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Riemersma IW, Ike KGO, Sollie T, Meijer EL, Havekes R, Kas MJH. Suppression of Cofilin function in the somatosensory cortex alters social contact behavior in the BTBR mouse inbred line. Cereb Cortex 2024; 34:bhae136. [PMID: 38602737 PMCID: PMC11008688 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhae136] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Sensory differences are a core feature of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and are predictive of other ASD core symptoms such as social difficulties. However, the neurobiological substrate underlying the functional relationship between sensory and social functioning is poorly understood. Here, we examined whether misregulation of structural plasticity in the somatosensory cortex modulates aberrant social functioning in BTBR mice, a mouse model for autism spectrum disorder-like phenotypes. By locally expressing a dominant-negative form of Cofilin (CofilinS3D; a key regulator of synaptic structure) in the somatosensory cortex, we tested whether somatosensory suppression of Cofilin activity alters social functioning in BTBR mice. Somatosensory Cofilin suppression altered social contact and nest-hide behavior of BTBR mice in a social colony, assessed for seven consecutive days. Subsequent behavioral testing revealed that altered social functioning is related to altered tactile sensory perception; CofilinS3D-treated BTBR mice showed a time-dependent difference in the sensory bedding preference task. These findings show that Cofilin suppression in the somatosensory cortex alters social functioning in BTBR mice and that this is associated with tactile sensory processing, a critical indicator of somatosensory functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris W Riemersma
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin G O Ike
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Sollie
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elroy L Meijer
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J H Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen , Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
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Su P, Yan S, Chen K, Huang L, Wang L, Lee FHF, Zhou H, Lai TKY, Jiang A, Samsom J, Wong AHC, Yang G, Liu F. EF1α-associated protein complexes affect dendritic spine plasticity by regulating microglial phagocytosis in Fmr1 knock-out mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1099-1113. [PMID: 38212373 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02396-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability. There is no specific treatment for FXS due to the lack of therapeutic targets. We report here that Elongation Factor 1α (EF1α) forms a complex with two other proteins: Tripartite motif-containing protein 3 (TRIM3) and Murine double minute (Mdm2). Both EF1α-Mdm2 and EF1α-TRIM3 protein complexes are increased in the brain of Fmr1 knockout mice as a result of FMRP deficiency, which releases the normal translational suppression of EF1α mRNA and increases EF1α protein levels. Increased EF1α-Mdm2 complex decreases PSD-95 ubiquitination (Ub-PSD-95) and Ub-PSD-95-C1q interaction. The elevated level of TRIM3-EF1α complex is associated with decreased TRIM3-Complement Component 3 (C3) complex that inhibits the activation of C3. Both protein complexes thereby contribute to a reduction in microglia-mediated phagocytosis and dendritic spine pruning. Finally, we created a peptide that disrupts both protein complexes and restores dendritic spine plasticity and behavioural deficits in Fmr1 knockout mice. The EF1α-Mdm2 and EF1α-TRIM3 complexes could thus be new therapeutic targets for FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Su
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Shuxin Yan
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Kai Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Lianyan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Le Wang
- Institute of Mental Health and Drug Discovery, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China
| | - Frankie Hang Fung Lee
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Hang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Terence Kai Ying Lai
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Anlong Jiang
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
| | - James Samsom
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
| | - Albert H C Wong
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
- Institutes of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Guang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, M5T1R8, Canada.
- Institute of Mental Health and Drug Discovery, Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
- Institutes of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 1R8, Canada.
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Flynn MJ, Mayfield AM, Du R, Gradinaru V, Elowitz MB. Synthetic dosage-compensating miRNA circuits allow precision gene therapy for Rett syndrome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.13.584179. [PMID: 38559034 PMCID: PMC10980028 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.13.584179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
A longstanding challenge in gene therapy is expressing a dosage-sensitive gene within a tight therapeutic window. For example, loss of MECP2 function causes Rett syndrome, while its duplication causes MECP2 duplication syndrome. Viral gene delivery methods generate variable numbers of gene copies in individual cells, creating a need for gene dosage-invariant expression systems. Here, we introduce a compact miRNA-based, incoherent feed-forward loop circuit that achieves precise control of Mecp2 expression in cells and brains, and improves outcomes in an AAV-based mouse model of Rett syndrome gene therapy. Single molecule analysis of endogenous and ectopic Mecp2 mRNA revealed precise, sustained expression across a broad range of gene dosages. Delivered systemically in a brain-targeting AAV capsid, the circuit strongly suppressed Rett behavioral symptoms for over 24 weeks, outperforming an unregulated gene therapy. These results demonstrate that synthetic miRNA-based regulatory circuits can enable precise in vivo expression to improve the safety and efficacy of gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Flynn
- Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Acacia M.H. Mayfield
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Rongrong Du
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
| | - Michael B. Elowitz
- Division of Engineering and Applied Sciences, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
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Taheri F, Joushi S, Esmaeilpour K, Ebrahimi MN, Taherizadeh Z, Taheri P, Sheibani V. Transmission of behavioral and cognitive impairments across generations in rats subjected to prenatal valproic acid exposure. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2309. [PMID: 38343145 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2309] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents an inheritable neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Numerous studies have underscored the significant roles played by genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of ASD, and these factors are known to perpetuate behavioral impairments across generations. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to assess the behavioral and cognitive attributes in the second filial (F2) generation of male and female rats, with a particular focus on those whose parents had been exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during embryonic development. METHODS In this study, a cohort of 32 male and 32 female rats from the second filial (F2) generation, referred to as Mother.ASD, Father.ASD, or Both.ASD, was examined. These designations indicate whether the mother, father, or both parents had experienced embryonic exposure to valproic acid (600 mg/kg, i.p.). During adolescence, the F2 pups underwent behavioral and cognitive assessments, including open field testing, marble burying, social interaction evaluations, and Morris water maze tasks. RESULTS Our data revealed that while both the Mother.ASD and Father.ASD groups, regardless of sex, exhibited elevated anxiety-like behavior in the open field test. Only the Mother.ASD group displayed repetitive behaviors and deficits in social memory. Additionally, spatial memory impairments were observed in both sexes. These findings highlight the transmission of autistic-like behaviors in the offspring of Mother.ASD rats from both sexes. Nevertheless, future research endeavors should be more targeted in identifying the specific genes responsible for this transmission. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings underscore the transmission of autistic-like behaviors, including anxiety-like behavior, repetitive actions, impairments in social interactions, and deficits in memory, to the offspring of the Mother.ASD group, irrespective of their sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Public health school, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Navid Ebrahimi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Taherizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Parichehr Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Kereszturi É. Diversity and Classification of Genetic Variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16768. [PMID: 38069091 PMCID: PMC10706722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms that affect the whole personality and all aspects of life. Although there is a high degree of heterogeneity in both its etiology and its characteristic behavioral patterns, the disorder is well-captured along the autistic triad. Currently, ASD status can be confirmed following an assessment of behavioral features, but there is a growing emphasis on conceptualizing autism as a spectrum, which allows for establishing a diagnosis based on the level of support need, free of discrete categories. Since ASD has a high genetic predominance, the number of genetic variations identified in the background of the condition is increasing exponentially as genetic testing methods are rapidly evolving. However, due to the huge amount of data to be analyzed, grouping the different DNA variations is still challenging. Therefore, in the present review, a multidimensional classification scheme was developed to accommodate most of the currently known genetic variants associated with autism. Genetic variations have been grouped according to six criteria (extent, time of onset, information content, frequency, number of genes involved, inheritance pattern), which are themselves not discrete categories, but form a coherent continuum in line with the autism spectrum approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kereszturi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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6
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Taheri F, Esmaeilpour K, Sepehri G, Sheibani V, Shekari MA. Amelioration of cognition impairments in the valproic acid-induced animal model of autism by ciproxifan, a histamine H3-receptor antagonist. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:179-196. [PMID: 37171458 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behavior. Many studies show that the number of cognitive impairmentscan be reduced by antagonists of the histamine H3 receptor (H3R). In this study, the effects of ciproxifan (CPX) (1 and 3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) on cognitive impairments in rat pups exposed to valproic acid (VPA) (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) wereexamined on postnatal day 48-50 (PND 48-50) using marble-burying task (MBT), open field, novel object recognition (NOR), and Passive avoidance tasks. Famotidine (FAM) (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) was also used to determine whether histaminergic neurotransmission exerts its procognitive effects via H2 receptors (H2Rs). Furthermore, a histological investigation was conducted to assess the degree of degeneration of hippocampal neurons. The results revealed that repetitive behaviors increased in VPA-exposed rat offspring in the MBT. In addition, VPA-exposed rat offspring exhibited more anxiety-like behaviors in the open field than saline-treated rats. It was found that VPA-exposed rat offspring showed memory deficits in NOR and Passive avoidance tasks. Our results indicated that 3 mg/kg CPX improved cognitive impairments induced by VPA, while 20 mg/kg FAM attenuated them. We concluded that 3 mg/kg CPX improved VPA-induced cognitive impairments through H3Rs. The histological assessment showed that the number of CA1 neurons decreased in the VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to the saline-exposed rat offspring, but this decrease was not significant. The histological assessment also revealed no significant differences in CA1 neurons in VPA-exposed rat offspring compared to saline-exposed rat offspring. However, CPX3 increased the number of CA1 neurons in the VPA + CPX3 group compared to the VPA + Saline group, but this increase was not significant. This study showed that rats prenatally exposed to VPA exhibit cognitive impairments in the MBT, open field, NOR, and Passive avoidance tests, which are ameliorated by CPX treatment on PND 48-50. In addition, morphological investigations showed that VPA treatment did not lead to neuronal degeneration in the CA1 subfield of the hippocampus in rat pups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi Shekari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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7
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Therapeutic strategies for autism: targeting three levels of the central dogma of molecular biology. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:58. [PMID: 36792602 PMCID: PMC9931756 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02356-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has yielded much success in the identification of risk genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with many studies implicating loss-of-function (LoF) mutations within these genes. Despite this, no significant clinical advances have been made so far in the development of therapeutics for ASD. Given the role of LoF mutations in ASD etiology, many of the therapeutics in development are designed to rescue the haploinsufficient effect of genes at the transcriptional, translational, and protein levels. This review will discuss the various therapeutic techniques being developed from each level of the central dogma with examples including: CRISPR activation (CRISPRa) and gene replacement at the DNA level, antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) at the mRNA level, and small-molecule drugs at the protein level, followed by a review of current delivery methods for these therapeutics. Since central nervous system (CNS) penetrance is of utmost importance for ASD therapeutics, it is especially necessary to evaluate delivery methods that have higher efficiency in crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
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8
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How to Make the Unpredictable Foreseeable? Effective Forms of Assistance for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030407. [PMID: 36766512 PMCID: PMC9914931 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptomatology in patients with the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is very heterogeneous. The symptoms they present include communication difficulties, behavior problems, upbringing problems from their parents, and comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy, intellectual disability). A predictable and stable environment and the continuity of therapeutic interactions are crucial in this population. The COVID-19 pandemic has created much concern, and the need for home isolation to limit the spread of the virus has disrupted the functioning routine of children/adolescents with ASD. Are there effective diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives to limit the consequences of disturbing the daily routine of young patients during the unpredictable times of the pandemic? Modern technology and telemedicine have come to the rescue. This narrative review aims to present a change in the impact profile in the era of isolation and assess the directions of changes that specialists may choose when dealing with patients with ASD.
