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Sajan SA, Gradisch R, Vogel FD, Coffey AJ, Salyakina D, Soler D, Jayakar P, Jayakar A, Bianconi SE, Cooper AH, Liu S, William N, Benkel-Herrenbrück I, Maiwald R, Heller C, Biskup S, Leiz S, Westphal DS, Wagner M, Clarke A, Stockner T, Ernst M, Kesari A, Krenn M. De novo variants in GABRA4 are associated with a neurological phenotype including developmental delay, behavioral abnormalities and epilepsy. Eur J Hum Genet 2024; 32:912-919. [PMID: 38565639 PMCID: PMC11291759 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-024-01600-3] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Nine out of 19 genes encoding GABAA receptor subunits have been linked to monogenic syndromes characterized by seizures and developmental disorders. Previously, we reported the de novo variant p.(Thr300Ile) in GABRA4 in a patient with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. However, no new cases have been reported since then. Through an international collaboration, we collected molecular and phenotype data of individuals carrying de novo variants in GABRA4. Patients and their parents were investigated either by exome or genome sequencing, followed by targeted Sanger sequencing in some cases. All variants within the transmembrane domain, including the previously reported p.(Thr300Ile) variant, were characterized in silico and analyzed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies. We identified three novel de novo missense variants in GABRA4 (NM_000809.4): c.797 C > T, p.(Pro266Leu), c.899 C > A, p.(Thr300Asn), and c.634 G > A, p.(Val212Ile). The p.(Thr300Asn) variant impacts the same codon as the previously reported variant p.(Thr300Ile) and likely arose post-zygotically as evidenced by sequencing oral mucosal cells. Overlapping phenotypes among affected individuals included developmental delay (4/4), epileptiform EEG abnormalities (3/4), attention deficits (3/4), seizures (2/4), autistic features (2/4) and structural brain abnormalities (2/4). MD simulations of the three variants within the transmembrane domain of the receptor indicate that sub-microsecond scale dynamics differ between wild-type and mutated subunits. Taken together, our findings further corroborate an association between GABRA4 and a neurological phenotype including variable neurodevelopmental, behavioral and epileptic abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samin A Sajan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ralph Gradisch
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Florian D Vogel
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alison J Coffey
- lllumina Clinical Services Laboratory, Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Daria Salyakina
- Personalized Medicine and Health Outcomes Research, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Diana Soler
- Personalized Medicine and Health Outcomes Research, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Parul Jayakar
- Division of Genetics and Metabolism, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anuj Jayakar
- Department of Neurology, Division of Epilepsy, Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Robert Maiwald
- Medizinisches Versorgungszentrum für Gerinnungsdiagnostik und Medizinische Genetik Köln, Köln, Germany
| | | | - Saskia Biskup
- Zentrum für Humangenetik, Tübingen, Germany
- Center for Genomics and Transcriptomics (CeGaT), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Steffen Leiz
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Klinikum Dritter Orden, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik S Westphal
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, School of Medicine & Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matias Wagner
- Institute of Human Genetics, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Amy Clarke
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Stockner
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Akanchha Kesari
- lllumina Clinical Services Laboratory, Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Martin Krenn
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences & Mental Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Abstract
The brain is designed not only with molecules and cellular processes that help to form memories but also with molecules and cellular processes that suppress the formation and retention of memory. The latter processes are critical for an efficient memory management system, given the vast amount of information that each person experiences in their daily activities and that most of this information becomes irrelevant with time. Thus, efficiency dictates that the brain should have processes for selecting the most critical information for storage and suppressing the irrelevant or forgetting it later should it escape the initial filters. Such memory suppressor molecules and processes are revealed by genetic or pharmacologic insults that lead to enhanced memory expression. We review here the predominant memory suppressor molecules and processes that have recently been discovered. They are diverse, as expected, because the brain is complex and employs many different strategies and mechanisms to form memories. They include the gene-repressive actions of small noncoding RNAs, repressors of protein synthesis, cAMP-mediated gene expression pathways, inter- and intracellular signaling pathways for normal forgetting, and others. A deep understanding of memory suppressor molecules and processes is necessary to fully comprehend how the brain forms, stabilizes, and retrieves memories and to reveal how brain disorders disrupt memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel C. Noyes
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
| | - Ronald L. Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Florida Scripps Biomedical Research, Jupiter, FL, USA
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3
