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Rodríguez-Martín M, Báez-Flores J, Ribes V, Isidoro-García M, Lacal J, Prieto-Matos P. Non-Mammalian Models for Understanding Neurological Defects in RASopathies. Biomedicines 2024; 12:841. [PMID: 38672195 PMCID: PMC11048513 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
RASopathies, a group of neurodevelopmental congenital disorders stemming from mutations in the RAS/MAPK pathway, present a unique opportunity to delve into the intricacies of complex neurological disorders. Afflicting approximately one in a thousand newborns, RASopathies manifest as abnormalities across multiple organ systems, with a pronounced impact on the central and peripheral nervous system. In the pursuit of understanding RASopathies' neurobiology and establishing phenotype-genotype relationships, in vivo non-mammalian models have emerged as indispensable tools. Species such as Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus species and Gallus gallus embryos have proven to be invaluable in shedding light on the intricate pathways implicated in RASopathies. Despite some inherent weaknesses, these genetic models offer distinct advantages over traditional rodent models, providing a holistic perspective on complex genetics, multi-organ involvement, and the interplay among various pathway components, offering insights into the pathophysiological aspects of mutations-driven symptoms. This review underscores the value of investigating the genetic basis of RASopathies for unraveling the underlying mechanisms contributing to broader neurological complexities. It also emphasizes the pivotal role of non-mammalian models in serving as a crucial preliminary step for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Rodríguez-Martín
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Juan Báez-Flores
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Vanessa Ribes
- Institut Jacques Monod, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, F-75013 Paris, France;
| | - María Isidoro-García
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Jesus Lacal
- Laboratory of Functional Genetics of Rare Diseases, Department of Microbiology and Genetics, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.R.-M.); (J.B.-F.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
| | - Pablo Prieto-Matos
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (M.I.-G.); (P.P.-M.)
- Clinical Rare Diseases Reference Unit DiERCyL, 37007 Castilla y León, Spain
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Biomedical and Diagnostics Science, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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di Biase L, Di Santo A, Caminiti ML, Pecoraro PM, Carbone SP, Di Lazzaro V. Dystonia Diagnosis: Clinical Neurophysiology and Genetics. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144184. [PMID: 35887948 PMCID: PMC9320296 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia diagnosis is based on clinical examination performed by a neurologist with expertise in movement disorders. Clues that indicate the diagnosis of a movement disorder such as dystonia are dystonic movements, dystonic postures, and three additional physical signs (mirror dystonia, overflow dystonia, and geste antagonists/sensory tricks). Despite advances in research, there is no diagnostic test with a high level of accuracy for the dystonia diagnosis. Clinical neurophysiology and genetics might support the clinician in the diagnostic process. Neurophysiology played a role in untangling dystonia pathophysiology, demonstrating characteristic reduction in inhibition of central motor circuits and alterations in the somatosensory system. The neurophysiologic measure with the greatest evidence in identifying patients affected by dystonia is the somatosensory temporal discrimination threshold (STDT). Other parameters need further confirmations and more solid evidence to be considered as support for the dystonia diagnosis. Genetic testing should be guided by characteristics such as age at onset, body distribution, associated features, and coexistence of other movement disorders (parkinsonism, myoclonus, and other hyperkinesia). The aim of the present review is to summarize the state of the art regarding dystonia diagnosis focusing on the role of neurophysiology and genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lazzaro di Biase
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Brain Innovations Lab., Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-062-2541-1220
| | - Alessandro Di Santo
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Caminiti
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Pasquale Maria Pecoraro
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Paola Carbone
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Neurology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation, Via Álvaro del Portillo 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (A.D.S.); (M.L.C.); (P.M.P.); (S.P.C.); (V.D.L.)
