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Mitchell KJ. Variability in Neural Circuit Formation. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2024; 16:a041504. [PMID: 38253418 PMCID: PMC10910361 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The study of neural development is usually concerned with the question of how nervous systems get put together. Variation in these processes is usually of interest as a means of revealing these normative mechanisms. However, variation itself can be an object of study and is of interest from multiple angles. First, the nature of variation in both the processes and the outcomes of neural development is relevant to our understanding of how these processes and outcomes are encoded in the genome. Second, variation in the wiring of the brain in humans may underlie variation in all kinds of psychological and behavioral traits, as well as neurodevelopmental disorders. And third, genetic variation that affects circuit development provides the raw material for evolutionary change. Here, I examine these different aspects of variation in circuit development and consider what they may tell us about these larger questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 PN40, Ireland
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2
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Pantazopoulos H, Katsel P, Haroutunian V, Chelini G, Klengel T, Berretta S. Molecular signature of extracellular matrix pathology in schizophrenia. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3960-3987. [PMID: 33070392 PMCID: PMC8359380 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence points to a critical involvement of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ). Decreases of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and altered expression of chondroitin sulphate proteoglycans (CSPGs) in glial cells have been identified in several brain regions. GWAS data have identified several SZ vulnerability variants of genes encoding for ECM molecules. Given the potential relevance of ECM functions to the pathophysiology of this disorder, it is necessary to understand the extent of ECM changes across brain regions, their region- and sex-specificity and which ECM components contribute to these changes. We tested the hypothesis that the expression of genes encoding for ECM molecules may be broadly disrupted in SZ across several cortical and subcortical brain regions and include key ECM components as well as factors such as ECM posttranslational modifications and regulator factors. Gene expression profiling of 14 neocortical brain regions, caudate, putamen and hippocampus from control subjects (n = 14/region) and subjects with SZ (n = 16/region) was conducted using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Analysis across brain regions revealed widespread dysregulation of ECM gene expression in cortical and subcortical brain regions in SZ, impacting several ECM functional key components. SRGN, CD44, ADAMTS1, ADAM10, BCAN, NCAN and SEMA4G showed some of the most robust changes. Region-, sex- and age-specific gene expression patterns and correlation with cognitive scores were also detected. Taken together, these findings contribute to emerging evidence for large-scale ECM dysregulation in SZ and point to molecular pathways involved in PNN decreases, glial cell dysfunction and cognitive impairment in SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Pantazopoulos
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomical SciencesUniversity of Mississippi Medical CenterJacksonMSUSA
| | - Pavel Katsel
- Department of PsychiatryThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mental Illness Research Education ClinicalCenters of Excellence (MIRECC)JJ Peters VA Medical CenterBronxNYUSA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of PsychiatryThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceThe Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mental Illness Research Education ClinicalCenters of Excellence (MIRECC)JJ Peters VA Medical CenterBronxNYUSA
| | - Gabriele Chelini
- Translational Neuroscience LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
| | - Torsten Klengel
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Translational Molecular Genomics LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity Medical Center GöttingenGöttingenGermany
| | - Sabina Berretta
- Translational Neuroscience LaboratoryMclean HospitalBelmontMAUSA
- Department of PsychiatryHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
- Program in NeuroscienceHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMAUSA
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Thomas T, Perdue MV, Khalaf S, Landi N, Hoeft F, Pugh K, Grigorenko EL. Neuroimaging genetic associations between SEMA6D, brain structure, and reading skills. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2021; 43:276-289. [PMID: 33960276 PMCID: PMC8225580 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2021.1912300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Specific reading disability (SRD) is defined by genetic and neural risk factors that are not fully understood. The current study used imaging genetics methodology to investigate relationships between SEMA6D, brain structure, and reading. SEMA6D, located on SRD risk locus DYX1, is involved in axon guidance, synapse formation, and dendrite development. SEMA6D's associations with brain structure in reading-related regions of interest (ROIs) were investigated in a sample of children with a range of reading performance, from sites in Connecticut, CT (n = 67, 6-13 years, mean age = 9.07) and San Francisco, SF (n = 28, 5-8 years, mean age = 6.5). Multiple regression analyses revealed significant associations between SEMA6D's rs16959669 and cortical thickness in the fusiform gyrus and rs4270119 and gyrification in the supramarginal gyrus in the CT sample, but this was not replicated in the SF sample. Significant clusters were not associated with reading. For white matter volume, combined analyses across both samples revealed associations between reading and the left transverse temporal gyrus, left pars triangularis, left cerebellum, and right cerebellum. White matter volume in the left transverse temporal gyrus was nominally related to rs1817178, rs12050859, and rs1898110 in SEMA6D, and rs1817178 was significantly related to reading. Haplotype analyses revealed significant associations between the whole gene and brain phenotypes. Results suggest SEMA6D likely has an impact on multiple reading-related neural structures, but only white matter volume in the transverse temporal gyrus was significantly related to reading in the current sample. As the sample was young, the transverse temporal gyrus, involved in auditory perception, may be more strongly involved in reading because phonological processing is still being learned. The relationship between SEMA6D and reading may change as different brain regions are involved during reading development. Future research should examine mediating effects, use additional brain measures, and use an older sample to better understand effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Meaghan V. Perdue
- University of Connecticut Dept. of Psychological Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
- Haskins Laboratories, University of Connecticut, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shiva Khalaf
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Landi
- University of Connecticut Dept. of Psychological Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
- Haskins Laboratories, University of Connecticut, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Fumiko Hoeft
- University of Connecticut Dept. of Psychological Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kenneth Pugh
- University of Connecticut Dept. of Psychological Sciences, Storrs, CT, USA
- Haskins Laboratories, University of Connecticut, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elena L. Grigorenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Hatanaka Y, Kawasaki T, Abe T, Shioi G, Kohno T, Hattori M, Sakakibara A, Kawaguchi Y, Hirata T. Semaphorin 6A-Plexin A2/A4 Interactions with Radial Glia Regulate Migration Termination of Superficial Layer Cortical Neurons. iScience 2019; 21:359-374. [PMID: 31698249 PMCID: PMC6889767 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Precise regulation of neuronal migration termination is crucial for the establishment of brain cytoarchitectures. However, little is known about how neurons terminate migration. Here we focused on interactions between migrating cortical neurons and their substrates, radial glial (RG) cells, and analyzed the role of Plexin A2 and A4 (PlxnA2/A4) receptors and their repulsive ligand, Semaphorin 6A (Sema6A), for this process. In both PlxnA2/A4 double-knockout and Sema6A mutant mice, the outermost cortical plate neurons ectopically invade layer 1 at a stage when they should reach their destinations. PlxnA2/A4 proteins are abundantly expressed on their leading processes, whereas Sema6A mRNA is enriched in RG cell somata. Cell-targeted gene expression and conditional knockouts indicate critical roles for these molecules. We hypothesize that the timely appearance of repulsive signaling mediated by Sema6A–PlxnA2/A4 weakens migrating neuron–RG cell interactions, leading to migration termination. Loss of PlxnA2/A4 results in superficial layer neurons invading layer 1 PlxnA2/A4 works cell autonomously to settle these neurons properly Lack of Sema6A in radial glial cells causes similar mispositioning of these neurons Sema6A–PlxnA2/A4 signaling determines settling position of superficial layer neurons
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumiko Hatanaka
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan; College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan.
