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van der Westhuizen ET. Single nucleotide variations encoding missense mutations in G protein-coupled receptors may contribute to autism. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:2158-2181. [PMID: 36787962 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16057] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with a range of symptoms that vary in intensity and severity from person to person. Genetic sequencing has identified thousands of genes containing mutations in autistic individuals, which may contribute to the development of autistic symptoms. Several of these genes encode G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which are cell surface expressed proteins that transduce extracellular messages to the intracellular space. Mutations in GPCRs can impact their function, resulting in aberrant signalling within cells and across neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This review summarises the current knowledge on autism-associated single nucleotide variations encoding missense mutations in GPCRs and the impact of these genetic mutations on GPCR function. For some autism-associated mutations, changes in GPCR expression levels, ligand affinity, potency and efficacy have been observed. However, for many the functional consequences remain unknown. Thus, further work to characterise the functional impacts of the genetically identified mutations is required. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed issue Therapeutic Targeting of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: hot topics from the Australasian Society of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacologists and Toxicologists 2021 Virtual Annual Scientific Meeting. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v181.14/issuetoc.
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Gershon Z, Bonito-Oliva A, Kanke M, Terceros A, Rankin G, Fak J, Harada Y, Iannone AF, Gebremedhin M, Fabella B, De Marco Garcia NV, Sethupathy P, Rajasethupathy P. Genetic mapping identifies Homer1 as a developmental modifier of attention. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.03.17.533136. [PMID: 36993710 PMCID: PMC10055164 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.17.533136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Attention is required for most higher-order cognitive functions. Prior studies have revealed functional roles for the prefrontal cortex and its extended circuits to enabling attention, but the underlying molecular processes and their impacts on cellular and circuit function remain poorly understood. To develop insights, we here took an unbiased forward genetics approach to identify single genes of large effect on attention. We studied 200 genetically diverse mice on measures of pre-attentive processing and through genetic mapping identified a small locus on chromosome 13 (95%CI: 92.22-94.09 Mb) driving substantial variation (19%) in this trait. Further characterization of the locus revealed a causative gene, Homer1, encoding a synaptic protein, where down-regulation of its short isoforms in prefrontal cortex (PFC) during early postnatal development led to improvements in multiple measures of attention in the adult. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that prefrontal Homer1 down-regulation is associated with GABAergic receptor up-regulation in those same cells. This enhanced inhibitory influence, together with dynamic neuromodulatory coupling, led to strikingly low PFC activity at baseline periods of the task but targeted elevations at cue onset, predicting short-latency correct choices. Notably high-Homer1, low-attentional performers, exhibited uniformly elevated PFC activity throughout the task. We thus identify a single gene of large effect on attention - Homer1 - and find that it improves prefrontal inhibitory tone and signal-to-noise (SNR) to enhance attentional performance. A therapeutic strategy focused on reducing prefrontal activity and increasing SNR, rather than uniformly elevating PFC activity, may complement the use of stimulants to improve attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Gershon
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | | | - Matt Kanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Andrea Terceros
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Genelle Rankin
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - John Fak
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Yujin Harada
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Andrew F. Iannone
- Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell; New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Millennium Gebremedhin
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
| | - Brian Fabella
- Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065, USA
| | | | - Praveen Sethupathy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University; Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
| | - Priya Rajasethupathy
- Laboratory of Neural Dynamics & Cognition, Rockefeller University; New York, NY 10065 USA
