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Aerts T, Boonen A, Geenen L, Stulens A, Masin L, Pancho A, Francis A, Pepermans E, Baggerman G, Van Roy F, Wöhr M, Seuntjens E. Altered socio-affective communication and amygdala development in mice with protocadherin10-deficient interneurons. Open Biol 2024; 14:240113. [PMID: 38889770 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.240113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental conditions associated with deficits in social interaction and communication, together with repetitive behaviours. The cell adhesion molecule protocadherin10 (PCDH10) is linked to ASD in humans. Pcdh10 is expressed in the nervous system during embryonic and early postnatal development and is important for neural circuit formation. In mice, strong expression of Pcdh10 in the ganglionic eminences and in the basolateral complex (BLC) of the amygdala was observed at mid and late embryonic stages, respectively. Both inhibitory and excitatory neurons expressed Pcdh10 in the BLC at perinatal stages and vocalization-related genes were enriched in Pcdh10-expressing neurons in adult mice. An epitope-tagged Pcdh10-HAV5 mouse line revealed endogenous interactions of PCDH10 with synaptic proteins in the young postnatal telencephalon. Nuanced socio-affective communication changes in call emission rates, acoustic features and call subtype clustering were primarily observed in heterozygous pups of a conditional knockout (cKO) with selective deletion of Pcdh10 in Gsh2-lineage interneurons. These changes were less prominent in heterozygous ubiquitous Pcdh10 KO pups, suggesting that altered anxiety levels associated with Gsh2-lineage interneuron functioning might drive the behavioural effects. Together, loss of Pcdh10 specifically in interneurons contributes to behavioural alterations in socio-affective communication with relevance to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Aerts
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Anneleen Boonen
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Lieve Geenen
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Anne Stulens
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Luca Masin
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Neural Circuit Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Anna Pancho
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel , Basel 4058, Switzerland
| | - Annick Francis
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
| | - Elise Pepermans
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Geert Baggerman
- Centre for Proteomics, University of Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Computer Science, University of Antwerp , Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Frans Van Roy
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology; Inflammation Research Center, VIB, Ghent University , Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG) 9000, Belgium
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute , Leuven 3000, Belgium
- Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg , Marburg 35032, Germany
- Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg , Marburg 35032, Germany
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Division of Animal Physiology and Neurobiology, Lab of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven , Leuven 3000, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute , Leuven 3000, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Leuven Institute for Single Cell Omics , Leuven 3000, Belgium
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2
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Delhaye S, Jarjat M, Boulksibat A, Sanchez C, Tempio A, Turtoi A, Giorgi M, Lacas-Gervais S, Baj G, Rovere C, Trezza V, Pellegrini M, Maurin T, Lalli E, Bardoni B. Defects in AMPAR trafficking and microglia activation underlie socio-cognitive deficits associated to decreased expression of phosphodiesterase 2 a. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 191:106393. [PMID: 38154608 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphodiesterase 2 A (PDE2A) is an enzyme involved in the homeostasis of cAMP and cGMP and is the most highly expressed PDE in human brain regions critical for socio-cognitive behavior. In cerebral cortex and hippocampus, PDE2A expression level is upregulated in Fmr1-KO mice, a model of the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), the most common form of inherited intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Indeed, PDE2A translation is negatively modulated by FMRP, whose functional absence causes FXS. While the pharmacological inhibition of PDE2A has been associated to its pro-cognitive role in normal animals and in models of ID and ASD, homozygous PDE2A mutations have been identified in patients affected by ID, ASD and epilepsy. To clarify this apparent paradox about the role of PDE2A in brain development, we characterized here Pde2a+/- mice (homozygote animals being not viable) at the behavioral, cellular, molecular and electrophysiological levels. Pde2a+/- females display a milder form of the disorder with reduced cognitive performance in adulthood, conversely males show severe socio-cognitive deficits throughout their life. In males, these phenotypes are associated with microglia activation, elevated glutathione levels and increased externalization of Glutamate receptor (GluR1) in CA1, producing reduced mGluR-dependent Long-term Depression. Overall, our results reveal molecular targets of the PDE2A-dependent pathway underlying socio-cognitive performance. These results clarify the mechanism of action of pro-cognitive drugs based on PDE2A inactivation, which have been shown to be promising therapeutic approaches for Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia, FXS as well as other forms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Delhaye
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Marielle Jarjat
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Asma Boulksibat
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Clara Sanchez
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Alessandra Tempio
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Andrei Turtoi
- Inserm U1194, Université Montpellier, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, 34298 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Mauro Giorgi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, DAHFMO, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sandra Lacas-Gervais
- Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Commun de Microscopie Appliquée, 06100 Nice, France
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Science, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Carole Rovere
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | | | - Manuela Pellegrini
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, DAHFMO, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo, Rome, Italy
| | - Thomas Maurin
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Enzo Lalli
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France
| | - Barbara Bardoni
- CNRS UMR7275, Inserm U1323, Université Côte d'Azur, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, 06560 Valbonne, France.
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3
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Rodnyy AY, Kondaurova EM, Tsybko AS, Popova NK, Kudlay DA, Naumenko VS. The brain serotonin system in autism. Rev Neurosci 2024; 35:1-20. [PMID: 37415576 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2023-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are among the most common neurodevelopmental diseases. These disorders are characterized by lack of social interaction, by repetitive behavior, and often anxiety and learning disabilities. The brain serotonin (5-HT) system is known to be crucially implicated in a wide range of physiological functions and in the control of different kinds of normal and pathological behavior. A growing number of studies indicate the involvement of the brain 5-HT system in the mechanisms underlying both ASD development and ASD-related behavioral disorders. There are some review papers describing the role of separate key players of the 5-HT system in an ASD and/or autistic-like behavior. In this review, we summarize existing data on the participation of all members of the brain 5-HT system, namely, 5-HT transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, MAOA, and 5-HT receptors, in autism in human and various animal models. Additionally, we describe the most recent studies involving modern techniques for in vivo regulation of gene expression that are aimed at identifying exact roles of 5-HT receptors, MAOA, and 5-HT transporter in the mechanisms underlying autistic-like behavior. Altogether, results of multiple research articles show that the brain 5-HT system intimately partakes in the control of some types of ASD-related behavior, and that specific changes in a function of a certain 5-HT receptor, transporter, and/or enzyme may normalize this aberrant behavior. These data give hope that some of clinically used 5-HT-related drugs have potential for ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Ya Rodnyy
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena M Kondaurova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Anton S Tsybko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nina K Popova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry A Kudlay
- NRC Institute of Immunology FMBA of Russia, Kashirskoe Highway 24, Moscow 115522, Russia
- Sechenov's University, 8-2 Trubetskaya Str., Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Vladimir S Naumenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Akad. Lavrentyeva Ave. 10, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
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4
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Willadsen M, Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Acute anxiogenic effects of escitalopram are associated with mild alterations in D-amphetamine-induced behavior and social approach evoked by playback of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations in rats. Neuropharmacology 2023; 241:109734. [PMID: 37813275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Rats communicate through auditory signals in the ultrasonic range, so-called ultrasonic vocalizations (USV). Short, high-frequency 50-kHz USV are associated with positive affective states and are emitted in appetitive situations, often rewarding social interactions, such as rough-and-tumble play and mating. Exaggerated levels of 50-kHz USV emission can be observed in response to psychostimulants, most notably d-amphetamine (AMPH). There is robust evidence suggesting that 50-kHz USV serve as affiliative signals and help to maintain or re-establish social proximity. A key neurotransmitter involved in behavioral regulation is serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). This includes both, the regulation of anxiety-related behavior and ultrasonic communication. Here, we show that acute treatment with the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) escitalopram (ESC) leads to increased anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze and tested whether such acute anxiogenic effects of ESC result in alterations in ultrasonic communication in sender and/or receiver. To this aim, we conducted a dose-response study in male rats and assessed AMPH-induced hyperactivity and 50-kHz ultrasonic calling in the sender and social approach behavior evoked by playback of pro-social 50-kHz USV in the receiver. Acute ESC treatment affected both, sender and receiver. This was reflected in a lack of AMPH-induced changes in acoustic features of 50-kHz USV and absence of social exploratory behavior evoked by 50-kHz USV playback, respectively. Albeit the SSRI effects were relatively mild, this supports the notion that the 5-HT system is involved in the regulation of a key aspect of the social behavior repertoire of rodents, namely socio-affective communication through 50-kHz USV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Willadsen
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rainer K W Schwarting
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Philipps-University of Marburg, Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; Philipps-University of Marburg, Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, D-35032, Marburg, Germany; KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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5
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Fan J, Xu H. Serotonin: A Bridge for Infant-mother Bonding. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1741-1744. [PMID: 37715921 PMCID: PMC10602968 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01117-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jingkai Fan
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Han Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Liangzhu Laboratory, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, State Key Laboratory of Brain-machine Intelligence, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 311121, China.