| | - Takahiko Kawasaki
- Brain Function Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
| | - Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Go Shioi
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi, Chuou-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takao Kohno
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Hattori
- Department of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, 3-1 Tanabe-dori, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 467-8603, Japan
| | - Akira Sakakibara
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi 487-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuo Kawaguchi
- Division of Cerebral Circuitry, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Tatsumi Hirata
- Brain Function Laboratory, National Institute of Genetics, 1111 Yata, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-8540, Japan
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Chen LH, Liao CY, Lai LC, Tsai MH, Chuang EY. Semaphorin 6A Attenuates the Migration Capability of Lung Cancer Cells via the NRF2/HMOX1 Axis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13302. [PMID: 31527696 PMCID: PMC6746772 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49874-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a fundamental feature of cancer recurrence. Since recurrence is correlated with high mortality in lung cancer, it follows that reducing cell migration would decrease recurrence and increase survival rates. Semaphorin-6A (SEMA6A), a protein initially known as a regulator of axonal guidance, is down-regulated in lung cancer tissue, and low levels of SEMA6A are associated with cancer recurrence. Thus, we hypothesized that SEMA6A could suppress cancer cell migration. In this study, we found that the migration capability of H1299 lung cancer cells decreased with SEMA6A overexpression, while it increased with SEMA6A silencing. Moreover, silencing of the cellular homeostasis protein Heme-oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) and/or the transcription factor Nuclear Factor, Erythroid-2-Like-2 (NRF2) reversed the migration-suppressing effect of SEMA6A and the SEMA6A-driven alterations in expression of urokinase insulin-like-growth-factor-binding-protein-3, Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, and MMP9, the downstream effectors of HMOX1. Taken together, these results demonstrate that SEMA6A is a potential suppressor of cancer migration that functions through the NRF2/HMOX1 axis. Our results explain why low SEMA6A is linked to high recurrence in the clinical setting and suggest that SEMA6A could be useful as a biomarker or target in lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Han Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Che-Yu Liao
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Chuan Lai
- Institute of Physiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mong-Hsun Tsai
- Institute of Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Genome and Systems Biology Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Eric Y Chuang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Electronics and Bioinformatics, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core, Center of Genomic Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Biomedical Technology and Device Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
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In vivo epigenetic editing of Sema6a promoter reverses transcallosal dysconnectivity caused by C11orf46/Arl14ep risk gene. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4112. [PMID: 31511512 PMCID: PMC6739341 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12013-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neuropsychiatric risk genes contribute to epigenetic regulation but little is known about specific chromatin-associated mechanisms governing the formation of neuronal connectivity. Here we show that transcallosal connectivity is critically dependent on C11orf46, a nuclear protein encoded in the chromosome 11p13 WAGR risk locus. C11orf46 haploinsufficiency was associated with hypoplasia of the corpus callosum. C11orf46 knockdown disrupted transcallosal projections and was rescued by wild type C11orf46 but not the C11orf46R236H mutant associated with intellectual disability. Multiple genes encoding key regulators of axonal development, including Sema6a, were hyperexpressed in C11orf46-knockdown neurons. RNA-guided epigenetic editing of Sema6a gene promoters via a dCas9-SunTag system with C11orf46 binding normalized SEMA6A expression and rescued transcallosal dysconnectivity via repressive chromatin remodeling by the SETDB1 repressor complex. Our study demonstrates that interhemispheric communication is sensitive to locus-specific remodeling of neuronal chromatin, revealing the therapeutic potential for shaping the brain's connectome via gene-targeted designer activators and repressor proteins.
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Okada T, Keino-Masu K, Suto F, Mitchell KJ, Masu M. Data for 3D reconstruction of the corticospinal tract in the wild-type and Semaphorin 6A knockout adult brain. Data Brief 2019; 23:103718. [PMID: 31372387 PMCID: PMC6660450 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2019.103718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The corticospinal tract (CST) has a complex and long trajectory throughout the brain. Semaphorin 6A (Sema6A), a member of the semaphorin family, is one of the important regulators of CST axon guidance. Previous studies have shown that Sema6A knockout (KO) mice have CST defects at the midbrain–hindbrain boundary and medulla [1]. However, the route of the aberrant fibers remained unknown. Therefore here, to track the trajectory of the abnormal fibers, 3D images of the CST in adult mice were reconstructed from serial brain sections stained with anti-PKCγ antibody. Sema6A mutant brains showed CST defects that were more complex and variable than previously thought. In addition, 3D analysis helped us to identify a few new patterns of abnormal fibers. For more information about the data, please refer to an original research article, which has been recently published by Brain Research, “Remarkable complexity and variability of corticospinal tract defects in adult Semaphorin 6A knockout mice” [2].
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Okada
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Kazuko Keino-Masu
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Fumikazu Suto
- Department of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawa-Higashi, Kodaira, Tokyo, 187-8502, Japan
| | - Kevin J. Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Masayuki Masu
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
- Corresponding author.