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9
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Song X, Hu Q, Xu X, Pan W. Protein kinase C beta relieves autism-like behavior in EN2 knockout mice via upregulation of the FTO/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23236. [PMID: 36239013 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23236] [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: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that disruption of neuron activity contributes to the autistic phenotype. Thus, we aimed in this study to explore the role of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) in the regulation of neuron activity in an autism model. The expression of PKCβ in the microarray data of autism animal models was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Then, mice with autism-like behavior were prepared in EN2 knockout (-/- ) mice. The interaction between PKCβ on fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) as well as between PGC-1α and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) were characterized. The effect of FTO on the N6 -methyladenosine (m6A) modification level of proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α) was assayed. Following transfection of overexpressed PKCβ and/or silenced UCP1, effects of PKCβ and UCP1 in autism-like behaviors in EN2-/- mice were analyzed. Results showed that PKCβ was downregulated in EN2-/- mouse brain tissues or neurons. PKCβ promoted the expression and stability of FTO, which downregulated the m6A modification level of PGC-1α to promote its expression. Moreover, PGC-1α positively targeted the expression of UCP1. PKCβ knockdown enhanced sociability and spatial exploration ability, and reduced neuron apoptosis in EN2-/- mouse models of autism, which was reversed by UCP1 overexpression. Collectively, PKCβ overexpression leads to activation of the FTO/m6A/PGC-1α/UCP1 axis, thus inhibiting neuron apoptosis and providing neuroprotection in mice with autism-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qibo Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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10
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Elgamal MA, Khodeer DM, Abdel-Wahab BA, Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Moustafa YM, Ali AA, El-Sayed NM. Canagliflozin alleviates valproic acid-induced autism in rat pups: Role of PTEN/PDK/PPAR-γ signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113966. [PMID: 36909191 PMCID: PMC9992196 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is complex and multifactorial, and is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders. Canagliflozin (Cana) is an antidiabetic drug that exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurodegenerative syndromes. This study investigated the possible protective effect of Cana against the valproic acid (VPA)-induced model of autism. VPA was injected subcutaneously (SC) into rat pups at a dose of 300 mg/kg, twice daily on postnatal day-2 (PD-2) and PD-3, and once on PD-4 to induce an autism-like syndrome. Graded doses of Cana were administered (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg, P.O.) starting from the first day of VPA injections and continued for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, behavioral tests and histopathological alterations were assessed. In addition, the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), cellular myeloctomatosis (c-Myc) with protein expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and level of acetylcholine (ACh) were determined. Treatment with Cana significantly counteracted histopathological changes in the cerebellum tissues of the brain induced by VPA. Cana (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg) improved sociability and social preference, enhanced stereotypic behaviors, and decreased hyperlocomotion activity, in addition to its significant effect on the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway via the downregulation of gene expression of LDHA (22%, 64%, and 73% in cerebellum tissues with 51%, 60%, and 75% in cerebrum tissues), PDK (27%, 50%, and 67% in cerebellum tissues with 34%, 66%, and 77% in cerebrum tissues), c-Myc (35%, 44%, and 72% in cerebellum tissues with 19%, 58%, and 79% in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of GLUT-1 (32%, 48%, and 49% in cerebellum tissues with 30%, 50%, and 54% in cerebrum tissues), and elevating gene expression of PPAR-γ (2, 3, and 4 folds in cerebellum tissues with 1.5, 3, and 9 folds in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of PTEN (2, 5, and 6 folds in cerebellum tissues with 6, 6, and 10 folds in cerebrum tissues), and increasing the ACh levels (4, 5, and 7 folds) in brain tissues. The current study confirmed the ameliorating effect of Cana against neurochemical and behavioral alterations in the VPA-induced model of autism in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam A Elgamal
- Egypt Healthcare Authority, Comprehensive Health Insurance, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Dina M Khodeer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Azza A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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11
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Haratizadeh S, Ranjbar M, Darvishzadeh-Mahani F, Basiri M, Nozari M. The effects of postnatal erythropoietin and nano-erythropoietin on behavioral alterations by mediating K-Cl co-transporter 2 in the valproic acid-induced rat model of autism. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22353. [PMID: 36567653 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In this study, based on the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance theory of autism, the time window of GABA switch, the role of K-Cl co-transporter 2 (KCC2) in adjustment GABA switch, and brain permeability to erythropoietin (EPO), the effects of postnatal -EPO and- nano- erythropoietin (NEPO) have been evaluated in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. The VPA was administered for animal modeling of autism at gestational day (GD) 12.5 (600 mg/kg). Male offsprings were injected with EPO and NEPO in a clinically proper postnatal dosing regimen on postnatal days (PND) 1-5, and autistic-like behaviors were tested at the end of the first month. Then animals were sacrificed, and neuron morphology and KCC2 expression were examined by Nissl staining and Western blot. According to our findings, high-dose NEPO improved autism-associated phenotypes. Neuroprotective effects of EPO and NEPO have been shown in the hippocampus. Postnatal NEPO treatment reversed KCC2 expression abnormalities induced by prenatal VPA. Our results might support the role of KCC2 in ASD and the excitatory/inhibitory imbalance hypothesis. We suggested Nano- erythropoietin and other KCC2 interventions as a new approach to the early treatment and prevention of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Haratizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ranjbar
- Pharmaceutics Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Darvishzadeh-Mahani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohsen Basiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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12
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Shahcheraghi SH, Ayatollahi J, Lotfi M, Aljabali AAA, Al-Zoubi MS, Panda PK, Mishra V, Satija S, Charbe NB, Serrano-Aroca Á, Bahar B, Takayama K, Goyal R, Bhatia A, Almutary AG, Alnuqaydan AM, Mishra Y, Negi P, Courtney A, McCarron PA, Bakshi HA, Tambuwala MM. Gene Therapy for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Potential Targets and Tools. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:51-65. [PMID: 35249508 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220304153719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders that affect the central nervous system cause considerable pressures on the health care system and have a substantial economic burden on modern societies. The present treatments based on available drugs are mostly ineffective and often costly. The molecular process of neuropsychiatric disorders is closely connected to modifying the genetic structures inherited or caused by damage, toxic chemicals, and some current diseases. Gene therapy is presently an experimental concept for neurological disorders. Clinical applications endeavor to alleviate the symptoms, reduce disease progression, and repair defective genes. Implementing gene therapy in inherited and acquired neurological illnesses entails the integration of several scientific disciplines, including virology, neurology, neurosurgery, molecular genetics, and immunology. Genetic manipulation has the power to minimize or cure illness by inducing genetic alterations at endogenous loci. Gene therapy that involves treating the disease by deleting, silencing, or editing defective genes and delivering genetic material to produce therapeutic molecules has excellent potential as a novel approach for treating neuropsychiatric disorders. With the recent advances in gene selection and vector design quality in targeted treatments, gene therapy could be an effective approach. This review article will investigate and report the newest and the most critical molecules and factors in neuropsychiatric disorder gene therapy. Different genome editing techniques available will be evaluated, and the review will highlight preclinical research of genome editing for neuropsychiatric disorders while also evaluating current limitations and potential strategies to overcome genome editing advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed H Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Jamshid Ayatollahi
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi Hospital, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Marzieh Lotfi
- Abortion Research Center, Reproductive Sciences Institute, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mazhar S Al-Zoubi
- Yarmouk University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Pritam K Panda