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Wang DS, Ju L, Pinguelo AG, Kaneshwaran K, Haffey SC, Lecker I, Gohil H, Wheeler MB, Kaustov L, Ariza A, Yu M, Volchuk A, Steinberg BE, Goldenberg NM, Orser BA. Crosstalk between GABA A receptors in astrocytes and neurons triggered by general anesthetic drugs. Transl Res 2024; 267:39-53. [PMID: 38042478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
General anesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits that persist after the drugs have been eliminated. Astrocytes may contribute to such cognition-impairing effects through the release of one or more paracrine factors that increase a tonic inhibitory conductance generated by extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in hippocampal neurons. The mechanisms underlying this astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. Interestingly, astrocytes express anesthetic-sensitive GABAA receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anesthetic drugs activate astrocytic GABAA receptors to initiate crosstalk leading to a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons. We also investigated the signaling pathways in neurons and aimed to identify the paracrine factors released from astrocytes. Astrocytes and neurons from mice were grown in primary cell cultures and studied using in vitro electrophysiological and biochemical assays. We discovered that the commonly used anesthetics etomidate (injectable) and sevoflurane (inhaled) stimulated astrocytic GABAA receptors, which in turn promoted the release paracrine factors, that increased the tonic current in neurons via a p38 MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. The increase in tonic current was mimicked by exogenous IL-1β and abolished by blocking IL-1 receptors; however, unexpectedly, IL-1β and other cytokines were not detected in astrocyte-conditioned media. In summary, we have identified a novel form of crosstalk between GABAA receptors in astrocytes and neurons that engages a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. Brief commentary BACKGROUND: Many older patients experience cognitive deficits after surgery. Anesthetic drugs may be a contributing factor as they cause a sustained increase in the function of "memory blocking" extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are required for this increase; however, the mechanisms underlying the astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. TRANSLATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: We discovered that commonly used general anesthetic drugs stimulate GABAA receptors in astrocytes, which in turn release paracrine factors that trigger a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons via p38 MAPK. This novel form of crosstalk may contribute to persistent cognitive deficits after general anesthesia and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Shi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Li Ju
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arsène G Pinguelo
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirusanthy Kaneshwaran
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean C Haffey
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Lecker
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Himaben Gohil
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Kaustov
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Ariza
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - MeiFeng Yu
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allen Volchuk
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Steinberg
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Neil M Goldenberg
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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4
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Rickelton K, Zintel TM, Pizzollo J, Miller E, Ely JJ, Raghanti MA, Hopkins WD, Hof PR, Sherwood CC, Bauernfeind AL, Babbitt CC. Tempo and mode of gene expression evolution in the brain across primates. eLife 2024; 13:e70276. [PMID: 38275218 PMCID: PMC10876213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.70276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Primate evolution has led to a remarkable diversity of behavioral specializations and pronounced brain size variation among species (Barton, 2012; DeCasien and Higham, 2019; Powell et al., 2017). Gene expression provides a promising opportunity for studying the molecular basis of brain evolution, but it has been explored in very few primate species to date (e.g. Khaitovich et al., 2005; Khrameeva et al., 2020; Ma et al., 2022; Somel et al., 2009). To understand the landscape of gene expression evolution across the primate lineage, we generated and analyzed RNA-seq data from four brain regions in an unprecedented eighteen species. Here, we show a remarkable level of variation in gene expression among hominid species, including humans and chimpanzees, despite their relatively recent divergence time from other primates. We found that individual genes display a wide range of expression dynamics across evolutionary time reflective of the diverse selection pressures acting on genes within primate brain tissue. Using our samples that represent a 190-fold difference in primate brain size, we identified genes with variation in expression most correlated with brain size. Our study extensively broadens the phylogenetic context of what is known about the molecular evolution of the brain across primates and identifies novel candidate genes for the study of genetic regulation of brain evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Rickelton
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Trisha M Zintel
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Jason Pizzollo
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - Emily Miller
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
| | - John J Ely