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Zhao XF, Kohen R, Parent R, Duan Y, Fisher GL, Korn MJ, Ji L, Wan G, Jin J, Püschel AW, Dolan DF, Parent JM, Corfas G, Murphy GG, Giger RJ. PlexinA2 Forward Signaling through Rap1 GTPases Regulates Dentate Gyrus Development and Schizophrenia-like Behaviors. Cell Rep 2019; 22:456-470. [PMID: 29320740 PMCID: PMC5788190 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dentate gyrus (DG) development requires specification of granule cell (GC) progenitors in the hippocampal neuroepithelium, as well as their proliferation and migration into the primordial DG. We identify the Plexin family members Plxna2 and Plxna4 as important regulators of DG development. Distribution of immature GCs is regulated by Sema5A signaling through PlxnA2 and requires a functional PlxnA2 GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain and Rap1 small GTPases. In adult Plxna2−/− but not Plxna2-GAP-deficient mice, the dentate GC layer is severely malformed, neurogenesis is compromised, and mossy fibers form aberrant synaptic boutons within CA3. Behavioral studies with Plxna2−/− mice revealed deficits in associative learning, sociability, and sensorimotor gating—traits commonly observed in neuropsychiatric disorder. Remarkably, while morphological defects are minimal in Plxna2-GAP-deficient brains, defects in fear memory and sensorimotor gating persist. Since allelic variants of human PLXNA2 and RAP1 associate with schizophrenia, our studies identify a biochemical pathway important for brain development and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Zhao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rafi Kohen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel Parent
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuntao Duan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Grace L Fisher
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew J Korn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lingchao Ji
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Guoqiang Wan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jing Jin
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas W Püschel
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - David F Dolan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jack M Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gabriel Corfas
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roman J Giger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Remarkable complexity and variability of corticospinal tract defects in adult Semaphorin 6A knockout mice. Brain Res 2018; 1710:209-219. [PMID: 30599138 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The corticospinal tract (CST) has a complex and long trajectory that originates in the cerebral cortex and ends in the spinal cord. Semaphorin 6A (Sema6A), a member of the semaphorin family, is an important regulator of CST axon guidance. Previous studies have shown that postnatal Sema6A mutant mice have CST defects at the midbrain-hindbrain boundary and medulla. However, the routes the aberrant fibers take throughout the Sema6A mutant brain remain unknown. In this study, we performed 3D reconstruction of immunostained CST fibers to reevaluate the details of the abnormal CST trajectories in the brains of adult Sema6A mutant mice. Our results showed that the axon guidance defects reported in early postnatal mutants were consistently observed in adulthood. Those abnormal trajectories revealed by 3D analysis of brain sections were, however, more complex and variable than previously thought. In addition, 3D analysis allowed us to identify a few new patterns of aberrant projections. First, a subset of fibers that separated from and descended in parallel to the main bundle projected laterally at the caudal pons, subsequently changed direction by turning caudally, and extended to the medulla. Second, some abnormal fibers returned to the correct trajectory after deviating substantially from the original tract. Third, some fibers reached the pyramidal decussation normally but did not enter the dorsal funiculus. Section immunostaining combined with 3D reconstruction is a powerful method to track long projection fibers and to examine the entire nerve tracts of both normal and abnormal animals.
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10
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The extracellular SEMA domain attenuates intracellular apoptotic signaling of semaphorin 6A in lung cancer cells. Oncogenesis 2018; 7:95. [PMID: 30518871 PMCID: PMC6281666 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-018-0105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Semaphorin 6A (SEMA6A), a membrane-bound protein, is downregulated in lung cancer tissue compared to its adjacent normal tissue. However, the functions of SEMA6A in lung cancer cells are still unclear. In the present study, full length SEMA6A and various truncations were transfected into lung cancer cells to investigate the role of the different domains of SEMA6A in cell proliferation and survival, apoptosis, and in vivo tumor growth. SEMA6A-induced cell signaling was explored using gene silencing, co-immunoprecipitation, and co-culture assays. Our results showed that overexpression of SEMA6A reduced the growth of lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and silencing SEMA6A increased the proliferation of normal lung fibroblasts. Truncated SEMA6A lacking the SEMA domain or the extracellular region induced more apoptosis than full length SEMA6A, and reintroducing the SEMA domain attenuated the apoptosis. Fas-associated protein with death domain (FADD) bound to the cytosolic region of truncated SEMA6A and was involved in SEMA6A-associated cytosol-induced apoptosis. This study suggests a novel function of SEMA6A in inducing apoptosis via FADD binding in lung cancer cells.
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Waddington JL, O'Tuathaigh CM. Modelling the neuromotor abnormalities of psychotic illness: Putative mechanisms and systems dysfunction. Schizophr Res 2018; 200:12-19. [PMID: 28867516 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Limitations in access to antipsychotic-naïve patients and in the incisiveness of studies that can be conducted on them, together with the inevitability of subsequent antipsychotic treatment, indicate an enduring role for animal models that can inform on the pathobiology of neuromotor abnormalities in schizophrenia and related psychotic illness. This review focusses particularly on genetically modified mouse models that involve genes associated with risk for schizophrenia and with mechanisms implicated in the neuromotor abnormalities evident in psychotic patients, as well as developmental models that seek to mirror the trajectory, phenomenology and putative pathophysiology of psychotic illness. Such abnormalities are inconsistent and subtle in mice mutant for some schizophrenia risk genes but more evident for others. The phenotype of dopaminergic and glutamatergic mutants indicates the involvement of these mechanisms, informs on the roles of specific receptor subtypes, and implicates the interplay of cortical and subcortical processes. Developmental models suggest a criticality in the timing of early adversity for diversity in the relative emergence of psychological symptoms vis-à-vis neuromotor abnormalities in the overall psychosis phenotype. These findings elaborate current concepts of dysfunction in a neuronal network linking the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus and cerebellum. Both findings in model systems and clinical evidence converge in indicating that any distinction between 'psychomotor' and 'neuromotor' abnormality is artificial and arbitrary due to a unitary origin in developmentally determined systems/network dysfunction that underlies the lifetime trajectory of psychotic illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Waddington
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psychiatric-Diseases, Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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12
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Abstract
Semaphorins are extracellular signaling proteins that are essential for the development and maintenance of many organs and tissues. The more than 20-member semaphorin protein family includes secreted, transmembrane and cell surface-attached proteins with diverse structures, each characterized by a single cysteine-rich extracellular sema domain, the defining feature of the family. Early studies revealed that semaphorins function as axon guidance molecules, but it is now understood that semaphorins are key regulators of morphology and motility in many different cell types including those that make up the nervous, cardiovascular, immune, endocrine, hepatic, renal, reproductive, respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, as well as in cancer cells. Semaphorin signaling occurs predominantly through Plexin receptors and results in changes to the cytoskeletal and adhesive machinery that regulate cellular morphology. While much remains to be learned about the mechanisms underlying the effects of semaphorins, exciting work has begun to reveal how semaphorin signaling is fine-tuned through different receptor complexes and other mechanisms to achieve specific outcomes in various cellular contexts and physiological systems. These and future studies will lead to a more complete understanding of semaphorin-mediated development and to a greater understanding of how these proteins function in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Taylor Alto
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jonathan R Terman
- Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Zhao XF, Kohen R, Parent R, Duan Y, Fisher GL, Korn MJ, Ji L, Wan G, Jin J, Püschel AW, Dolan DF, Parent JM, Corfas G, Murphy GG, Giger RJ. PlexinA2 Forward Signaling through Rap1 GTPases Regulates Dentate Gyrus Development and Schizophrenia-like Behaviors. Cell Rep 2018. [PMID: 29320740 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.12.044.plexina2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Dentate gyrus (DG) development requires specification of granule cell (GC) progenitors in the hippocampal neuroepithelium, as well as their proliferation and migration into the primordial DG. We identify the Plexin family members Plxna2 and Plxna4 as important regulators of DG development. Distribution of immature GCs is regulated by Sema5A signaling through PlxnA2 and requires a functional PlxnA2 GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain and Rap1 small GTPases. In adult Plxna2-/- but not Plxna2-GAP-deficient mice, the dentate GC layer is severely malformed, neurogenesis is compromised, and mossy fibers form aberrant synaptic boutons within CA3. Behavioral studies with Plxna2-/- mice revealed deficits in associative learning, sociability, and sensorimotor gating-traits commonly observed in neuropsychiatric disorder. Remarkably, while morphological defects are minimal in Plxna2-GAP-deficient brains, defects in fear memory and sensorimotor gating persist. Since allelic variants of human PLXNA2 and RAP1 associate with schizophrenia, our studies identify a biochemical pathway important for brain development and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Feng Zhao
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rafi Kohen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rachel Parent
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Yuntao Duan
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Grace L Fisher
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Matthew J Korn
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Lingchao Ji
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Guoqiang Wan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jing Jin
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas W Püschel
- Institut für Molekulare Zellbiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, 48149 Münster, Germany; Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
| | - David F Dolan
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Jack M Parent
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gabriel Corfas
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Geoffrey G Murphy
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roman J Giger
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Chen X, Long F, Cai B, Chen X, Chen G. A novel relationship for schizophrenia, bipolar and major depressive disorder Part 5: a hint from chromosome 5 high density association screen. Am J Transl Res 2017; 9:2473-2491. [PMID: 28559998 PMCID: PMC5446530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Familial clustering of schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) was systematically reported (Aukes, M. F. Genet Med 2012, 14, 338-341) and any two or even three of these disorders could co-exist in some families. In addition, evidence from symptomatology and psychopharmacology also imply that there are intrinsic connections between these three major disorders. A total of 56,569 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) on chromosome 5 were genotyped by Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP array 6.0 on 119 SCZ, 253 BPD (type-I), 177 MDD patients and 1000 controls. Associated SNPs and flanking genes was screen out systematically, and cadherin pathway genes (CDH6, CDH9, CDH10, CDH12, and CDH18) belong to outstanding genes. Unexpectedly, nearly all flanking genes of the associated SNPs distinctive for BPD and MDD were replicated in an enlarged cohort of 986 SCZ patients (P ≤ 9.9E-8). Considering multiple bits of evidence, our chromosome 5 analyses implicated that bipolar and major depressive disorder might be subtypes of schizophrenia rather than two independent disease entities. Also, cadherin pathway genes play important roles in the pathogenesis of the three major mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences18877 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250062, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Long
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences18877 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250062, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bin Cai
- Capital Bio Corporation18 Life Science Parkway, Changping District, Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Capital Bio Corporation18 Life Science Parkway, Changping District, Beijing 102206, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences18877 Jingshi Road, Jinan 250062, Shandong, People’s Republic of China
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Mitsogiannis MD, Little GE, Mitchell KJ. Semaphorin-Plexin signaling influences early ventral telencephalic development and thalamocortical axon guidance. Neural Dev 2017; 12:6. [PMID: 28438183 PMCID: PMC5402653 DOI: 10.1186/s13064-017-0083-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sensory processing relies on projections from the thalamus to the neocortex being established during development. Information from different sensory modalities reaching the thalamus is segregated into specialized nuclei, whose neurons then send inputs to cognate cortical areas through topographically defined axonal connections. Developing thalamocortical axons (TCAs) normally approach the cortex by extending through the subpallium; here, axonal navigation is aided by distributed guidance cues and discrete cell populations, such as the corridor neurons and the internal capsule (IC) guidepost cells. In mice lacking Semaphorin-6A, axons from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) bypass the IC and extend aberrantly in the ventral subpallium. The functions normally mediated by Semaphorin-6A in this system remain unknown, but might depend on interactions with Plexin-A2 and Plexin-A4, which have been implicated in other neurodevelopmental processes. Methods We performed immunohistochemical and neuroanatomical analyses of thalamocortical wiring and subpallial development in Sema6a and Plxna2; Plxna4 null mutant mice and analyzed the expression of these genes in relevant structures. Results In Plxna2; Plxna4 double mutants we discovered TCA pathfinding defects that mirrored those observed in Sema6a mutants, suggesting that Semaphorin-6A − Plexin-A2/Plexin-A4 signaling might mediate dLGN axon guidance at subpallial level. In order to understand where and when Semaphorin-6A, Plexin-A2 and Plexin-A4 may be required for proper subpallial TCA guidance, we then characterized their spatiotemporal expression dynamics during early TCA development. We observed that the thalamic neurons whose axons are misrouted in these mutants normally express Semaphorin-6A but not Plexin-A2 or Plexin-A4. By contrast, all three proteins are expressed in corridor cells and other structures in the developing basal ganglia. This finding could be consistent with an hypothetical action of Plexins as guidance signals through Sema6A as a receptor on dLGN axons, and/or with their indirect effect on TCA guidance due to functions in the morphogenesis of subpallial intermediate targets. In support of the latter possibility, we observed that in both Plxna2; Plxna4 and Sema6a mutants some IC guidepost cells abnormally localize in correspondence of the ventral path misrouted TCAs elongate into. Conclusions These findings implicate Semaphorin-6A − Plexin-A2/Plexin-A4 interactions in dLGN axon guidance and in the spatiotemporal organization of guidepost cell populations in the mammalian subpallium. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13064-017-0083-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela D Mitsogiannis
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Graham E Little
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,MRC Clinical Sciences Centre, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin J Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Developmental Neurogenetics, Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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Håkansson K, Runker AE, O'Sullivan GJ, Mitchell KJ, Waddington JL, O'Tuathaigh CMP. Semaphorin 6A knockout mice display abnormalities across ethologically-based topographies of exploration and in motor learning. Neurosci Lett 2017; 641:70-76. [PMID: 28109776 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are secreted or membrane-bound proteins implicated in neurodevelopmental processes of axon guidance and cell migration. Exploratory behaviour and motor learning was examined ethologically in Semaphorin 6A (Sema6A) mutant mice. The ethogram of initial exploration in Sema6A knockout mice was characterised by increased rearing to wall with decreased sifting; over subsequent habituation, locomotion, sniffing and rearing to wall were increased, with reduced habituation of rearing seated. Rotarod analysis indicated delayed motor learning in Sema6A heterozygous mutants. Disruption to the axonal guidance and cell migration processes regulated by Sema6A is associated with topographically specific disruption to fundamental aspects of behaviour, namely the ethogram of initial exploration and subsequent habituation to the environment, and motor learning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Håkansson
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Annette E Runker
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gerard J O'Sullivan
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin J Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John L Waddington
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm M P O'Tuathaigh
- Molecular & Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Perez-Branguli F, Zagar Y, Shanley DK, Graef IA, Chédotal A, Mitchell KJ. Reverse Signaling by Semaphorin-6A Regulates Cellular Aggregation and Neuronal Morphology. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158686. [PMID: 27392094 PMCID: PMC4938514 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmembrane semaphorin, Sema6A, has important roles in axon guidance, cell migration and neuronal connectivity in multiple regions of the nervous system, mediated by context-dependent interactions with plexin receptors, PlxnA2 and PlxnA4. Here, we demonstrate that Sema6A can also signal cell-autonomously, in two modes, constitutively, or in response to higher-order clustering mediated by either PlxnA2-binding or chemically induced multimerisation. Sema6A activation stimulates recruitment of Abl to the cytoplasmic domain of Sema6A and phos¡phorylation of this cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase, as well as phosphorylation of additional cytoskeletal regulators. Sema6A reverse signaling affects the surface area and cellular complexity of non-neuronal cells and aggregation and neurite formation of primary neurons in vitro. Sema6A also interacts with PlxnA2 in cis, which reduces binding by PlxnA2 of Sema6A in trans but not vice versa. These experiments reveal the complex nature of Sema6A biochemical functions and the molecular logic of the context-dependent interactions between Sema6A and PlxnA2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesc Perez-Branguli
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Yvrick Zagar
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM UMR_S968, CNRS_UMR7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Daniel K. Shanley
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Isabella A. Graef
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University Medical School, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Alain Chédotal
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM UMR_S968, CNRS_UMR7210, Institut de la Vision, Paris, France
| | - Kevin J. Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Gurrapu S, Tamagnone L. Transmembrane semaphorins: Multimodal signaling cues in development and cancer. Cell Adh Migr 2016; 10:675-691. [PMID: 27295627 DOI: 10.1080/19336918.2016.1197479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins constitute a large family of membrane-bound and secreted proteins that provide guidance cues for axon pathfinding and cell migration. Although initially discovered as repelling cues for axons in nervous system, they have been found to regulate cell adhesion and motility, angiogenesis, immune function and tumor progression. Notably, semaphorins are bifunctional cues and for instance can mediate both repulsive and attractive functions in different contexts. While many studies focused so far on the function of secreted family members, class 1 semaphorins in invertebrates and class 4, 5 and 6 in vertebrate species comprise around 14 transmembrane semaphorin molecules with emerging functional relevance. These can signal in juxtacrine, paracrine and autocrine fashion, hence mediating long and short range repulsive and attractive guidance cues which have a profound impact on cellular morphology and functions. Importantly, transmembrane semaphorins are capable of bidirectional signaling, acting both in "forward" mode via plexins (sometimes in association with receptor tyrosine kinases), and in "reverse" manner through their cytoplasmic domains. In this review, we will survey known molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of transmembrane semaphorins in development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeharsha Gurrapu
- a Department of Oncology , University of Torino c/o IRCCS , Candiolo ( TO ), Italy.,b Candiolo Cancer Institute, IRCCS-FPO , Candiolo ( TO ), Italy
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- a Department of Oncology , University of Torino c/o IRCCS , Candiolo ( TO ), Italy.,b Candiolo Cancer Institute, IRCCS-FPO , Candiolo ( TO ), Italy
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Matsuda I, Shoji H, Yamasaki N, Miyakawa T, Aiba A. Comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of a new Semaphorin 3 F mutant mouse. Mol Brain 2016; 9:15. [PMID: 26856818 PMCID: PMC4746810 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-016-0196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Semaphorin 3 F (Sema3F) is a secreted type of the Semaphorin family of axon guidance molecules. Sema3F and its receptor neuropilin-2 (Npn-2) are expressed in a mutually exclusive manner in the embryonic mouse brain regions including olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Sema3F is thought to have physiological functions in the formation of neuronal circuitry and its refinement. However, functional roles of Sema3F in the brain remain to be clarified. Here, we examined behavioral effects of Sema3F deficiency through a comprehensive behavioral test battery in Sema3F knockout (KO) male mice to understand the possible functions of Sema3F in the brain. RESULTS Male Sema3F KO and wild-type (WT) control mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests, including neurological screen, rotarod, hot plate, prepulse inhibition, light/dark transition, open field, elevated plus maze, social interaction, Porsolt forced swim, tail suspension, Barnes maze, and fear conditioning tests. In the open field test, Sema3F KO mice traveled shorter distance and spent less time in the center of the field than WT controls during the early testing period. In the light/dark transition test, Sema3F KO mice also exhibited decreased distance traveled, fewer number of transitions, and longer latency to enter the light chamber compared with WT mice. In addition, Sema3F KO mice traveled shorter distance than WT mice in the elevated plus maze test, although there were no differences between genotypes in open arm entries and time spent in open arms. Similarly, Sema3F KO mice showed decreased distance traveled in the social interaction test. Sema3F KO mice displayed reduced immobility in the Porsolt forced swim test whereas there was no difference in immobility between genotypes in the tail suspension test. In the fear conditioning test, Sema3F KO mice exhibited increased freezing behavior when exposed to a conditioning context and an altered context in absence of a conditioned stimulus. In the tests for assessing motor function, pain sensitivity, startle response to an acoustic stimulus, sensorimotor gating, or spatial reference memory, there were no significant behavioral differences between Sema3F KO and WT mice. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that Sema3F deficiency induces decreased locomotor activity and possibly abnormal anxiety-related behaviors and also enhances contextual memory and generalized fear in mice. Thus, our findings suggest that Sema3F plays important roles in the development of neuronal circuitry underlying the regulation of some aspects of anxiety and fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ikuo Matsuda
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan. .,Department of Surgical Pathology, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Hyogo, 663-8501, Japan.
| | - Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
| | - Nobuyuki Yamasaki
- Kyoto Prefectural Rakunan Hospital, 2 Hirookadani, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan. .,Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics Group, Horizontal Medical Research Organization (HMRO), Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan.
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan. .,Genetic Engineering and Functional Genomics Group, Horizontal Medical Research Organization (HMRO), Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan. .,Section of Behavior Patterns, Center for Genetic Analysis of Behavior, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, 444-8585, Japan.
| | - Atsu Aiba
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0017, Japan. .,Laboratory of Animal Resources, Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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Griswold AJ, Dueker ND, Van Booven D, Rantus JA, Jaworski JM, Slifer SH, Schmidt MA, Hulme W, Konidari I, Whitehead PL, Cuccaro ML, Martin ER, Haines JL, Gilbert JR, Hussman JP, Pericak-Vance MA. Targeted massively parallel sequencing of autism spectrum disorder-associated genes in a case control cohort reveals rare loss-of-function risk variants. Mol Autism 2015; 6:43. [PMID: 26185613 PMCID: PMC4504419 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0034-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly heritable, yet genome-wide association studies (GWAS), copy number variation screens, and candidate gene association studies have found no single factor accounting for a large percentage of genetic risk. ASD trio exome sequencing studies have revealed genes with recurrent de novo loss-of-function variants as strong risk factors, but there are relatively few recurrently affected genes while as many as 1000 genes are predicted to play a role. As such, it is critical to identify the remaining rare and low-frequency variants contributing to ASD. Methods We have utilized an approach of prioritization of genes by GWAS and follow-up with massively parallel sequencing in a case-control cohort. Using a previously reported ASD noise reduction GWAS analyses, we prioritized 837 RefSeq genes for custom targeting and sequencing. We sequenced the coding regions of those genes in 2071 ASD cases and 904 controls of European white ancestry. We applied comprehensive annotation to identify single variants which could confer ASD risk and also gene-based association analysis to identify sets of rare variants associated with ASD. Results We identified a significant over-representation of rare loss-of-function variants in genes previously associated with ASD, including a de novo premature stop variant in the well-established ASD candidate gene RBFOX1. Furthermore, ASD cases were more likely to have two damaging missense variants in candidate genes than controls. Finally, gene-based rare variant association implicates genes functioning in excitatory neurotransmission and neurite outgrowth and guidance pathways including CACNAD2, KCNH7, and NRXN1. Conclusions We find suggestive evidence that rare variants in synaptic genes are associated with ASD and that loss-of-function mutations in ASD candidate genes are a major risk factor, and we implicate damaging mutations in glutamate signaling receptors and neuronal adhesion and guidance molecules. Furthermore, the role of de novo mutations in ASD remains to be fully investigated as we identified the first reported protein-truncating variant in RBFOX1 in ASD. Overall, this work, combined with others in the field, suggests a convergence of genes and molecular pathways underlying ASD etiology. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-015-0034-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Nicole D Dueker
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Derek Van Booven
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Joseph A Rantus
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - James M Jaworski
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Susan H Slifer
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Michael A Schmidt
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - William Hulme
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Ioanna Konidari
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Patrice L Whitehead
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Michael L Cuccaro
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA ; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Eden R Martin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA ; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - John R Gilbert
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA ; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
| | | | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA ; Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Department of Human Genetics, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136 USA
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Molecular underpinnings of prefrontal cortex development in rodents provide insights into the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:795-809. [PMID: 25450230 PMCID: PMC4486649 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Revised: 09/12/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC), seat of the highest-order cognitive functions, constitutes a conglomerate of highly specialized brain areas and has been implicated to have a role in the onset and installation of various neurodevelopmental disorders. The development of a properly functioning PFC is directed by transcription factors, guidance cues and other regulatory molecules and requires the intricate and temporal orchestration of a number of developmental processes. Disturbance or failure of any of these processes causing neurodevelopmental abnormalities within the PFC may contribute to several of the cognitive deficits seen in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review, we elaborate on the specific processes underlying prefrontal development, such as induction and patterning of the prefrontal area, proliferation, migration and axonal guidance of medial prefrontal progenitors, and their eventual efferent and afferent connections. We furthermore integrate for the first time the available knowledge from genome-wide studies that have revealed genes linked to neurodevelopmental disorders with experimental molecular evidence in rodents. The integrated data suggest that the pathogenic variants in the neurodevelopmental disorder-associated genes induce prefrontal cytoarchitectonical impairments. This enhances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of prefrontal (mis)development underlying the four major neurodevelopmental disorders in humans, that is, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and schizophrenia, and may thus provide clues for the development of novel therapies.