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Novel Targets and Drug Study for Neural Repair of Zhejiang Province, School of Medicine, Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
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6
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Freiler MK, Smith GT. Neuroendocrine mechanisms contributing to the coevolution of sociality and communication. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 70:101077. [PMID: 37217079 PMCID: PMC10527162 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Communication is inherently social, so signaling systems should evolve with social systems. The 'social complexity hypothesis' posits that social complexity necessitates communicative complexity and is generally supported in vocalizing mammals. This hypothesis, however, has seldom been tested outside the acoustic modality, and comparisons across studies are confounded by varying definitions of complexity. Moreover, proximate mechanisms underlying coevolution of sociality and communication remain largely unexamined. In this review, we argue that to uncover how sociality and communication coevolve, we need to examine variation in the neuroendocrine mechanisms that coregulate social behavior and signal production and perception. Specifically, we focus on steroid hormones, monoamines, and nonapeptides, which modulate both social behavior and sensorimotor circuits and are likely targets of selection during social evolution. Lastly, we highlight weakly electric fishes as an ideal system in which to comparatively address the proximate mechanisms underlying relationships between social and signal diversity in a novel modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan K Freiler
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
| | - G Troy Smith
- Department of Biology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States; Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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7
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Becker M, Gorobets D, Shmerkin E, Weinstein-Fudim L, Pinhasov A, Ornoy A. Prenatal SAMe Treatment Changes via Epigenetic Mechanism/s USVs in Young Mice and Hippocampal Monoamines Turnover at Adulthood in a Mouse Model of Social Hierarchy and Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10721. [PMID: 37445911 PMCID: PMC10361211 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of hippocampal monoamines and their related genes in the etiology and pathogenesis of depression-like behavior, particularly in impaired sociability traits and the meaning of changes in USVs emitted by pups, remains unknown. We assessed the effects of prenatal administration of S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe) in Sub mice that exhibit depressive-like behavior on serotonergic, dopaminergic and noradrenergic metabolism and the activity of related genes in the hippocampus (HPC) in adulthood in comparison to saline-treated control Sub mice. During postnatal days 4 and 8, we recorded and analyzed the stress-induced USVs emitted by the pups and tried to understand how the changes in the USVs' calls may be related to the changes in the monoamines and the activity of related genes. The recordings of the USVs showed that SAMe induced a reduction in the emitted flat and one-frequency step-up call numbers in PND4 pups, whereas step-down type calls were significantly increased by SAMe in PND8 pups. The reduction in the number of calls induced by SAMe following separation from the mothers implies a reduction in anxiety, which is an additional sign of decreased depressive-like behavior. Prenatal SAMe increased the concentrations of serotonin in the HPC in both male and female mice without any change in the levels of 5HIAA. It also decreased the level of the dopamine metabolite DOPAC in females. There were no changes in the levels of norepinephrine and metabolites. Several changes in the expression of genes associated with monoamine metabolism were also induced by prenatal SAMe. The molecular and biochemical data obtained from the HPC studies are generally in accordance with our previously obtained data from the prefrontal cortex of similarly treated Sub mice on postnatal day 90. The changes in both monoamines and their gene expression observed 2-3 months after SAMe treatment are associated with the previously recorded behavioral improvement and seem to demonstrate that SAMe is effective via an epigenetic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Becker
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Denis Gorobets
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Elena Shmerkin
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew, University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Albert Pinhasov
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | - Asher Ornoy
- Department of Morphological Sciences and Teratology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
- Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew, University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
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8
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Liu Y, Shan L, Liu T, Li J, Chen Y, Sun C, Yang C, Bian X, Niu Y, Zhang C, Xi J, Rao Y. Molecular and cellular mechanisms of the first social relationship: A conserved role of 5-HT from mice to monkeys, upstream of oxytocin. Neuron 2023; 111:1468-1485.e7. [PMID: 36868221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Maternal affiliation by infants is the first social behavior of mammalian animals. We report here that elimination of the Tph2 gene essential for serotonin synthesis in the brain reduced affiliation in mice, rats, and monkeys. Calcium imaging and c-fos immunostaining showed maternal odors activation of serotonergic neurons in the raphe nuclei (RNs) and oxytocinergic neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Genetic elimination of oxytocin (OXT) or its receptor reduced maternal preference. OXT rescued maternal preference in mouse and monkey infants lacking serotonin. Tph2 elimination from RN serotonergic neurons innervating PVN reduced maternal preference. Reduced maternal preference after inhibiting serotonergic neurons was rescued by oxytocinergic neuronal activation. Our genetic studies reveal a role for serotonin in affiliation conserved from mice and rats to monkeys, while electrophysiological, pharmacological, chemogenetic, and optogenetic studies uncover OXT downstream of serotonin. We suggest serotonin as the master regulator upstream of neuropeptides in mammalian social behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China.
| | - Liang Shan
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Tiane Liu
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yongchang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Changhong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Chaojuan Yang
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Xiling Bian
- PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China
| | - Yuyu Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China
| | - Jianzhong Xi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yi Rao
- Chinese Institutes for Medical Research (CIMR) and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neural Regeneration and Repair, Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing 10069, China; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Yard 28, Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing, China; Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, Zhongguangcun Life Science Park, Beijing, China; Research Unit of Medical Neurobiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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9
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Ceasrine AM, Devlin BA, Bolton JL, Green LA, Jo YC, Huynh C, Patrick B, Washington K, Sanchez CL, Joo F, Campos-Salazar AB, Lockshin ER, Kuhn C, Murphy SK, Simmons LA, Bilbo SD. Maternal diet disrupts the placenta-brain axis in a sex-specific manner. Nat Metab 2022; 4:1732-1745. [PMID: 36443520 PMCID: PMC10507630 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-022-00693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
High maternal weight is associated with detrimental outcomes in offspring, including increased susceptibility to neurological disorders such as anxiety, depression and communicative disorders. Despite widespread acknowledgement of sex biases in the development of these disorders, few studies have investigated potential sex-biased mechanisms underlying disorder susceptibility. Here, we show that a maternal high-fat diet causes endotoxin accumulation in fetal tissue, and subsequent perinatal inflammation contributes to sex-specific behavioural outcomes in offspring. In male offspring exposed to a maternal high-fat diet, increased macrophage Toll-like receptor 4 signalling results in excess microglial phagocytosis of serotonin (5-HT) neurons in the developing dorsal raphe nucleus, decreasing 5-HT bioavailability in the fetal and adult brains. Bulk sequencing from a large cohort of matched first-trimester human samples reveals sex-specific transcriptome-wide changes in placental and brain tissue in response to maternal triglyceride accumulation (a proxy for dietary fat content). Further, fetal brain 5-HT levels decrease as placental triglycerides increase in male mice and male human samples. These findings uncover a microglia-dependent mechanism through which maternal diet can impact offspring susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorder development in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Ceasrine
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Benjamin A Devlin
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jessica L Bolton
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lauren A Green
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Young Chan Jo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Carolyn Huynh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Bailey Patrick
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kamryn Washington
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cristina L Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Faith Joo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Elana R Lockshin
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cynthia Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan K Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Leigh Ann Simmons
- Department of Human Ecology, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Staci D Bilbo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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10
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Cao H, Tang J, Liu Q, Huang J, Xu R. Autism-like behaviors regulated by the serotonin receptor 5-HT2B in the dorsal fan-shaped body neurons of Drosophila melanogaster. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:203. [PMID: 36253869 PMCID: PMC9575255 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00838-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and repetitive stereotyped behaviors. Previous studies have reported an association of serotonin or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) with ASD, but the specific receptors and neurons by which serotonin modulates autistic behaviors have not been fully elucidated. METHODS RNAi-mediated knockdown was done to destroy the function of tryptophan hydroxylase (Trh) and all the five serotonin receptors. Given that ubiquitous knockdown of 5-HT2B showed significant defects in social behaviors, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 system to knock out the 5-HT2B receptor gene. Social space assays and grooming assays were the major methods used to understand the role of serotonin and related specific receptors in autism-like behaviors of Drosophila melanogaster. RESULTS A close relationship was identified between serotonin and autism-like behaviors reflected by increased social space distance and high-frequency repetitive behavior in Drosophila. We further utilized the binary expression system to knock down all the five 5-HT receptors, and observed the 5-HT2B receptor as the main receptor responsible for the normal social space and repetitive behavior in Drosophila for the specific serotonin receptors underlying the regulation of these two behaviors. Our data also showed that neurons in the dorsal fan-shaped body (dFB), which expressed 5-HT2B, were functionally essential for the social behaviors of Drosophila. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data suggest that serotonin levels and the 5-HT2B receptor are closely related to the social interaction and repetitive behavior of Drosophila. Of all the 5 serotonin receptors, 5-HT2B receptor in dFB neurons is mainly responsible for serotonin-mediated regulation of autism-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haowei Cao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Brain Disease and Bioinformation, Research Center for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China
| | - Junbo Tang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qisha Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Juan Huang
- Capital Medical University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100069, China.
