1
|
Doszyn O, Kedra M, Zmorzynska J. Hyperactive mTORC1 disrupts habenula function and light preference in zebrafish model of Tuberous sclerosis complex. iScience 2024; 27:110149. [PMID: 38947496 PMCID: PMC11214417 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is an integration hub for extracellular and intracellular signals necessary for brain development. Hyperactive mTORC1 is found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by atypical reactivity to sensory stimuli, among other symptoms. In Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) inactivating mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes result in hyperactivation of the mTORC1 pathway and ASD. Here, we show that lack of light preference of the TSC zebrafish model, tsc2 vu242/vu242 is caused by aberrant processing of light stimuli in the left dorsal habenula and tsc2 vu242/vu242 fish have impaired function of the left dorsal habenula, in which neurons exhibited higher activity and lacked habituation to the light stimuli. These characteristics were rescued by rapamycin. We thus discovered that hyperactive mTorC1 caused aberrant habenula function resulting in lack of light preference. Our results suggest that mTORC1 hyperactivity contributes to atypical reactivity to sensory stimuli in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Doszyn
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kedra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Justyna Zmorzynska
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, 02-109 Warsaw, Poland
- Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, International Institute of Molecular Mechanisms and Machines, 02-247 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
李 正, 肖 贵, 何 春, 刘 霞, 樊 欣, 赵 妍, 王 念. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 in children with autism spectrum disorder. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2022; 24:186-191. [PMID: 35209985 PMCID: PMC8884054 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2110020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their association with the core symptoms of ASD. METHODS A total of 150 ASD children aged 2-7 years (ASD group) and 165 healthy children matched for age and sex (control group) who were recruited at the outpatient service of Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children were enrolled as subjects. Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) were used to evaluate the core symptoms of the ASD children. Chemiluminescence was used to measure the serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in both groups. RESULTS The ASD group had a significantly lower serum level of IGF-1 than the control group (P<0.05). The children with severe ASD had significantly lower serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 than those with mild-to-moderate ASD (P<0.001). For the children aged 2-3 years, the ASD group had a significantly lower serum level of IGF-1 than the control group (P<0.05). Boys had a significantly lower serum level of IGF-1 than girls in both ASD and control groups (P<0.05). The serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were negatively correlated with the total score of CARS (r=-0.32 and -0.40 respectively, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The reduction in serum IGF-1 level in early childhood may be associated with the development of ASD, and the serum levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 are associated with the core symptoms of ASD children.
Collapse
|
3
|
Tariq K, Luikart BW. Striking a balance: PIP 2 and PIP 3 signaling in neuronal health and disease. EXPLORATION OF NEUROPROTECTIVE THERAPY 2022; 1:86-100. [PMID: 35098253 PMCID: PMC8797975 DOI: 10.37349/ent.2021.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositides are membrane phospholipids involved in a variety of cellular processes like growth, development, metabolism, and transport. This review focuses on the maintenance of cellular homeostasis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). The critical balance of these PIPs is crucial for regulation of neuronal form and function. The activity of PIP2 and PIP3 can be regulated through kinases, phosphatases, phospholipases and cholesterol microdomains. PIP2 and PIP3 carry out their functions either indirectly through their effectors activating integral signaling pathways, or through direct regulation of membrane channels, transporters, and cytoskeletal proteins. Any perturbations to the balance between PIP2 and PIP3 signaling result in neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. This review will discuss the upstream modulators and downstream effectors of the PIP2 and PIP3 signaling, in the context of neuronal health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Tariq
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Bryan W Luikart