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington UniversityWashingtonUnited States
- MAEBIOS Epidemiology UnitAlamogordoUnited States
| | - Mary Ann Raghanti
- Department of Anthropology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State UniversityKentUnited States
| | - William D Hopkins
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Michale E. Keeling Center for Comparative Medicine,The University of Texas M D Anderson Cancer CentreBastropUnited States
| | - Patrick R Hof
- New York Consortium in Evolutionary PrimatologyNew YorkUnited States
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkUnited States
| | - Chet C Sherwood
- Department of Anthropology and Center for the Advanced Study of Human Paleobiology, The George Washington UniversityWashingtonUnited States
| | - Amy L Bauernfeind
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. LouisSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Courtney C Babbitt
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts AmherstAmherstUnited States
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5
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Nisar S, Haris M. Neuroimaging genetics approaches to identify new biomarkers for the early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4995-5008. [PMID: 37069342 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Autism-spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disabilities that manifest in early childhood and are characterized by qualitative abnormalities in social behaviors, communication skills, and restrictive or repetitive behaviors. To explore the neurobiological mechanisms in ASD, extensive research has been done to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers through a neuroimaging genetics approach. Neuroimaging genetics helps to identify ASD-risk genes that contribute to structural and functional variations in brain circuitry and validate biological changes by elucidating the mechanisms and pathways that confer genetic risk. Integrating artificial intelligence models with neuroimaging data lays the groundwork for accurate diagnosis and facilitates the identification of early diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. This review discusses the significance of neuroimaging genetics approaches to gaining a better understanding of the perturbed neurochemical system and molecular pathways in ASD and how these approaches can detect structural, functional, and metabolic changes and lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabah Nisar
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory of Molecular and Metabolic Imaging, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
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6
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Pedraza N, Monserrat MV, Ferrezuelo F, Torres-Rosell J, Colomina N, Miguez-Cabello F, Párraga JP, Soto D, López-Merino E, García-Vilela C, Esteban JA, Egea J, Garí E. Cyclin D1-Cdk4 regulates neuronal activity through phosphorylation of GABAA receptors. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:280. [PMID: 37684532 PMCID: PMC10491536 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04920-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear Cyclin D1 (Ccnd1) is a main regulator of cell cycle progression and cell proliferation. Interestingly, Ccnd1 moves to the cytoplasm at the onset of differentiation in neuronal precursors. However, cytoplasmic functions and targets of Ccnd1 in post-mitotic neurons are unknown. Here we identify the α4 subunit of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A receptors (GABAARs) as an interactor and target of Ccnd1-Cdk4. Ccnd1 binds to an intracellular loop in α4 and, together with Cdk4, phosphorylates the α4 subunit at threonine 423 and serine 431. These modifications upregulate α4 surface levels, increasing the response of α4-containing GABAARs, measured in whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. In agreement with this role of Ccnd1-Cdk4 in neuronal signalling, inhibition of Cdk4 or expression of the non-phosphorylatable α4 decreases synaptic and extra-synaptic currents in the hippocampus of newborn rats. Moreover, according to α4 functions in synaptic pruning, CCND1 knockout mice display an altered pattern of dendritic spines that is rescued by the phosphomimetic α4. Overall, our findings molecularly link Ccnd1-Cdk4 to GABAARs activity in the central nervous system and highlight a novel role for this G1 cyclin in neuronal signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Pedraza
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
| | - Ma Ventura Monserrat
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Francisco Ferrezuelo
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Torres-Rosell
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Neus Colomina
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Federico Miguez-Cabello
- Laboratori de Neurofisiologia, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Picañol Párraga
- Laboratori de Neurofisiologia, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Soto
- Laboratori de Neurofisiologia, Departament de Biomedicina, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clínic, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esperanza López-Merino
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia García-Vilela
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - José A Esteban
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Centro de Biología Molecular 'Severo Ochoa', Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquim Egea
- Molecular and Developmental Neurobiology, Dept. Ciències Mèdiques Bàsiques, Facultat de Medicina, Universitat de Lleida/IRBLLEIDA, Rovira Roure 80, 25198, Lleida, Spain
| | - Eloi Garí
- Cell Cycle, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida (IRBLLEIDA), University of Lleida, Lleida, Spain.