- Condensed Matter Theory Group, Materials Theory Division, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Uppsala University, Box 516, 75120 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Saurabh Satija
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Nitin B Charbe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Kingsville, TX 78363, USA
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Translational Research Centre San Alberto Magno, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, C/Guillem de Castro 94, 46001 Valencia, Spain
| | - Bojlul Bahar
- Nutrition Sciences and Applied Food Safety Studies, Research Centre for Global Development, School of Sport & Health Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for IPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto, 606-8397, Japan
| | - Rohit Goyal
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box No. 9, Solan, Himachal Pradesh 173212, India
| | - Amit Bhatia
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, Punjab 151001, India
| | - Abdulmajeed G Almutary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Alnuqaydan
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yachana Mishra
- Shri Shakti Degree College, Sankhahari, Ghatampur 209206, India
| | - Poonam Negi
- Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan 173 212, India
| | - Aaron Courtney
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A McCarron
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Hamid A Bakshi
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ulster University, Coleraine, County Londonderry, BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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13
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Li Y, Sun C, Guo Y, Qiu S, Li Y, Liu Y, Zhong W, Wang H, Cheng Y, Liu Y. DIP2C polymorphisms are implicated in susceptibility and clinical phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 316:114792. [PMID: 35987071 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disco-interacting protein 2 C (DIP2C) has recently been reported as a new susceptibility gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in a genome-wide association study. METHODS We evaluated associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of DIP2C and ASD susceptibility in a case-control study (715 ASD cases and 728 controls) from Chinese Han. RESULTS We identified a significant association between SNPs (rs3740304, rs2288681, rs7088729, rs4242757, rs10795060, and rs10904083) and ASD susceptibility. Of note, rs3740304, rs2288681, and rs7088729 are positively associated with ASD under inheritance models; moreover, haplotypes with any two marker SNPs (rs3740304 [G], rs2288681 [C], rs7088729 [T], rs4242757 [C], rs10795060 [G], and rs10904083 [A]) are also significantly associated with ASD. Additionally, rs10795060 and rs10904083 are associated with "visual reaction" phenotypes of ASD. CONCLUSIONS DIP2C polymorphisms sort out the susceptibility and clinical phenotypes of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China; Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shengyang 110000, China
| | - Chuanyong Sun
- Northeast Asian Studies Center, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yanbo Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shuang Qiu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yunkai Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Weijing Zhong
- Chunguang Rehabilitation Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Hedi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Beihua University, Jilin 132013, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Yawen Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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14
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Qi C, Luo LD, Feng I, Ma S. Molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:939793. [PMID: 36176941 PMCID: PMC9513053 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.939793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the basic units for information processing and storage in the nervous system. It is only when the synaptic connection is established, that it becomes meaningful to discuss the structure and function of a circuit. In humans, our unparalleled cognitive abilities are correlated with an increase in the number of synapses. Additionally, genes involved in synaptogenesis are also frequently associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders, suggesting a relationship between synaptogenesis and brain physiology and pathology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis is the key to the mystery of circuit assembly and neural computation. Furthermore, it would provide therapeutic insights for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple molecular events must be precisely coordinated to generate a synapse. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, we need to know the molecular components of synapses, how these molecular components are held together, and how the molecular networks are refined in response to neural activity to generate new synapses. Thanks to the intensive investigations in this field, our understanding of the process of synaptogenesis has progressed significantly. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis by going over the studies on the identification of molecular components in synapses and their functions in synaptogenesis, how cell adhesion molecules connect these synaptic molecules together, and how neural activity mobilizes these molecules to generate new synapses. Finally, we will summarize the human-specific regulatory mechanisms in synaptogenesis and results from human genetics studies on synaptogenesis and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cai Qi,
| | - Li-Da Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irena Feng
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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15
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Shiohama T, Ortug A, Warren JLA, Valli B, Levman J, Faja SK, Tsujimura K, Maunakea AK, Takahashi E. Small Nucleus Accumbens and Large Cerebral Ventricles in Infants and Toddlers Prior to Receiving Diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:1200-1211. [PMID: 34455432 PMCID: PMC8924432 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early interventions for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are increasingly available, while only 42-50% of ASD children are diagnosed before 3 years old (YO). To identify neuroimaging biomarkers for early ASD diagnosis, we evaluated surface- and voxel-based brain morphometry in participants under 3YO who were later diagnosed with ASD. Magnetic resonance imaging data were retrospectively obtained from patients later diagnosed with ASD at Boston Children's Hospital. The ASD participants with comorbidities such as congenital disorder, epilepsy, and global developmental delay/intellectual disability were excluded from statistical analyses. Eighty-five structural brain magnetic resonance imaging images were collected from 81 participants under 3YO and compared with 45 images from 45 gender- and age-matched nonautistic controls (non-ASD). Using an Infant FreeSurfer pipeline, 236 regionally distributed measurements were extracted from each scan. By t-tests and linear mixed models, the smaller nucleus accumbens and larger bilateral lateral, third, and fourth ventricles were identified in the ASD group. Vertex-wise t-statistical maps showed decreased thickness in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex and increased thickness in the right medial orbitofrontal cortex in ASD. The smaller bilateral accumbens nuclei and larger cerebral ventricles were independent of age, gender, or gestational age at birth, suggesting that there are MRI-based biomarkers in prospective ASD patients before they receive the diagnosis and that the volume of the nucleus accumbens and cerebral ventricles can be key MRI-based early biomarkers to predict the emergence of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Shiohama
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Chiba University Hospital, Chiba 2608670, Japan
| | - Alpen Ortug
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jose Luis Alatorre Warren
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Briana Valli
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jacob Levman
- Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5, Canada
| | - Susan K Faja
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Group of Brain Function and Development, Nagoya University Neuroscience Institute of the Graduate School of Science, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan.,Research Unit for Developmental Disorders, Institute for Advanced Research, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 464-8602, Japan
| | - Alika K Maunakea
- Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology, 651 Ilalo Street, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Manoa, HI 96813, USA
| | - Emi Takahashi
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Radiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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16
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Weuring W, Geerligs J, Koeleman BPC. Gene Therapies for Monogenic Autism Spectrum Disorders. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12111667. [PMID: 34828273 PMCID: PMC8617899 DOI: 10.3390/genes12111667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel genome editing and transient gene therapies have been developed the past ten years, resulting in the first in-human clinical trials for monogenic disorders. Syndromic autism spectrum disorders can be caused by mutations in a single gene. Given the monogenic aspect and severity of syndromic ASD, it is an ideal candidate for gene therapies. Here, we selected 11 monogenic ASD syndromes, validated by animal models, and reviewed current gene therapies for each syndrome. Given the wide variety and novelty of some forms of gene therapy, the best possible option must be decided based on the gene and mutation.
