Exploring the mechanisms underlying excitation/inhibition imbalance in human iPSC-derived models of ASD

New advances in the diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect individuals' social interactions, communication skills, and behavioral patterns, with significant individual differences and complex etiology. This article reviews the definition and characteristics of ASD, epidemiological profile, early research and diagnostic history, etiological studies, advances in diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches and intervention strategies, social and educational integration, and future research directions. The highly heritable nature of ASD, the role of environmental factors, genetic-environmental interactions, and the need for individualized, integrated, and technology-driven treatment strategies are emphasized. Also discussed is the interaction of social policy with ASD research and the outlook for future research and treatment, including the promise of precision medicine and emerging biotechnology applications. The paper points out that despite the remarkable progress that has been made, there are still many challenges to the comprehensive understanding and effective treatment of ASD, and interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research and global collaboration are needed to further deepen the understanding of ASD and improve the quality of life of patients.

Exploration of interictal to ictal transition in epileptic seizures using a neural mass model

An epileptic seizure can usually be divided into three stages: interictal, preictal, and ictal. However, the seizure underlying the transition from interictal to ictal activities in the brain involves complex interactions between inhibition and excitation in groups of neurons. To explore this mechanism at the level of a single population, this paper employed a neural mass model, named the complete physiology-based model (cPBM), to reconstruct electroencephalographic (EEG) signals and to infer the changes in excitatory/inhibitory connections related to excitation-inhibition (E-I) balance based on an open dataset recorded for ten epileptic patients. Since epileptic signals display spectral characteristics, spectral dynamic causal modelling (DCM) was applied to quantify these frequency characteristics by maximizing the free energy in the framework of power spectral density (PSD) and estimating the cPBM parameters. In addition, to address the local maximum problem that DCM may suffer from, a hybrid deterministic DCM (H-DCM) approach was proposed, with a deterministic annealing-based scheme applied in two directions. The H-DCM approach adjusts the temperature introduced in the objective function by gradually decreasing the temperature to obtain relatively good initialization and then gradually increasing the temperature to search for a better estimation after each maximization. The results showed that (i) reconstructed EEG signals belonging to the three stages together with their PSDs can be reproduced from the estimated parameters of the cPBM; (ii) compared to DCM, traditional D-DCM and anti D-DCM, the proposed H-DCM shows higher free energies and lower root mean square error (RMSE), and it provides the best performance for all stages (e.g., the RMSEs between the reconstructed PSD computed from the reconstructed EEG signal and the sample PSD obtained from the real EEG signal are 0.33 ± 0.08, 0.67 ± 0.37 and 0.78 ± 0.57 in the interictal, preictal and ictal stages, respectively); and (iii) the transition from interictal to ictal activity can be explained by an increase in the connections between pyramidal cells and excitatory interneurons and between pyramidal cells and fast inhibitory interneurons, as well as a decrease in the self-loop connection of the fast inhibitory interneurons in the cPBM. Moreover, the E-I balance, defined as the ratio between the excitatory connection from pyramidal cells to fast inhibitory interneurons and the inhibitory connection with the self-loop of fast inhibitory interneurons, is also significantly increased during the epileptic seizure transition.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11571-023-09976-6.

CNTN4 modulates neural elongation through interplay with APP

The neuronal cell adhesion molecule contactin-4 (CNTN4) is genetically associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other psychiatric disorders. Cntn4-deficient mouse models have previously shown that CNTN4 plays important roles in axon guidance and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. However, the pathogenesis and functional role of CNTN4 in the cortex has not yet been investigated. Our study found a reduction in cortical thickness in the motor cortex of Cntn4 -/- mice, but cortical cell migration and differentiation were unaffected. Significant morphological changes were observed in neurons in the M1 region of the motor cortex, indicating that CNTN4 is also involved in the morphology and spine density of neurons in the motor cortex. Furthermore, mass spectrometry analysis identified an interaction partner for CNTN4, confirming an interaction between CNTN4 and amyloid-precursor protein (APP). Knockout human cells for CNTN4 and/or APP revealed a relationship between CNTN4 and APP. This study demonstrates that CNTN4 contributes to cortical development and that binding and interplay with APP controls neural elongation. This is an important finding for understanding the physiological function of APP, a key protein for Alzheimer's disease. The binding between CNTN4 and APP, which is involved in neurodevelopment, is essential for healthy nerve outgrowth.