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7
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Wang J, Gao Y, Xiao L, Lin Y, Huang L, Chen J, Liang G, Li W, Yi W, Lao J, Zhang B, Gao TM, Zhong M, Yang X. Increased NMDARs in neurons and glutamine synthetase in astrocytes underlying autistic-like behaviors of Gabrb1-/- mice. iScience 2023; 26:107476. [PMID: 37599823 PMCID: PMC10433130 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations of the GABA-A receptor subunit β1 (GABRB1) gene are found in autism patients. However, it remains unclear how mutations in Gabrb1 may lead to autism. We generated Gabrb1-/- mouse model, which showed autistic-like behaviors. We carried out RNA-seq on the hippocampus and found glutamatergic pathway may be involved. We further carried out single-cell RNA sequencing on the whole brain followed by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, electrophysiology, and metabolite detection on specific cell types. We identified the up-regulated Glul/Slc38a3 in astrocytes, Grin1/Grin2b in neurons, glutamate, and the ratio of Glu/GABA in the hippocampus. Consistent with these results, increased NMDAR-currents and reduced GABAAR-currents in the CA1 neurons were detected in Gabrb1-/- mice. NMDAR antagonist memantine or Glul inhibitor methionine sulfoximine could rescue the abnormal behaviors in Gabrb1-/- mice. Our data reveal that upregulation of the glutamatergic synapse pathway, including NMDARs at neuronal synapses and glutamine exported by astrocytes, may lead to autistic-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liuyan Xiao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yanmei Lin
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Lang Huang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jinfa Chen
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Guanmei Liang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weiming Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wenjuan Yi
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jianpei Lao
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Tian-Ming Gao
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Mei Zhong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xinping Yang
- Center for Genetics and Developmental Systems Biology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Division of Nephrology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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8
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Ji C, Tang Y, Zhang Y, Huang X, Li C, Yang Y, Wu Q, Xia X, Cai Q, Qi XR, Zheng JC. Glutaminase 1 deficiency confined in forebrain neurons causes autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112712. [PMID: 37384529 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112712] [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: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
An abnormal glutamate signaling pathway has been proposed in the mechanisms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, less is known about the involvement of alterations of glutaminase 1 (GLS1) in the pathophysiology of ASD. We show that the transcript level of GLS1 is significantly decreased in the postmortem frontal cortex and peripheral blood of ASD subjects. Mice lacking Gls1 in CamKIIα-positive neurons display a series of ASD-like behaviors, synaptic excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) imbalance, higher spine density, and glutamate receptor expression in the prefrontal cortex, as well as a compromised expression pattern of genes involved in synapse pruning and less engulfed synaptic puncta in microglia. A low dose of lipopolysaccharide treatment restores microglial synapse pruning, corrects synaptic neurotransmission, and rescues behavioral deficits in these mice. In summary, these findings provide mechanistic insights into Gls1 loss in ASD symptoms and identify Gls1 as a target for the treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenhui Ji
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yalin Tang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Congcong Li
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yuhong Yang
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Qihui Wu
- Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, China
| | - Qingyuan Cai
- Franklin and Marshall College, 415 Harrisburg Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA
| | - Xin-Rui Qi
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China.
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200065, China; Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200081, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Brain Functional Modulation, Clinical Research Center for Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200434, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200331, China.
