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Swier VJ, White KA, Negrão de Assis PL, Johnson TB, Leppert HG, Rechtzigel MJ, Meyerholz DK, Dodd RD, Quelle DE, Khanna R, Rogers CS, Weimer JM. NF1 +/ex42del miniswine model the cellular disruptions and behavioral presentations of NF1-associated cognitive and motor impairment. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13858. [PMID: 38932491 PMCID: PMC11208292 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cognitive or motor impairment is common among individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), an autosomal dominant tumor-predisposition disorder. As many as 70% of children with NF1 report difficulties with spatial/working memory, attention, executive function, and fine motor movements. In contrast to the utilization of various Nf1 mouse models, here we employ an NF1+/ex42del miniswine model to evaluate the mechanisms and characteristics of these presentations, taking advantage of a large animal species more like human anatomy and physiology. The prefrontal lobe, anterior cingulate, and hippocampus from NF1+/ex42del and wild-type miniswine were examined longitudinally, revealing abnormalities in mature oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and microglial activation over time. Imbalances in GABA: Glutamate ratios and GAD67 expression were observed in the hippocampus and motor cortex, supporting the role of disruption in inhibitory neurotransmission in NF1 cognitive impairment and motor dysfunction. Moreover, NF1+/ex42del miniswine demonstrated slower and shorter steps, indicative of a balance-preserving response commonly observed in NF1 patients, and progressive memory and learning impairments. Collectively, our findings affirm the effectiveness of NF1+/ex42del miniswine as a valuable resource for assessing cognitive and motor impairments associated with NF1, investigating the involvement of specific neural circuits and glia in these processes, and evaluating potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicki J. Swier
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Katherine A. White
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Tyler B. Johnson
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | - Hannah G. Leppert
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
| | | | | | - Rebecca D. Dodd
- Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyUniversity of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Jill M. Weimer
- Pediatrics and Rare Diseases GroupSanford ResearchSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of South DakotaSioux FallsSouth DakotaUSA
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Cortical inhibition in neurofibromatosis type 1 is modulated by lovastatin, as demonstrated by a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13814. [PMID: 35970940 PMCID: PMC9378617 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17873-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is associated with GABAergic dysfunction which has been suggested as the underlying cause of cognitive impairments. Previous intervention trials investigated the statins’ effects using cognitive outcome measures. However, available outcome measures have led to inconclusive results and there is a need to identify other options. Here, we aimed at investigating alternative outcome measures in a feasibility trial targeting cortical inhibition mechanisms known to be altered in NF1. We explored the neurochemical and physiological changes elicited by lovastatin, with magnetic resonance spectroscopy and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Fifteen NF1 adults participated in this randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03826940) composed of one baseline and two reassessment visits after lovastatin/placebo intake (60 mg/day, 3-days). Motor cortex GABA+ and Glx concentrations were measured using HERMES and PRESS sequences, respectively. Cortical inhibition was investigated by paired-pulse, input–output curve, and cortical silent period (CSP) TMS protocols. CSP ratios were significantly increased by lovastatin (relative: p = 0.027; absolute: p = 0.034) but not by placebo. CSP durations showed a negative correlation with the LICI 50 ms amplitude ratio. Lovastatin was able to modulate cortical inhibition in NF1, as assessed by TMS CSP ratios. The link between this modulation of cortical inhibition and clinical improvements should be addressed by future large-scale studies.
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Sung YW, Kiyama S, Choi US, Ogawa S. Involvement of the intrinsic functional network of the red nucleus in complex behavioral processing. Cereb Cortex Commun 2022; 3:tgac037. [PMID: 36159204 PMCID: PMC9491841 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgac037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Previous studies suggested the possibility that the red nucleus (RN) is involved in other cognitive functions than motion per se, even though such functions have yet to be clarified. We investigated the activation of RN during several tasks and its intrinsic functional network associated with social cognition and musical practice. The tasks included finger tapping, n-back, and memory recall tasks. Region of interest for RN was identified through those tasks, anatomical information of RN, and a brain atlas. The intrinsic functional network was identified for RN by an analysis of connectivity between RN and other regions typically involved in seven known resting state functional networks with RN used as the seed region. Association of the RN network with a psychological trait of the interpersonal reactivity index and musical training years revealed subnetworks that included empathy related regions or music practice related regions. These social or highly coordinated motor activity represent the most complex functions ever known to involve the RN, adding further evidence for the multifunctional roles of RN. These discoveries may lead to a new direction of investigations to clarify probable novel roles for RN in high-level human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yul-Wan Sung
- Kansei Fukushi Research Institute, Tohoku Fukushi University , Sendai, Miyagi 9893201 , Japan
| | - Sachiko Kiyama
- Department of Linguistics, Tohoku University , Sendai, Miyagi 9800862 , Japan
| | - Uk-Su Choi
- Medical Device Development Center, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Medical Innovation Foundation , Daegu 41061 , Republic of Korea
| | - Seiji Ogawa
- Kansei Fukushi Research Institute, Tohoku Fukushi University , Sendai, Miyagi 9893201 , Japan
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Bernardino I, Dionísio A, Violante IR, Monteiro R, Castelo-Branco M. Motor Cortex Excitation/Inhibition Imbalance in Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A MRS-TMS Approach. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:860448. [PMID: 35492696 PMCID: PMC9046777 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.860448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance has been suggested as a neurobiological substrate of the cognitive symptomatology in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Studies using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) attempted to characterize GABA and Glutamate brain levels in ASD. However mixed findings have been reported. Here, we characterize both neurochemical and physiological aspects of GABA system in ASD by implementing a more comprehensive approach combining MRS and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). A group of 16 young ASD adults and a group of 17 controls participated in this study. We employed one MRS session to assess motor cortex GABA+ and Glutamate+Glutamine (Glx) levels using MEGAPRESS and PRESS sequences, respectively. Additionally, a TMS experiment was implemented including paired-pulse (SICI, ICF and LICI), input-output curve and cortical silent period to probe cortical excitability. Our results showed a significantly increased Glx, with unchanged GABA+ levels in the ASD group compared with controls. Single TMS measures did not differ between groups, although exploratory within-group analysis showed impaired inhibition in SICI5ms, in ASD. Importantly, we observed a correlation between GABA levels and measures of the input-output TMS recruitment curve (slope and MEP amplitude) in the control group but not in ASD, as further demonstrated by direct between group comparisons. In this exploratory study, we found evidence of increased Glx levels which may contribute to ASD excitatory/inhibitory imbalance while highlighting the relevance of conducting further larger-scale studies to investigate the GABA system from complementary perspectives, using both MRS and TMS techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Bernardino
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Dionísio
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês R Violante
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Raquel Monteiro
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Institute of Nuclear Sciences Applied to Health, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Nemmi F, Cignetti F, Assaiante C, Maziero S, Audic F, Péran P, Chaix Y. Discriminating between neurofibromatosis-1 and typically developing children by means of multimodal MRI and multivariate analyses. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:3508-3521. [PMID: 31077476 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 leads to brain anomalies involving both gray and white matter. The extent and granularity of these anomalies, together with their possible impact on brain activity, is still unknown. In this multicentric cross-sectional study we submitted a sample of 42 typically developing and 38 neurofibromatosis-1 children to a multimodal MRI assessment including T1, diffusion weighted and resting state functional sequences. We used a pipeline involving several features selection steps coupled with multivariate statistical analysis (supporting vector machine) to discriminate between the two groups while having interpretable models. We used MRI indexes measuring macro (gray matter volume) and microstructural (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity) characteristics of the brain, as well as indexes of brain activity (fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuations) and connectivity (local and global correlation) at rest. We found that structural indexes could discriminate between the two groups, with the mean diffusivity leading to performance as high as the combination of all structural indexes combined (accuracy = 0.86), while functional indexes had worse performances. The MRI signature of NF1 brain pathology is a combination of gray and white matter abnormalities, as measured with gray matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and mean diffusivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Nemmi
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Fabien Cignetti
- CNRS, LNC, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, Fédération 3C, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, TIMC-IMAG, Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Christine Assaiante
- CNRS, LNC, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,CNRS, Fédération 3C, Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Stephanie Maziero
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France.,URI Octogone-Lordat (EA 4156), Université de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Fredrique Audic
- Service de Neurologie Pédiatrique, CHU Timone-Enfants, Marseille, France
| | - Patrice Péran
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
| | - Yves Chaix
- ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France
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