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17
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Alinaghi Langari A, Nezhadi A, Kameshki H, Jorjafki SM, Mirhosseini Y, Khaksari M, Shamsi Meymandi M, Nozari M. The protective effect of prenatally administered vitamin E on behavioral alterations in an animal model of autism induced by valproic acid. TOXIN REV 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/15569543.2020.1747495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Akram Nezhadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Halimeh Kameshki
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sobhan Mohammadi Jorjafki
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Yasamin Mirhosseini
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khaksari
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research, and Physiology Research Centers, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Manzumeh Shamsi Meymandi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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18
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Havdahl A, Niarchou M, Starnawska A, Uddin M, van der Merwe C, Warrier V. Genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2260-2273. [PMID: 33634770 PMCID: PMC8477228 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in communication and social interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. This review summarizes recent developments in human genetics research in autism, complemented by epigenetic and transcriptomic findings. The clinical heterogeneity of autism is mirrored by a complex genetic architecture involving several types of common and rare variants, ranging from point mutations to large copy number variants, and either inherited or spontaneous (de novo). More than 100 risk genes have been implicated by rare, often de novo, potentially damaging mutations in highly constrained genes. These account for substantial individual risk but a small proportion of the population risk. In contrast, most of the genetic risk is attributable to common inherited variants acting en masse, each individually with small effects. Studies have identified a handful of robustly associated common variants. Different risk genes converge on the same mechanisms, such as gene regulation and synaptic connectivity. These mechanisms are also implicated by genes that are epigenetically and transcriptionally dysregulated in autism. Major challenges to understanding the biological mechanisms include substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, large locus heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and widespread pleiotropy. Considerable increases in sample sizes are needed to better understand the hundreds or thousands of common and rare genetic variants involved. Future research should integrate common and rare variant research, multi-omics data including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, and refined phenotype assessment with multidimensional and longitudinal measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. Niarchou
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, USA
| | - A. Starnawska
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Center for Genomics for Personalized Medicine, CGPM, and Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - C. van der Merwe
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, MA, USA
| | - V. Warrier
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
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19
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Rocha LFM, Braga LAM, Mota FB. Gene Editing for Treatment and Prevention of Human Diseases: A Global Survey of Gene Editing-Related Researchers. Hum Gene Ther 2021; 31:852-862. [PMID: 32718240 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2020.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the next decades, gene editing technologies are expected to be used in the treatment and prevention of human diseases. Yet, the future uses of gene editing in medicine are still unknown, including its applicability and effectiveness to the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, cancer, and monogenic and polygenic hereditary diseases. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing the views of over 1,000 gene editing-related researchers from all over the world. Some of our survey results show that, in the next 10 years, DNA double-strand breaks are expected to be the main method for gene editing, and CRISPR-Cas systems to be the mainstream programmable nuclease. In the same period, gene editing is expected to have more applicability and effectiveness to treat and prevent infectious diseases and cancer. Off-targeting mutations, reaching therapeutic levels of editing efficiency, difficulties in targeting specific tissues in vivo, and regulatory and ethical challenges are among the most relevant factors that might hamper the use of gene editing in humans. In conclusion, our results suggest that gene editing might become a reality to the treatment and prevention of a variety of human diseases in the coming 10 years. If the future confirms these researchers' expectations, gene editing could change the way medicine, health systems, and public health deal with the treatment and prevention of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Batista Mota
- Center for Strategic Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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20
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Lapato DM, Moore AA, Findling R, Brown RC, Roberson-Nay R. An Update on Precision Medicine Advances In Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Psychiatr Ann 2021; 51:175-184. [PMID: 37609560 PMCID: PMC10443929 DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20210309-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyper-activity disorder (ADHD), represent a group of conditions that manifest early in child development and produce impairments across multiple domains of functioning. Although a number of pharmacological and psychosocial treatments exist to improve the symptoms associated with these syndromes, treatment advances have lagged. The Precision Medicine Initiative was launched with the goal of revolutionizing medicine by progressing beyond the historical one-size-fits-all approach. In this review, we evaluate current research efforts to personalize treatments for ASD and ADHD. Most pharmacogenetic testing has focused on the cytochrome P450 enzyme family with a particular focus on CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, which are genes that produce an enzyme that acts as a key metabolizer of many prescribed medications. This article provides an update on the state of the field of pharmacogenetics and "therapy-genetics" in the context of ASD and ADHD, and it also encourages clinicians to follow US Food and Drug Administration recommendations regarding pharmacogenetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana M. Lapato
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Ashlee A. Moore
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department of Psychiatry Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Ruth C. Brown
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department of Psychiatry Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Roxann Roberson-Nay
- Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
- Department of Psychiatry Virginia Commonwealth University
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21
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Haratizadeh S, Parvan M, Mohammadi S, Shabani M, Nozari M. An overview of modeling and behavioral assessment of autism in the rodent. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:221-228. [PMID: 33570815 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are common neurodevelopmental disorders with a growing incidence that generally present in the first 3 years of life. Behavioral symptoms, including impaired social interaction and increased repetitive or stereotypic movements, are hallmark characteristics of autism. Animal models are research tools used to study the biology of the disease and to develop new therapeutic approaches. The complexity of the etiology of autism makes it challenging to develop a comprehensive animal model that accurately mimics different clinical aspects of autism. Here, we reviewed the literature on modeling and behavioral assessment of autism in the rodent, and focused on ASD behavioral phenotypes that can be modeled in rodents. These animal models can be effective in gaining a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Haratizadeh
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Parvan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Somayeh Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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22