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9
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Wang H, Liu Y, Sun Y, Dong J, Xu X, Wang H, Zhao X, Zhang J, Yao B, Zhao L, Liu S, Peng R. Changes in cognitive function, synaptic structure and protein expression after long-term exposure to 2.856 and 9.375 GHz microwaves. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:34. [PMID: 36782203 PMCID: PMC9926547 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01011-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Health hazards from long-term exposure to microwaves, especially the potential for changes in cognitive function, are attracting increasing attention. The purpose of this study was to explore changes in spatial learning and memory and synaptic structure and to identify differentially expressed proteins in hippocampal and serum exosomes after long-term exposure to 2.856 and 9.375 GHz microwaves. The spatial reference learning and memory abilities and the structure of the DG area were impaired after long-term exposure to 2.856 and 9.375 GHz microwaves. We also found a decrease in SNARE-associated protein Snapin and an increase in charged multivesicular body protein 3 in the hippocampus, indicating that synaptic vesicle recycling was inhibited and consistent with the large increase in presynaptic vesicles. Moreover, we investigated changes in serum exosomes after 2.856 and 9.375 GHz microwave exposure. The results showed that long-term 2.856 GHz microwave exposure could induce a decrease in calcineurin subunit B type 1 and cytochrome b-245 heavy chain in serum exosomes. While the 9.375 GHz long-term microwave exposure induced a decrease in proteins (synaptophysin-like 1, ankyrin repeat and rabankyrin-5, protein phosphatase 3 catalytic subunit alpha and sodium-dependent phosphate transporter 1) in serum exosomes. In summary, long-term microwave exposure could lead to different degrees of spatial learning and memory impairment, EEG disturbance, structural damage to the hippocampus, and differential expression of hippocampal tissue and serum exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Yu Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Yunbo Sun
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Ji Dong
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Xinping Xu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Xuelong Zhao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Jing Zhang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Binwei Yao
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850 China
| | - Li Zhao
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Ruiyun Peng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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10
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Wang N, Lv L, Huang X, Shi M, Dai Y, Wei Y, Xu B, Fu C, Huang H, Shi H, Liu Y, Hu X, Qin D. Gene editing in monogenic autism spectrum disorder: animal models and gene therapies. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1043018. [PMID: 36590912 PMCID: PMC9794862 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1043018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disease, and its diagnosis is dependent on behavioral manifestation, such as impaired reciprocal social interactions, stereotyped repetitive behaviors, as well as restricted interests. However, ASD etiology has eluded researchers to date. In the past decades, based on strong genetic evidence including mutations in a single gene, gene editing technology has become an essential tool for exploring the pathogenetic mechanisms of ASD via constructing genetically modified animal models which validates the casual relationship between genetic risk factors and the development of ASD, thus contributing to developing ideal candidates for gene therapies. The present review discusses the progress in gene editing techniques and genetic research, animal models established by gene editing, as well as gene therapies in ASD. Future research should focus on improving the validity of animal models, and reliable DNA diagnostics and accurate prediction of the functional effects of the mutation will likely be equally crucial for the safe application of gene therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Longbao Lv
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoyi Huang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Mingqin Shi
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Youwu Dai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Bonan Xu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Chenyang Fu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Haoyu Huang
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Hongling Shi
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, Kunming Children’s Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Xintian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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11
