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Wilde EA, Merkley TL, Lindsey HM, Bigler ED, Hunter JV, Ewing-Cobbs L, Aitken ME, MacLeod MC, Hanten G, Chu ZD, Abildskov TJ, Noble-Haeusslein LJ, Levin HS. Developmental Alterations in Cortical Organization and Socialization in Adolescents Who Sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury in Early Childhood. J Neurotrauma 2020; 38:133-143. [PMID: 32503385 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2019.6698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated patterns of cortical organization in adolescents who had sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) during early childhood to determine ways in which early head injury may alter typical brain development. Increased gyrification in other patient populations is associated with polymicrogyria and aberrant development, but this has not been investigated in TBI. Seventeen adolescents (mean age = 14.1 ± 2.4) who sustained a TBI between 1-8 years of age, and 17 demographically-matched typically developing children (TDC) underwent a high-resolution, T1-weighted 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6-15 years post-injury. Cortical white matter volume and organization was measured using FreeSurfer's Local Gyrification Index (LGI). Despite a lack of significant difference in white matter volume, participants with TBI demonstrated significantly increased LGI in several cortical regions that are among those latest to mature in normal development, including left parietal association areas, bilateral dorsolateral and medial frontal areas, and the right posterior temporal gyrus, relative to the TDC group. Additionally, there was no evidence of increased surface area in the regions that demonstrated increased LGI. Higher Vineland-II Socialization scores were associated with decreased LGI in right frontal and temporal regions. The present results suggest an altered pattern of expected development in cortical gyrification in the TBI group, with changes in late-developing frontal and parietal association areas. Such changes in brain structure may underlie cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with pediatric TBI. Alternatively, increased gyrification following TBI may represent a compensatory mechanism that allows for typical development of cortical surface area, despite reduced brain volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Wilde
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tricia L Merkley
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.,Department of Clinical Neuropsychology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Hannah M Lindsey
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Erin D Bigler
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA.,Neuroscience Center, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Jill V Hunter
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Linda Ewing-Cobbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Learning Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mary E Aitken
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arizona, USA
| | - Marianne C MacLeod
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gerri Hanten
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Zili D Chu
- Department of Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatric Radiology, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tracy J Abildskov
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Psychology, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Linda J Noble-Haeusslein
- Departments of Neurology and Psychology and the Institute of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Harvey S Levin
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Truong DT, Bonet A, Rendall AR, Rosen GD, Fitch RH. A behavioral evaluation of sex differences in a mouse model of severe neuronal migration disorder. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73144. [PMID: 24039873 PMCID: PMC3767742 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Disruption of neuronal migration in humans is associated with a wide range of behavioral and cognitive outcomes including severe intellectual disability, language impairment, and social dysfunction. Furthermore, malformations of cortical development have been observed in a number of neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g. autism and dyslexia), where boys are much more commonly diagnosed than girls (estimates around 4 to 1). The use of rodent models provides an excellent means to examine how sex may modulate behavioral outcomes in the presence of comparable abnormal neuroanatomical presentations. Initially characterized by Rosen et al. 2012, the BXD29- Tlr4lps−2J/J mouse mutant exhibits a highly penetrant neuroanatomical phenotype that consists of bilateral midline subcortical nodular heterotopia with partial callosal agenesis. In the current study, we confirm our initial findings of a severe impairment in rapid auditory processing in affected male mice. We also report that BXD29- Tlr4lps−2J/J (mutant) female mice show no sparing of rapid auditory processing, and in fact show deficits similar to mutant males. Interestingly, female BXD29- Tlr4lps−2J/J mice do display superiority in Morris water maze performance as compared to wild type females, an affect not seen in mutant males. Finally, we report new evidence that BXD29- Tlr4lps−2J/J mice, in general, show evidence of hyper-social behaviors. In closing, the use of the BXD29- Tlr4lps−2J/J strain of mice – with its strong behavioral and neuroanatomical phenotype – may be highly useful in characterizing sex independent versus dependent mechanisms that interact with neural reorganization, as well as clinically relevant abnormal behavior resulting from aberrant neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongnhu T. Truong