Landscape of NRXN1 Gene Variants in Phenotypic Manifestations of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication challenges and repetitive behaviors. Recent research has increasingly focused on the genetic underpinnings of ASD, with the Neurexin 1 (NRXN1) gene emerging as a key player. This comprehensive systematic review elucidates the contribution of NRXN1 gene variants in the pathophysiology of ASD. Methods: The protocol for this systematic review was designed a priori and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023450418). A risk of bias analysis was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tool. We examined various studies that link NRXN1 gene disruptions with ASD, discussing both the genotypic variability and the resulting phenotypic expressions. Results: Within this review, there was marked heterogeneity observed in ASD genotypic and phenotypic manifestations among individuals with NRXN1 mutations. The presence of NRXN1 mutations in this population emphasizes the gene's role in synaptic function and neural connectivity. Conclusion: This review not only highlights the role of NRXN1 in the pathophysiology of ASD but also highlights the need for further research to unravel the complex genetic underpinnings of the disorder. A better knowledge about the multifaceted role of NRXN1 in ASD can provide crucial insights into the neurobiological foundations of autism and pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

iPSC-derived models of PACS1 syndrome reveal transcriptional and functional deficits in neuron activity

PACS1 syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability and distinct craniofacial abnormalities resulting from a de novo p.R203W variant in phosphofurin acidic cluster sorting protein 1 (PACS1). PACS1 is known to have functions in the endosomal pathway and nucleus, but how the p.R203W variant affects developing neurons is not fully understood. Here we differentiated stem cells towards neuronal models including cortical organoids to investigate the impact of the PACS1 syndrome-causing variant on neurodevelopment. While few deleterious effects were detected in PACS1(+/R203W) neural precursors, mature PACS1(+/R203W) glutamatergic neurons exhibited impaired expression of genes involved in synaptic signaling processes. Subsequent characterization of neural activity using calcium imaging and multielectrode arrays revealed the p.R203W PACS1 variant leads to a prolonged neuronal network burst duration mediated by an increased interspike interval. These findings demonstrate the impact of the PACS1 p.R203W variant on developing human neural tissue and uncover putative electrophysiological underpinnings of disease.

Understanding the genetic mechanisms and cognitive impairments in Down syndrome: towards a holistic approach

The most common genetic cause of intellectual disability is Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21. It commonly results from three copies of human chromosome 21 (HC21). There are no mutations or deletions involved in DS. Instead, the phenotype is caused by altered transcription of the genes on HC21. These transcriptional variations are responsible for a myriad of symptoms affecting every organ system. A very debilitating aspect of DS is intellectual disability (ID). Although tremendous advances have been made to try and understand the underlying mechanisms of ID, there is a lack of a unified, holistic view to defining the cause and managing the cognitive impairments. In this literature review, we discuss the mechanisms of neuronal over-inhibition, abnormal morphology, and other genetic factors in contributing to the development of ID in DS patients and to gain a holistic understanding of ID in DS patients. We also highlight potential therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of DS patients.

Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review

The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.

Ankyrin B promotes developmental spine regulation in the mouse prefrontal cortex

Postnatal regulation of dendritic spine formation and refinement in cortical pyramidal neurons is critical for excitatory/inhibitory balance in neocortical networks. Recent studies have identified a selective spine pruning mechanism in the mouse prefrontal cortex mediated by class 3 Semaphorins and the L1 cell adhesion molecules, neuron-glia related cell adhesion molecule, Close Homolog of L1, and L1. L1 cell adhesion molecules bind Ankyrin B, an actin-spectrin adaptor encoded by Ankyrin2, a high-confidence gene for autism spectrum disorder. In a new inducible mouse model (Nex1Cre-ERT2: Ank2flox: RCE), Ankyrin2 deletion in early postnatal pyramidal neurons increased spine density on apical dendrites in prefrontal cortex layer 2/3 of homozygous and heterozygous Ankyrin2-deficient mice. In contrast, Ankyrin2 deletion in adulthood had no effect on spine density. Sema3F-induced spine pruning was impaired in cortical neuron cultures from Ankyrin B-null mice and was rescued by re-expression of the 220 kDa Ankyrin B isoform but not 440 kDa Ankyrin B. Ankyrin B bound to neuron-glia related CAM at a cytoplasmic domain motif (FIGQY1231), and mutation to FIGQH inhibited binding, impairing Sema3F-induced spine pruning in neuronal cultures. Identification of a novel function for Ankyrin B in dendritic spine regulation provides insight into cortical circuit development, as well as potential molecular deficiencies in autism spectrum disorder.