- Unit of Neurology, Neurophysiology, Neurobiology, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Álvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
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3
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Gripp KW, Morse LA, Axelrad M, Chatfield KC, Chidekel A, Dobyns W, Doyle D, Kerr B, Lin AE, Schwartz DD, Sibbles BJ, Siegel D, Shankar SP, Stevenson DA, Thacker MM, Weaver KN, White SM, Rauen KA. Costello syndrome: Clinical phenotype, genotype, and management guidelines. Am J Med Genet A 2019; 179:1725-1744. [PMID: 31222966 PMCID: PMC8238015 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Costello syndrome (CS) is a RASopathy caused by activating germline mutations in HRAS. Due to ubiquitous HRAS gene expression, CS affects multiple organ systems and individuals are predisposed to cancer. Individuals with CS may have distinctive craniofacial features, cardiac anomalies, growth and developmental delays, as well as dermatological, orthopedic, ocular, and neurological issues; however, considerable overlap with other RASopathies exists. Medical evaluation requires an understanding of the multifaceted phenotype. Subspecialists may have limited experience in caring for these individuals because of the rarity of CS. Furthermore, the phenotypic presentation may vary with the underlying genotype. These guidelines were developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts in order to encourage timely health care practices and provide medical management guidelines for the primary and specialty care provider, as well as for the families and affected individuals across their lifespan. These guidelines are based on expert opinion and do not represent evidence-based guidelines due to the lack of data for this rare condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen W. Gripp
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | | | - Marni Axelrad
- Psychology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Kathryn C. Chatfield
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Aaron Chidekel
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - William Dobyns
- Division of Medical Genetics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Daniel Doyle
- Division of Endocrinology, A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Bronwyn Kerr
- Manchester Center for Genomic Medicine, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Angela E. Lin
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, MassGeneral Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David D. Schwartz
- Psychology Section, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Barbara J. Sibbles
- Division of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC-Sophia Children’s Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dawn Siegel
- Department of Dermatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Suma P. Shankar
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - David A. Stevenson
- Division of Medical Genetic, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Mihir M. Thacker
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nemoirs-Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - K. Nicole Weaver
- Division of Human Genetics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sue M. White
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Royal Children’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine A. Rauen
- Division of Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, California
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Voitenkov VB, Ekusheva EV, Skripchenko NV, Damulin IV. [Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the diagnostic and treatment of pain syndromes in children and adults]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 119:93-99. [PMID: 31156229 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201911904193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The authors review the literature and own data concerning therapeutic use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in children and adult patients with pain syndromes of different origins. TMS may act as a tool to excite or inhibit neuroplasticity in the central nervous system, which depends of the therapeutic regime used. TMS induces neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, rhythmic TMS may cause long-lasting after-effects, including pain inhibitory effect. A decrease in the threshold and an increase in the amplitude of motor evoked potentials in TMS are the most frequent changes in pain syndromes in the diagnostic modality. The efficacy of different regimes in the treatment of pain syndromes remains understudied. Despite vast knowledge on clinical use of TMS in pain syndromes in adults, in pediatrics its use is limited to migraine treatment. TMS is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool that should be more often implemented in neurorehabilitation and treatment of neurological diseases in adults and children with pain syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V B Voitenkov
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, St.-Petersburg, Russia; Advanced Training Institute of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - E V Ekusheva
- Advanced Training Institute of the Federal Medical Biological Agency of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Skripchenko
- Pediatric Research and Clinical Center for Infectious Diseases, St.-Petersburg, Russia
| | - I V Damulin
- Federal State Autonomous Educational Institution of Higher Education Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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Latorre A, Rocchi L, Berardelli A, Bhatia KP, Rothwell JC. The interindividual variability of transcranial magnetic stimulation effects: Implications for diagnostic use in movement disorders. Mov Disord 2019; 34:936-949. [DOI: 10.1002/mds.27736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Latorre
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesQueen Square Institute of Neurology University College London London United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, SapienzaUniversity of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Lorenzo Rocchi