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Ao C, Li C, Chen J, Tan J, Zeng L. The role of Cdk5 in neurological disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:951202. [PMID: 35966199 PMCID: PMC9368323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.951202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders are a group of disorders with motor, sensory or cognitive damage, caused by dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. Cyclin-dependent kinases 5 (Cdk5) is of vital significance for the development of the nervous system, including the migration and differentiation of neurons, the formation of synapses, and axon regeneration. However, when the nervous system is subject to pathological stimulation, aberrant activation of Cdk5 will induce abnormal phosphorylation of a variety of substrates, resulting in a cascade signaling pathway, and thus lead to pathological changes. Cdk5 is intimately related to the pathological mechanism of a variety of neurological disorders, such as A-β protein formation in Alzheimer’s disease, mitochondrial fragmentation in cerebral ischemia, and apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. It is worth noting that Cdk5 inhibitors have been reported to have neuroprotective effects by inhibiting related pathological processes. Therefore, in this review, we will briefly introduce the physiological and pathological mechanisms of Cdk5 in the nervous system, focusing on the recent advances of Cdk5 in neurological disorders and the prospect of targeted Cdk5 for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuncao Ao
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenchen Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jinlun Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jieqiong Tan
- Center for Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Animal Model for Human Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liuwang Zeng
- Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Liuwang Zeng
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12
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Gill PS, Dweep H, Rose S, Wickramasinghe PJ, Vyas KK, McCullough S, Porter-Gill PA, Frye RE. Integrated microRNA–mRNA Expression Profiling Identifies Novel Targets and Networks Associated with Autism. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060920. [PMID: 35743705 PMCID: PMC9225282 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, with mutations in hundreds of genes contributing to its risk. Herein, we studied lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) from children diagnosed with autistic disorder (n = 10) and controls (n = 7) using RNA and miRNA sequencing profiles. The sequencing analysis identified 1700 genes and 102 miRNAs differentially expressed between the ASD and control LCLs (p ≤ 0.05). The top upregulated genes were GABRA4, AUTS2, and IL27, and the top upregulated miRNAs were hsa-miR-6813-3p, hsa-miR-221-5p, and hsa-miR-21-5p. The RT-qPCR analysis confirmed the sequencing results for randomly selected candidates: AUTS2, FMR1, PTEN, hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-92a-3p, and hsa-miR-125b-5p. The functional enrichment analysis showed pathways involved in ASD control proliferation of neuronal cells, cell death of immune cells, epilepsy or neurodevelopmental disorders, WNT and PTEN signaling, apoptosis, and cancer. The integration of mRNA and miRNA sequencing profiles by miRWalk2.0 identified correlated changes in miRNAs and their targets’ expression. The integration analysis found significantly dysregulated miRNA–gene pairs in ASD. Overall, these findings suggest that mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in ASD are greatly altered in LCLs and reveal numerous miRNA–gene interactions that regulate critical pathways involved in the proliferation of neuronal cells, cell death of immune cells, and neuronal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritmohinder S. Gill
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Arkansas Children′s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (K.K.V.); (S.M.); (P.A.P.-G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-501-364-2743
| | - Harsh Dweep
- The Wistar Institute, 3601 Spruce St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (H.D.); (P.J.W.)
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
- Arkansas Children′s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (K.K.V.); (S.M.); (P.A.P.-G.)
| | | | - Kanan K. Vyas
- Arkansas Children′s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (K.K.V.); (S.M.); (P.A.P.-G.)
| | - Sandra McCullough
- Arkansas Children′s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (K.K.V.); (S.M.); (P.A.P.-G.)
| | - Patricia A. Porter-Gill
- Arkansas Children′s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA; (K.K.V.); (S.M.); (P.A.P.-G.)
| | - Richard E. Frye
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children′s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA;
- Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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13
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Janz P, Nicolas MJ, Redondo RL, Valencia M.