New Views of the DNA Repair Protein Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated in Central Neurons: Contribution in Synaptic Dysfunctions of Neurodevelopmental and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Ataxia-Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM) is a serine/threonine protein kinase principally known to orchestrate DNA repair processes upon DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Mutations in the Atm gene lead to Ataxia-Telangiectasia (AT), a recessive disorder characterized by ataxic movements consequent to cerebellar atrophy or dysfunction, along with immune alterations, genomic instability, and predisposition to cancer. AT patients show variable phenotypes ranging from neurologic abnormalities and cognitive impairments to more recently described neuropsychiatric features pointing to symptoms hardly ascribable to the canonical functions of ATM in DNA damage response (DDR). Indeed, evidence suggests that cognitive abilities rely on the proper functioning of DSB machinery and specific synaptic changes in central neurons of ATM-deficient mice unveiled unexpected roles of ATM at the synapse. Thus, in the present review, upon a brief recall of DNA damage responses, we focus our attention on the role of ATM in neuronal physiology and pathology and we discuss recent findings showing structural and functional changes in hippocampal and cortical synapses of AT mouse models. Collectively, a deeper knowledge of ATM-dependent mechanisms in neurons is necessary not only for a better comprehension of AT neurological phenotypes, but also for a higher understanding of the pathological mechanisms in neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders involving ATM dysfunctions.

Ankyrin B Promotes Developmental Spine Regulation in the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex

Postnatal regulation of dendritic spine formation and refinement in cortical pyramidal neurons is critical for excitatory/inhibitory balance in neocortical networks. Recent studies have identified a selective spine pruning mechanism in the mouse prefrontal cortex (PFC) mediated by class 3 Semaphorins and the L1-CAM cell adhesion molecules Neuron-glia related CAM (NrCAM), Close Homolog of L1 (CHL1), and L1. L1-CAMs bind Ankyrin B (AnkB), an actin-spectrin adaptor encoded by Ankyrin2 ( ANK2 ), a high confidence gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a new inducible mouse model (Nex1Cre-ERT2: Ank2 flox : RCE), Ank2 deletion in early postnatal pyramidal neurons increased spine density on apical dendrites in PFC layer 2/3 of homozygous and heterozygous Ank2 -deficient mice. In contrast, Ank2 deletion in adulthood had no effect on spine density. Sema3F-induced spine pruning was impaired in cortical neuron cultures from AnkB-null mice and was rescued by re-expression of the 220 kDa AnkB isoform but not 440 kDa AnkB. AnkB bound to NrCAM at a cytoplasmic domain motif (FIGQY 1231 ), and mutation to FIGQH inhibited binding, impairing Sema3F-induced spine pruning in neuronal cultures. Identification of a novel function for AnkB in dendritic spine regulation provides insight into cortical circuit development, as well as potential molecular deficiencies in ASD.

Neuroanatomical changes of ionotropic glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor densities in male mice modeling idiopathic and syndromic autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a wide range of neurodevelopment conditions primarily characterized by impaired social interaction and repetitive behavior, accompanied by a variable degree of neuropsychiatric characteristics. Synaptic dysfunction is undertaken as one of the key underlying mechanisms in understanding the pathophysiology of ASD. The excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) hypothesis is one of the most widely held theories for its pathogenesis. Shifts in E/I balance have been proven in several ASD models. In this study, we investigated three mouse lines recapitulating both idiopathic (the BTBR strain) and genetic (Fmr1 and Shank3 mutants) forms of ASD at late infancy and early adulthood. Using receptor autoradiography for ionotropic excitatory (AMPA and NMDA) and inhibitory (GABAA) receptors, we mapped the receptor binding densities in brain regions known to be associated with ASD such as prefrontal cortex, dorsal and ventral striatum, dorsal hippocampus, and cerebellum. The individual mouse lines investigated show specific alterations in excitatory ionotropic receptor density, which might be accounted as specific hallmark of each individual line. Across all the models investigated, we found an increased binding density to GABAA receptors at adulthood in the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, reduction in the GABAA receptor binding density was observed in the cerebellum. Altogether, our findings suggest that E/I disbalance individually affects several brain regions in ASD mouse models and that alterations in GABAergic transmission might be accounted as unifying factor.

Are sleep disturbances a cause or consequence of autism spectrum disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by core symptoms such as atypical social communication, stereotyped behaviors, and restricted interests. One of the comorbid symptoms of individuals with ASD is sleep disturbance. There are two major hypotheses regarding the neural mechanism underlying ASD, i.e., the excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance and the altered neuroplasticity hypotheses. However, the pathology of ASD remains unclear due to inconsistent research results. This paper argues that sleep is a confounding factor, thus, must be considered when examining the pathology of ASD because sleep plays an important role in modulating the E/I balance and neuroplasticity in the human brain. Investigation of the E/I balance and neuroplasticity during sleep might enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms of ASD. It may also lead to the development of neurobiologically informed interventions to supplement existing psychosocial therapies.