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Serra I, Manusama OR, Kaiser FMP, Floriano II, Wahl L, van der Zalm C, IJspeert H, van Hagen PM, van Beveren NJM, Arend SM, Okkenhaug K, Pel JJM, Dalm VASH, Badura A. Activated PI3Kδ syndrome, an immunodeficiency disorder, leads to sensorimotor deficits recapitulated in a murine model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 18:100377. [PMID: 34786564 PMCID: PMC8579111 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) family plays a major role in cell signaling and is predominant in leukocytes. Gain-of-function (GOF) mutations in the PIK3CD gene lead to the development of activated PI3Kδ syndrome (APDS), a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder. A subset of APDS patients also displays neurodevelopmental delay symptoms, suggesting a potential role of PIK3CD in cognitive and behavioural function. However, the extent and nature of the neurodevelopmental deficits has not been previously quantified. Here, we assessed the cognitive functions of two APDS patients, and investigated the causal role of the PIK3CD GOF mutation in neurological deficits using a murine model of this disease. We used p110δE1020K knock-in mice, harbouring the most common APDS mutation in patients. We found that APDS patients present with visuomotor deficits, exacerbated by autism spectrum disorder comorbidity, whereas p110δE1020K mice exhibited impairments in motor behaviour, learning and repetitive behaviour patterning. Our data indicate that PIK3CD GOF mutations increase the risk for neurodevelopmental deficits, supporting previous findings on the interplay between the nervous and the immune system. Further, our results validate the knock-in mouse model, and offer an objective assessment tool for patients that could be incorporated in diagnosis and in the evaluation of treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ines Serra
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Fabian M P Kaiser
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Lucas Wahl
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Hanna IJspeert
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - P Martin van Hagen
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sandra M Arend
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Johan J M Pel
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Virgil A S H Dalm
- Department of Immunology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Academic Center for Rare Immunological Diseases (RIDC), Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Boksha IS, Prokhorova TA, Tereshkina EB, Savushkina OK, Burbaeva GS. Protein Phosphorylation Signaling Cascades in Autism: The Role of mTOR Pathway. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:577-596. [PMID: 33993859 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921050072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a central regulator of cell metabolism, growth, and survival in response to hormones, growth factors, nutrients, and stress-induced signals. In this review, we analyzed the studies on the molecular abnormalities of the mTOR-associated signaling cascades in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and outlined the prospects for the pathogenicity-targeting pharmacotherapeutic approaches to ASDs, in particular syndromic ASDs. Based on available experimental and clinical data, we suggest that very early detection of molecular abnormalities in the ASD risk groups can be facilitated by using peripheral blood platelets. Also, identification of the time window of critical dysregulations in the described pathways in the ASD risk groups might suggest further research directions leading to more efficacious pharmacotherapeutic interventions in ASDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irina S Boksha
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, 115522, Russia. .,Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 123098, Russia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xu T, Sun D, Chen Y, Ouyang L. Targeting mTOR for fighting diseases: A revisited review of mTOR inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 199:112391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
7
|
White AR, Tiwari D, MacLeod MC, Danzer SC, Gross C. PI3K isoform-selective inhibition in neuron-specific PTEN-deficient mice rescues molecular defects and reduces epilepsy-associated phenotypes. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 144:105026. [PMID: 32712265 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects all ages, races, genders, and socioeconomic groups. In about one third of patients, epilepsy is uncontrolled with current medications, leaving a vast need for improved therapies. The causes of epilepsy are diverse and not always known but one gene mutated in a small subpopulation of patients is phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Moreover, focal cortical dysplasia, which constitutes a large fraction of refractory epilepsies, has been associated with signaling defects downstream of PTEN. So far, most preclinical attempts to reverse PTEN deficiency-associated neurological deficits have focused on mTOR, a signaling hub several steps downstream of PTEN. Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks), by contrast, are the direct enzymatic counteractors of PTEN, and thus may be alternative treatment targets. PI3K activity is mediated by four different PI3K catalytic isoforms. Studies in cancer, where PTEN is commonly mutated, have demonstrated that inhibition of only one isoform, p110β, reduces progression of PTEN-deficient tumors. Importantly, inhibition of a single PI3K isoform leaves critical functions of general PI3K signaling throughout the body intact. Here, we show that this disease mechanism-targeted strategy borrowed from cancer research rescues or ameliorates neuronal phenotypes in male and female mice with neuron-specific PTEN deficiency. These phenotypes include cell signaling defects, protein synthesis aberrations, seizures, and cortical dysplasia. Of note, p110β is also dysregulated and a promising treatment target in the intellectual disability Fragile X syndrome, pointing towards a shared biological mechanism that is therapeutically targetable in neurodevelopmental disorders of different etiologies. Overall, this work advocates for further assessment of p110β inhibition not only in PTEN deficiency-associated neurodevelopmental diseases but also other brain disorders characterized by defects in the PI3K/mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R White