GABA
B
R
activation partially normalizes acute
NMDAR
hypofunction oscillatory abnormalities but fails to rescue sensory processing deficits. J Neurochem 2022; 161:417-434. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Janz
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Maria Jesus Nicolas
- Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Program of Neuroscience, 31080 Pamplona Spain
- IdiSNA Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080 Pamplona Spain
| | - Roger L. Redondo
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Neuroscience and Rare Diseases, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann‐La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel Switzerland
| | - Miguel Valencia
- Universidad de Navarra, CIMA, Program of Neuroscience, 31080 Pamplona Spain
- IdiSNA Navarra Institute for Health Research, 31080 Pamplona Spain
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14
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Vogel FD, Krenn M, Westphal DS, Graf E, Wagner M, Leiz S, Koniuszewski F, Augé‐Stock M, Kramer G, Scholze P, Ernst M. A de novo missense variant in
GABRA4
alters receptor function in an epileptic and neurodevelopmental phenotype. Epilepsia 2022; 63:e35-e41. [PMID: 35152403 PMCID: PMC9304230 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Variants in γ‐aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes cause different forms of epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders. To date, GABRA4, encoding the α4‐subunit, has not been associated with a monogenic condition. However, preclinical evidence points toward seizure susceptibility. Here, we report a de novo missense variant in GABRA4 (c.899C>T, p.Thr300Ile) in an individual with early‐onset drug‐resistant epilepsy and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. An electrophysiological characterization of the variant, which is located in the pore‐forming domain, shows accelerated desensitization and a lack of seizure‐protective neurosteroid function. In conclusion, our findings strongly suggest an association between de novo variation in GABRA4 and a neurodevelopmental disorder with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian D. Vogel
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Martin Krenn
- Department of Neurology Medical University of Vienna Vienna Austria
- Institute of Human Genetics School of Medicine Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Dominik S. Westphal
- Institute of Human Genetics School of Medicine Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I School of Medicine Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Elisabeth Graf
- Institute of Human Genetics School of Medicine Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
| | - Matias Wagner
- Institute of Human Genetics School of Medicine Klinikum rechts der Isar Technical University of Munich Munich Germany
- Institute of Neurogenomics Helmholtz Zentrum München Neuherberg Germany
- Department of Pediatrics Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital LMU University Hospital Munich Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurology LMU Center for Development and Children with Medical Complexity Ludwig‐Maximilians‐University Munich Munich Germany
| | - Steffen Leiz
- Divison of Neuropediatrics Klinikum Dritter Orden Munich Germany
| | - Filip Koniuszewski
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Maximilian Augé‐Stock
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Georg Kramer
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Petra Scholze
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
| | - Margot Ernst
- Department of Pathobiology of the Nervous System Center for Brain Research Medical University Vienna Vienna Austria
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15
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Noyes NC, Phan A, Davis RL. Memory suppressor genes: Modulating acquisition, consolidation, and forgetting. Neuron 2021; 109:3211-3227. [PMID: 34450024 PMCID: PMC8542634 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The brain has a remarkable but underappreciated capacity to limit memory formation and expression. The term "memory suppressor gene" was coined in 1998 as an attempt to explain emerging reports that some genes appeared to limit memory. At that time, only a handful of memory suppressor genes were known, and they were understood to work by limiting cAMP-dependent consolidation. In the intervening decades, almost 100 memory suppressor genes with diverse functions have been discovered that affect not only consolidation but also acquisition and forgetting. Here we highlight the surprising extent to which biological limits are placed on memory formation through reviewing the literature on memory suppressor genes. In this review, we present memory suppressors within the framework of their actions on different memory operations: acquisition, consolidation, and forgetting. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons why there may be a biological need to limit memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaniel C Noyes
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | - Anna Phan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, 11355 Saskatchewan Drive, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E9, Canada
| | - Ronald L Davis
- Department of Neuroscience, Scripps Research Institute Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA.