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ashley Bonet
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Amanda R. Rendall
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Glenn D. Rosen
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Roslyn H. Fitch
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
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Threlkeld SW, Hill CA, Szalkowski CE, Truong DT, Rosen GD, Fitch RH. Effects of test experience and neocortical microgyria on spatial and non-spatial learning in rats. Behav Brain Res 2012; 235:130-5. [PMID: 22884828 PMCID: PMC3592209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Neocortical neuronal migration anomalies such as microgyria and heterotopia have been associated with developmental language learning impairments in humans, and rapid auditory processing deficits in rodent models. Similar processing impairments have been suggested to play a causal role in human language impairment. Recent data from our group has shown spatial working memory deficits associated with neocortical microgyria in rats. Similar deficits have also been identified in humans with language learning impairments. To further explore the extent of learning deficits associated with cortical neuronal migration anomalies, we evaluated the effects of neocortical microgyria and test order experience using spatial (Morris water maze) and non-spatial water maze learning paradigms. Two independent groups were employed (G1 or G2) incorporating both microgyria and sham conditions. G1 received spatial testing for five days followed by non-spatial testing, while the reverse order was followed for G2. Initial analysis, including both test groups and both maze conditions, revealed a main effect of treatment, with microgyric rats performing significantly worse than shams. Overall analysis also revealed a task by order interaction, indicating that each group performed better on the second task as compared to the first, regardless of which task was presented first. Independent analyses of each task revealed a significant effect of treatment (microgyria worse than sham) only for the spatial water maze condition. Results indicate that prior maze experience (regardless of task type) leads to better subsequent performance. Results suggest that behavioral abnormalities associated with microgyria extend beyond auditory and working memory deficits seen in previous studies, to include spatial but not non-spatial learning impairments and that non-specific test experience may improve behavioral performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Threlkeld
- Department of Psychology, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Ave, Providence, RI 02904, USA.
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Szalkowski CE, Fiondella CG, Galaburda AM, Rosen GD, Loturco JJ, Fitch RH. Neocortical disruption and behavioral impairments in rats following in utero RNAi of candidate dyslexia risk gene Kiaa0319. Int J Dev Neurosci 2012; 30:293-302. [PMID: 22326444 PMCID: PMC3516384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2012.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Revised: 01/24/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the last decade several genes have been identified as candidate risk genes for developmental dyslexia. Recent research using animal models and embryonic RNA interference (RNAi) has shown that a subset of the candidate dyslexia risk genes--DYX1C1, ROBO1, DCDC2, KIAA0319--regulate critical parameters of neocortical development, such as neuronal migration. For example, embryonic disruption of the rodent homolog of DYX1C1 disrupts neuronal migration and produces deficits in rapid auditory processing (RAP) and working memory--phenotypes that have been reported to be associated with developmental dyslexia. In the current study we used a modified prepulse inhibition paradigm to assess acoustic discrimination abilities of male Wistar rats following in utero RNA interference targeting Kiaa0319. We also assessed spatial learning and working memory using a Morris water maze (MWM) and a radial arm water maze. We found that embryonic interference with this gene resulted in disrupted migration of neocortical neurons leading to formation of heterotopia in white matter, and to formation of hippocampal dysplasia in a subset of animals. These animals displayed deficits in processing complex acoustic stimuli, and those with hippocampal malformations exhibited impaired spatial learning abilities. No significant impairment in working memory was detected in the Kiaa0319 RNAi treated animals. Taken together, these results suggest that Kiaa0319 plays a role in neuronal migration during embryonic development, and that early interference with this gene results in an array of behavioral deficits including impairments in rapid auditory processing and simple spatial learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Szalkowski