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Smirnov V, Neznanov N, Morozova Y, Makarov I, Emelina D, Gasanov R, Bazanovich S. Allogeneic umbilical cord blood cell therapy for children with autism: safety and efficacy of the method. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2021; 121:31-37. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202112111231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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23
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Roh M, Lee H, Seo H, Lim CS, Park P, Choi JE, Kwak JH, Lee J, Kaang BK, McHugh TJ, Lee K. Perseverative stereotypic behavior of Epac2 KO mice in a reward-based decision making task. Neurosci Res 2020; 161:8-17. [PMID: 33007326 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Successfully navigating dynamic environments requires balancing the decision to stay at an optimal choice with that to switch to an alternative to acquire new knowledge. However, the genetic factors and cellular activity shaping this "stay or switch" action decision remains largely unidentified. Here we find that mice carrying a deletion of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP 2 (Epac2) gene, a putative autism locus, exhibit perseverative "stay" behavior in a dynamic foraging task. Anatomical analysis found that the loss of Epac2 resulted in a significant decrease in the density of PV-expressing interneurons in the ventrolateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and dorsal striatum (dSTR). Further, in vitro whole cell patch clamp recordings of PV+ GABAergic interneurons in the dSTR revealed altered neural activity in Epac2 KO mice in response to dopamine. Our findings highlight a potential role of Epac2 in structural changes and neural responses of PV-expressing GABAergic interneurons in the ventrolateral OFC and dSTR during value-based reinforcement learning and link Epac2 function to abnormal decision-making processes and perseverative behaviors seen in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mootaek Roh
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Hyunhyo Seo
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Chae-Seok Lim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea; Department of Pharmacology, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, 460 Iksandae-ro, Iksan, Jeonbuk 54538, South Korea
| | - Pojeong Park
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ja Eun Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Kwak
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Juhyun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea
| | - Bong-Kiun Kaang
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanangno, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, South Korea
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, 2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Kyungmin Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Science & Engineering Institute, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, South Korea.
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Abstract
Based on the analysis of literature, the authors describe the neuropathophysiological mechanism of the formation of synapses, synaptic transmission and plasticity, which may underlie the pathogenesis of autism. The results of some studies confirm the involvement of aberrant expression of genes and proteins of synaptic contacts, cell adhesion molecules p120ctn, CNTN5, CNTN6, activation of NMDA glutamate, TrkB, p75 receptors, Ca2+-input, BDNF, serotonin and testosterone. This leads to an imbalance in the exciting, inhibitory synaptic transmission and forms of synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) at the level of individual neurons and their chains due to suppression of GABA synthesis, expression of its ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, G proteins, NGF, TrkA receptors, a reduction in the number of GABAergic neurons, their contacts and disruption of differentiation. The pathology of the nuclei of the thalamus, especially the reticular nucleus (RN), is associated with a disturbance of the expression of the subunits of metabotropic GABAβ receptors, Ca2+ channels, GABA excretion and the work of chlorine transmitters. These failures do not ensure the inhibitory effect of OC on the exciting associative and ventral nuclei of the thalamus, nor modify the incoming information to the cerebral cortex (CC) from these thalamus nuclei, the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and the nuclei of the reticular formation. Information propagating into the somatosensory and associative regions of CC is not modified by mirror neurons (MN) when performing arbitrary actions, which prevents the formation of an adequate image in the neural networks of the associative cortex and promotes the development of hyperexcitability, irritability, increased visual and auditory sensitivity, anxiety, and the ability to form a holistic image based on the actions of other people.
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Affiliation(s)
- A N Chernov
- Almazov National Medical Research Center of the Ministry of Health of Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Gao Y, Irvine EE, Eleftheriadou I, Naranjo CJ, Hearn-Yeates F, Bosch L, Glegola JA, Murdoch L, Czerniak A, Meloni I, Renieri A, Kinali M, Mazarakis ND. Gene replacement ameliorates deficits in mouse and human models of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 disorder. Brain 2020; 143:811-832. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 disorder is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. It predominantly affects females who typically present with severe early epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, motor dysfunction, autistic features and sleep disturbances. To develop a gene replacement therapy, we initially characterized the human CDKL5 transcript isoforms expressed in the brain, neuroblastoma cell lines, primary astrocytes and embryonic stem cell-derived cortical interneurons. We found that the isoform 1 and to a lesser extent the isoform 2 were expressed in human brain, and both neuronal and glial cell types. These isoforms were subsequently cloned into recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector genome and high-titre viral vectors were produced. Intrajugular delivery of green fluorescence protein via AAV vector serotype PHP.B in adult wild-type male mice transduced neurons and astrocytes throughout the brain more efficiently than serotype 9. Cdkl5 knockout male mice treated with isoform 1 via intrajugular injection at age 28–30 days exhibited significant behavioural improvements compared to green fluorescence protein-treated controls (1012 vg per animal, n = 10 per group) with PHP.B vectors. Brain expression of the isoform 1 transgene was more abundant in hindbrain than forebrain and midbrain. Transgene brain expression was sporadic at the cellular level and most prominent in hippocampal neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Correction of postsynaptic density protein 95 cerebellar misexpression, a major fine cerebellar structural abnormality in Cdkl5 knockout mice, was found in regions of high transgene expression within the cerebellum. AAV vector serotype DJ efficiently transduced CDKL5-mutant human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors, which were subsequently differentiated into mature neurons. When treating CDKL5-mutant neurons, isoform 1 expression led to an increased density of synaptic puncta, while isoform 2 ameliorated the calcium signalling defect compared to green fluorescence protein control, implying distinct functions of these isoforms in neurons. This study provides the first evidence that gene therapy mediated by AAV vectors can be used for treating CDKL5 disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Gao
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Elaine E Irvine
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ioanna Eleftheriadou
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Carlos Jiménez Naranjo
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francesca Hearn-Yeates
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Leontien Bosch
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Justyna A Glegola
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Leah Murdoch
- CBS Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - Ilaria Meloni
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Kinali
- The Portland Hospital, 205-209 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5AH, UK
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
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27