| | - Rui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center of Global Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China. .,Key Laboratory of Pathogen Biology of Jiangsu Province, Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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11
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Li L, Wyler SC, León-Mercado LA, Xu B, Oh Y, Swati, Chen X, Wan R, Arnold AG, Jia L, Wang G, Nautiyal K, Hen R, Sohn JW, Liu C. Delineating a serotonin 1B receptor circuit for appetite suppression in mice. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213337. [PMID: 35796804 PMCID: PMC9270184 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Triptans are a class of commonly prescribed antimigraine drugs. Here, we report a previously unrecognized role for them to suppress appetite in mice. In particular, frovatriptan treatment reduces food intake and body weight in diet-induced obese mice. Moreover, the anorectic effect depends on the serotonin (5-HT) 1B receptor (Htr1b). By ablating Htr1b in four different brain regions, we demonstrate that Htr1b engages in spatiotemporally segregated neural pathways to regulate postnatal growth and food intake. Moreover, Htr1b in AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) contributes to the hypophagic effects of HTR1B agonists. To further study the anorexigenic Htr1b circuit, we generated Htr1b-Cre mice. We find that ARH Htr1b neurons bidirectionally regulate food intake in vivo. Furthermore, single-nucleus RNA sequencing analyses revealed that Htr1b marks a subset of AgRP neurons. Finally, we used an intersectional approach to specifically target these neurons (Htr1bAgRP neurons). We show that they regulate food intake, in part, through a Htr1bAgRP→PVH circuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Steven C. Wyler
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Luis A. León-Mercado
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Baijie Xu
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Youjin Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Swati
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Xiameng Chen
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Rong Wan
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Amanda G. Arnold
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Lin Jia
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
| | - Guanlin Wang
- Centre for Computational Biology, Medical Research Council Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Katherine Nautiyal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
| | - René Hen
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University and Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY,Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY,Department of Pharmacology, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Jong-Woo Sohn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea,Jong-Woo Sohn:
| | - Chen Liu
- The Hypothalamic Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX,Correspondence to Chen Liu:
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12
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Early Detection of Male-Predominant Phenotypes in the Pattern of Ultrasonic Vocalizations Emitted by Autism Spectrum Disorder Model (Crmp4-Knockout) Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050666. [PMID: 35625052 PMCID: PMC9139187 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male predominance is a known feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although ASD mouse models can be useful for elucidating mechanisms underlying abnormal behaviors relevant to human ASD, suitable models to analyze sex differences in ASD pathogenesis remain insufficient. Herein, we used collapsin response mediator protein 4 (Crmp4)-knockout (KO) mice exhibiting ASD-like phenotypes in a male-predominant manner and analyzed ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to detect potential differences between genotypes and sexes during the early postnatal period. We recorded isolation-induced USVs emitted from wild-type (WT) and Crmp4-KO littermates and compared the total number of USVs between genotypes and sexes. We classified USVs into 10 types based on internal pitch changes, lengths, and shapes and compared the number of USVs in each type by genotypes and sex. Male Crmp4-KO mice exhibited a reduction in the total number of USVs. Crmp4-KO decreased the number of USVs in 7 out of 10 USV types, and male KO mice exhibited a greater reduction than females in 3 of the 7 types. This study offers a suitable ASD animal model and tool for assessing sex-based communication deficits during the early postnatal period, both of which would be valuable for elucidating the underlying mechanism.
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13
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Wöhr M, Fong WM, Janas JA, Mall M, Thome C, Vangipuram M, Meng L, Südhof TC, Wernig M. Myt1l haploinsufficiency leads to obesity and multifaceted behavioral alterations in mice. Mol Autism 2022; 13:19. [PMID: 35538503 PMCID: PMC9087967 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The zinc finger domain containing transcription factor Myt1l is tightly associated with neuronal identity and is the only transcription factor known that is both neuron-specific and expressed in all neuronal subtypes. We identified Myt1l as a powerful reprogramming factor that, in combination with the proneural bHLH factor Ascl1, could induce neuronal fate in fibroblasts. Molecularly, we found it to repress many non-neuronal gene programs, explaining its supportive role to induce and safeguard neuronal identity in combination with proneural bHLH transcriptional activators. Moreover, human genetics studies found MYT1L mutations to cause intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder often coupled with obesity. METHODS Here, we generated and characterized Myt1l-deficient mice. A comprehensive, longitudinal behavioral phenotyping approach was applied. RESULTS Myt1l was necessary for survival beyond 24 h but not for overall histological brain organization. Myt1l heterozygous mice became increasingly overweight and exhibited multifaceted behavioral alterations. In mouse pups, Myt1l haploinsufficiency caused mild alterations in early socio-affective communication through ultrasonic vocalizations. In adulthood, Myt1l heterozygous mice displayed hyperactivity due to impaired habituation learning. Motor performance was reduced in Myt1l heterozygous mice despite intact motor learning, possibly due to muscular hypotonia. While anxiety-related behavior was reduced, acoustic startle reactivity was enhanced, in line with higher sensitivity to loud sound. Finally, Myt1l haploinsufficiency had a negative impact on contextual fear memory retrieval, while cued fear memory retrieval appeared to be intact. LIMITATIONS In future studies, additional phenotypes might be identified and a detailed characterization of direct reciprocal social interaction behavior might help to reveal effects of Myt1l haploinsufficiency on social behavior in juvenile and adult mice. CONCLUSIONS Behavioral alterations in Myt1l haploinsufficient mice recapitulate several clinical phenotypes observed in humans carrying heterozygous MYT1L mutations and thus serve as an informative model of the human MYT1L syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Wöhr
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium ,grid.5596.f0000 0001 0668 7884Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium ,grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany ,grid.10253.350000 0004 1936 9756Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wendy M. Fong
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Justyna A. Janas
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Moritz Mall
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA ,grid.7497.d0000 0004 0492 0584Present Address: Cell Fate Engineering and Disease Modeling Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,Present Address: HITBR Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research gGmbH, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany ,grid.7700.00000 0001 2190 4373Present Address: Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christian Thome
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Madhuri Vangipuram
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Lingjun Meng
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Thomas C. Südhof
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA ,grid.168010.e0000000419368956School of Medicine, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Departments of Pathology and Chemical and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
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14
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Autistic-like behavioral effects of prenatal stress in juvenile Fmr1 mice: the relevance of sex differences and gene-environment interactions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7269. [PMID: 35508566 PMCID: PMC9068699 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11083-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the most common heritable form of mental retardation and monogenic cause of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). FXS is due to a mutation in the X-linked FMR1 gene and is characterized by motor, cognitive and social alterations, mostly overlapping with ASD behavioral phenotypes. The severity of these symptoms and their timing may be exacerbated and/or advanced by environmental adversity interacting with the genetic mutation. We therefore tested the effects of the prenatal exposure to unpredictable chronic stress on the behavioral phenotype of juveniles of both sexes in the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model of FXS. Mice underwent behavioral tests at 7-8 weeks of age, that is, when most of the relevant behavioral alterations are absent or mild in Fmr1-KOs. Stress induced the early appearance of deficits in spontaneous alternation in KO male mice, without exacerbating the behavioral phenotype of mutant females. In males stress also altered social interaction and communication, but mostly in WT mice, while in females it induced effects on locomotion and communication in mice of both genotypes. Our data therefore highlight the sex-dependent relevance of early environmental stressors to interact with genetic factors to influence the appearance of selected FXS- and ASD-like phenotypes.
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15
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Fyke W, Premoli M, Echeverry Alzate V, López-Moreno JA, Lemaire-Mayo V, Crusio WE, Marsicano G, Wöhr M, Pietropaolo S. Communication and social interaction in the cannabinoid-type 1 receptor null mouse: Implications for autism spectrum disorder. Autism Res 2021; 14:1854-1872. [PMID: 34173729 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical findings have suggested a role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the etiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous mouse studies have investigated the role of ECS in several behavioral domains; however, none of them has performed an extensive assessment of social and communication behaviors, that is, the main core features of ASD. This study employed a mouse line lacking the primary endocannabinoid receptor (CB1r) and characterized ultrasonic communication and social interaction in CB1-/- , CB1+/- , and CB1+/+ males and females. Quantitative and qualitative alterations in ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) were observed in CB1 null mice both during early development (i.e., between postnatal days 4 and 10), and at adulthood (i.e., at 3 months of age). Adult mutants also showed marked deficits in social interest in the three-chamber test and social investigation in the direct social interaction test. These behavioral alterations were mostly observed in both sexes and appeared more marked in CB1-/- than CB1+/- mutant mice. Importantly, the adult USV alterations could not be attributed to differences in anxiety or sensorimotor abilities, as assessed by the elevated plus maze and auditory startle tests. Our findings demonstrate the role of CB1r in social communication and behavior, supporting the use of the CB1 full knockout mouse in preclinical research on these ASD-relevant core domains. LAY SUMMARY: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is important for brain development and neural function and is therefore likely to be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Here we investigated changes in social behavior and communication, which are core features of ASD, in male and female mice lacking the chief receptor of this system. Our results show that loss of this receptor results in several changes in social behavior and communication both during early development and in adulthood, thus supporting the role of the ECS in these ASD-core behavioral domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fyke
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France.,Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York, USA
| | - Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Victor Echeverry Alzate
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology on Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Madrid Complutense University, Spain.,Unidad Gestión Clínica de Salud Mental, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Malaga University, Spain
| | - José A López-Moreno
- Department of Psychobiology and Methodology on Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, Madrid Complutense University, Spain
| | | | - Wim E Crusio
- University of Bordeaux, CNRS, EPHE, INCIA, UMR 5287, Bordeaux, France
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM, U862 NeuroCentre Magendie, Group Endocannabinoids and Neuroadaptation, Bordeaux, France
| | - Markus Wöhr
- KU Leuven, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological Psychology, Social and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, Leuven, Belgium.,KU Leuven, Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
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16
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Klenova AV, Volodin IA, Volodina EV, Ranneva SV, Amstislavskaya TG, Lipina TV. Vocal and physical phenotypes of calsyntenin2 knockout mouse pups model early-life symptoms of the autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2021; 412:113430. [PMID: 34182007 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
This study discovered a novel acoustic phenotype in Calsyntenin2 deficient knockout (Clstn2-KO) pups in the neurodevelopment period of 5-9 postnatal days (PND 5-9). The narrowband ultrasonic calls (nUSVs) were less complex (mostly one-note, shorter in duration and higher in peak frequency) in Clsnt2-KO than in wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 J pups. The wideband ultrasonic calls (wUSVs) were produced substantially more often by Clstn2-KO than WT pups. The clicks were longer in duration and higher in peak frequency and power quartiles in Clstn2-KO pups. The elevated discomfort due to additional two-minute maternal separation coupled with experimenter's touch, resulted in significantly higher call rates of both nUSVs and clicks in pups of both genotypes and sexes compared to the previous two-minute maternal separation, whereas the call rate of wUSVs was not affected. In Clstn2-KO pups, the prevalence of emission of wUSVs retained at both sex and both degrees of discomfort, thus providing a reliable quantitative acoustic indicator for this genetic line. Besides the acoustic differences, we also detected the increased head-to-body ratio in Clstn2-KO pups. Altogether, this study demonstrated that lack of such synaptic adhesion protein as calsyntenin2 affects neurodevelopment of vocalization in a mouse as a model organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna V Klenova
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
| | - Ilya A Volodin
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119234, Russia; Department of Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology of Mammals, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
| | - Elena V Volodina
- Department of Behaviour and Behavioural Ecology of Mammals, A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia.
