focusing on the auditory sensory domain. Animal models provide an excellent opportunity to examine common mechanisms of sensory pathophysiology in order to develop therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Sinclair
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - B Oranje
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, HP A 01.126 Heidelberglaan 100, CX Utrecht, 3584, The Netherlands; Center for Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CNSR) and Center for Clinical Intervention and Neuropsychiatric Schizophrenia Research (CINS), Copenhagen University Hospital, Psychiatric Center Glostrup, Ndr. Ringvej 29-67, Glostrup, 2600, Denmark; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Sensory Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K A Razak
- Psychology Department, University of California Riverside, 900 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - S J Siegel
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 125 S 31st St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - S Schmid
- Anatomy & Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, MSB 470, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada.
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49
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van Schalkwyk GI, Volkmar FR, Corlett PR. A Predictive Coding Account of Psychotic Symptoms in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2017. [PMID: 28185044 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3065-928185044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The co-occurrence of psychotic and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms represents an important clinical challenge. Here we consider this problem in the context of a computational psychiatry approach that has been applied to both conditions-predictive coding. Some symptoms of schizophrenia have been explained in terms of a failure of top-down predictions or an enhanced weighting of bottom-up prediction errors. Likewise, autism has been explained in terms of similar perturbations. We suggest that this theoretical overlap may explain overlapping symptomatology. Experimental evidence highlights meaningful distinctions and consistencies between these disorders. We hypothesize individuals with ASD may experience some degree of delusions without the presence of any additional impairment, but that hallucinations are likely indicative of a distinct process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fred R Volkmar
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Philip R Corlett
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit, Connecticut Mental Health Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
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50
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Modi ME, Sahin M. Translational use of event-related potentials to assess circuit integrity in ASD. Nat Rev Neurol 2017; 13:160-170. [DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2017.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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