Exploring the correlation between genetic transcription and multi-temporal developmental autism spectrum disorder using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging

Introduction

The present investigation aimed to explore the neurodevelopmental trajectory of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by identifying the changes in brain function and gene expression associated with the disorder. Previous studies have indicated that ASD is a highly inherited neurodevelopmental disorder of the brain that displays symptom heterogeneity across different developmental periods. However, the transcriptomic changes underlying these developmental differences remain largely unknown.

Methods

To address this gap in knowledge, our study employed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data from a large sample of male participants across four representative age groups to stratify the abnormal changes in brain function associated with ASD. Partial least square regression (PLSr) was utilized to identify unique changes in gene expression in brain regions characterized by aberrant functioning in ASD.

Results

Our results revealed that ASD exhibits distinctive developmental trajectories in crucial brain regions such as the default mode network (DMN), temporal lobe, and prefrontal lobes during critical periods of neurodevelopment when compared to the control group. These changes were also associated with genes primarily located in synaptic tissues.

Discussion

The findings of this study suggest that the neurobiology of ASD is uniquely heterogeneous across different ages and may be accompanied by distinct molecular mechanisms related to gene expression.

Neuroanatomical Alterations in the CNTNAP2 Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with neurodevelopmental alterations, including atypical forebrain cellular organization. Mutations in several ASD-related genes often result in cerebral cortical anomalies, such as the abnormal developmental migration of excitatory pyramidal cells and the malformation of inhibitory neuronal circuitry. Notably here, mutations in the CNTNAP2 gene result in ectopic superficial cortical neurons stalled in lower cortical layers and alterations to the balance of cortical excitation and inhibition. However, the broader circuit-level implications of these findings have not been previously investigated. Therefore, we assessed whether ectopic cortical neurons in CNTNAP2 mutant mice form aberrant connections with higher-order thalamic nuclei, potentially accounting for some autistic behaviors, such as repetitive and hyperactive behaviors. Furthermore, we assessed whether the development of parvalbumin-positive (PV) cortical interneurons and their specialized matrix support structures, called perineuronal nets (PNNs), were altered in these mutant mice. We found alterations in both ectopic neuronal connectivity and in the development of PNNs, PV neurons and PNNs enwrapping PV neurons in various sensory cortical regions and at different postnatal ages in the CNTNAP2 mutant mice, which likely lead to some of the cortical excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance associated with ASD. These findings suggest neuroanatomical alterations in cortical regions that underlie the emergence of ASD-related behaviors in this mouse model of the disorder.

Evaluating the effect of R-Baclofen and LP-211 on autistic behavior of the BTBR and Fmr1-KO mouse models

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a persistent neurodevelopmental condition characterized by two core behavioral symptoms: impaired social communication and interaction, as well as stereotypic, repetitive behavior. No distinct cause of ASD is known so far; however, excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and a disturbed serotoninergic transmission have been identified as prominent candidates responsible for ASD etiology.

Methods

The GABAB receptor agonist R-Baclofen and the selective agonist for the 5HT7 serotonin receptor LP-211 have been reported to correct social deficits and repetitive behaviors in mouse models of ASD. To evaluate the efficacy of these compounds in more details, we treated BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J and B6.129P2-Fmr1tm1Cgr/J mice acutely with R-Baclofen or LP-211 and evaluated the behavior of animals in a series of tests.

Results

BTBR mice showed motor deficits, elevated anxiety, and highly repetitive behavior of self-grooming. Fmr1-KO mice exhibited decreased anxiety and hyperactivity. Additionally, Fmr1-KO mice’s ultrasonic vocalizations were impaired suggesting a reduced social interest and communication of this strain. Acute LP-211 administration did not affect the behavioral abnormalities observed in BTBR mice but improved repetitive behavior in Fmr1-KO mice and showed a trend to change anxiety of this strain. Acute R-Baclofen treatment improved repetitive behavior only in Fmr1-KO mice.

Conclusion

Our results add value to the current available data on these mouse models and the respective compounds. Yet, additional studies are needed to further test R-Baclofen and LP-211 as potential treatments for ASD therapy.