| | - Svetlana V Ranneva
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Department of Genetics, Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tamara G Amstislavskaya
- Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution «Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine» (SRINM), Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia.
| | - Tatiana V Lipina
- Dementia Research Institute at University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.
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17
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Lorsung E, Karthikeyan R, Cao R. Biological Timing and Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Role for Circadian Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:642745. [PMID: 33776640 PMCID: PMC7994532 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.642745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interaction and communication, as well as stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. ASDs affect nearly 2% of the United States child population and the worldwide prevalence has dramatically increased in recent years. The etiology is not clear but ASD is thought to be caused by a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Circadian rhythms are the ∼24 h rhythms driven by the endogenous biological clock, and they are found in a variety of physiological processes. Growing evidence from basic and clinical studies suggest that the dysfunction of the circadian timing system may be associated with ASD and its pathogenesis. Here we review the findings that link circadian dysfunctions to ASD in both experimental and clinical studies. We first introduce the organization of the circadian system and ASD. Next, we review physiological indicators of circadian rhythms that are found disrupted in ASD individuals, including sleep-wake cycles, melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin. Finally, we review evidence in epidemiology, human genetics, and biochemistry that indicates underlying associations between circadian regulation and the pathogenesis of ASD. In conclusion, we propose that understanding the functional importance of the circadian clock in normal and aberrant neurodevelopmental processes may provide a novel perspective to tackle ASD, and clinical treatments for ASD individuals should comprise an integrative approach considering the dynamics of daily rhythms in physical, mental, and social processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Lorsung
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Ramanujam Karthikeyan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
| | - Ruifeng Cao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth, MN, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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18
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Caruso A, Ricceri L, Scattoni ML. Ultrasonic vocalizations as a fundamental tool for early and adult behavioral phenotyping of Autism Spectrum Disorder rodent models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:31-43. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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19
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Agarwalla S, Arroyo NS, Long NE, O'Brien WT, Abel T, Bandyopadhyay S. Male-specific alterations in structure of isolation call sequences of mouse pups with 16p11.2 deletion. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12681. [PMID: 32558237 PMCID: PMC7116069 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
16p11.2 deletion is one of the most common gene copy variations that increases the susceptibility to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. This syndrome leads to developmental delays, including speech impairment and delays in expressive language and communication skills. To study developmental impairment of vocal communication associated with 16p11.2 deletion syndrome, we used the 16p11.2del mouse model and performed an analysis of pup isolation calls (PICs). The earliest PICs at postnatal day 5 from 16p11.2del pups were found altered in a male‐specific fashion relative to wild‐type (WT) pups. Analysis of sequences of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) emitted by pups using mutual information between syllables at different positions in the USV spectrograms showed that dependencies exist between syllables in WT mice of both sexes. The order of syllables was not random; syllables were emitted in an ordered fashion. The structure observed in the WT pups was identified and the pattern of syllable sequences was considered typical for the mouse line. However, typical patterns were totally absent in the 16p11.2del male pups, showing on average random syllable sequences, while the 16p11.2del female pups had dependencies similar to the WT pups. Thus, we found that PICs were reduced in number in male 16p11.2 pups and their vocalizations lack the syllable sequence order emitted by WT males and females and 16p11.2 females. Therefore, our study is the first to reveal sex‐specific perinatal communication impairment in a mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion and applies a novel, more granular method of analysing the structure of USVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapna Agarwalla
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
| | - Noelle S Arroyo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Natalie E Long
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William T O'Brien
- Department of Pharmacology/ITMAT, University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Sharba Bandyopadhyay
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India.,Advanced Technology Development Centre (ATDC), IIT Kharagpur, Kharagpur, India
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20
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Suzuki T, Suzuki T, Raveau M, Miyake N, Sudo G, Tsurusaki Y, Watanabe T, Sugaya Y, Tatsukawa T, Mazaki E, Shimohata A, Kushima I, Aleksic B, Shiino T, Toyota T, Iwayama Y, Nakaoka K, Ohmori I, Sasaki A, Watanabe K, Hirose S, Kaneko S, Inoue Y, Yoshikawa T, Ozaki N, Kano M, Shimoji T, Matsumoto N, Yamakawa K. A recurrent PJA1 variant in trigonocephaly and neurodevelopmental disorders. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1117-1131. [PMID: 32530565 PMCID: PMC7359110 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often associate with epilepsy or craniofacial malformations. Recent large-scale DNA analyses identified hundreds of candidate genes for NDDs, but a large portion of the cases still remain unexplained. We aimed to identify novel candidate genes for NDDs. METHODS We performed exome sequencing of 95 patients with NDDs including 51 with trigonocephaly and subsequent targeted sequencing of additional 463 NDD patients, functional analyses of variant in vitro, and evaluations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like phenotypes and seizure-related phenotypes in vivo. RESULTS We identified de novo truncation variants in nine novel genes; CYP1A1, C14orf119, FLI1, CYB5R4, SEL1L2, RAB11FIP2, ZMYND8, ZNF143, and MSX2. MSX2 variants have been described in patients with cranial malformations, and our present patient with the MSX2 de novo truncation variant showed cranial meningocele and partial epilepsy. MSX2 protein is known to be ubiquitinated by an E3 ubiquitin ligase PJA1, and interestingly we found a PJA1 hemizygous p.Arg376Cys variant recurrently in seven Japanese NDD patients; five with trigonocephaly and one with partial epilepsy, and the variant was absent in 886 Japanese control individuals. Pja1 knock-in mice carrying p.Arg365Cys, which is equivalent to p.Arg376Cys in human, showed a significant decrease in PJA1 protein amount, suggesting a loss-of-function effect of the variant. Pja1 knockout mice displayed moderate deficits in isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations and increased seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole. INTERPRETATION These findings propose novel candidate genes including PJA1 and MSX2 for NDDs associated with craniofacial abnormalities and/or epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshimitsu Suzuki
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan.,Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Suzuki
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Genki Sudo
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Tsurusaki
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.,Faculty of Nutritional Science, Sagami Women's University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0383, Japan
| | - Takaki Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuki Sugaya
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tatsukawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Emi Mazaki
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimohata
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.,Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8560, Japan
| | - Branko Aleksic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shiino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakaoka
- National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Iori Ohmori
- Department of Special Needs Education, Okayama University Graduate School of Education, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Aya Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan
| | - Ken Watanabe
- Section of Bone Function, Department of Bone and Joint Diseases, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG), Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Sunao Kaneko
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan.,North Tohoku Epilepsy Center, Minato Hospital, Hachinohe, 031-0813, Japan
| | - Yushi Inoue
- National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeyoshi Shimoji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Okinawa Pref. Nanbu Medical Center and Children's Medical Center, Arakawa Haebaru, Okinawa, 901-1193, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan.,Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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21
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Oishi S, Zalucki O, Vega MS, Harkins D, Harvey TJ, Kasherman M, Davila RA, Hale L, White M, Piltz S, Thomas P, Burne THJ, Harris L, Piper M. Investigating cortical features of Sotos syndrome using mice heterozygous for Nsd1. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2020; 19:e12637. [PMID: 31909872 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sotos syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by a suite of clinical features. In children, the three cardinal features of Sotos syndrome are a characteristic facial appearance, learning disability and overgrowth (height and/or head circumference > 2 SDs above average). These features are also evident in adults with this syndrome. Over 90% of Sotos syndrome patients are haploinsufficient for the gene encoding nuclear receptor-binding Su(var)3-9, Enhancer-of-zesteand Trithorax domain-containing protein 1 (NSD1). NSD1 is a histone methyltransferase that catalyzes the methylation of lysine residue 36 on histone H3. However, although the symptomology of Sotos syndrome is well established, many aspects of NSD1 biology remain unknown. Here, we assessed the expression of Nsd1 within the mouse brain, and showed a predominantly neuronal pattern of expression for this histone-modifying factor. We also generated a mouse strain lacking one allele of Nsd1 and analyzed morphological and behavioral characteristics in these mice, showing behavioral characteristics reminiscent of some of the deficits seen in Sotos syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Oishi