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16
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Bahry JA, Fedder-Semmes KN, Sceniak MP, Sabo SL. An Autism-Associated de novo Mutation in GluN2B Destabilizes Growing Dendrites by Promoting Retraction and Pruning. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:692232. [PMID: 34393725 PMCID: PMC8363002 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.692232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in GRIN2B, which encodes the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors, lead to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. Recently, we showed that a GluN2B variant that is associated with severe ASD (GluN2B724t) impairs dendrite morphogenesis. To determine which aspects of dendrite growth are affected by GluN2B724t, we investigated the dynamics of dendrite growth and branching in rat neocortical neurons using time-lapse imaging. GluN2B724t expression shifted branch motility toward retraction and away from extension. GluN2B724t and wild-type neurons formed new branches at similar rates, but mutant neurons exhibited increased pruning of dendritic branches. The observed changes in dynamics resulted in nearly complete elimination of the net expansion of arbor size and complexity that is normally observed during this developmental period. These data demonstrate that ASD-associated mutant GluN2B interferes with dendrite morphogenesis by reducing rates of outgrowth while promoting retraction and subsequent pruning. Because mutant dendrites remain motile and capable of growth, it is possible that reducing pruning or promoting dendrite stabilization could overcome dendrite arbor defects associated with GRIN2B mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A Bahry
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Karlie N Fedder-Semmes
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Michael P Sceniak
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
| | - Shasta L Sabo
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States.,Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, United States
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17
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Loss of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in GABAergic neurons causes sex-dependent decreases in radial glia-like cell quantity and impairments in cognitive and social behavior. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:365-379. [PMID: 33398432 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02179-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) is a unique brain structure in that neurons can be generated postnatally and integrated within existing circuitry throughout life. The maturation process of these newly generated neurons (granule cells) is modulated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) through a variety of mechanisms such as neural stem pool proliferation, cell survival, signal modulation, and dendritic integration. Disrupted nAChR signaling has been implicated in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders, potentially via alterations in DG neurogenesis. GABAergic interneurons are known to express nAChRs, predominantly the α7 subtype, and have been shown to shape development, integration, and circuit reorganization of DG granule cells. Therefore, we examined histological and behavioral effects of knocking out α7 nAChRs in GABAergic neurons. Deletion of α7 nAChRs resulted in a reduction of radial glia-like cells within the subgranular zone of the DG and a concomitant trend towards decreased immature neurons, specifically in male mice, as well as sex-dependent changes in several behaviors, including social recognition and spatial learning. Overall, these findings suggest α7 nAChRs expressed in GABAergic neurons play an important role in regulating the adult neural stem cell pool and behavior in a sex-dependent manner. This provides important insight into the mechanisms by which cholinergic dysfunction contributes to the cognitive and behavioral changes associated with neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders.
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18
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Nakamura JP, Gillespie B, Gibbons A, Jaehne EJ, Du X, Chan A, Schroeder A, van den Buuse M, Sundram S, Hill RA. Maternal immune activation targeted to a window of parvalbumin interneuron development improves spatial working memory: Implications for autism. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:339-349. [PMID: 33096253 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) increases risk for neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring later in life through unknown causal mechanisms. Growing evidence implicates parvalbumin-containing GABAergic interneurons as a key target in rodent MIA models. We targeted a specific neurodevelopmental window of parvalbumin interneurons in a mouse MIA model to examine effects on spatial working memory, a key domain in ASD that can manifest as either impairments or improvements both clinically and in animal models. Pregnant dams received three consecutive intraperitoneal injections of Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), 5 mg/kg) at gestational days 13, 14 and 15. Spatial working memory was assessed in young adult offspring using touchscreen operant chambers and the Trial-Unique Non-matching to Location (TUNL) task. Anxiety, novelty seeking and short-term memory were assessed using Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) and Y-maze novelty preference tasks. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry was used to assess hippocampal parvalbumin cell density, intensity and co-expression with perineuronal nets. qPCR was used to assess the expression of putatively implicated gene pathways. MIA targeting a window of parvalbumin interneuron development increased spatial working memory performance on the TUNL touchscreen task which was not influenced by anxiety or novelty seeking behaviour. The model reduced fetal mRNA levels of Gad1 and adult hippocampal mRNA levels of Pvalb and the distribution of low intensity parvalbumin interneurons was altered. We speculate a specific timing window for parvalbumin interneuron development underpins the apparently paradoxical improved spatial working memory phenotype found both across several rodent models of autism and clinically in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay P Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Brendan Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Andrew Gibbons
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Emily J Jaehne
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Xin Du
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Aaron Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Anna Schroeder
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Department of Psychology, La Trobe University, Victoria 3086, Australia; Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia; The College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Rachel A Hill
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
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