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Qi C, Luo LD, Feng I, Ma S. Molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2022; 14:939793. [PMID: 36176941 PMCID: PMC9513053 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2022.939793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapses are the basic units for information processing and storage in the nervous system. It is only when the synaptic connection is established, that it becomes meaningful to discuss the structure and function of a circuit. In humans, our unparalleled cognitive abilities are correlated with an increase in the number of synapses. Additionally, genes involved in synaptogenesis are also frequently associated with neurological or psychiatric disorders, suggesting a relationship between synaptogenesis and brain physiology and pathology. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis is the key to the mystery of circuit assembly and neural computation. Furthermore, it would provide therapeutic insights for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Multiple molecular events must be precisely coordinated to generate a synapse. To understand the molecular mechanisms underlying synaptogenesis, we need to know the molecular components of synapses, how these molecular components are held together, and how the molecular networks are refined in response to neural activity to generate new synapses. Thanks to the intensive investigations in this field, our understanding of the process of synaptogenesis has progressed significantly. Here, we will review the molecular mechanisms of synaptogenesis by going over the studies on the identification of molecular components in synapses and their functions in synaptogenesis, how cell adhesion molecules connect these synaptic molecules together, and how neural activity mobilizes these molecules to generate new synapses. Finally, we will summarize the human-specific regulatory mechanisms in synaptogenesis and results from human genetics studies on synaptogenesis and brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qi
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cai Qi,
| | - Li-Da Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Irena Feng
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Shaojie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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Wongpaiboonwattana W, Hnoonual A, Limprasert P. Association between 19-bp Insertion/Deletion Polymorphism of Dopamine β-Hydroxylase and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Thai Patients. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58091228. [PMID: 36143905 PMCID: PMC9504840 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58091228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder the cause of which is not fully known. Genetic factors are believed to play a major role in the etiology of ASD. However, genetic factors have been identified in only some cases, and other causes remain to be identified. This study aimed to identify potential associations between ASD and the 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene which plays a crucial role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. Materials and Methods: The 19-bp insertion/deletion polymorphism upstream of the DBH gene was analyzed for associations in 177 ASD patients and 250 healthy controls. Family-based analysis was performed in family trios of each patient using the transmission disequilibrium test to investigate the potential contributions of this DBH polymorphism to ASD. Results: The frequency of the 19-bp insertion allele was significantly higher in the patient group compared to the controls (0.624 vs. 0.556, respectively; p = 0.046). The frequency of the insertion/insertion genotype was also higher in the patient group (0.378 vs. 0.288, respectively) but without statistical significance (p = 0.110). The family-based analysis showed an association between patient families and the insertion allele when only families of male participants were analyzed (73 vs. 48 events; OR 1.521; 95% CI 1.057–2.189; p = 0.023). Conclusions: This population-based analysis found an association between the 19-bp insertion allele of the DBH gene and ASD. No association at the genotype level was found. The family-based analysis found an association between the insertion allele and ASD when the analysis was performed on male participants only, suggesting a linkage between the DBH locus and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Areerat Hnoonual
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Pornprot Limprasert
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
- Correspondence: or
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Iyshwarya B, Vajagathali M, Ramakrishnan V. Investigation of Genetic Polymorphism in Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Pathogenesis of the Neurodevelopmental Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2022; 6:136-146. [DOI: 10.1007/s41252-022-00251-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
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Sauer AK, Hagmeyer S, Grabrucker AM. Prenatal Zinc Deficient Mice as a Model for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116082. [PMID: 35682762 PMCID: PMC9181257 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between early life zinc deficiency and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). In line with this, mouse models have revealed prenatal zinc deficiency as a profound risk factor for neurobiological and behavioral abnormalities in the offspring reminiscent of ASD behavior. From these studies, a complex pathology emerges, with alterations in the gastrointestinal and immune system and synaptic signaling in the brain, as a major consequence of prenatal zinc deficiency. The features represent a critical link in a causal chain that leads to various neuronal dysfunctions and behavioral phenotypes observed in prenatal zinc deficient (PZD) mice and probably other mouse models for ASD. Given that the complete phenotype of PZD mice may be key to understanding how non-genetic factors can modify the clinical features and severity of autistic patients and explain the observed heterogeneity, here, we summarize published data on PZD mice. We critically review the emerging evidence that prenatal zinc deficiency is at the core of several environmental risk factors associated with ASD, being mechanistically linked to ASD-associated genetic factors. In addition, we highlight future directions and outstanding questions, including potential symptomatic, disease-modifying, and preventive treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Katrin Sauer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Simone Hagmeyer
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
| | - Andreas M. Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland; (A.K.S.); (S.H.)
- Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute (HRI), University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-61-237756
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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8
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A recurrent SHANK1 mutation implicated in autism spectrum disorder causes autistic-like core behaviors in mice via downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:2985-2998. [PMID: 35388181 PMCID: PMC9205781 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The genetic etiology and underlying mechanism of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain elusive. SHANK family genes (SHANK1/2/3) are well known ASD-related genes. However, little is known about how SHANK missense mutations contribute to ASD. Here, we aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism of and the multilevel neuropathological features induced by Shank1 mutations in knock-in (KI) mice. In this study, by sequencing the SHANK1 gene in a cohort of 615 ASD patients and 503 controls, we identified an ASD-specific recurrent missense mutation, c.2621 G > A (p.R874H). This mutation demonstrated strong pathogenic potential in in vitro experiments, and we generated the corresponding Shank1 R882H-KI mice. Shank1 R882H-KI mice displayed core symptoms of ASD, namely, social disability and repetitive behaviors, without confounding comorbidities of abnormal motor function and heightened anxiety. Brain structural changes in the frontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were observed in Shank1 R882H-KI mice via structural magnetic resonance imaging. These key brain regions also showed severe and consistent downregulation of mGluR1-IP3R1-calcium signaling, which subsequently affected the release of intracellular calcium. Corresponding cellular structural and functional changes were present in Shank1 R882H-KI mice, including decreased spine size, reduced spine density, abnormal morphology of postsynaptic densities, and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation and basal excitatory transmission. These findings demonstrate the causative role of SHANK1 in ASD and elucidate the underlying biological mechanism of core symptoms of ASD. We also provide a reliable model of ASD with core symptoms for future studies, such as biomarker identification and therapeutic intervention studies.
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Rodriguez-Gomez DA, Garcia-Guaqueta DP, Charry-Sánchez JD, Sarquis-Buitrago E, Blanco M, Velez-van-Meerbeke A, Talero-Gutiérrez C. A systematic review of common genetic variation and biological pathways in autism spectrum disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:60. [PMID: 34627165 PMCID: PMC8501721 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction. Common genetic variation appears to play a key role in the development of this condition. In this systematic review, we describe the relationship between genetic variations and autism. We created a gene dataset of the genes involved in the pathogenesis of autism and performed an over-representation analysis to evaluate the biological functions and molecular pathways that may explain the associations between these variants and the development of ASD. Results 177 studies and a gene set composed of 139 were included in this qualitative systematic review. Enriched pathways in the over-representation analysis using the KEGG pathway database were mostly associated with neurotransmitter receptors and their subunits. Major over-represented biological processes were social behavior, vocalization behavior, learning and memory. The enriched cellular component of the proteins encoded by the genes identified in this systematic review were the postsynaptic membrane and the cell junction. Conclusions Among the biological processes that were examined, genes involved in synaptic integrity, neurotransmitter metabolism, and cell adhesion molecules were significantly involved in the development of autism. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12868-021-00662-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Alejandro Rodriguez-Gomez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Danna Paola Garcia-Guaqueta
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Jesús David Charry-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Elias Sarquis-Buitrago
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Mariana Blanco
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Alberto Velez-van-Meerbeke
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Claudia Talero-Gutiérrez
- Neuroscience Research Group (NeURos), NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia. .,NeuroVitae Center for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Carrera 24 No. 63C-69, 111221, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
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Fyke W, Velinov M. FMR1 and Autism, an Intriguing Connection Revisited. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12081218. [PMID: 34440392 PMCID: PMC8394635 DOI: 10.3390/genes12081218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) represents a distinct phenotype of behavioral dysfunction that includes deficiencies in communication and stereotypic behaviors. ASD affects about 2% of the US population. It is a highly heritable spectrum of conditions with substantial genetic heterogeneity. To date, mutations in over 100 genes have been reported in association with ASD phenotypes. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single-gene disorder associated with ASD. The gene associated with FXS, FMR1 is located on chromosome X. Accordingly, the condition has more severe manifestations in males. FXS results from the loss of function of FMR1 due to the expansion of an unstable CGG repeat located in the 5'' untranslated region of the gene. About 50% of the FXS males and 20% of the FXS females meet the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) criteria for ASD. Among the individuals with ASD, about 3% test positive for FXS. FMRP, the protein product of FMR1, is a major gene regulator in the central nervous system. Multiple pathways regulated by FMRP are found to be dysfunctional in ASD patients who do not have FXS. Thus, FXS presents the opportunity to study cellular phenomena that may have wider applications in the management of ASD and to develop new strategies for ASD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Fyke
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
- Graduate Program in Neural and Behavioral Science, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA
| | - Milen Velinov
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Child Health Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Correspondence:
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Kosillo P, Bateup HS. Dopaminergic Dysregulation in Syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders: Insights From Genetic Mouse Models. Front Neural Circuits 2021; 15:700968. [PMID: 34366796 PMCID: PMC8343025 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2021.700968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by altered social interaction and communication, and repetitive, restricted, inflexible behaviors. Approximately 1.5-2% of the general population meet the diagnostic criteria for ASD and several brain regions including the cortex, amygdala, cerebellum and basal ganglia have been implicated in ASD pathophysiology. The midbrain dopamine system is an important modulator of cellular and synaptic function in multiple ASD-implicated brain regions via anatomically and functionally distinct dopaminergic projections. The dopamine hypothesis of ASD postulates that dysregulation of dopaminergic projection pathways could contribute to the behavioral manifestations of ASD, including altered reward value of social stimuli, changes in sensorimotor processing, and motor stereotypies. In this review, we examine the support for the idea that cell-autonomous changes in dopaminergic function are a core component of ASD pathophysiology. We discuss the human literature supporting the involvement of altered dopamine signaling in ASD including genetic, brain imaging and pharmacologic studies. We then focus on genetic mouse models of syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders in which single gene mutations lead to increased risk for ASD. We highlight studies that have directly examined dopamine neuron number, morphology, physiology, or output in these models. Overall, we find considerable support for the idea that the dopamine system may be dysregulated in syndromic ASDs; however, there does not appear to be a consistent signature and some models show increased dopaminergic function, while others have deficient dopamine signaling. We conclude that dopamine dysregulation is common in syndromic forms of ASD but that the specific changes may be unique to each genetic disorder and may not account for the full spectrum of ASD-related manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kosillo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Tiwari A, Rahi S, Mehan S. Elucidation of Abnormal Extracellular Regulated Kinase (ERK) Signaling and Associations with Syndromic and Non-syndromic Autism. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 22:1071-1086. [PMID: 33081671 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666201020155010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly inherited and extremely complex disorder in which results from various cases indicate chromosome anomalies, unusual single-gene mutations, and multiplicative effects of particular gene variants, characterized primarily by impaired speech and social interaction and restricted behavior. The precise etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently unclear. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling mechanism affects neurogenesis and neuronal plasticity during the development of the central nervous mechanism. In this regard, the pathway of ERK has recently gained significant interest in the pathogenesis of ASD. The mutation occurs in a few ERK components. Besides, the ERK pathway dysfunction lies in the upstream of modified translation and contributes to synapse pathology in syndromic types of autism. In this review, we highlight the ERK pathway as a target for neurodevelopmental disorder autism. In addition, we summarize the regulation of the ERK pathway with ERK inhibitors in neurological disorders. In conclusion, a better understanding of the ERK signaling pathway provides a range of therapeutic options for autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarti Tiwari
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, Punjab, India
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Xu J, Marshall JJ, Kraniotis S, Nomura T, Zhu Y, Contractor A. Genetic disruption of Grm5 causes complex alterations in motor activity, anxiety and social behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113378. [PMID: 34029630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Although group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and in particular mGluR5, have been extensively proposed as potential targets for intervention in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of the effect of mGluR5 loss on behaviors typically assessed in autism mouse models thought to be correlates of behavioral symptoms of human disorders. Here we present a behavioral characterization of mice with complete or partial loss of mGluR5 (homozygous or heterozygous null mutations in Grm5 gene). We tested several autism related behaviors including social interaction, repetitive grooming, digging and locomotor behaviors. We found that digging and marble burying behaviors were almost completely abolished in mGluR5 ko mice, although self-grooming was not altered. Social interaction was impaired in ko but not in heterozygote (het) mice. In tests of locomotor activity and anxiety related behaviors, mGluR5 ko mice exhibited hyperactivity and reduced anxiety in the open field test but unexpectedly, showed hypoactivity in the elevated zero-maze test. There was no impairment in motor learning in the accelerating rotarod in both ko and het mutant. Together these results provide support for the importance of mGluR5 in motor and social behaviors that are specifically affected in autism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States.
| | - John J Marshall
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Stephen Kraniotis
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Toshihiro Nomura
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Yongling Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Anis Contractor
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.
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14
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Walker SJ, Wagoner AL, Leavitt D, Mack DL. A simplified approach for derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from Epstein-Barr virus immortalized B-lymphoblastoid cell lines. Heliyon 2021; 7:e06617. [PMID: 33869861 PMCID: PMC8047170 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e06617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the limited availability of tissue, especially brain tissue, for neurological diseases and disorders research, the development of alternative biological tools for investigations of underlying molecular and genetic mechanisms is imperative. One important resource for this task is the large repositories that bank immortalized blood cells (i.e. lymphoblastoid cell lines; LCLs) from affected individuals and their unaffected family members. These repositories document demographic, phenotypic, and, in some cases, genotypic information about the donors and thus provide a ready-made sample source for hypothesis testing. Importantly, patient-specific LCLs can be used to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) that, in turn, can be used to create specific cell types for use in mechanistic studies. To investigate this concept further, LCLs from two males (proband and sibling) were obtained from one such repository, the Autism Genetics Resource Exchange (AGRE), and iPSCs were generated by transfection with Epi5 Episomal iPSC reprogramming plasmids. Characterization of the resultant cell lines by PCR, RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, karyotyping, and the Taqman® human pluripotent stem cell Scorecard™ Panel, was used to provide evidence of endogenous pluripotency and then to evaluate the trilineage potential of four representative clones. Results indicated that all four iPSC lines were initially pluripotent and displayed the trilineage potential predictive for successful differentiation to mesoderm, endoderm, or ectoderm-derived cell types. Compared to other published protocols, this study details a somewhat simplified approach, used here specifically for the generation and characterization of induced pluripotent stem cells from well-characterized and banked LCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Walker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Blvd., Winston Salem, NC 27156, USA
| | - Ashley L Wagoner
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Blvd., Winston Salem, NC 27156, USA
| | - Dana Leavitt
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Blvd., Winston Salem, NC 27156, USA
| | - David L Mack
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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15
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Traetta ME, Codagnone MG, Uccelli NA, Ramos AJ, Zárate S, Reinés A. Hippocampal neurons isolated from rats subjected to the valproic acid model mimic in vivo synaptic pattern: evidence of neuronal priming during early development in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2021; 12:23. [PMID: 33676530 PMCID: PMC7937248 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00428-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are synaptopathies characterized by area-specific synaptic alterations and neuroinflammation. Structural and adhesive features of hippocampal synapses have been described in the valproic acid (VPA) model. However, neuronal and microglial contribution to hippocampal synaptic pattern and its time-course of appearance is still unknown. METHODS Male pups born from pregnant rats injected at embryonic day 10.5 with VPA (450 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (control) were used. Maturation, exploratory activity and social interaction were assessed as autistic-like traits. Synaptic, cell adhesion and microglial markers were evaluated in the CA3 hippocampal region at postnatal day (PND) 3 and 35. Primary cultures of hippocampal neurons from control and VPA animals were used to study synaptic features and glutamate-induced structural remodeling. Basal and stimuli-mediated reactivity was assessed on microglia primary cultures isolated from control and VPA animals. RESULTS At PND3, before VPA behavioral deficits were evident, synaptophysin immunoreactivity and the balance between the neuronal cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and its polysialylated form (PSA-NCAM) were preserved in the hippocampus of VPA animals along with the absence of microgliosis. At PND35, concomitantly with the establishment of behavioral deficits, the hippocampus of VPA rats showed fewer excitatory synapses and increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance without microgliosis. Hippocampal neurons from VPA animals in culture exhibited a preserved synaptic puncta number at the beginning of the synaptogenic period in vitro but showed fewer excitatory synapses as well as increased NCAM/PSA-NCAM balance and resistance to glutamate-induced structural synaptic remodeling after active synaptogenesis. Microglial cells isolated from VPA animals and cultured in the absence of neurons showed similar basal and stimuli-induced reactivity to the control group. Results indicate that in the absence of glia, hippocampal neurons from VPA animals mirrored the in vivo synaptic pattern and suggest that while neurons are primed during the prenatal period, hippocampal microglia are not intrinsically altered. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests microglial role is not determinant for developing neuronal alterations or counteracting neuronal outcome in the hippocampus and highlights the crucial role of hippocampal neurons and structural plasticity in the establishment of the synaptic alterations in the VPA rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianela Evelyn Traetta
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Martín Gabriel Codagnone
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nonthué Alejandra Uccelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alberto Javier Ramos
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sandra Zárate
- Departamento de Histología, Embriología, Biología Celular y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Reinés
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia “Prof. E. De Robertis” (IBCN), Facultad de Medicina, CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Calle Paraguay 2155 3er piso, 1121 Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Cátedra de Farmacología, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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16
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Yoon S, Piguel NH, Khalatyan N, Dionisio LE, Savas JN, Penzes P. Homer1 promotes dendritic spine growth through ankyrin-G and its loss reshapes the synaptic proteome. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1775-1789. [PMID: 33398084 PMCID: PMC8254828 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Homer1 is a synaptic scaffold protein that regulates glutamatergic synapses and spine morphogenesis. HOMER1 knockout (KO) mice show behavioral abnormalities related to psychiatric disorders, and HOMER1 has been associated with psychiatric disorders such as addiction, autism disorder (ASD), schizophrenia (SZ), and depression. However, the mechanisms by which it promotes spine stability and its global function in maintaining the synaptic proteome has not yet been fully investigated. Here, we used computational approaches to identify global functions for proteins containing the Homer1-interacting PPXXF motif within the postsynaptic compartment. Ankyrin-G was one of the most topologically important nodes in the postsynaptic peripheral membrane subnetwork, and we show that one of the PPXXF motifs, present in the postsynaptically-enriched 190 kDa isoform of ankyrin-G (ankyrin-G 190), is recognized by the EVH1 domain of Homer1. We use proximity ligation combined with super-resolution microscopy to map the interaction of ankyrin-G and Homer1 to distinct nanodomains within the spine head and correlate them with spine head size. This interaction motif is critical for ankyrin-G 190's ability to increase spine head size, and for the maintenance of a stable ankyrin-G pool in spines. Intriguingly, lack of Homer1 significantly upregulated the abundance of ankyrin-G, but downregulated Shank3 in cortical crude plasma membrane fractions. In addition, proteomic analysis of the cortex in HOMER1 KO and wild-type (WT) mice revealed a global reshaping of the postsynaptic proteome, surprisingly characterized by extensive upregulation of synaptic proteins. Taken together, we show that Homer1 and its protein interaction motif have broad global functions within synaptic protein-protein interaction networks. Enrichment of disease risk factors within these networks has important implications for neurodevelopmental disorders including bipolar disorder, ASD, and SZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehyoun Yoon
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Nicolas H. Piguel
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Natalia Khalatyan
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Leonardo E. Dionisio
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Present Address: Neuroscience Interdepartmental Program, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
| | - Jeffrey N. Savas
- grid.16753.360000 0001 2299 3507Department of Neurology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611 USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. .,Northwestern University, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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17
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Hassani Nia F, Woike D, Martens V, Klüssendorf M, Hönck HH, Harder S, Kreienkamp HJ. Targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites through interaction with the Shank3 N-terminus. Mol Autism 2020; 11:85. [PMID: 33115499 PMCID: PMC7592556 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may be caused by alterations in genes encoding proteins that are involved in synapse formation and function. This includes scaffold proteins such as Shank3, and synaptic adhesion proteins such as Neurexins or Neuroligins. An important question is whether the products of individual risk genes cooperate functionally (exemplified in the interaction of Neurexin with Neuroligin isoforms). This might suggest a common pathway in pathogenesis. For the SHANK3 gene, heterozygous loss of function, as well as missense mutations have been observed in ASD cases. Several missense mutations affect the N-terminal part of Shank3 which contains the highly conserved Shank/ProSAP N-terminal (SPN) and Ankyrin repeat (Ank) domains. The role of these domains and the relevance of these mutations for synaptic function of Shank3 are widely unknown. METHODS We used purification from a synaptic protein fraction, as well as a variety of biochemical and cell biological approaches to identify proteins which associate with the Shank3 N-terminus at postsynaptic sites. RESULTS We report here that δ-catenin, which is encoded by CTNND2, an autism candidate gene, directly interacts with the Ank domain of Shank3 at postsynaptic sites through its Armadillo-repeat domain. The interaction is not affected by well-known posttranslational modifications of δ-catenin, i.e. by phosphorylation or palmitoylation. However, an ASD-associated mutation in the SPN domain of Shank3, L68P, significantly increases the interaction of Shank3 with δ-catenin. By analysis of postsynaptic fractions from mice, we show that the lack of SPN-Ank containing, large isoforms of Shank3 results in the loss of postsynaptic δ-catenin. Further, expression of Shank3 variants containing the N-terminal domains in primary cultured neurons significantly increased the presence of coexpressed δ-catenin at postsynaptic sites. LIMITATIONS Work in model organisms such as mice, and in primary cultured neurons may not reproduce faithfully the situation in human brain neurons. Work in primary cultured neurons was also hampered by lack of a specific antibody for endogenous δ-catenin. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that the interaction between Shank3 N-terminus and δ-catenin is required for the postsynaptic targeting of δ-catenin. Failure of proper targeting of δ-catenin to postsynaptic sites may contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Woike
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Victoria Martens
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malte Klüssendorf
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.,Institut für Osteologie Und Biomechanik, Zellbiologie seltener Erkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Hinrich Hönck
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Harder
- Massenspektrometrische Proteomanalytik, Institut für Klinische Chemie Und Laboratoriumsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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18
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Amelioration of autism-like social deficits by targeting histone methyltransferases EHMT1/2 in Shank3-deficient mice. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2517-2533. [PMID: 30659288 PMCID: PMC6639159 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many of the genes disrupted in autism are identified as histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers, most prominently those that mediate histone methylation/demethylation. However, the role of histone methylation enzymes in the pathophysiology and treatment of autism remains unknown. To address this, we used mouse models of haploinsufficiency of the Shank3 gene (a highly penetrant monogenic autism risk factor), which exhibits prominent autism-like social deficits. We found that histone methyltransferases EHMT1 and EHMT2, as well as histone lysine 9 dimethylation (specifically catalyzed by EHMT1/2), were selectively increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Shank3-deficient mice and autistic human postmortem brains. Treatment with the EHMT1/2 inhibitor UNC0642 or knockdown of EHMT1/2 in PFC induced a robust rescue of autism-like social deficits in Shank3-deficient mice, and restored NMDAR-mediated synaptic function. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) was identified as one of the causal factors underlying the rescuing effects of UNC0642 on NMDAR function and social behaviors in Shank3-deficient mice. UNC0642 treatment also restored a large set of genes involved in neural signaling in PFC of Shank3-deficient mice. These results suggest that targeting histone methylation enzymes to adjust gene expression and ameliorate synaptic defects could be a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
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19
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Wundrach D, Martinetti LE, Stafford AM, Bilinovich SM, Angara K, Prokop JW, Crandall SR, Vogt D. A Human TSC1 Variant Screening Platform in Gabaergic Cortical Interneurons for Genotype to Phenotype Assessments. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:573409. [PMID: 33071758 PMCID: PMC7539171 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.573409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The TSC1 and TSC2 genes are connected to multiple syndromes from Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with uncertainty if genetic variants cause all or subsets of phenotypes based on the location and type of change. For TSC1, few have addressed if non-TSC associated genetic variants have direct contributions to changes in neurological genotype-to-phenotype impacts, including elevated rates of ASD and seizures. Dominant variants cause TSC, yet TSC1 has many heritable variants not dominant for TSC that are poorly understood in neurological function, with some associated with ASD. Herein, we examined how missense variants in TSC1, R336W, T360N, T393I, S403L, and H732Y, impacted the development of cortical inhibitory interneurons, cell-types whose molecular, cellular, and physiological properties are altered after the loss of mouse TSC1. We found these variants complemented a known phenotype caused by loss of TSC1, increased cell size. However, distinct variants, particularly S403L showed deficits in complementing an increase in parvalbumin levels and exhibited smaller amplitude after hyperpolarizations. Overall, these data show that subtle phenotypes can be induced by some TSC1 missense variants and provide an in vivo system to assess TSC1 variants’ neurological impact better.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean Wundrach
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Luis E Martinetti
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - April M Stafford
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Stephanie M Bilinovich
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Kartik Angara
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States
| | - Jeremy W Prokop
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Center for Research in Autism, Intellectual and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Shane R Crandall
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Daniel Vogt
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI, United States.,Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States.,Center for Research in Autism, Intellectual and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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20
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Bridi M, Schoch H, Florian C, Poplawski SG, Banerjee A, Hawk JD, Porcari GS, Lejards C, Hahn CG, Giese KP, