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McKean DM, Zhang Q, Narayan P, Morton SU, Strohmenger V, Tang VT, McAllister S, Sharma A, Quiat D, Reichart D, DeLaughter DM, Wakimoto H, Gorham JM, Brown K, McDonough B, Willcox JA, Jang MY, DePalma SR, Ward T, Kim R, Cleveland JD, Seidman J, Seidman CE. Increased endothelial sclerostin caused by elevated DSCAM mediates multiple trisomy 21 phenotypes. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e167811. [PMID: 38828726 PMCID: PMC11142749 DOI: 10.1172/jci167811] [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: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Trisomy 21 (T21), a recurrent aneuploidy occurring in 1:800 births, predisposes to congenital heart disease (CHD) and multiple extracardiac phenotypes. Despite a definitive genetic etiology, the mechanisms by which T21 perturbs development and homeostasis remain poorly understood. We compared the transcriptome of CHD tissues from 49 patients with T21 and 226 with euploid CHD (eCHD). We resolved cell lineages that misexpressed T21 transcripts by cardiac single-nucleus RNA sequencing and RNA in situ hybridization. Compared with eCHD samples, T21 samples had increased chr21 gene expression; 11-fold-greater levels (P = 1.2 × 10-8) of SOST (chr17), encoding the Wnt inhibitor sclerostin; and 1.4-fold-higher levels (P = 8.7 × 10-8) of the SOST transcriptional activator ZNF467 (chr7). Euploid and T21 cardiac endothelial cells coexpressed SOST and ZNF467; however, T21 endothelial cells expressed 6.9-fold more SOST than euploid endothelial cells (P = 2.7 × 10-27). Wnt pathway genes were downregulated in T21 endothelial cells. Expression of DSCAM, residing within the chr21 CHD critical region, correlated with SOST (P = 1.9 × 10-5) and ZNF467 (P = 2.9 × 10-4). Deletion of DSCAM from T21 endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells diminished sclerostin secretion. As Wnt signaling is critical for atrioventricular canal formation, bone health, and pulmonary vascular homeostasis, we concluded that T21-mediated increased sclerostin levels would inappropriately inhibit Wnt activities and promote Down syndrome phenotypes. These findings imply therapeutic potential for anti-sclerostin antibodies in T21.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M. McKean
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Priyanka Narayan
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Sarah U. Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Viktoria Strohmenger
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Walter Brendle Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vi T. Tang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sophie McAllister
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ananya Sharma
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Quiat
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel Reichart
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Hiroko Wakimoto
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Joshua M. Gorham
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kemar Brown
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barbara McDonough
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jon A. Willcox
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Min Young Jang
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven R. DePalma
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tarsha Ward
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Richard Kim
- Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John D. Cleveland
- Section of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - J.G. Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christine E. Seidman
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Neff RC, Stangis KA, Beniwal U, Hergenreder T, Ye B, Murphy GG. Cognitive behavioral phenotyping of DSCAM heterozygosity as a model for autism spectrum disorder. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597158. [PMID: 38895491 PMCID: PMC11185729 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
It is estimated that 1 in 36 children are affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the United States, which is nearly a twofold increase from a decade ago. Recent genetic studies have identified de novo loss-of-function (dnLoF) mutations in the Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) as a strong risk factor for ASD. Previous research has shown that DSCAM ablation confers social interaction deficits and perseverative behaviors in mouse models. However, it remains unknown to what extent DSCAM underexpression captures the full range of behaviors, specifically cognitive phenotypes, presented in ASD. Here, we conducted a comprehensive cognitive behavioral phenotyping which revealed that loss of one copy of DSCAM , as in the DSCAM 2J +/- mice, displayed hyperactivity, increased anxiety, and motor coordination impairments. Additionally, hippocampal-dependent learning and memory was affected, including working memory, long-term memory, and contextual fear learning. Interestingly, implicit learning processes remained intact. Therefore, DSCAM LoF produces autistic-like behaviors that are similar to human cases of ASD. These findings further support a role for DSCAM dnLoF mutations in ASD and suggest DSCAM 2J +/- as a suitable model for ASD research. Summary Statement Autism spectrum disorder represents a growing patient population. Loss of one copy of the DSCAM gene provides a promising mouse model that reproduces autistic-like behaviors for research and therapeutic testing.
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Hergenreder T, Yang T, Ye B. The role of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in Down syndrome. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2024; 4:31-41. [PMID: 38515781 PMCID: PMC10954295 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the presence of an extra copy of the entire or a portion of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). This genomic alteration leads to elevated expression of numerous HSA21 genes, resulting in a variety of health issues in individuals with DS. Among the genes located in the DS "critical region" of HSA21, Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) plays an important role in neuronal development. There is a growing body of evidence underscoring DSCAM's involvement in various DS-related disorders. This review aims to provide a concise overview of the established functions of DSCAM, with a particular focus on its implications in DS. We delve into the roles that DSCAM plays in DS-associated diseases. In the concluding section of this review, we explore prospective avenues for future research to further unravel DSCAM's role in DS and opportunities for therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty Hergenreder
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Tao Yang
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Bing Ye
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Ustaoglu P, McQuarrie DWJ, Rochet A, Dix TC, Haussmann IU, Arnold R, Devaud JM, Soller M. Memory consolidation in honey bees is enhanced by down-regulation of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule and changes its alternative splicing. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 16:1322808. [PMID: 38264345 PMCID: PMC10803435 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1322808] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) gene encodes a cell adhesion molecule required for neuronal wiring. A remarkable feature of arthropod Dscam is massive alternative splicing generating thousands of different isoforms from three variable clusters of alternative exons. Dscam expression and diversity arising from alternative splicing have been studied during development, but whether they exert functions in adult brains has not been determined. Here, using honey bees, we find that Dscam expression is critically linked to memory retention as reducing expression by RNAi enhances memory after reward learning in adult worker honey bees. Moreover, alternative splicing of Dscam is altered in all three variable clusters after learning. Since identical Dscam isoforms engage in homophilic interactions, these results suggest a mechanism to alter inclusion of variable exons during memory consolidation to modify neuronal connections for memory retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Ustaoglu
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - David W. J. McQuarrie
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony Rochet
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, UPS, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
| | - Thomas C. Dix
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Irmgard U. Haussmann
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Arnold
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Cancer and Genomics Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Marc Devaud
- Research Center on Animal Cognition (CRCA), Center for Integrative Biology (CBI), CNRS, UPS, Toulouse University, Toulouse, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, France
| | - Matthias Soller
- School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Centre for Genome Biology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Abukhaled Y, Hatab K, Awadhalla M, Hamdan H. Understanding the genetic mechanisms and cognitive impairments in Down syndrome: towards a holistic approach. J Neurol 2024; 271:87-104. [PMID: 37561187 PMCID: PMC10769995 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Abukhaled
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kenana Hatab
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Awadhalla
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Pizzano S, Sterne GR, Veling MW, Xu LA, Hergenreder T, Ye B. The Drosophila homolog of APP promotes Dscam expression to drive axon terminal growth, revealing interaction between Down syndrome genes. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm049725. [PMID: 37712356 PMCID: PMC10508694 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049725] [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: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by triplication of human chromosome 21 (HSA21). Although several HSA21 genes have been found to be responsible for aspects of DS, whether and how HSA21 genes interact with each other is poorly understood. DS patients and animal models present with a number of neurological changes, including aberrant connectivity and neuronal morphology. Previous studies have indicated that amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (DSCAM) regulate neuronal morphology and contribute to neuronal aberrations in DS. Here, we report the functional interaction between the Drosophila homologs of these two genes, Amyloid precursor protein-like (Appl) and Dscam (Dscam1). We show that Appl requires Dscam to promote axon terminal growth in sensory neurons. Moreover, Appl increases Dscam protein expression post-transcriptionally. We further demonstrate that regulation of Dscam by Appl does not require the Appl intracellular domain or second extracellular domain. This study presents an example of functional interactions between HSA21 genes, providing insights into the pathogenesis of neuronal aberrations in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pizzano
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gabriella R. Sterne
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Biomedical Genetics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Macy W. Veling
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - L. Amanda Xu
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ty Hergenreder
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bing Ye
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Vivien J, El Azraoui A, Lheraux C, Lanore F, Aouizerate B, Herry C, Humeau Y, Bienvenu TCM. Axo-axonic cells in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1212202. [PMID: 37435048 PMCID: PMC10330806 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1212202] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex is one of the main theories in neuropsychiatric disorder pathophysiology. Cortical inhibition is finely regulated by a variety of highly specialized GABAergic interneuron types, which are thought to organize neural network activities. Among interneurons, axo-axonic cells are unique in making synapses with the axon initial segment of pyramidal neurons. Alterations of axo-axonic cells have been proposed to be implicated in disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. However, evidence for the alteration of axo-axonic cells in disease has only been examined in narrative reviews. By performing a systematic review of studies investigating axo-axonic cells and axo-axonic communication in epilepsy, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder, we outline convergent findings and discrepancies in the literature. Overall, the implication of axo-axonic cells in neuropsychiatric disorders might have been overstated. Additional work is needed to assess initial, mostly indirect findings, and to unravel how defects in axo-axonic cells translates to cortical dysregulation and, in turn, to pathological states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Vivien
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Anass El Azraoui
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
- Univ Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cloé Lheraux
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Frederic Lanore
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Bruno Aouizerate
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
- INRAE, Bordeaux INP, NutriNeuro, UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cyril Herry
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yann Humeau
- Univ Bordeaux, CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thomas C. M. Bienvenu
- Université de Bordeaux, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles Perrens, Inserm Neurocentre Magendie U1215, Bordeaux, France
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