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Altered hippocampal-dependent memory and motor function in neuropilin 2-deficient mice. Transl Psychiatry 2015; 5:e521. [PMID: 25734514 PMCID: PMC4354347 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2015.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 12/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Semaphorins have an important role in synapse refinement in the mammalian nervous system. The class 3 semaphorin-3F (Sema3F) acting through neuropilin 2/plexin-A3 (Nrp2/PlexA3) holoreceptor complex signals in vivo to restrain apical dendritic spine morphogenesis of cortical pyramidal neurons and hippocampal neurons during postnatal development and mediates excitatory synaptic transmission. Semaphorin signaling has been implicated in the etiology of a number of neurodevelopmental disorders; however, the effects on behavior and mental function of dysregulated Sema3F-Nrp2 signaling have not been fully addressed. The present study is the first behavioral investigation of mice harboring a mutation of the nrp2 gene. Given that loss of Nrp2 signaling alters cortical and hippocampal synaptic organization, we investigated performance of nrp2-deficient mice on learning and sensorimotor function that are known to depend on cortical and hippocampal circuitry. When compared with age-matched controls, nrp2 null mice showed striking impairments in object recognition memory and preference for social novelty. In addition, nrp2(-/-) mice displayed impaired motor function in the rotarod test and in observations of grooming behavior. Exploration of novel olfactory sensory stimuli and nociception were unaffected by the loss of Nrp2. Overall, loss of Nrp2 may induce aberrant processing within hippocampal and corticostriatal networks that may contribute to neurodevelopmental disease mechanisms.
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Jiang L, O'Leary C, Kim HA, Parish CL, Massalas J, Waddington JL, Ehrlich ME, Schütz G, Gantois I, Lawrence AJ, Drago J. Motor and behavioral phenotype in conditional mutants with targeted ablation of cortical D1 dopamine receptor-expressing cells. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 76:137-158. [PMID: 25684539 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Revised: 01/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
D1-dopamine receptors (Drd1a) are highly expressed in the deep layers of the cerebral cortex and the striatum. A number of human diseases such as Huntington disease and schizophrenia are known to have cortical pathology involving dopamine receptor expressing neurons. To illuminate their functional role, we exploited a Cre/Lox molecular paradigm to generate Emx-1(tox) MUT mice, a transgenic line in which cortical Drd1a-expressing pyramidal neurons were selectively ablated. Emx-1(tox) MUT mice displayed prominent forelimb dystonia, hyperkinesia, ataxia on rotarod testing, heightened anxiety-like behavior, and age-dependent abnormalities in a test of social interaction. The latter occurred in the context of normal working memory on testing in the Y-maze and for novel object recognition. Some motor and behavioral abnormalities in Emx-1(tox) MUT mice overlapped with those in CamKIIα(tox) MUT transgenic mice, a line in which both striatal and cortical Drd1a-expressing cells were ablated. Although Emx-1(tox) MUT mice had normal striatal anatomy, both Emx-1(tox) MUT and CamKIIα(tox) MUT mice displayed selective neuronal loss in cortical layers V and VI. This study shows that loss of cortical Drd1a-expressing cells is sufficient to produce deficits in multiple motor and behavioral domains, independent of striatal mechanisms. Primary cortical changes in the D1 dopamine receptor compartment are therefore likely to model a number of core clinical features in disorders such as Huntington disease and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luning Jiang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire O'Leary
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Hyun Ah Kim
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jim Massalas
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John L Waddington
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Michelle E Ehrlich
- Department of Neurology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Günter Schütz
- Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ilse Gantois
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lawrence
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Drago
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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O'Malley AM, Shanley DK, Kelly AT, Barry DS. Towards an understanding of semaphorin signalling in the spinal cord. Gene 2014; 553:69-74. [PMID: 25300255 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Semaphorins are a large family of proteins that are classically associated with axon guidance. These proteins and their interacting partners, the neuropilins and plexins are now known to be key mediators in a variety of processes throughout the nervous system ranging from synaptic refinement to the correct positioning of neuronal and glial cell bodies. Recently, much attention has been given to the roles semaphorins play in other body tissues including the immune and vascular systems. This review wishes to draw attention back to the nervous system, specifically focusing on the role of semaphorins in the development of the spinal cord and their proposed roles in the adult. In addition, their functions in spinal cord injury at the glial scar are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling M O'Malley
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Daniel K Shanley
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Albert T Kelly
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Denis S Barry
- Department of Anatomy, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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25
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Dolan J, Mitchell KJ. Mutation of Elfn1 in mice causes seizures and hyperactivity. PLoS One 2013; 8:e80491. [PMID: 24312227 PMCID: PMC3842350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 10/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of proteins with extracellular leucine-rich repeats (eLRRs) have been implicated in directing neuronal connectivity. We previously identified a novel family of eLRR proteins in mammals: the Elfns are transmembrane proteins with 6 LRRs, a fibronectin type-3 domain and a long cytoplasmic tail. The recent discovery that Elfn1 protein, expressed postsynaptically, can direct the elaboration of specific electrochemical properties of synapses between particular cell types in the hippocampus strongly reinforces this hypothesis. Here, we present analyses of an Elfn1 mutant mouse line and demonstrate a functional requirement for this gene in vivo. We first carried out detailed expression analysis of Elfn1 using a β-galactosidase reporter gene in the knockout line. Elfn1 is expressed in distinct subsets of interneurons of the hippocampus and cortex, and also in discrete subsets of cells in the habenula, septum, globus pallidus, dorsal subiculum, amygdala and several other regions. Elfn1 is expressed in diverse cell types, including local GABAergic interneurons as well as long-range projecting GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons. Elfn1 protein localises to axons of excitatory neurons in the habenula, and long-range GABAergic neurons of the globus pallidus, suggesting the possibility of additional roles for Elfn1 in axons or presynaptically. While gross anatomical analyses did not reveal any obvious neuroanatomical abnormalities, behavioural analyses clearly illustrate functional effects of Elfn1 mutation. Elfn1 mutant mice exhibit seizures, subtle motor abnormalities, reduced thigmotaxis and hyperactivity. The hyperactivity is paradoxically reversible by treatment with the stimulant amphetamine, consistent with phenotypes observed in animals with habenular lesions. These analyses reveal a requirement for Elfn1 in brain function and are suggestive of possible relevance to the etiology and pathophysiology of epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackie Dolan
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kevin J. Mitchell
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics and Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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26
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Abstract
Fear extinction learning, the ability to reassess a learned cue of danger as safe when it no longer predicts aversive events, is often dysregulated in anxiety disorders. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's) enhance neural plasticity and their ability to enhance fear extinction learning may explain their anxiolytic properties. Caloric restriction (CR) has SSRI-like effects on neural plasticity and anxiety-related behavior. We implemented CR in mice to determine its effects on conditioned-fear responses. Wild type and serotonin transporter (SERT) knockout mice underwent CR for 7 days leading to significant weight loss. Mice were then tested for cued fear learning and anxiety-related behavior. CR markedly enhanced fear extinction learning and its retention in adolescent female mice, and adults of both sexes. These effects of CR were absent in SERT knockout mice. Moreover, CR phenocopied behavioral and molecular effects of chronic fluoxetine, but there was no additive effect of CR in fluoxetine-treated mice. These results demonstrate that CR enhances fear extinction learning through a SERT-dependent mechanism. These results may have implications for eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa (AN), in which there is a high prevalence of anxiety before the onset of dietary restriction and support proposals that in AN, CR is a motivated effort to control dysregulated fear responses and elevated anxiety.