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Oressia Zalucki
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michelle S Vega
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Danyon Harkins
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Tracey J Harvey
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Maria Kasherman
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Raul A Davila
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lauren Hale
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melissa White
- School of Biological Sciences and South Australia Genome Editing Facility, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sandra Piltz
- School of Biological Sciences and South Australia Genome Editing Facility, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Paul Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences and South Australia Genome Editing Facility, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas H J Burne
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lachlan Harris
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Piper
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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22
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Septyaningtrias DE, Lin CW, Ouchida R, Nakai N, Suda W, Hattori M, Morita H, Honda K, Tamada K, Takumi T. Altered microbiota composition reflects enhanced communication in 15q11-13 CNV mice. Neurosci Res 2019; 161:59-67. [PMID: 31863791 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. In addition to the core symptoms of ASD, many patients with ASD also show comorbid gut dysbiosis, which may lead to various gastrointestinal (GI) problems. Intriguingly, there is evidence that gut microbiota communicate with the central nervous system to modulate behavioral output through the gut-brain axis. To investigate how the microbiota composition is changed in ASD and to identify which microbes are involved in autistic behaviors, we performed a 16S rRNA gene-based metagenomics analysis in an ASD mouse model. Here, we focused on a model with human 15q11-13 duplication (15q dup), the most frequent chromosomal aberration or copy number variation found in ASD. Species diversity of the microbiome was significantly decreased in 15q dup mice. A combination of antibiotics treatment and behavioral analysis showed that neomycin improved social communication in 15q dup mice. Furthermore, comparison of the microbiota composition of mice treated with different antibiotics enabled us to identify beneficial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) for ultrasonic vocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Eurike Septyaningtrias
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Chia-Wen Lin
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Rika Ouchida
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Nobuhiro Nakai
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Wataru Suda
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Masahira Hattori
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Morita
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Kita, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Kenya Honda
- RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Tsurumi, Yokohama, 230-0045, Japan; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kota Tamada
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan; Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; RIKEN Center for Science and Technology Hub, Medical Sciences Innovation Hub Program (MIH), Japan; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan.
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23
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Premoli M, Bonini SA, Mastinu A, Maccarinelli G, Aria F, Paiardi G, Memo M. Specific profile of ultrasonic communication in a mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15912. [PMID: 31685905 PMCID: PMC6828716 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52378-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in different social conditions: pups maternal separation, juveniles play, adults mating and social investigation. The USVs measurement has become an important instrument for behavioural phenotyping in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Recently, we have demonstrated that the deletion of the NFκB1 gene, which encodes the p50 NF-κB subunit, causes NDDs phenotype in mice. In this study, we investigated the ultrasonic communication and the effects of an early social enrichment in mice lacking the NF-κB p50 subunit (p50 KO). In particular, USVs of wild-type (WT), p50 KO and KO exposed to early social enrichment (KO enriched) were recorded using an ultrasound sensitive microphone and analysed by Avisoft software. USVs analysis showed that p50 KO pups emit more and longer vocalizations compared to WT pups. On the contrary, in adulthood, p50 KO mice emit less USVs than WT mice. We also found significant qualitative differences in p50 KO mice USVs compared to WT mice; the changes specifically involved two USVs categories. Early social enrichment had no effect on USVs number, duration and type in p50 KO mice. Together, these data revealed social communication alterations in a mouse model of NDDs; these deficits were not recovered by early social enrichment, strengthening the fact that genetic background prevails on environmental enrichment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Premoli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Sara Anna Bonini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mastinu
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Maccarinelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Aria
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
| | - Maurizio Memo
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123, Brescia, Italy
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24
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Budylin T, Guariglia SR, Duran LI, Behring BM, Shaikh Z, Neuwirth LS, Banerjee P. Ultrasonic vocalization sex differences in 5-HT-R deficient mouse pups: Predictive phenotypes associated with later-life anxiety-like behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2019; 373:112062. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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25
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Zimmer MR, Fonseca AHO, Iyilikci O, Pra RD, Dietrich MO. Functional Ontogeny of Hypothalamic Agrp Neurons in Neonatal Mouse Behaviors. Cell 2019; 178:44-59.e7. [PMID: 31104844 PMCID: PMC6688755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic Agrp neurons regulate food ingestion in adult mice. Whether these neurons are functional before animals start to ingest food is unknown. Here, we studied the functional ontogeny of Agrp neurons during breastfeeding using postnatal day 10 mice. In contrast to adult mice, we show that isolation from the nursing nest, not milk deprivation or ingestion, activated Agrp neurons. Non-nutritive suckling and warm temperatures blunted this effect. Using in vivo fiber photometry, neonatal Agrp neurons showed a rapid increase in activity upon isolation from the nest, an effect rapidly diminished following reunion with littermates. Neonates unable to release GABA from Agrp neurons expressed blunted emission of isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations. Chemogenetic overactivation of these neurons further increased emission of these ultrasonic vocalizations, but not milk ingestion. We uncovered important functional properties of hypothalamic Agrp neurons during mouse development, suggesting these neurons facilitate offspring-to-caregiver bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo R Zimmer
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences-Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Antonio H O Fonseca
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Graduate Program in Microelectronics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 15064, Brazil
| | - Onur Iyilikci
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rafael Dai Pra
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences-Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Marcelo O Dietrich
- Program in Integrative Cell Signaling and Neurobiology of Metabolism, Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences-Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil.
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26
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Garbarino VR, Gilman TL, Daws LC, Gould GG. Extreme enhancement or depletion of serotonin transporter function and serotonin availability in autism spectrum disorder. Pharmacol Res 2019; 140:85-99. [PMID: 30009933 PMCID: PMC6345621 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A variety of human and animal studies support the hypothesis that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) system dysfunction is a contributing factor to the development of autism in some patients. However, many questions remain about how developmental manipulation of various components that influence 5-HT signaling (5-HT synthesis, transport, metabolism) persistently impair social behaviors. This review will summarize key aspects of central 5-HT function important for normal brain development, and review evidence implicating perinatal disruptions in 5-HT signaling in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder. We discuss the importance, and relative dearth, of studies that explore the possible correlation to autism in the interactions between important intrinsic and extrinsic factors that may disrupt 5-HT homeostasis during development. In particular, we focus on exposure to 5-HT transport altering mechanisms such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or genetic polymorphisms in primary or auxiliary transporters of 5-HT, and how they relate to neurological stores of serotonin and its precursors. A deeper understanding of the many mechanisms by which 5-HT signaling can be disrupted, alone and in concert, may contribute to an improved understanding of the etiologies and heterogeneous nature of this disorder. We postulate that extreme bidirectional perturbations of these factors during development likely compound or synergize to facilitate enduring neurochemical changes resulting in insufficient or excessive 5-HT signaling, that could underlie the persistent behavioral characteristics of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina R Garbarino
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; The Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, United States.
| | - T Lee Gilman
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Addiction Research, Treatment & Training Center of Excellence, United States.
| | - Lynette C Daws
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Addiction Research, Treatment & Training Center of Excellence, United States; Department of Pharmacology, United States.