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Durgesh Tiwari
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45229, USA
| | - Molly C MacLeod
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Steve C Danzer
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45229, USA
| | - Christina Gross
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, OH 45229, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hood VL, Berger R, Freedman R, Law AJ. Transcription of PIK3CD in human brain and schizophrenia: regulation by proinflammatory cytokines. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3188-3198. [PMID: 31211828 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PIK3CD encodes the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic subunit, p110δ, a lipid kinase linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia (SZ). PIK3CD is regulated at the transcript level through alternate use of 5' untranslated exons (UTRs), promoters, and proinflammatory cytokines. Increases in global PIK3CD expression and downregulation by neuroleptics are observed in SZ, and preclinical efficacy of a p110δ-selective inhibitor is seen in rodent models of risk. Here, we cloned PIK3CD alternative transcripts in human brain and evaluated temporal- and tissue-specific expression. We quantified PIK3CD transcripts in B-lymphoblastoid cells from patients with SZ and examined 5' UTR transcriptional regulation by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin-1β (IL1β) in patient-derived fibroblasts. We report that PIK3CD transcripts are differentially expressed in human brain in a developmental-specific manner. Transcripts encoding 5' UTRs -2A and alternative exon -1 (Alt1), P37 and AS1 and AS2 were increased in SZ. Alt1, P37, and AS2 were also preferentially expressed in fetal brain, and all transcripts were regulated by TNFα and IL1β. Our findings provide novel insight into the complexity of PIK3CD regulation in human brain, implicate PIK3CD in human neurodevelopment, and identify isoform-specific disruption in SZ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry.,Department of Medicine.,Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hood VL, Paterson C, Law AJ. PI3Kinase-p110δ Overexpression Impairs Dendritic Morphogenesis and Increases Dendritic Spine Density. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:29. [PMID: 32180704 PMCID: PMC7059765 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Activity and expression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) catalytic isoform, PIK3CD/p110δ, is increased in schizophrenia, autism, and intellectual delay and pro-cognitive preclinical efficacy of p110δ-inhibition has been demonstrated in pharmacological, genetic, and developmental rodent models of psychiatric disorders. Although PI3K signaling has been implicated in the development and function of neurons and glia; isoform-specific roles of the individual PI3Ks are less clear and the biological effects of increased p110δ on neuronal development are unknown. Since the pathobiological direction of p110δ changes in neurodevelopmental disorders are increased expression and activity, we hypothesized that overexpression of p110δ would impact measures of neuronal development and maturation relevant to connectivity and synaptic transmission. p110δ overexpression in primary rat hippocampal cultures significantly reduced dendritic morphogenesis and arborization and increased immature and mature dendritic spine densities, without impacting cell viability, soma size, or axon length. Together, our novel findings demonstrate the importance of homeostatic regulation of the p110δ isoform for normative neuronal development and highlight a potential pathophysiological mechanism of association to disorders of neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica L Hood
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Clare Paterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Amanda J Law
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cioana M, Michalski B, Fahnestock M. Insulin‐Like Growth Factor and Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Receptor Expression in Human Idiopathic Autism Fusiform Gyrus Tissue. Autism Res 2020; 13:897-907. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.2291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Cioana
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences McMaster University Hamilton Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Bernadeta Michalski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences McMaster University Hamilton Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences McMaster University Hamilton Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
[Research advances in the role of mTOR signaling pathway in autism spectrum disorder]. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2019; 21. [PMID: 31315775 PMCID: PMC7389111 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular signaling pathway molecule which regulates various fundamental physiological processes. The mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in synaptic plasticity, information transmission and processing, and neuroregulation. Dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway is generally considered to be related to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); meanwhile, the mTOR inhibitor can ameliorate the symptoms of ASD. The role of mTOR in the pathogenesis of ASD is summarized in this article to provide a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of ASD.