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Mohammadi S, Asadi-Shekaari M, Basiri M, Parvan M, Shabani M, Nozari M. Improvement of autistic-like behaviors in adult rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid through early suppression of NMDA receptor function. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:199-208. [PMID: 31595334 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05357-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by social deficits, repetitive/stereotypic activity, and impaired verbal and nonverbal communication and is commonly diagnosed at early stages of life. Based on the excitatory-inhibitory imbalance theory of autism, some recent animal experiments have reported amelioration in autistic-like phenotypes in adult animals following acute treatment of NMDA antagonists. However, we suggested the neonatal period as a critical period for NMDA antagonist intervention. OBJECTIVES This experiment was designed to determine the role of postnatal MK-801, an NMDA receptor blocker, in the prenatal valproic acid (VPA) rat model of ASD. METHODS The model of autism was induced by subcutaneous administration of valproic acid (600 mg/kg) to pregnant rats at gestational day 12.5. The effects of MK-801 (0.03 mg/kg, from postnatal day 6-10) in correcting ASD-associated behaviors in male offspring were assessed by open-field, three-chambered social interaction tests. Moreover, the nociceptive threshold was measured by tail flick and hot plate. Behavioral tests were performed on PND 55-60. Nissl staining was performed to confirm the safety of 0.03 mg/kg MK-801 for the brain. RESULTS We reported that MK-801 rescued social deficits, repetitive behaviors (self-grooming), anxiety-related behavior, and the low nociceptive threshold in the VPA-treated rats. Further, histological examination showed that there were no significant differences among all the groups in terms of the neuronal survival rate. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that postnatal low-dose MK-801 improved ASD-associated behaviors in the VPA-treated rats and that early exposure to NMDA antagonist resulted in permanent changes in adult behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Mohammadi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Asadi-Shekaari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Basiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Parvan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nozari
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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Deb S, Phukan BC, Dutta A, Paul R, Bhattacharya P, Manivasagam T, Thenmozhi AJ, Babu CS, Essa MM, Borah A. Natural Products and Their Therapeutic Effect on Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:601-614. [PMID: 32006376 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that is evident in early childhood and can persist throughout the entire life. The disease is basically characterized by hurdles in social interaction where the individuals demonstrate repetitive and stereotyped interests or patterns of behavior. A wide number of neuroanatomical studies with autistic patients revealed alterations in brain development which lead to diverse cellular and anatomical processes including atypical neurogenesis, neuronal migration, maturation, differentiation, and degeneration. Special education programs, speech and language therapy, have been employed for the amelioration of behavioral deficits in autism. Although commonly prescribed antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and stimulants have revealed satisfactory responses in autistic individuals, adverse side effects and increased risk of several other complications including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, etc. have compelled the researchers to turn their attention toward herbal remedies. Alternative approaches with natural compounds are on continuous clinical trial to confirm their efficacy and to understand their potential in autism treatment. This chapter aims to cover the major plant-based natural products which hold promising outcomes in the field of reliable therapeutic interventions for autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satarupa Deb
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Banashree Chetia Phukan
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Ankumoni Dutta
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India
| | - Rajib Paul
- Department of Zoology, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya (PDUAM), Karimganj, Assam, India
| | - Pallab Bhattacharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Thamilarasan Manivasagam
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arokiasamy Justin Thenmozhi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Chidambaram Saravana Babu
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSSAHER), Mysuru, Karnataka, India
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.,Food and Brain Research Foundation, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Anupom Borah
- Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Silchar, Assam, India.
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Zelenova MA, Yurov YB, Vorsanova SG, Iourov IY. Laundering CNV data for candidate process prioritization in brain disorders. Mol Cytogenet 2019; 12:54. [PMID: 31890034 PMCID: PMC6933640 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-019-0468-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prioritization of genomic data has become a useful tool for uncovering the phenotypic effect of genetic variations (e.g. copy number variations or CNV) and disease mechanisms. Due to the complexity, brain disorders represent a major focus of genomic research aimed at revealing pathologic significance of genomic changes leading to brain dysfunction. Here, we propose a “CNV data laundering” algorithm based on filtering and prioritizing of genomic pathways retrieved from available databases for uncovering altered molecular pathways in brain disorders. The algorithm comprises seven consecutive steps of processing individual CNV data sets. First, the data are compared to in-house and web databases to discriminate recurrent non-pathogenic variants. Second, the CNV pool is confined to the genes predominantly expressed in the brain. Third, intergenic interactions are used for filtering causative CNV. Fourth, a network of interconnected elements specific for an individual genome variation set is created. Fifth, ontologic data (pathways/functions) are attributed to clusters of network elements. Sixth, the pathways are prioritized according to the significance of elements affected by CNV. Seventh, prioritized pathways are clustered according to the ontologies. Results The algorithm was applied to 191 CNV data sets obtained from children with brain disorders (intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders) by SNP array molecular karyotyping. “CNV data laundering” has identified 13 pathway clusters (39 processes/475 genes) implicated in the phenotypic manifestations. Conclusions Elucidating altered molecular pathways in brain disorders, the algorithm may be used for uncovering disease mechanisms and genotype-phenotype correlations. These opportunities are strongly required for developing therapeutic strategies in devastating neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Zelenova
- Mental Health Research Center, Russia Moscow, 115522.,2Academician Yu.E. Veltishchev Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics, N.I, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia Moscow, 125635
| | - Yuri B Yurov
- Mental Health Research Center, Russia Moscow, 115522.,2Academician Yu.E. Veltishchev Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics, N.I, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia Moscow, 125635
| | - Svetlana G Vorsanova
- Mental Health Research Center, Russia Moscow, 115522.,2Academician Yu.E. Veltishchev Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics, N.I, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia Moscow, 125635
| | - Ivan Y Iourov
- Mental Health Research Center, Russia Moscow, 115522.,2Academician Yu.E. Veltishchev Research Clinical Institute of Pediatrics, N.I, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Russia Moscow, 125635
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30
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Shanok NA, Sotelo M, Hong J. Brief Report: The Utility of a Golf Training Program for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4691-4697. [PMID: 31414265 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04164-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in communication, social interactions, as well as motor functioning. Additionally, individuals with ASD are at a greater risk for health concerns due in part to a more sedentary lifestyle. Therefore, it may be advantageous to introduce more physical activity or sport-based training into autism therapeutic programs. Here, we introduce and evaluate a 6-week, 12 session golf-training program that integrates the teaching of autism-relevant social and communicative skills into each lesson. The results showed that all 46 participants (M = 11.46, SD = 6.21) improved on at least one outcome measure, and statistically significant increases in all measures (communication skills, social skills, motor skills, and regulatory skills) were detected from pre to post. These preliminary findings highlight the utility of an autism-targeted golf training program for all ages; future studies should seek to replicate this strategy in other settings and using other sports or recreational activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jen Hong
- Els For Autism Foundation, Florida, USA
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31
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Thurm A, Farmer C, Salzman E, Lord C, Bishop S. State of the Field: Differentiating Intellectual Disability From Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:526. [PMID: 31417436 PMCID: PMC6683759 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The topic of this special issue on secondary versus idiopathic autism allows for discussion of how different groups may come to manifest autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ASD-like symptoms despite important etiological differences. A related issue is that, because many of the social communication deficits that define ASD represent a failure to acquire developmentally expected skills, these same deficits would be expected to occur to some extent in all individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Thus, regardless of etiology, ASD symptoms may appear across groups of individuals with vastly different profiles of underlying deficits and strengths. In this focused review, we consider the impact of ID on the diagnosis of ASD. We discuss behavioral distinctions between ID and ASD, in light of the diagnostic criterion mandating that ASD should not be diagnosed if symptoms are accounted for by ID or general developmental delay. We review the evolution of the autism diagnosis and ASD diagnostic tools to understand how this distinction has been conceptualized previously. We then consider ways that operationalized criteria may be beneficial for making the clinical distinction between ID with and without ASD. Finally, we consider the impact of the blurred diagnostic boundaries between ID and ASD on the study of secondary versus idiopathic ASD. Especially pertinent to this discussion are findings that a diagnosis of ID in the context of an ASD diagnosis may be one of the strongest indicators that an associated condition or specific etiological factor is present (i.e., secondary autism).
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Emma Salzman
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Catherine Lord
- Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Somer Bishop
- UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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32
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Gomez JA, Beitnere U, Segal DJ. Live-Animal Epigenome Editing: Convergence of Novel Techniques. Trends Genet 2019; 35:527-541. [PMID: 31128888 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Epigenome editing refers to the generation of precise chromatin alterations and their effects on gene expression and cell biology. Until recently, much of the efforts in epigenome editing were limited to tissue culture models of disease. However, the convergence of techniques from different fields including mammalian genetics, virology, and CRISPR engineering is advancing epigenome editing into a new era. Researchers are increasingly embracing the use of multicellular model organisms to test the role of specific chromatin alterations in development and disease. The challenge of successful live-animal epigenomic editing will depend on a well-informed foundation of the current methodologies for cell-specific delivery and editing accuracy. Here we review the opportunities for basic research and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Antonio Gomez
- Genome Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Ulrika Beitnere
- Genome Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - David J Segal
- Genome Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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The Application of Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Gene Therapy to the Treatment of Fragile X Syndrome. Brain Sci 2019; 9:brainsci9020032. [PMID: 30717399 PMCID: PMC6406794 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci9020032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral vector-mediated gene therapy has grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years. Although the reasons for this progress are varied, a deeper understanding of the basic biology of the viruses, the identification of new and improved versions of viral vectors, and simply the vast experience gained by extensive testing in both animal models of disease and in clinical trials, have been key factors. Several studies have investigated the efficacy of adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors in the mouse model of fragile X syndrome where AAVs have been used to express fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which is missing or highly reduced in the disorder. These studies have demonstrated a range of efficacies in different tests from full correction, to partial rescue, to no effect. Here we provide a backdrop of recent advances in AAV gene therapy as applied to central nervous system disorders, outline the salient features of the fragile X studies, and discuss several key issues for moving forward. Collectively, the findings to date from the mouse studies on fragile X syndrome, and data from clinical trials testing AAVs in other neurological conditions, indicate that AAV-mediated gene therapy could be a viable strategy for treating fragile X syndrome.
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Rezzani R, Franco C, Rodella LF. Sex differences of brain and their implications for personalized therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 141:429-442. [PMID: 30659897 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, it is known that the sex differences regard many organs, e.g., liver, vessels, pancreas, lungs, bronchi and also the brain. Sex differences are not just a matter of ethical and moral principles, as they are central to explain many still unknown diseases and their understanding is a prerequisite to develop an effective therapy for each individual. This review reports on those sex differences that are not only macroscopic and morphological, but also involve molecular and functional dimorphism in the brain. It will recapitulate the main structural differences between male and female brain including the neurotransmission systems; in particular, the main objective is to identify a correlation, already known or to be investigated in the future, between the differences that characterize male and female brains from a morphological and biochemical point of view and neurological syndromes. This correlation could provide a starting point for future scientific research aimed to investigate and define a personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rezzani
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Caterina Franco
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luigi F Rodella
- Anatomy and Physiopathology Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy; Interdipartimental University Center of Research "Adaption and Regeneration of Tissues and Organs-(ARTO)", University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
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Siniscalco D, Kannan S, Semprún-Hernández N, Eshraghi AA, Brigida AL, Antonucci N. Stem cell therapy in autism: recent insights. STEM CELLS AND CLONING-ADVANCES AND APPLICATIONS 2018; 11:55-67. [PMID: 30425534 PMCID: PMC6204871 DOI: 10.2147/sccaa.s155410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by core domains: persistent deficits in social communication and interaction; restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASDs comprise heterogeneous and complex neurodevelopmental pathologies with well-defined inflammatory conditions and immune system dysfunction. Due to neurobiologic changes underlying ASD development, cell-based therapies have been proposed and applied to ASDs. Indeed, stem cells show specific immunologic properties, which make them promising candidates in ASD treatment. This comprehensive up-to-date review focuses on ASD cellular/molecular abnormalities, potentially useful stem cell types, animal models, and current clinical trials on the use of stem cells in treating autism. Limitations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania, Napoli, Italy,
| | - Suresh Kannan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Neomar Semprún-Hernández
- Research Division, Autism Immunology Unit of Maracaibo, Catedra libre de Autismo, Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela
| | - Adrien A Eshraghi
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hearing Research and Cochlear Implant Laboratory, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Nicola Antonucci
- Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, Bari, Italy
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