| | - Georgianna G Gould
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, United States; Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
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27
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Schob C, Morellini F, Ohana O, Bakota L, Hrynchak MV, Brandt R, Brockmann MD, Cichon N, Hartung H, Hanganu-Opatz IL, Kraus V, Scharf S, Herrmans-Borgmeyer I, Schweizer M, Kuhl D, Wöhr M, Vörckel KJ, Calzada-Wack J, Fuchs H, Gailus-Durner V, Hrabě de Angelis M, Garner CC, Kreienkamp HJ, Kindler S. Cognitive impairment and autistic-like behaviour in SAPAP4-deficient mice. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:7. [PMID: 30664629 PMCID: PMC6341115 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0327-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
In humans, genetic variants of DLGAP1-4 have been linked with neuropsychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While these findings implicate the encoded postsynaptic proteins, SAPAP1-4, in the etiology of neuropsychiatric conditions, underlying neurobiological mechanisms are unknown. To assess the contribution of SAPAP4 to these disorders, we characterized SAPAP4-deficient mice. Our study reveals that the loss of SAPAP4 triggers profound behavioural abnormalities, including cognitive deficits combined with impaired vocal communication and social interaction, phenotypes reminiscent of ASD in humans. These behavioural alterations of SAPAP4-deficient mice are associated with dramatic changes in synapse morphology, function and plasticity, indicating that SAPAP4 is critical for the development of functional neuronal networks and that mutations in the corresponding human gene, DLGAP4, may cause deficits in social and cognitive functioning relevant to ASD-like neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Schob
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabio Morellini
- Behavioral Biology, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ora Ohana
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Cognition, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lidia Bakota
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Osnabrück, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Mariya V Hrynchak
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Osnabrück, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Roland Brandt
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Osnabrück, 49076, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Marco D Brockmann
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Cichon
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Henrike Hartung
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ileana L Hanganu-Opatz
- Developmental Neurophysiology, Department of Neuroanatomy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Kraus
- Behavioral Biology, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Scharf
- Behavioral Biology, Centre for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Irm Herrmans-Borgmeyer
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Schweizer
- Morphology and Electron Microscopy, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Kuhl
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Cognition, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Karl J Vörckel
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Philipps-University of Marburg, 35032, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Calzada-Wack
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Fuchs
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Valérie Gailus-Durner
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Martin Hrabě de Angelis
- German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Centre Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Chair of Experimental Genetics, School of Life Science Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, 85354, Freising, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Craig C Garner
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), c/o Charité University Medical Centre, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kindler
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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28
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Tanaka M, Sato A, Kasai S, Hagino Y, Kotajima-Murakami H, Kashii H, Takamatsu Y, Nishito Y, Inagaki M, Mizuguchi M, Hall FS, Uhl GR, Murphy D, Sora I, Ikeda K. Brain hyperserotonemia causes autism-relevant social deficits in mice. Mol Autism 2018; 9:60. [PMID: 30498565 PMCID: PMC6258166 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hyperserotonemia in the brain is suspected to be an endophenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Reducing serotonin levels in the brain through modulation of serotonin transporter function may improve ASD symptoms. Methods We analyzed behavior and gene expression to unveil the causal mechanism of ASD-relevant social deficits using serotonin transporter (Sert) knockout mice. Results Social deficits were observed in both heterozygous knockout mice (HZ) and homozygous knockout mice (KO), but increases in general anxiety were only observed in KO mice. Two weeks of dietary restriction of the serotonin precursor tryptophan ameliorated both brain hyperserotonemia and ASD-relevant social deficits in Sert HZ and KO mice. The expression of rather distinct sets of genes was altered in Sert HZ and KO mice, and a substantial portion of these genes was also affected by tryptophan depletion. Tryptophan depletion in Sert HZ and KO mice was associated with alterations in the expression of genes involved in signal transduction pathways initiated by changes in extracellular serotonin or melatonin, a derivative of serotonin. Only expression of the AU015836 gene was altered in both Sert HZ and KO mice. AU015836 expression and ASD-relevant social deficits normalized after dietary tryptophan restriction. Conclusions These findings reveal a Sert gene dose-dependent effect on brain hyperserotonemia and related behavioral sequelae in ASD and a possible therapeutic target to normalize brain hyperserotonemia and ASD-relevant social deficits. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13229-018-0243-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Tanaka
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan.,2Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan.,3Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan.,4Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinya Kasai
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Yoko Hagino
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Hiroko Kotajima-Murakami
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kashii
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Yukio Takamatsu
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- 5Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masumi Inagaki
- 3Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizuguchi
- 6Department of Developmental Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - F Scott Hall
- 7Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH USA
| | - George R Uhl
- 8Branch of Molecular Neurobiology, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Baltimore, MD USA.,9Research Service, New Mexico VA Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Dennis Murphy
- 10Laboratory of Clinical Science, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Ichiro Sora
- 11Department of Psychiatry, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506 Japan.,2Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
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Balaan C, Corley MJ, Eulalio T, Leite-Ahyo K, Pang APS, Fang R, Khadka VS, Maunakea AK, Ward MA. Juvenile Shank3b deficient mice present with behavioral phenotype relevant to autism spectrum disorder. Behav Brain Res 2018; 356:137-147. [PMID: 30134148 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive, multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder diagnosed according to deficits in three behavioral domains: communication, social interaction, and stereotyped/repetitive behaviors. Mutations in Shank genes account for ∼1% of clinical ASD cases with Shank3 being the most common gene variant. In addition to maintaining synapses and facilitating dendritic maturation, Shank genes encode master scaffolding proteins that build core complexes in the postsynaptic densities of glutamatergic synapses. Male mice with a deletion of the PDZ domain of Shank3 (Shank3B KO) were previously shown to display ASD-like behavioral phenotypes with reported self-injurious repetitive grooming and aberrant social interactions. Our goal was to extend these previous findings and use a comprehensive battery of highly detailed ASD-relevant behavioral assays including an assessment of mouse ultrasonic communication carried out on key developmental days and male and female Shank3B KO mice. We demonstrate that ASD-related behaviors, atypical reciprocal social interaction and indiscriminate repetitive grooming, are apparent in juvenile stages of development of Shank3B KO mice. Our findings underscore the importance of utilizing Shank mutant models to understand the impact of this gene in ASD etiology, whichmay enable future studies focusing on etiological gene-environment interactions in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantell Balaan
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States
| | - Michael J Corley
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Tiffany Eulalio
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Ka'ahukane Leite-Ahyo
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Alina P S Pang
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Rui Fang
- Department of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Vedbar S Khadka
- Department of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Alika K Maunakea
- Department of Native Hawaiian Health, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 651 Ilalo St, Honolulu, HI, 96813, United States
| | - Monika A Ward
- Institute for Biogenesis Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, 1960 East-West Rd, Honolulu, HI, 96822, United States.
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Shehabeldin R, Lutz D, Karsak M, Frotscher M, Krieglstein K, Sharaf A. Reelin controls the positioning of brainstem serotonergic raphe neurons. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200268. [PMID: 30001399 PMCID: PMC6042745 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) acts as both a morphogenetic factor during early embryonic development and a neuromodulator of circuit plasticity in the mature brain. Dysregulation of serotonin signaling during critical periods is involved in developmental neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. In this study we focused on the consequences of defect reelin signaling for the development of the brainstem serotonergic raphe system. We observed that reelin signaling components are expressed by serotonergic neurons during the critical period of their lateral migration. Further, we found that reelin signaling is important for the normal migration of rostral, but not caudal hindbrain raphe nuclei and that reelin deficiency results in the malformation of the paramedian raphe nucleus and the lateral wings of the dorsal raphe nuclei. Additionally, we showed that serotonergic neurons projections to laminated brain structures were severely altered. With this study, we propose that the perturbation of canonical reelin signaling interferes with the orientation of tangentially, but not radially, migrating brainstem 5-HT neurons. Our results open the window for further studies on the interaction of reelin and serotonin and the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Shehabeldin
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
| | - David Lutz
- Institute for Structural Neurobiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Meliha Karsak
- Research Group Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Frotscher
- Institute for Structural Neurobiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Krieglstein
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ahmed Sharaf
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Department of Molecular Embryology, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Structural Neurobiology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology Hamburg (ZMNH), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Research Group Neuronal and Cellular Signal Transduction, ZMNH, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- * E-mail:
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Russo AM, Lawther AJ, Prior BM, Isbel L, Somers WG, Lesku JA, Richdale AL, Dissanayake C, Kent S, Lowry CA, Hale MW. Social approach, anxiety, and altered tryptophan hydroxylase 2 activity in juvenile BALB/c and C57BL/6J mice. Behav Brain Res 2018; 359:918-926. [PMID: 29935278 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous and highly heritable condition with multiple aetiologies. Although the biological mechanisms underlying ASD are not fully understood, evidence suggests that dysregulation of serotonergic systems play an important role in ASD psychopathology. Preclinical models using mice with altered serotonergic neurotransmission may provide insight into the role of serotonin in behaviours relevant to clinical features of ASD. For example, BALB/c mice carry a loss-of-function single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; C1473 G) in tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2), which encodes the brain-specific isoform of the rate-limiting enzyme for serotonin synthesis, and these mice frequently have been used to model symptoms of ASD. In this study, juvenile male BALB/c (G/G; loss-of-function variant) and C57BL/6 J (C/C; wild type variant) mice, were exposed to the three-chamber sociability test, and one week later to the elevated plus-maze (EPM). Tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) activity was measured following injection of the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC)-inhibitor, NSD-1015, and subsequent HPLC detection of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) within subregions of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) and median raphe nucleus (MnR). The BALB/c mice showed reduced social behaviour and increased anxious behaviour, as well as decreased 5-HTP accumulation in the rostral and mid-rostrocaudal DR. In the full cohort of mice, TPH2 activity in the mid-rostrocaudal DR was correlated with anxious behaviour in the EPM, however these correlations were not statistically significant within each strain, suggesting that TPH2 activity was not directly associated with either anxiety or sociability. Further research is therefore required to more fully understand how serotonergic systems are involved in mouse behaviours that resemble some of the clinical features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M Russo
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Adam J Lawther
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Prior
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Luke Isbel
- School of Molecular Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - W Gregory Somers
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - John A Lesku
- School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Amanda L Richdale
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia; Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Stephen Kent
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Christopher A Lowry
- Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Matthew W Hale
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia.