Collapse
|
12
|
Rosina E, Battan B, Siracusano M, Di Criscio L, Hollis F, Pacini L, Curatolo P, Bagni C. Disruption of mTOR and MAPK pathways correlates with severity in idiopathic autism. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:50. [PMID: 30705255 PMCID: PMC6355879 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0335-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular signature underlying autism spectrum disorder remains largely unknown. This study identifies differential expression of mTOR and MAPK pathways in patients affected by mild and severe idiopathic autism. A total of 55 subjects were enrolled, of which 22 were typically developing individuals and 33 were patients aged between 3 and 11 years, with autism spectrum disorder. A detailed history, including physical examination, developmental evaluation, mental health history and autism diagnostic observation schedule were performed for each patient. Components of the mTOR and MAPK signalling pathways were analysed from peripheral blood at the protein level. Patients were then stratified according to their clinical phenotypes, and the molecular profiling was analysed in relation to the degree of autism severity. In this cohort of patients, we identified increased activity of mTOR and the MAPK pathways, key regulators of synaptogenesis and protein synthesis. Specifically, rpS6, p-eIF4E, TSC1 and p-MNK1 expression discriminated patients according to their clinical diagnosis, suggesting that components of protein synthesis signalling pathways might constitute a molecular signature of clinical severity in autism spectrum disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rosina
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Battan
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Siracusano
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Lorena Di Criscio
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiona Hollis
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laura Pacini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, University Hospital of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Bagni
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kotajima-Murakami H, Kobayashi T, Kashii H, Sato A, Hagino Y, Tanaka M, Nishito Y, Takamatsu Y, Uchino S, Ikeda K. Effects of rapamycin on social interaction deficits and gene expression in mice exposed to valproic acid in utero. Mol Brain 2019; 12:3. [PMID: 30621732 PMCID: PMC6325753 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0423-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cell metabolism, growth, and proliferation. The overactivation of mTOR has been implicated in the pathogenesis of syndromic autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin improved social interaction deficits in mouse models of TSC. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) increases the incidence of ASD. Rodent pups that are exposed to VPA in utero have been used as an animal model of ASD. Activation of the mTOR signaling pathway was recently observed in rodents that were exposed to VPA in utero, and rapamycin ameliorated social interaction deficits. The present study investigated the effect of rapamycin on social interaction deficits in both adolescence and adulthood, and gene expressions in mice that were exposed to VPA in utero. We subcutaneously injected 600 mg/kg VPA in pregnant mice on gestational day 12.5 and used the pups as a model of ASD. The pups were intraperitoneally injected with rapamycin or an equal volume of vehicle once daily for 2 consecutive days. The social interaction test was conducted in the offspring after the last rapamycin administration at 5-6 weeks of ages (adolescence) or 10-11 weeks of age (adulthood). Whole brains were collected after the social interaction test in the adulthood, and microarray and Western blot analyses were performed. Mice that were exposed to VPA and treated with vehicle exhibited a decrease in social interaction compared with control mice that were treated with vehicle. Rapamycin treatment in VPA-exposed mice improved social deficits. Mice that were exposed to VPA and treated with vehicle exhibited the aberrant expression of genes in the mTOR signaling pathway, and rapamycin treatment recovered changes in the expression of some genes, including Fyb and A330094K24Rik. Rapamycin treatment suppressed S6 phosphorylation in VPA-exposed mice. Aberrant gene expression was associated with social interaction deficits in VPA-exposed mice. Rapamycin may be an effective treatment for non-syndromic ASD in adolescent and adult patients who present impairments in the mTOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Kotajima-Murakami
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Pathogenesis, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Kashii
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sato
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Hagino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Developmental Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Higashimachi, Kodaira-shi, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Nishito
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Takamatsu
- Center for Basic Technology Research, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeo Uchino