GABAergic synaptic transmission and cortical oscillation patterns in the primary somatosensory area of a valproic acid rat model of autism spectrum disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by impaired social communication and interaction associated with repetitive or stereotyped behaviour. Prenatal valproic acid (VPA) exposure in rodents is a commonly used model of ASD. Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to prevent interneuronal and behavioural impairments in the VPA model. We investigated the effects of prenatal VPA exposure and RSV on the GABAergic synaptic transmission, brain oscillations and on the genic expression of interneuron-associated transcription factor LHX6 in the primary somatosensory area (PSSA). Prenatal VPA exposure decreased the sIPSC and mIPSC frequencies and the sIPSC decay kinetics onto layers 4/5 pyramidal cells of PSSA. About 40% of VPA animals exhibited absence-like spike-wave discharge (SWD) events associated with behaviour arrest and increased power spectrum density of delta, beta and gamma cortical oscillations. VPA animals had reduced LHX6 expression in PSSA, but VPA animals treated with RSV had no changes on synaptic inhibition or LHX6 expression in the PSSA. SWD events associated with behaviour arrest and the abnormal increment of cortical oscillations were also absent in VPA animals treated with RSV. These findings provide new venues to investigate the role of both RSV and VPA in the pathophysiology of ASD and highlight the VPA animal model as an interesting tool to investigate pathways related to the aetiology and possible future therapies to this neuropsychiatric disorder.

Doublecortin-Like Kinase 1 Facilitates Dendritic Spine Growth of Pyramidal Neurons in Mouse Prefrontal Cortex

The L1 cell adhesion molecule NrCAM (Neuron-glia related cell adhesion molecule) functions as a co-receptor for secreted class 3 Semaphorins to prune subpopulations of dendritic spines on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the developing mouse neocortex. The developing spine cytoskeleton is enriched in actin filaments, but a small number of microtubules have been shown to enter the spine apparently trafficking vesicles to the membrane. Doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) is a member of the Doublecortin (DCX) family of microtubule-binding proteins with serine/threonine kinase activity. To determine if DCLK1 plays a role in spine remodeling, we generated a tamoxifen-inducible mouse line (Nex1Cre-ERT2: DCLK1flox/flox: RCE) to delete microtubule binding isoforms of DCLK1 from pyramidal neurons during postnatal stages of spine development. Homozygous DCLK1 conditional mutant mice exhibited decreased spine density on apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (layer 2/3). Mature mushroom spines were selectively decreased upon DCLK1 deletion but dendritic arborization was unaltered. Mutagenesis and binding studies revealed that DCLK1 bound NrCAM at the conserved FIGQY1231 motif in the NrCAM cytoplasmic domain, a known interaction site for the actin-spectrin adaptor Ankyrin. These findings demonstrate in a novel mouse model that DCLK1 facilitates spine growth and maturation on cortical pyramidal neurons in the mouse prefrontal cortex.

Advances in neurexin studies and the emerging role of neurexin-2 in autism spectrum disorder

Over the past 3 decades, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased globally from 20 to 28 million cases making ASD the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world. Neurexins are a family of presynaptic cell adhesion molecules that have been increasingly implicated in ASD, as evidenced by genetic mutations in the clinical population. Neurexins function as context-dependent specifiers of synapse properties and critical modulators in maintaining the balance between excitatory and inhibitory transmission (E/I balance). Disrupted E/I balance has long been established as a hallmark of ASD making neurexins excellent starting points for understanding the etiology of ASD. Herein we review neurexin mutations that have been discovered in ASD patients. Further, we discuss distinct synaptic mechanisms underlying the aberrant neurotransmission and behavioral deficits observed in different neurexin mouse models, with focus on recent discoveries from the previously overlooked neurexin-2 gene (Nrxn2 in mice and NRXN2 in humans). Hence, the aim of this review is to provide a summary of new synaptic insights into the molecular underpinnings of ASD.

Regulation of human cortical interneuron development by the chromatin remodeling protein CHD2

Mutations in the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 2 (CHD2) gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, mechanisms by which CHD2 regulates human brain development remain largely uncharacterized. Here, we used a human embryonic stem cell model of cortical interneuron (hcIN) development to elucidate its roles in this process. We identified genome-wide CHD2 binding profiles during hcIN differentiation, defining direct CHD2 targets related to neurogenesis in hcIN progenitors and to neuronal function in hcINs. CHD2 bound sites were frequently coenriched with histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and associated with high gene expression, indicating roles for CHD2 in promoting gene expression during hcIN development. Binding sites for different classes of transcription factors were enriched at CHD2 bound regions during differentiation, suggesting transcription factors that may cooperatively regulate stage-specific gene expression with CHD2. We also demonstrated that CHD2 haploinsufficiency altered CHD2 and H3K27ac coenrichment on chromatin and expression of associated genes, decreasing acetylation and expression of cell cycle genes while increasing acetylation and expression of neuronal genes, to cause precocious differentiation. Together, these data describe CHD2 direct targets and mechanisms by which CHD2 prevents precocious hcIN differentiation, which are likely to be disrupted by pathogenic CHD2 mutation to cause neurodevelopmental disorders.