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesQueen Square Institute of Neurology University College London London United Kingdom
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, SapienzaUniversity of Rome Rome Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Neuromed Pozzilli Isernia Italy
| | - Kailash P. Bhatia
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesQueen Square Institute of Neurology University College London London United Kingdom
| | - John C. Rothwell
- Department of Clinical and Movement NeurosciencesQueen Square Institute of Neurology University College London London United Kingdom
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Holter MC, Hewitt LT, Koebele SV, Judd JM, Xing L, Bimonte-Nelson HA, Conrad CD, Araki T, Neel BG, Snider WD, Newbern JM. The Noonan Syndrome-linked Raf1L613V mutation drives increased glial number in the mouse cortex and enhanced learning. PLoS Genet 2019; 15:e1008108. [PMID: 31017896 PMCID: PMC6502435 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1008108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RASopathies are a family of related syndromes caused by mutations in regulators of the RAS/Extracellular Regulated Kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling cascade that often result in neurological deficits. RASopathy mutations in upstream regulatory components, such as NF1, PTPN11/SHP2, and RAS have been well-characterized, but mutation-specific differences in the pathogenesis of nervous system abnormalities remain poorly understood, especially those involving mutations downstream of RAS. Here, we assessed cellular and behavioral phenotypes in mice expressing a Raf1L613V gain-of-function mutation associated with the RASopathy, Noonan Syndrome. We report that Raf1L613V/wt mutants do not exhibit a significantly altered number of excitatory or inhibitory neurons in the cortex. However, we observed a significant increase in the number of specific glial subtypes in the forebrain. The density of GFAP+ astrocytes was significantly increased in the adult Raf1L613V/wt cortex and hippocampus relative to controls. OLIG2+ oligodendrocyte progenitor cells were also increased in number in mutant cortices, but we detected no significant change in myelination. Behavioral analyses revealed no significant changes in voluntary locomotor activity, anxiety-like behavior, or sociability. Surprisingly, Raf1L613V/wt mice performed better than controls in select aspects of the water radial-arm maze, Morris water maze, and cued fear conditioning tasks. Overall, these data show that increased astrocyte and oligodendrocyte progenitor cell (OPC) density in the cortex coincides with enhanced cognition in Raf1L613V/wt mutants and further highlight the distinct effects of RASopathy mutations on nervous system development and function. The RASopathies are a large and complex family of syndromes caused by mutations in the RAS/MAPK signaling cascade with no known cure. Individuals with these syndromes often present with heart defects, craniofacial differences, and neurological abnormalities, such as developmental delay, cognitive changes, epilepsy, and an increased risk of autism. However, there is wide variation in the extent of intellectual ability between individuals. It is currently unclear how different RASopathy mutations affect brain development. Here, we describe the cellular and behavioral consequences of a mutation in a gene called Raf1 that is associated with a common RASopathy, Noonan Syndrome. We find that mice harboring a mutation in Raf1 show moderate increases in the number of two subsets of glial cells, which is also observed in a number of other RASopathy brain samples. Surprisingly, we found that Raf1 mutant mice show improved performance in several learning and memory tasks. Our work highlights potential mutation-specific changes in RASopathy brain function and helps set the framework for future personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C. Holter
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lauren. T. Hewitt
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Stephanie V. Koebele
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jessica M. Judd
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Lei Xing
- Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Heather A. Bimonte-Nelson
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Cheryl D. Conrad
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Toshiyuki Araki
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Benjamin G. Neel
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - William D. Snider
- Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Jason M. Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Masuda F, Nakajima S, Miyazaki T, Yoshida K, Tsugawa S, Wada M, Ogyu K, Croarkin PE, Blumberger DM, Daskalakis ZJ, Mimura M, Noda Y. Motor cortex excitability and inhibitory imbalance in autism spectrum disorder assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation: a systematic review. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:110. [PMID: 30846682 PMCID: PMC6405856 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0444-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalances contribute to various clinical symptoms observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the detailed pathophysiologic underpinning of E/I imbalance remains uncertain. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) motor-evoked potentials (MEP) are a non-invasive tool for examining cortical inhibition in ASD. Here, we conducted a systematic review on TMS neurophysiology in motor cortex (M1) such as MEPs and short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) between individuals with ASD and controls. Out of 538 initial records, we identified six articles. Five studies measured MEP, where four studies measured SICI. There were no differences in MEP amplitudes between the two groups, whereas SICI was likely to be reduced in individuals with ASD compared with controls. Notably, SICI largely reflects GABA(A) receptor-mediated function. Conversely, other magnetic resonance spectroscopy and postmortem methodologies assess GABA levels. The present review demonstrated that there may be neurophysiological deficits in GABA receptor-mediated function in ASD. In conclusion, reduced GABAergic function in the neural circuits could underlie the E/I imbalance in ASD, which may be related to the pathophysiology of clinical symptoms of ASD. Therefore, a novel treatment that targets the neural circuits related to GABA(A) receptor-mediated function in regions involved in the pathophysiology of ASD may be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Masuda