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Johnson SA, Farrington MJ, Murphy CR, Caldo PD, McAllister LA, Kaur S, Chun C, Ortega MT, Marshall BL, Hoffmann F, Ellersieck MR, Schenk AK, Rosenfeld CS. Multigenerational effects of bisphenol A or ethinyl estradiol exposure on F2 California mice (Peromyscus californicus) pup vocalizations. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199107. [PMID: 29912934 PMCID: PMC6005501 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodent pups use vocalizations to communicate with one or both parents in biparental species, such as California mice (Peromyscus californicus). Previous studies have shown California mice developmentally exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals, bisphenol A (BPA) or ethinyl estradiol (EE), demonstrate later compromised parental behaviors. Reductions in F1 parental behaviors might also be due to decreased emissions of F2 pup vocalizations. Thus, vocalizations of F2 male and female California mice pups born to F1 parents developmentally exposed to BPA, EE, or controls were examined. Postnatal days (PND) 2-4 were considered early postnatal period, PND 7 and 14 were defined as mid-postnatal period, and PND 21 and 28 were classified as late postnatal period. EE pups showed increased latency to emit the first syllable compared to controls. BPA female pups had decreased syllable duration compared to control and EE female pups during the early postnatal period but enhanced responses compared to controls at late postnatal period; whereas, male BPA and EE pups showed greater syllable duration compared to controls during early postnatal period. In mid-postnatal period, F2 BPA and EE pups emitted greater number of phrases than F2 control pups. Results indicate aspects of vocalizations were disrupted in F2 pups born to F1 parents developmentally exposed to BPA or EE, but their responses were not always identical, suggesting BPA might not activate estrogen receptors to the same extent as EE. Changes in vocalization patterns by F2 pups may be due to multigenerational exposure to BPA or EE and/or reduced parental care received.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Johnson
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Michelle J. Farrington
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Claire R. Murphy
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Paul D. Caldo
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Leif A. McAllister
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Sarabjit Kaur
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Catherine Chun
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Madison T. Ortega
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Brittney L. Marshall
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Frauke Hoffmann
- Department of Chemicals and Product Safety, The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mark R. Ellersieck
- Department of Agriculture Experimental Station-Statistics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - A. Katrin Schenk
- Department of Physics, Randolph College, Lynchburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Cheryl S. Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Genetics Area Program, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Schwarting RKW, Wöhr M. Isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations in pups: A comparison between Long-Evans, Sprague-Dawley, and Wistar rats. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:534-543. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rainer K. W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology; Philipps-University of Marburg; Marburg Germany
- Marburg Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MCMBB); Marburg Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology; Philipps-University of Marburg; Marburg Germany
- Marburg Center for Mind, Brain, and Behavior (MCMBB); Marburg Germany
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Raveau M, Shimohata A, Amano K, Miyamoto H, Yamakawa K. DYRK1A-haploinsufficiency in mice causes autistic-like features and febrile seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 110:180-191. [PMID: 29223763 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations and copy number variants affecting DYRK1A gene encoding the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A are among the most frequent genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) associated with microcephaly, febrile seizures and severe speech acquisition delay. Here we developed a mouse model harboring a frame-shift mutation in Dyrk1a resulting in a protein truncation and elimination of its kinase activity site. Dyrk1a+/- mice showed significant impairments in cognition and cognitive flexibility, communicative ultrasonic vocalizations, and social contacts. Susceptibility to hyperthermia-induced seizures was also significantly increased in these mice. The truncation leading to haploinsufficiency of DYRK1A in mice thus recapitulates the syndromic phenotypes observed in human patients and constitutes a useful model for further investigations of the mechanisms leading to ASD, speech delay and febrile seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimohata
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kenji Amano
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Miyamoto
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
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Scattoni ML, Michetti C, Ricceri L. Rodent Vocalization Studies in Animal Models of the Autism Spectrum Disorder. HANDBOOK OF ULTRASONIC VOCALIZATION - A WINDOW INTO THE EMOTIONAL BRAIN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-809600-0.00042-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Ali A, Cui X, Eyles D. Developmental vitamin D deficiency and autism: Putative pathogenic mechanisms. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 175:108-118. [PMID: 28027915 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2016.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disease that presents in early life. Despite a considerable amount of studies, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying autism remain obscure. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in the development of autism. Vitamin D deficiency is emerging as a consistently reported risk factor in children. One reason for the prominence now being given to this risk factor is that it would appear to interact with several other epidemiological risk factors for autism. Vitamin D is an active neurosteroid and plays crucial neuroprotective roles in the developing brain. It has important roles in cell proliferation and differentiation, immunomodulation, regulation of neurotransmission and steroidogenesis. Animal studies have suggested that transient prenatal vitamin D deficiency is associated with altered brain development. Here we review the potential neurobiological mechanisms linking prenatal vitamin D deficiency and autism and also discuss what future research targets must now be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asad Ali
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Darryl Eyles
- Queensland Brain Institute, University of Queensland, Qld 4072, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Wacol, Qld 4076, Australia.
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Tsutiya A, Nakano Y, Hansen-Kiss E, Kelly B, Nishihara M, Goshima Y, Corsmeier D, White P, Herman GE, Ohtani-Kaneko R. Human CRMP4 mutation and disrupted Crmp4 expression in mice are associated with ASD characteristics and sexual dimorphism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16812. [PMID: 29196732 PMCID: PMC5711804 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-16782-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are more common among boys than girls. The mechanisms responsible for ASD symptoms and their sex differences remain mostly unclear. We previously identified collapsin response mediator protein 4 (CRMP4) as a protein exhibiting sex-different expression during sexual differentiation of the hypothalamic sexually dimorphic nucleus. This study investigated the relationship between the sex-different development of autistic features and CRMP4 deficiency. Whole-exome sequencing detected a de novo variant (S541Y) of CRMP4 in a male ASD patient. The expression of mutated mouse CRMP4 S540Y, which is homologous to human CRMP4 S541Y, in cultured hippocampal neurons derived from Crmp4-knockout (KO) mice had increased dendritic branching, compared to those transfected with wild-type (WT) Crmp4, indicating that this mutation results in altered CRMP4 function in neurons. Crmp4-KO mice showed decreased social interaction and several alterations of sensory responses. Most of these changes were more severe in male Crmp4-KO mice than in females. The mRNA expression levels of some genes related to neurotransmission and cell adhesion were altered in the brain of Crmp4-KO mice, mostly in a gender-dependent manner. These results indicate a functional link between a case-specific, rare variant of one gene, Crmp4, and several characteristics of ASD, including sexual differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuhiro Tsutiya
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Itakura, Oura, Gunma, 374-0193, Japan
- Clinical Proteomics and Molecular Medicine, St. Marianna University Graduate School of Medicine, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Yui Nakano
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Itakura, Oura, Gunma, 374-0193, Japan
| | - Emily Hansen-Kiss
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Benjamin Kelly
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Masugi Nishihara
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Yoshio Goshima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neurobiology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fuku-ura, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Don Corsmeier
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Peter White
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Gail E Herman
- The Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43205, USA
| | - Ritsuko Ohtani-Kaneko
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Itakura, Oura, Gunma, 374-0193, Japan.
- Graduate School of Life Sciences, Toyo University, 1-1-1 Itakura, Oura, Gunma, 374-0193, Japan.
- Research Center for Biomedical Engineering, Toyo University, 2100 Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama, 350-8585, Japan.
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Chronic postnatal monoamine oxidase inhibition affects affiliative behavior in rat pupso. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 153:60-68. [PMID: 27989747 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and noradrenaline (NA) act as important modulators of mammalian brain development and represent neurobiological substrates of affiliative behavior reflected in rat pups as a tendency to huddle or produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USV) when separated from the nest. Monoamines are metabolized through oxidative deamination catalyzed by the mitochondrial enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). In this study, we examined the consequences of postnatal MAO inhibition on affiliative behavior in rat pups. Pups received daily injections of either an irreversible non-selective MAO inhibitor tranylcypromine (TCP) or saline, from post-natal day (PND) 1 to PND 22. Quantitative and qualitative components of USV were analyzed on PNDs 10, 13 and 16 in order to determine the level of separation-induced anxiety and the modality of vocal communication. In comparison to control pups, TCP-treated pups displayed higher cortical 5-HT, DA and NA levels, higher peripheral 5-HT concentration, lower body mass throughout the pre-weaning period, higher isolation-induced drop in body temperature, and reduced total number of calls. Furthermore, they produced lower pitched calls of longer average duration without a preferable waveform. Our results demonstrate that chronic MAO inhibition by TCP primarily affects 5-HT concentrations, but also raises central catecholamine levels. They further indicate that disturbed monoaminergic homeostasis during early postnatal development leads to decreased weight-gain, compromised thermoregulation, and altered affiliative behavior in pre-weaning pups as reflected in reduced separation anxiety and inadequate vocal communication. Finally, they suggest a need for thorough examination of the potential effects of TCP and other monoamine inhibitors on the developing human brain.
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Muller CL, Anacker AMJ, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. The serotonin system in autism spectrum disorder: From biomarker to animal models. Neuroscience 2016; 321:24-41. [PMID: 26577932 PMCID: PMC4824539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 319] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Elevated whole blood serotonin, or hyperserotonemia, was the first biomarker identified in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and is present in more than 25% of affected children. The serotonin system is a logical candidate for involvement in ASD due to its pleiotropic role across multiple brain systems both dynamically and across development. Tantalizing clues connect this peripheral biomarker with changes in brain and behavior in ASD, but the contribution of the serotonin system to ASD pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Studies of whole blood serotonin levels in ASD and in a large founder population indicate greater heritability than for the disorder itself and suggest an association with recurrence risk. Emerging data from both neuroimaging and postmortem samples also indicate changes in the brain serotonin system in ASD. Genetic linkage and association studies of both whole blood serotonin levels and of ASD risk point to the chromosomal region containing the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene in males but not in females. In ASD families with evidence of linkage to this region, multiple rare SERT amino acid variants lead to a convergent increase in serotonin uptake in cell models. A knock-in mouse model of one of these variants, SERT Gly56Ala, recapitulates the hyperserotonemia biomarker and shows increased brain serotonin clearance, increased serotonin receptor sensitivity, and altered social, communication, and repetitive behaviors. Data from other rodent models also suggest an important role for the serotonin system in social behavior, in cognitive flexibility, and in sensory development. Recent work indicates that reciprocal interactions between serotonin and other systems, such as oxytocin, may be particularly important for social behavior. Collectively, these data point to the serotonin system as a prime candidate for treatment development in a subgroup of children defined by a robust, heritable biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Muller
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, 465 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - A M J Anacker
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - J Veenstra-VanderWeele
- Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University; Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, New York Presbyterian Hospital; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, Mail Unit 78, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Ergaz Z, Weinstein-Fudim L, Ornoy A. Genetic and non-genetic animal models for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Reprod Toxicol 2016; 64:116-40. [PMID: 27142188 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated, in addition to complex genetic factors, with a variety of prenatal, perinatal and postnatal etiologies. We discuss the known animal models, mostly in mice and rats, of ASD that helps us to understand the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of human ASD. We describe only models where behavioral testing has shown autistic like behaviors. Some genetic models mimic known human syndromes like fragile X where ASD is part of the clinical picture, and others are without defined human syndromes. Among the environmentally induced ASD models in rodents, the most common model is the one induced by valproic acid (VPA) either prenatally or early postnatally. VPA induces autism-like behaviors following single exposure during different phases of brain development, implying that the mechanism of action is via a general biological mechanism like epigenetic changes. Maternal infection and inflammation are also associated with ASD in man and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zivanit Ergaz
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Liza Weinstein-Fudim
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Asher Ornoy
- Laboratory of Teratology, Department of Medical Neurobiology Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School and Hadassah Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Kaplan K, Echert AE, Massat B, Puissant MM, Palygin O, Geurts AM, Hodges MR. Chronic central serotonin depletion attenuates ventilation and body temperature in young but not adult Tph2 knockout rats. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2016; 120:1070-81. [PMID: 26869713 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01015.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic deletion of brain serotonin (5-HT) neurons in mice leads to ventilatory deficits and increased neonatal mortality during development. However, it is unclear if the loss of the 5-HT neurons or the loss of the neurochemical 5-HT led to the observed physiologic deficits. Herein, we generated a mutant rat model with constitutive central nervous system (CNS) 5-HT depletion by mutation of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (Tph2) gene in dark agouti (DA(Tph2-/-)) rats. DA(Tph2-/-) rats lacked TPH immunoreactivity and brain 5-HT but retain dopa decarboxylase-expressing raphe neurons. Mutant rats were also smaller, had relatively high mortality (∼50%), and compared with controls had reduced room air ventilation and body temperatures at specific postnatal ages. In adult rats, breathing at rest and hypoxic and hypercapnic chemoreflexes were unaltered in adult male and female DA(Tph2-/-) rats. Body temperature was also maintained in adult DA(Tph2-/-) rats exposed to 4°C, indicating unaltered ventilatory and/or thermoregulatory control mechanisms. Finally, DA(Tph2-/-) rats treated with the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) partially restored CNS 5-HT and showed increased ventilation (P < 0.05) at a developmental age when it was otherwise attenuated in the mutants. We conclude that constitutive CNS production of 5-HT is critically important to fundamental homeostatic control systems for breathing and temperature during postnatal development in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Kaplan
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ashley E Echert
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Ben Massat
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | | | - Oleg Palygin
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
| | - Aron M Geurts
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Cardiovascular Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
| | - Matthew R Hodges
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Neuroscience Research Center, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and
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Thompson BL, Levitt P. Complete or partial reduction of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase in distinct circuits differentially impacts mouse behavior. J Neurodev Disord 2015; 7:35. [PMID: 26523156 PMCID: PMC4628780 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-015-9131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our laboratory discovered that the gene encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase, MET, contributes to autism risk. Expression of MET is reduced in human postmortem temporal lobe in autism and Rett Syndrome. Subsequent studies revealed a role for MET in human and mouse functional and structural cortical connectivity. To further understand the contribution of Met to brain development and its impact on behavior, we generated two conditional mouse lines in which Met is deleted from select populations of central nervous system neurons. Mice were then tested to determine the consequences of disrupting Met expression. METHODS Mating of Emx1 (cre) and Met (fx/fx) mice eliminates receptor signaling from all cells arising from the dorsal pallium. Met (fx/fx) and Nestin (cre) crosses result in receptor signaling elimination from all neural cells. Behavioral tests were performed to assess cognitive, emotional, and social impairments that are observed in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and that are in part subserved by circuits that express Met. RESULTS Met (fx/fx) /Emx1 (cre) null mice displayed significant hypoactivity in the activity chamber and in the T-maze despite superior performance on the rotarod. Additionally, these animals showed a deficit in spontaneous alternation. Surprisingly, Met (fx/fx; fx/+) /Nestin (cre) null and heterozygous mice exhibited deficits in contextual fear conditioning, and Met (fx/+) /Nestin (cre) heterozygous mice spent less time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a complex contribution of Met in the development of circuits mediating social, emotional, and cognitive behavior. The impact of disrupting developmental Met expression is dependent upon circuit-specific deletion patterns and levels of receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L Thompson
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA ; Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
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Sungur AÖ, Schwarting RK, Wöhr M. Early communication deficits in theShank1knockout mouse model for autism spectrum disorder: Developmental aspects and effects of social context. Autism Res 2015; 9:696-709. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A. Özge Sungur
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology; Philipps-University of Marburg; Gutenbergstr. 18 D-35032 Germany
| | - Rainer K.W. Schwarting
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology; Philipps-University of Marburg; Gutenbergstr. 18 D-35032 Germany
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Behavioral Neuroscience, Experimental and Biological Psychology; Philipps-University of Marburg; Gutenbergstr. 18 D-35032 Germany
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Pelosi B, Pratelli M, Migliarini S, Pacini G, Pasqualetti M. Generation of a Tph2 Conditional Knockout Mouse Line for Time- and Tissue-Specific Depletion of Brain Serotonin. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136422. [PMID: 26291320 PMCID: PMC4546246 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin has been gaining increasing attention during the last two decades due to the dual function of this monoamine as key regulator during critical developmental events and as neurotransmitter. Importantly, unbalanced serotonergic levels during critical temporal phases might contribute to the onset of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and autism. Despite increasing evidences from both animal models and human genetic studies have underpinned the importance of serotonin homeostasis maintenance during central nervous system development and adulthood, the precise role of this molecule in time-specific activities is only beginning to be elucidated. Serotonin synthesis is a 2-step process, the first step of which is mediated by the rate-limiting activity of Tph enzymes, belonging to the family of aromatic amino acid hydroxylases and existing in two isoforms, Tph1 and Tph2, responsible for the production of peripheral and brain serotonin, respectively. In the present study, we generated and validated a conditional knockout mouse line, Tph2flox/flox, in which brain serotonin can be effectively ablated with time specificity. We demonstrated that the Cre-mediated excision of the third exon of Tph2 gene results in the production of a Tph2null allele in which we observed the near-complete loss of brain serotonin, as well as the growth defects and perinatal lethality observed in serotonin conventional knockouts. We also revealed that in mice harbouring the Tph2null allele, but not in wild-types, two distinct Tph2 mRNA isoforms are present, namely Tph2Δ3 and Tph2Δ3Δ4, with the latter showing an in-frame deletion of amino acids 84–178 and coding a protein that could potentially retain non-negligible enzymatic activity. As we could not detect Tph1 expression in the raphe, we made the hypothesis that the Tph2Δ3Δ4 isoform can be at the origin of the residual, sub-threshold amount of serotonin detected in the brain of Tph2null/null mice. Finally, we set up a tamoxifen administration protocol that allows an efficient, time-specific inactivation of brain serotonin synthesis. On the whole, we generated a suitable genetic tool to investigate how serotonin depletion impacts on time-specific events during central nervous system development and adulthood life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pelosi
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, S.S.12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, S.S.12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Migliarini
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, S.S.12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Pacini
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, S.S.12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasqualetti
- Department of Biology, Unit of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Pisa, S.S.12 Abetone e Brennero 4, 56127, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems@UniTn, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Bettini 31, 38068, Rovereto (TN), Italy
- * E-mail:
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