Recent Developments in Autism Genetic Research: A Scientometric Review from 2018 to 2022

Genetic research in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has progressed tremendously in recent decades. Dozens of genetic loci and hundreds of alterations in the genetic sequence, expression, epigenetic transformation, and interactions with other physiological and environmental systems have been found to increase the likelihood of developing ASD. There is therefore a need to represent this wide-ranging yet voluminous body of literature in a systematic manner so that this information can be synthesised and understood at a macro level. Therefore, this study made use of scientometric methods, particularly document co-citation analysis (DCA), to systematically review literature on ASD genetic research from 2018 to 2022. A total of 14,818 articles were extracted from Scopus and analyzed with CiteSpace. An optimized DCA analysis revealed that recent literature on ASD genetic research can be broadly organised into 12 major clusters representing various sub-topics. These clusters are briefly described in the manuscript and potential applications of this study are discussed.

Df(h22q11)/+ mouse model exhibits reduced binding levels of GABAA receptors and structural and functional dysregulation in the inhibitory and excitatory networks of hippocampus

The 22q11.2 hemizygous deletion confers high risk for multiple neurodevelopmental disorders. Inhibitory signaling, largely regulated through GABA_A receptors, is suggested to serve a multitude of brain functions that are disrupted in the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. We investigated the putative deficit of GABA_A receptors and the potential substrates contributing to the inhibitory and excitatory dysregulations in hippocampal networks of the Df(h22q11)/+ mouse model of the 22q11.2 hemizygous deletion. The Df(h22q11)/+ mice exhibited impairments in several hippocampus-related functional domains, represented by impaired spatial memory and sensory gating functions. Autoradiography using the [³H]muscimol tracer revealed a significant reduction in GABA_A receptor binding in the CA1 and CA3 subregions, together with a loss of GAD67⁺ interneurons in CA1 of Df(h22q11)/+ mice. Furthermore, electrophysiology recordings exhibited significantly higher neuronal activity in CA3, in response to the GABA_A receptor antagonist, bicuculline, as compared with wild type mice. Density and volume of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons were reduced and Sholl analysis also showed a reduction in the complexity of basal dendritic tree in CA1 and CA3 subregions of Df(h22q11)/+ mice. Overall, our findings demonstrate that hemizygous deletion in the 22q11.2 locus leads to dysregulations in the inhibitory circuits, involving reduced binding levels of GABA_A receptors, in addition to functional and structural modulations of the excitatory networks of hippocampus.

Alterations in the intrinsic discharge activity of CA1 pyramidal neurons associated with possible changes in the NADPH diaphorase activity in a rat model of autism induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid

Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by sensory abnormalities, social skills impairment and cognitive deficits. Although recent evidence indicated that induction of autism-like behavior in animal models causes abnormal neuronal excitability, the impact of autism on neuronal properties is still an important issue. Thus, new findings at the cellular level may shed light on the pathophysiology of autism and may help to find effective treatment strategies. Here, we investigated the behavioral, electrophysiological and histochemical impacts of prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats. Findings revealed that VPA exposure caused a significant increase in the hot plate response latency. The novel object recognition ability was also impaired in VPA-exposed rats. Along with these behavioral alterations, neurons from VPA-exposed animals exhibited altered excitability features in response to depolarizing current injections relative to control neurons. In the VPA-exposed group, these changes consisted of a significant increase in the amplitude, evoked firing frequency and the steady-state standard deviation of spike timing of action potentials (APs). Moreover, the half-width, the AHP amplitude and the decay time constant of APs were significantly decreased in this group. These changes in the evoked electrophysiological properties were accompanied by intrinsic hyperexcitability and lower spike-frequency adaptation and also a significant increase in the number of NADPH-diaphorase stained neurons in the hippocampal CA1 area of the VPA-exposed rats. Taken together, findings demonstrate that abnormal nociception and recognition memory is associated with alterations in the neuronal responsiveness and nitrergic system in a rat model of autism-like.

Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission

Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.

Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.

Auditory Sensory Gating in Children With Cochlear Implants: A P50-N100-P200 Study

Background: While a cochlear implant (CI) can restore access to audibility in deaf children, implanted children may still have difficulty in concentrating. Previous studies have revealed a close relationship between sensory gating and attention. However, whether CI children have deficient auditory sensory gating remains unclear.