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan ,0000 0000 9747 6806grid.410827.8Department of Psychiatry, Shiga University of Medical Science, Shiga, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nakajima
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan ,0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Multimodal Imaging Group, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Takahiro Miyazaki
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazunari Yoshida
- 0000 0004 0459 167Xgrid.66875.3aDepartment of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Sakiko Tsugawa
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masataka Wada
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kamiyu Ogyu
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Paul E. Croarkin
- 0000 0000 8793 5925grid.155956.bPharmacogenetics Research Clinic, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Daniel M. Blumberger
- 0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Zafiris J. Daskalakis
- 0000 0001 2157 2938grid.17063.33Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Masaru Mimura
- 0000 0004 1936 9959grid.26091.3cDepartment of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Noda
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
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Suppa A, Quartarone A, Siebner H, Chen R, Di Lazzaro V, Del Giudice P, Paulus W, Rothwell J, Ziemann U, Classen J. The associative brain at work: Evidence from paired associative stimulation studies in humans. Clin Neurophysiol 2017; 128:2140-2164. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Borrie SC, Brems H, Legius E, Bagni C. Cognitive Dysfunctions in Intellectual Disabilities: The Contributions of the Ras-MAPK and PI3K-AKT-mTOR Pathways. Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2017; 18:115-142. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-091416-035332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Borrie
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Hilde Brems
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eric Legius
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00173 Rome, Italy
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Impaired synaptic plasticity in RASopathies: a mini-review. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:1133-8. [PMID: 27565148 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1609-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic plasticity in the form of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) is considered to be the neurophysiological correlate of learning and memory. Impairments are discussed to be one of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of developmental disorders. In so-called RASopathies [e.g., neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1)], neurocognitive impairments are frequent and are affected by components of the RAS pathway which lead to impairments in synaptic plasticity. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) provides a non-invasive method to investigate synaptic plasticity in humans. Here, we review studies using TMS to evaluate synaptic plasticity in patients with RASopathies. Patients with NF1 and Noonan syndrome (NS) showed reduced cortical LTP-like synaptic plasticity. In contrast, increased LTP-like synaptic plasticity has been shown in Costello syndrome. Notably, lovastatin normalized impaired LTP-like plasticity and increased intracortical inhibition in patients with NF1. TMS has been shown to be a safe and efficient method to investigate synaptic plasticity and intracortical inhibition in patients with RASopathies. Deeper insights in impairments of synaptic plasticity in RASopathies could help to develop new options for the therapy of learning deficits in these patients.
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Ryu HH, Lee YS. Cell type-specific roles of RAS-MAPK signaling in learning and memory: Implications in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2016; 135:13-21. [PMID: 27296701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 05/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The RAS-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway plays critical roles in brain function, including learning and memory. Mutations of molecules in the RAS-MAPK pathway are associated with a group of disorders called RASopathies, which include Noonan syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, Costello syndrome, Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines, Legius syndrome, and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. RASopathies share certain clinical symptoms, including craniofacial abnormalities, heart defects, delayed growth, and cognitive deficits such as learning disabilities, while each individual syndrome also displays unique phenotypes. Recent studies using mouse models of RASopathies showed that each disorder may have a distinct molecular and cellular etiology depending on the cellular specificity of the mutated molecules. Here, we review the cell-type specific roles of the regulators of the RAS-MAPK pathway in cognitive function (learning and memory) and their contribution to the development of RASopathies. We also discussed recent technical advances in analyzing cell type-specific transcriptomes and proteomes in the nervous system. Understanding specific mechanisms for these similar but distinct disorders would facilitate the development of mechanism-based individualized treatment for RASopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Hee Ryu
- Department of Life Science, College of Natural Science, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul 06974, South Korea; Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Physiology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Republic of Korea.