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Nakajima M, Mori H, Nishikawa C, Tsuruta M, Okuyama S, Furukawa Y. Psychiatric disorder-related abnormal behavior and habenulointerpeduncular pathway defects in Wnt1-cre and Wnt1-GAL4 double transgenic mice. J Neurochem 2012; 124:241-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.12085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsunari Nakajima
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
| | - Hisamichi Mori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
| | - Chisa Nishikawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
| | - Momoko Tsuruta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
| | - Satoshi Okuyama
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
| | - Yoshiko Furukawa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology; School of Clinical Pharmacy; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Matsuyama University; Matsuyama Ehime Japan
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28
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Hota PK, Buck M. Plexin structures are coming: opportunities for multilevel investigations of semaphorin guidance receptors, their cell signaling mechanisms, and functions. Cell Mol Life Sci 2012; 69:3765-805. [PMID: 22744749 PMCID: PMC11115013 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-012-1019-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2012] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Plexin transmembrane receptors and their semaphorin ligands, as well as their co-receptors (Neuropilin, Integrin, VEGFR2, ErbB2, and Met kinase) are emerging as key regulatory proteins in a wide variety of developmental, regenerative, but also pathological processes. The diverse arenas of plexin function are surveyed, including roles in the nervous, cardiovascular, bone and skeletal, and immune systems. Such different settings require considerable specificity among the plexin and semaphorin family members which in turn are accompanied by a variety of cell signaling networks. Underlying the latter are the mechanistic details of the interactions and catalytic events at the molecular level. Very recently, dramatic progress has been made in solving the structures of plexins and of their complexes with associated proteins. This molecular level information is now suggesting detailed mechanisms for the function of both the extracellular as well as the intracellular plexin regions. Specifically, several groups have solved structures for extracellular domains for plexin-A2, -B1, and -C1, many in complex with semaphorin ligands. On the intracellular side, the role of small Rho GTPases has been of particular interest. These directly associate with plexin and stimulate a GTPase activating (GAP) function in the plexin catalytic domain to downregulate Ras GTPases. Structures for the Rho GTPase binding domains have been presented for several plexins, some with Rnd1 bound. The entire intracellular domain structure of plexin-A1, -A3, and -B1 have also been solved alone and in complex with Rac1. However, key aspects of the interplay between GTPases and plexins remain far from clear. The structural information is helping the plexin field to focus on key questions at the protein structural, cellular, as well as organism level that collaboratoria of investigations are likely to answer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanta K. Hota
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
| | - Matthias Buck
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
- Center for Proteomics and Bioinformatics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 USA
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29
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Brielmaier J, Matteson PG, Silverman JL, Senerth JM, Kelly S, Genestine M, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E, Crawley JN. Autism-relevant social abnormalities and cognitive deficits in engrailed-2 knockout mice. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40914. [PMID: 22829897 PMCID: PMC3400671 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
ENGRAILED 2 (En2), a homeobox transcription factor, functions as a patterning gene in the early development and connectivity of rodent hindbrain and cerebellum, and regulates neurogenesis and development of monoaminergic pathways. To further understand the neurobiological functions of En2, we conducted neuroanatomical expression profiling of En2 wildtype mice. RTQPCR assays demonstrated that En2 is expressed in adult brain structures including the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus and brainstem. Human genetic studies indicate that EN2 is associated with autism. To determine the consequences of En2 mutations on mouse behaviors, including outcomes potentially relevant to autism, we conducted comprehensive phenotyping of social, communication, repetitive, and cognitive behaviors. En2 null mutants exhibited robust deficits in reciprocal social interactions as juveniles and adults, and absence of sociability in adults, replicated in two independent cohorts. Fear conditioning and water maze learning were impaired in En2 null mutants. High immobility in the forced swim test, reduced prepulse inhibition, mild motor coordination impairments and reduced grip strength were detected in En2 null mutants. No genotype differences were found on measures of ultrasonic vocalizations in social contexts, and no stereotyped or repetitive behaviors were observed. Developmental milestones, general health, olfactory abilities, exploratory locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors and pain responses did not differ across genotypes, indicating that the behavioral abnormalities detected in En2 null mutants were not attributable to physical or procedural confounds. Our findings provide new insight into the role of En2 in complex behaviors and suggest that disturbances in En2 signaling may contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders marked by social and cognitive deficits, including autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brielmaier
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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30
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Singh MK. In this issue/abstract thinking: of mice, monkeys, and men. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2012; 51:231-2. [PMID: 22365457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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O'Tuathaigh CMP, Desbonnet L, Waddington JL. Mutant mouse models in evaluating novel approaches to antipsychotic treatment. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2012:113-45. [PMID: 23027414 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-25758-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In this review we consider the application of mutant mouse phenotypes to the study of psychotic illness in general and schizophrenia in particular, as they relate to behavioral, psychopharmacological, and cellular phenotypes of putative import for antipsychotic drug development. Mutant models appear to be heuristic at two main levels; firstly, by indicating the functional roles of neuronal components thought to be of relevance to the putative pathobiology of psychotic illness, they help resolve overt behavioral and underlying cellular processes regulated by those neuronal components; secondly, by indicating the functional roles of genes associated with risk for psychotic illness, they help resolve overt behavioral and underlying cellular processes regulated by those risk genes. We focus initially on models of dopaminergic and glutamatergic dysfunction. Then, we consider advances in the genetics of schizophrenia and mutant models relating to replicable risk genes. Lastly, we extend this discussion by exemplifying two new variant approaches in mutant mice that may serve as prototypes for advancing antipsychotic drug development. There is continuing need not only to address numerous technical challenges but also to develop more "real-world" paradigms that reflect the milieu of gene × environment and gene × gene interactions that characterize psychotic illness and its response to antipsychotic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colm M P O'Tuathaigh
- Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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