Methods: To address this issue, we measured the event-related potentials (ERPs), including P50, N100, and P200, evoked by paired tone bursts (S1 and S2) in CI children and normal-hearing (NH) controls. Suppressed amplitudes for S2 compared with S1 in these three ERPs reflected sensory gating during early and later phases, respectively. A Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham IV (SNAP-IV) scale was performed to assess the attentional performance.

Results: Significant amplitude differences between S1 and S2 in N100 and P200 were observed in both NH and CI children, indicating the presence of sensory gating in the two groups. However, the P50 suppression was only found in NH children and not in CI children. Furthermore, the duration of deafness was significantly positively correlated with the score of inattention in CI children.

Conclusion: Auditory sensory gating can develop but is deficient during the early phase in CI children. Long-term auditory deprivation has a negative effect on sensory gating and attentional performance.

Excitation/Inhibition Modulators in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Current Clinical Research

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by social and communication abnormalities. Heterogeneity in the expression and severity of the core and associated symptoms poses difficulties in classification and the overall clinical approach. Synaptic abnormalities have been observed in preclinical ASD models. They are thought to play a major role in clinical functional abnormalities and might be modified by targeted interventions. An imbalance in excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmission (E/I imbalance), through altered glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, respectively, is thought to be implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD. Glutamatergic and GABAergic agents have been tested in clinical trials with encouraging results as to efficacy and tolerability. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of E/I modulators in the treatment of ASD and on the safety and efficacy of the current agents.

In Vitro Recapitulation of Neuropsychiatric Disorders with Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Brain Organoids

Adolescent neuropsychiatric disorders have been recently increasing due to genetic and environmental influences. Abnormal brain development before and after birth contribute to the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is difficult to experimentally investigate because of the complexity of brain and ethical constraints. Recently generated human brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells are considered as a promising in vitro model to recapitulate brain development and diseases. To better understand how brain organoids could be applied to investigate neuropsychiatric disorders, we analyzed the key consideration points, including how to generate brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells, the current application of brain organoids in recapitulating neuropsychiatric disorders and the future perspectives. This review covered what have been achieved on modeling the cellular and neural circuit deficits of neuropsychiatric disorders and those challenges yet to be solved. Together, this review aims to provide a fundamental understanding of how to generate brain organoids to model neuropsychiatric disorders, which will be helpful in improving the mental health of adolescents.

Significance of GABAA Receptor for Cognitive Function and Hippocampal Pathology

The hippocampus is a primary area for contextual memory, known to process spatiotemporal information within a specific episode. Long-term strengthening of glutamatergic transmission is a mechanism of contextual learning in the dorsal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) area of the hippocampus. CA1-specific immobilization or blockade of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptor delivery can impair learning performance, indicating a causal relationship between learning and receptor delivery into the synapse. Moreover, contextual learning also strengthens GABA_A (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptor-mediated inhibitory synapses onto CA1 neurons. Recently we revealed that strengthening of GABA_A receptor-mediated inhibitory synapses preceded excitatory synaptic plasticity after contextual learning, resulting in a reduced synaptic excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) input balance that returned to pretraining levels within 10 min. The faster plasticity at inhibitory synapses may allow encoding a contextual memory and prevent cognitive dysfunction in various hippocampal pathologies. In this review, we focus on the dynamic changes of GABA_A receptor mediated-synaptic currents after contextual learning and the intracellular mechanism underlying rapid inhibitory synaptic plasticity. In addition, we discuss that several pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease, autism spectrum disorders and epilepsy are characterized by alterations in GABA_A receptor trafficking, synaptic E/I imbalance and neuronal excitability.

Alteration of the Early Development Environment by Maternal Diet and the Occurrence of Autistic-like Phenotypes in Rat Offspring

Epidemiological and preclinical studies suggest that maternal obesity increases the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Here, we assessed the effects of exposure to modified maternal diets limited to pregnancy and lactation on brain development and behavior in rat offspring of both sexes. Among the studied diets, a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) disturbed the expression of ASD-related genes (Cacna1d, Nlgn3, and Shank1) and proteins (SHANK1 and TAOK2) in the prefrontal cortex of male offspring during adolescence. In addition, a maternal high-fat diet induced epigenetic changes by increasing cortical global DNA methylation and the expression of miR-423 and miR-494. As well as the molecular changes, behavioral studies have shown male-specific disturbances in social interaction and an increase in repetitive behavior during adolescence. Most of the observed changes disappeared in adulthood. In conclusion, we demonstrated the contribution of a maternal HFD to the predisposition to an ASD-like phenotype in male adolescent offspring, while a protective effect occurred in females.

The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders

Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.