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Xing L, Larsen RS, Bjorklund GR, Li X, Wu Y, Philpot BD, Snider WD, Newbern JM. Layer specific and general requirements for ERK/MAPK signaling in the developing neocortex. eLife 2016; 5. [PMID: 26848828 PMCID: PMC4758957 DOI: 10.7554/elife.11123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant signaling through the Raf/MEK/ERK (ERK/MAPK) pathway causes pathology in a family of neurodevelopmental disorders known as 'RASopathies' and is implicated in autism pathogenesis. Here, we have determined the functions of ERK/MAPK signaling in developing neocortical excitatory neurons. Our data reveal a critical requirement for ERK/MAPK signaling in the morphological development and survival of large Ctip2+ neurons in layer 5. Loss of Map2k1/2 (Mek1/2) led to deficits in corticospinal tract formation and subsequent corticospinal neuron apoptosis. ERK/MAPK hyperactivation also led to reduced corticospinal axon elongation, but was associated with enhanced arborization. ERK/MAPK signaling was dispensable for axonal outgrowth of layer 2/3 callosal neurons. However, Map2k1/2 deletion led to reduced expression of Arc and enhanced intrinsic excitability in both layers 2/3 and 5, in addition to imbalanced synaptic excitation and inhibition. These data demonstrate selective requirements for ERK/MAPK signaling in layer 5 circuit development and general effects on cortical pyramidal neuron excitability. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11123.001 In the nervous system, cells called neurons form networks that relay information in the form of electrical signals around the brain and the rest of the body. Typically, an electrical signal travels from branch-like structures at one end of the cell, through the cell body and then along a long fiber called an axon to reach junctions with another neurons. The connections between neurons start to form as the nervous system develops in the embryo, and any errors or delays in this process can cause severe neurological disorders and intellectual disabilities. For example, genetic mutations affecting a communication system within cells known as the ERK/MAPK pathway can lead to a family of syndromes called the “RASopathies”. Abnormalities in this pathway may also contribute to certain types of autism. However, it is not clear how alterations to the ERK/MAPK pathway cause these conditions. Xing et al. investigated whether ERK/MAPK signaling regulates the formation of connections between neurons and the activity of neurons in mouse brains. The experiments showed that the growth of axons that extend from an area of the brain called the cerebral cortex towards the spinal cord are particularly sensitive to changes in the level of signaling through the ERK/MAPK pathway. On the other hand, inhibiting the pathway has relatively little effect on the growth of axons within the cerebral cortex. Further experiments showed that many neurons in the cerebral cortex require the ERK/MAPK pathway to activate genes that alter neuronal activity and the strength of the connections between neurons. Xing et al.’s findings suggest that defects in the connections between the cerebral cortex and different regions of the nervous system may contribute to the symptoms observed in patients with conditions linked to alterations in ERK/MAPK activity. Future studies will focus on understanding the molecular mechanisms by which ERK/MAPK pathway influences the organization and activity of neuron circuits during the development of the nervous system. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.11123.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xing
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Rylan S Larsen
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, United States
| | | | - Xiaoyan Li
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Yaohong Wu
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - William D Snider
- University of North Carolina Neuroscience Center, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, The University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, United States
| | - Jason M Newbern
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, United States
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Dileone M, Ranieri F, Florio L, Capone F, Musumeci G, Leoni C, Mordillo-Mateos L, Tartaglia M, Zampino G, Di Lazzaro V. Differential Effects of HRAS Mutation on LTP-Like Activity Induced by Different Protocols of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. Brain Stimul 2016; 9:33-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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López-Alonso V, Cheeran B, Fernández-del-Olmo M. Relationship Between Non-invasive Brain Stimulation-induced Plasticity and Capacity for Motor Learning. Brain Stimul 2015; 8:1209-19. [PMID: 26319358 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2015.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2015] [Accepted: 07/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cortical plasticity plays a key role in motor learning (ML). Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) paradigms have been used to modulate plasticity in the human motor cortex in order to facilitate ML. However, little is known about the relationship between NIBS-induced plasticity over M1 and ML capacity. HYPOTHESIS NIBS-induced MEP changes are related to ML capacity. METHODS 56 subjects participated in three NIBS (paired associative stimulation, anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and intermittent theta-burst stimulation), and in three lab-based ML task (serial reaction time, visuomotor adaptation and sequential visual isometric pinch task) sessions. ANALYSIS After clustering the patterns of response to the different NIBS protocols, we compared the ML variables between the different patterns found. We used regression analysis to explore further the relationship between ML capacity and summary measures of the MEPs change. We ran correlations with the "responders" group only. RESULTS We found no differences in ML variables between clusters. Greater response to NIBS protocols may be predictive of poor performance within certain blocks of the VAT. "Responders" to AtDCS and to iTBS showed significantly faster reaction times than "non-responders." However, the physiological significance of these results is uncertain. CONCLUSION MEP changes induced in M1 by PAS, AtDCS and iTBS appear to have little, if any, association with the ML capacity tested with the SRTT, the VAT and the SVIPT. However, cortical excitability changes induced in M1 by AtDCS and iTBS may be related to reaction time and retention of newly acquired skills in certain motor learning tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia López-Alonso
- Faculty of Sciences of Sport and Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Binith Cheeran
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK; Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Miguel Fernández-del-Olmo
- Faculty of Sciences of Sport and Physical Education, Department of Physical Education, University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain.