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Biosciences, School of Science and Engineering, Teikyo University, 1-1 Toyosatodai, Utsunomiya-shi, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental condition with no current treatment available. Although advances in genetics and genomics have identified hundreds of genes associated with ASD, very little is known about the pathophysiology of ASD and the functional contribution of specific genes to ASD phenotypes. Improved understanding of the biological function of ASD-associated genes and how this heterogeneous group of genetic variants leads to the disease is needed in order to develop therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the current state of ASD research related to gene discovery and examples of emerging molecular mechanisms (protein translation and alternative splicing). In addition, we discuss how patient-derived three-dimensional brain organoids might provide an opportunity to model specific genetic variants in order to define molecular and cellular defects that could be amenable for developing and screening personalized therapies related to ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Ayhan
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 75390-9111 TX, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, 75390-9111 TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Magdalon J, Sánchez-Sánchez SM, Griesi-Oliveira K, Sertié AL. Dysfunctional mTORC1 Signaling: A Convergent Mechanism between Syndromic and Nonsyndromic Forms of Autism Spectrum Disorder? Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030659. [PMID: 28335463 PMCID: PMC5372671 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibits striking heterogeneity in genetics and clinical presentation, dysfunction of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway has been identified as a molecular feature common to several well-characterized syndromes with high prevalence of ASD. Additionally, recent findings have also implicated mTORC1 signaling abnormalities in a subset of nonsyndromic ASD, suggesting that defective mTORC1 pathway may be a potential converging mechanism in ASD pathology across different etiologies. However, the mechanistic evidence for a causal link between aberrant mTORC1 pathway activity and ASD neurobehavioral features varies depending on the ASD form involved. In this review, we first discuss six monogenic ASD-related syndromes, including both classical and potentially novel mTORopathies, highlighting their contribution to our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying ASD, and then we discuss existing evidence suggesting that aberrant mTORC1 signaling may also play a role in nonsyndromic ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Magdalon
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil.
| | - Sandra M Sánchez-Sánchez
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil.
- Departamento de Genética e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-090, Brazil.
| | - Karina Griesi-Oliveira
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil.
| | - Andréa L Sertié
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gross C. Defective phosphoinositide metabolism in autism. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:1161-1173. [PMID: 27376697 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phosphoinositides are essential components of lipid membranes and crucial regulators of many cellular functions, including signal transduction, vesicle trafficking, membrane receptor localization and activity, and determination of membrane identity. These functions depend on the dynamic and highly regulated metabolism of phosphoinositides and require finely balanced activity of specific phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases. There is increasing evidence from genetic and functional studies that these enzymes are often dysregulated or mutated in autism spectrum disorders; in particular, phosphoinositide 3-kinases and their regulatory subunits appear to be affected frequently. Examples of autism spectrum disorders with defective phosphoinositide metabolism are fragile X syndrome and autism disorders associated with mutations in the phosphoinositide 3-phosphatase tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), but recent genetic analyses also suggest that select nonsyndromic, idiopathic forms of autism may have altered activity of phosphoinositide kinases and phosphatases. Isoform-specific inhibitors for some of the phosphoinositide kinases have already been developed for cancer research and treatment, and a few are being evaluated for use in humans. Altogether, this offers exciting opportunities to explore altered phosphoinositide metabolism as a therapeutic target in individuals with certain forms of autism. This review summarizes genetic and functional studies identifying defects in phosphoinositide metabolism in autism and related disorders, describes published preclinical work targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinases in neurological diseases, and discusses the opportunities and challenges ahead to translate these findings from animal models and human cells into clinical application in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gross
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| |
Collapse
|