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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Szalkowski CE, Hinman JR, Threlkeld SW, Wang Y, LePack A, Rosen GD, Chrobak JJ, LoTurco JJ, Fitch RH. Persistent spatial working memory deficits in rats following in utero RNAi of Dyx1c1. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2010; 10:244-52. [PMID: 20977651 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2010.00662.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Disruptions in the development of the neocortex are associated with cognitive deficits in humans and other mammals. Several genes contribute to neocortical development, and research into the behavioral phenotype associated with specific gene manipulations is advancing rapidly. Findings include evidence that variants in the human gene DYX1C1 may be associated with an increased risk of developmental dyslexia. Concurrent research has shown that the rat homolog for this gene modulates critical parameters of early cortical development, including neuronal migration. Moreover, recent studies have shown auditory processing and spatial learning deficits in rats following in utero transfection of an RNA interference (RNAi) vector of the rat homolog Dyx1c1 gene. The current study examined the effects of in utero RNAi of Dyx1c1 on working memory performance in Sprague-Dawley rats. This task was chosen based on the evidence of short-term memory deficits in dyslexic populations, as well as more recent evidence of an association between memory deficits and DYX1C1 anomalies in humans. Working memory performance was assessed using a novel match-to-place radial water maze task that allows the evaluation of memory for a single brief (∼4-10 seconds) swim to a new goal location each day. A 10-min retention interval was used, followed by a test trial. Histology revealed migrational abnormalities and laminar disruption in Dyx1c1 RNAi-treated rats. Dyx1c1 RNAi-treated rats exhibited a subtle, but significant and persistent impairment in working memory as compared to Shams. These results provide further support for the role of Dyx1c1 in neuronal migration and working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Szalkowski
- Department of Psychology/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
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Gabel LA, Gibson CJ, Gruen JR, LoTurco JJ. Progress towards a cellular neurobiology of reading disability. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 38:173-80. [PMID: 19616627 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2009.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2009] [Revised: 06/25/2009] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Reading Disability (RD) is a significant impairment in reading accuracy, speed and/or comprehension despite adequate intelligence and educational opportunity. RD affects 5-12% of readers, has a well-established genetic risk, and is of unknown neurobiological cause or causes. In this review we discuss recent findings that revealed neuroanatomic anomalies in RD, studies that identified 3 candidate genes (KIAA0319, DYX1C1, and DCDC2), and compelling evidence that potentially link the function of candidate genes to the neuroanatomic anomalies. A hypothesis has emerged in which impaired neuronal migration is a cellular neurobiological antecedent to RD. We critically evaluate the evidence for this hypothesis, highlight missing evidence, and outline future research efforts that will be required to develop a more complete cellular neurobiology of RD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Gabel
- Department of Psychology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA, USA
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Threlkeld SW, Hill CA, Rosen GD, Fitch RH. Early acoustic discrimination experience ameliorates auditory processing deficits in male rats with cortical developmental disruption. Int J Dev Neurosci 2009; 27:321-8. [PMID: 19460626 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2009.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Auditory temporal processing deficits have been suggested to play a causal role in language learning impairments, and evidence of cortical developmental anomalies (microgyria (MG), ectopia) has been reported for language-impaired populations. Rodent models have linked these features, by showing deficits in auditory temporal discrimination for rats with neuronal migration anomalies (MG, ectopia). Since evidence from human studies suggests that training with both speech and non-speech acoustic stimuli may improve language performance in developmentally language-disabled populations, we were interested in whether/how maturation and early experience might influence auditory processing deficits seen in male rats with induced focal cortical MG. Results showed that for both simple (Normal single tone), as well as increasingly complex auditory discrimination tasks (silent gap in white noise and FM sweep), prior experience significantly improved acoustic discrimination performance--in fact, beyond improvements seen with maturation only. Further, we replicated evidence that young adult rats with MG were significantly impaired at discriminating FM sweeps compared to shams. However, these MG effects were no longer seen when experienced subjects were retested in adulthood (even though deficits in short duration FM sweep detection were seen for adult MG rats with no early experience). Thus while some improvements in auditory processing were seen with normal maturation, the effects of early experience were even more profound, in fact resulting in amelioration of MG effects seen at earlier ages. These findings support the clinical view that early training intervention with appropriate acoustic stimuli could similarly ameliorate long-term processing impairments seen in some language-impaired children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven W Threlkeld
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Division, University of Connecticut, 806 Babbidge Road, Storrs, CT 06269-1020, USA
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