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15
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Cash RFH, Murakami T, Chen R, Thickbroom GW, Ziemann U. Augmenting Plasticity Induction in Human Motor Cortex by Disinhibition Stimulation. Cereb Cortex 2014; 26:58-69. [PMID: 25100853 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular studies showed that disinhibition, evoked pharmacologically or by a suitably timed priming stimulus, can augment long-term plasticity (LTP) induction. We demonstrated previously that transcranial magnetic stimulation evokes a period of presumably GABA(B)ergic late cortical disinhibition (LCD) in human primary motor cortex (M1). Here, we hypothesized that, in keeping with cellular studies, LCD can augment LTP-like plasticity in humans. In Experiment 1, patterned repetitive TMS was applied to left M1, consisting of 6 trains (intertrain interval, 8 s) of 4 doublets (interpulse interval equal to individual peak I-wave facilitation, 1.3-1.5 ms) spaced by the individual peak LCD (interdoublet interval (IDI), 200-250 ms). This intervention (total of 48 pulses applied over ∼45 s) increased motor-evoked potential amplitude, a marker of corticospinal excitability, in a right hand muscle by 147% ± 4%. Control experiments showed that IDIs shorter or longer than LCD did not result in LTP-like plasticity. Experiment 2 indicated topographic specificity to the M1 hand region stimulated by TMS and duration of the LTP-like plasticity of 60 min. In conclusion, GABA(B)ergic LCD offers a powerful new approach for augmenting LTP-like plasticity induction in human cortex. We refer to this protocol as disinhibition stimulation (DIS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin F H Cash
- Australian Neuro-Muscular Research Institute and Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia Department of Neurology, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour - Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Takenobu Murakami
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany Department of Neurology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Robert Chen
- Division of Brain, Imaging and Behaviour - Systems Neuroscience, Toronto Western Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary W Thickbroom
- Australian Neuro-Muscular Research Institute and Centre for Neuromuscular and Neurological Disorders, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University of Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany Department of Neurology and Stroke, and Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls-University, Tübingen, Germany
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16
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López-Alonso V, Cheeran B, Río-Rodríguez D, Fernández-del-Olmo M. Inter-individual Variability in Response to Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Paradigms. Brain Stimul 2014; 7:372-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 530] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Revised: 02/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Picker JD, Walsh CA. New innovations: therapeutic opportunities for intellectual disabilities. Ann Neurol 2013; 74:382-90. [PMID: 24038210 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Revised: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability is common and is associated with significant morbidity. Until the latter half of the 20th century, there were no efficacious treatments. Following initial breakthroughs associated with newborn screening and metabolic corrections, little progress was made until recently. With improved understanding of genetic and cellular mechanisms, novel treatment options are beginning to appear for a number of specific conditions. Fragile X and tuberous sclerosis offer paradigms for the development of targeted therapeutics, but advances in understanding of other disorders such as Down syndrome and Rett syndrome, for example, are also resulting in promising treatment directions. In addition, better understanding of the underlying neurobiology is leading to novel developments in enzyme replacement for storage disorders and adjunctive therapies for metabolic disorders, as well as potentially more generalizable approaches that target dysfunctional cell regulation via RNA and chromatin. Physiologic therapies, including deep brain stimulation and transcranial magnetic stimulation, offer yet another direction to enhance cognitive functioning. Current options and evolving opportunities for the intellectually disabled are reviewed and exemplified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Picker
- Division of Genetics, Boston Children's Hospital, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston, MA; Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology,, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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18
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Carson RG, Kennedy NC. Modulation of human corticospinal excitability by paired associative stimulation. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:823. [PMID: 24348369 PMCID: PMC3847812 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired Associative Stimulation (PAS) has come to prominence as a potential therapeutic intervention for the treatment of brain injury/disease, and as an experimental method with which to investigate Hebbian principles of neural plasticity in humans. Prototypically, a single electrical stimulus is directed to a peripheral nerve in advance of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) delivered to the contralateral primary motor cortex (M1). Repeated pairing of the stimuli (i.e., association) over an extended period may increase or decrease the excitability of corticospinal projections from M1, in manner that depends on the interstimulus interval (ISI). It has been suggested that these effects represent a form of associative long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) that bears resemblance to spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) as it has been elaborated in animal models. With a large body of empirical evidence having emerged since the cardinal features of PAS were first described, and in light of the variations from the original protocols that have been implemented, it is opportune to consider whether the phenomenology of PAS remains consistent with the characteristic features that were initially disclosed. This assessment necessarily has bearing upon interpretation of the effects of PAS in relation to the specific cellular pathways that are putatively engaged, including those that adhere to the rules of STDP. The balance of evidence suggests that the mechanisms that contribute to the LTP- and LTD-type responses to PAS differ depending on the precise nature of the induction protocol that is used. In addition to emphasizing the requirement for additional explanatory models, in the present analysis we highlight the key features of the PAS phenomenology that require interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G Carson
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin Dublin, Ireland ; School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast Belfast, UK
| | - Niamh C Kennedy
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast Belfast, UK ; School of Rehabilitation Sciences University of East Anglia Norwich, UK
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Schwartz DD, Katzenstein JM, Hopkins E, Stabley DL, Sol-Church K, Gripp KW, Axelrad ME. Verbal memory functioning in adolescents and young adults with Costello syndrome: evidence for relative preservation in recognition memory. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:2258-65. [PMID: 23918324 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Costello syndrome (CS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by germline mutations in the HRAS proto-oncogene which belongs to the family of syndromes called rasopathies. HRAS plays a key role in synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) and memory formation. Prior research has found impaired recall memory in CS despite enhancement in LTP that would predict memory preservation. Based on findings in other rasopathies, we hypothesized that the memory deficit in CS would be specific to recall, and that recognition memory would show relative preservation. Memory was tested using word-list learning and story memory tasks with both recall and recognition trials, a design that allowed us to examine these processes separately. Participants were 11 adolescents and young adults with molecularly confirmed CS, all of whom fell in the mild to moderate range of intellectual disability. Results indicated a clear dissociation between verbal recall, which was impaired (M = 69 ± 14), and recognition memory, which was relatively intact (M = 86 ± 14). Story recognition was highly correlated with listening comprehension (r = 0.986), which also fell in the low-average range (M = 80 ± 12.9). Performance on other measures of linguistic ability and academic skills was impaired. The findings suggest relatively preserved recognition memory that also provides some support for verbal comprehension. This is the first report of relatively normal performance in a cognitive domain in CS. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms by which altered RAS-MAPK signaling affects neuronal plasticity and memory processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Schwartz
- Section of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
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20
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Dileone M, Zampino G, Profice P, Pilato F, Leoni C, Ranieri F, Capone F, Tartaglia M, Brown P, Di Lazzaro V. Dystonia in Costello syndrome. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2012; 18:798-800. [PMID: 22510203 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2012.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Costello Syndrome is a rare multiple congenital anomaly disorder caused by de novo heterozygous mutations in the v-Ha-ras Harvey rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (HRAS) gene. Recent studies seem to support apparent autosomal dominant inheritance and somatic mosaicism and an association with advanced parental age. Abnormal hand posture has been reported as a typical feature of Costello Syndrome but the pathophysiology of this is unclear. METHODS We evaluated and described posture and movement in six consecutive subjects with genetically proven Costello Syndrome, in order to better characterize the phenomenology of the associated postural abnormalities and any related motor abnormalities. We also evaluated motor cortex plasticity by applying Paired Associative Stimulation. RESULTS All the patients presented the typical postural abnormalities reported in Costello Syndrome, in particular the ulnar deviation of fingers. The latter was reducible and not fixed. In addition, patients exhibited more explicit dystonic features of the face, limbs and trunk and altered sensorimotor plasticity consistent with generalized dystonia. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that dystonia may underlie the abnormal postures described in Costello Syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dileone
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica, Lgo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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21
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Elahi B, Gunraj C, Chen R. Short-interval intracortical inhibition blocks long-term potentiation induced by paired associative stimulation. J Neurophysiol 2012; 107:1935-41. [PMID: 22236712 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00202.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Paired associative stimulation (PAS) of the motor cortex leads to increased motor evoked potential (MEP) amplitudes in the stimulated hand muscles. We hypothesized that evoking GABA(A) receptor-mediated short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) simultaneously with excitatory PAS would depress long-term potentiation plasticity in motor cortex. Four different PAS paradigms were tested, standard PAS (PAS25) and three conditioned PAS protocols (CS2-PAS25, CS2-PAS25adj, and CS10-PAS25adj). A subthreshold conditioning stimulus 2 ms (CS2) or 10 ms (CS10) before the test stimuli was added to the conditioned PAS protocols. Since CS2 has inhibitory and CS10 has facilitatory effect on cortical excitability, in the CS2-PAS25adj and CS10-PAS25adj protocols, TS intensity was adjusted to produce a 1-mV MEP in the presence of CS2 or CS10 to control for the degree of corticospinal excitation. As expected, MEP amplitudes after PAS25 were higher compared with that at baseline, but importantly, MEP amplitudes did not change after PAS was induced in the presence of SICI in either the CS2-PAS25 or CS2-PAS25adj condition. Furthermore, the CS10-PAS25adj protocol showed significantly increased MEP amplitude at 60 min after PAS compared with baseline. These results show that SICI blocked the induction of long-term potentiation-like plasticity in the motor cortex, indicating that GABAergic circuits play an important role in the regulation of cortical plasticity. The study demonstrates a noninvasive and nonpharmacological way to achieve focal modulation of plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Elahi
- Toronto Western Hospital, 7th Fl., Rm. 7MCL411, 399 Bathurst St., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5T 2S8
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Li Voti P, Conte A, Suppa A, Iezzi E, Bologna M, Aniello MS, Defazio G, Rothwell JC, Berardelli A. Correlation between cortical plasticity, motor learning and BDNF genotype in healthy subjects. Exp Brain Res 2011; 212:91-9. [PMID: 21537966 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-011-2700-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
There is good evidence that synaptic plasticity in human motor cortex is involved in behavioural motor learning; in addition, it is now possible to probe mechanisms of synaptic plasticity using a variety of transcranial brain-stimulation protocols. Interactions between these protocols suggest that they both utilise common mechanisms. The aim of the present experiments was to test how well responsiveness to brain-stimulation protocols and behavioural motor learning correlate with each other in a sample of 21 healthy volunteers. We also examined whether any of these measures were influenced by the presence of a Val66Met polymorphism in the BDNF gene since this is another factor that has been suggested to be able to predict response to tests of synaptic plasticity. In 3 different experimental sessions, volunteers underwent 5-Hz rTMS, intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) and a motor learning task. Blood samples were collected from each subject for BDNF genotyping. As expected, both 5-Hz rTMS and iTBS significantly facilitated MEPs. Similarly, as expected, kinematic variables of finger movement significantly improved during the motor learning task. Although there was a significant correlation between the effect of iTBS and 5-Hz rTMS, there was no relationship in each subject between the amount of TMS-induced plasticity and the increase in kinematic variables during motor learning. Val66Val and Val66Met carriers did not differ in their response to any of the protocols. The present results emphasise that although some TMS measures of cortical plasticity may correlate with each other, they may not always relate directly to measures of behavioural learning. Similarly, presence of the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism also does not reliably predict responsiveness in small groups of individuals. Individual success in behavioural learning is unlikely to be closely related to any single measure of synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Li Voti
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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Axelrad ME, Schwartz DD, Katzenstein JM, Hopkins E, Gripp KW. Neurocognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning of individuals with Costello syndrome: a review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2011; 157C:115-22. [PMID: 21495179 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.30299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Costello syndrome is a rare rasopathy resulting from germline mutations of the proto-oncogene HRAS. Its phenotype includes severe failure-to-thrive, cardiac abnormalities, a predisposition to benign and malignant tumors, hypotonia, and developmental delay. Costello syndrome is associated with cognitive impairment, including intellectual functioning generally in the mild to moderate range of disability, commensurate adaptive functioning, and increased anxiety. Relative strengths have been found for nonverbal fluid reasoning (FR). Gender effects have been reported, with females showing better adaptive functioning across domains. Developmentally, nonverbal skills plateau in late childhood/early adolescence, whereas the rate of vocabulary acquisition may increase in adolescence into early adulthood. Here we review the literature assessing cognitive, adaptive, and behavioral functioning in Costello syndrome, and we provide data from an ongoing longitudinal study. Severity of cognitive impairment may depend upon the specific HRAS mutation, as three individuals with the p.G13C change showed average nonverbal FR skills and borderline-to-low average overall nonverbal IQ. Further, separation anxiety is more common in Costello syndrome than in the general population, affecting 39% of this cohort, and males are more often overly anxious than females. Interrelations between anxiety and cognitive and adaptive functioning were found, pointing to functional difficulties as a likely source of stress and anxiety. Taking into account data from animal models, cognitive and behavioral changes likely originate from abnormal differentiation of neuronal precursor cells, which result in structural and functional brain differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marni E Axelrad
- Section of Psychology, at Baylor College of Medicine and Clinical Psychologist in the Psychology Service at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, USA.
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