A review of decreased sound tolerance in autism: Definitions, phenomenology, and potential mechanisms

Atypical behavioral responses to environmental sounds are common in autistic children and adults, with 50-70 % of this population exhibiting decreased sound tolerance (DST) at some point in their lives. This symptom is a source of significant distress and impairment across the lifespan, contributing to anxiety, challenging behaviors, reduced community participation, and school/workplace difficulties. However, relatively little is known about its phenomenology or neurocognitive underpinnings. The present article synthesizes a large body of literature on the phenomenology and pathophysiology of DST-related conditions to generate a comprehensive theoretical account of DST in autism. Notably, we argue against conceptualizing DST as a unified construct, suggesting that it be separated into three phenomenologically distinct conditions: hyperacusis (the perception of everyday sounds as excessively loud or painful), misophonia (an acquired aversive reaction to specific sounds), and phonophobia (a specific phobia of sound), each responsible for a portion of observed DST behaviors. We further elaborate our framework by proposing preliminary neurocognitive models of hyperacusis, misophonia, and phonophobia that incorporate neurophysiologic findings from studies of autism.

Electroencephalography in Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review

Electroencephalography (EEG) can further out our understanding of autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) neurophysiology. Epilepsy and ASD comorbidity range between 5 and 46%, but its temporal relationship, causal mechanisms and interplay with intellectual disability are still unknown. Epileptiform discharges with or without seizures go as high as 60%, and associate with epileptic encephalopathies, conceptual term suggesting that epileptic activity can lead to cognitive and behavioral impairment beyond the underlying pathology. Seizures and ASD may be the result of similar mechanisms, such as abnormalities in GABAergic fibers or GABA receptor function. Epilepsy and ASD are caused by a number of genetic disorders and variations that induce such dysregulation. Similarly, initial epilepsy may influence synaptic plasticity and cortical connection, predisposing a growing brain to cognitive delays and behavioral abnormalities. The quantitative EEG techniques could be a useful tool in detecting and possibly measuring dysfunctions in specific brain regions and neuronal regulation in ASD. Power spectra analysis reveals a U-shaped pattern of power abnormalities, with excess power in the low and high frequency bands. These might be the consequence of a complicated network of neurochemical changes affecting the inhibitory GABAergic interneurons and their regulation of excitatory activity in pyramidal cells. EEG coherence studies of functional connectivity found general local over-connectivity and long-range under-connectivity between different brain areas. GABAergic interneuron growth and connections are presumably impaired in the prefrontal and temporal cortices in ASD, which is important for excitatory/inhibitory balance. Recent advances in quantitative EEG data analysis and well-known epilepsy ASD co-morbidity consistently indicate a role of aberrant GABAergic transmission that has consequences on neuronal organization and connectivity especially in the frontal cortex.

Cell Calcium Imaging as a Reliable Method to Study Neuron-Glial Circuits

Complex dynamic cellular networks have been studied in physiological and pathological processes under the light of single-cell calcium imaging (SCCI), a method that correlates functional data based on calcium shifts operated by different intracellular and extracellular mechanisms integrated with their cell phenotypes. From the classic synaptic structure to tripartite astrocytic model or the recent quadripartite microglia added ensemble, as well as other physiological tissues, it is possible to follow how cells signal spatiotemporally to cellular patterns. This methodology has been used broadly due to the universal properties of calcium as a second messenger. In general, at least two types of receptor operate through calcium permeation: a fast-acting ionotropic receptor channel and a slow-activating metabotropic receptor, added to exchangers/transporters/pumps and intracellular Ca²⁺ release activated by messengers. These prototypes have gained an enormous amount of information in dynamic signaling circuits. SCCI has also been used as a method to associate phenotypic markers during development and stage transitions in progenitors, stem, vascular cells, neuro- and glioblasts, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia that operate through ion channels, transporters, and receptors. Also, cancer cells or inducible cell lines from human organoids characterized by transition stages are currently being used to model diseases or reconfigure healthy cells in terms of the expression of calcium-binding/permeable molecules and shed light on therapy.

The potential of induced pluripotent stem cells for discriminating neurodevelopmental disorders

Studying human disease‐specific processes and mechanisms in vitro is limited by a lack of valid human test systems. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) evolve as an important and promising tool to better understand the molecular pathology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Patient‐derived iPSCs enable analysis of unique disease mechanisms and may also serve for preclinical drug development. Here, we review the current knowledge on iPSC models for schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders with emphasis on the discrimination between them. It appears that transcriptomic analyses and functional read‐outs are the most promising approaches to uncover specific disease mechanisms in vitro.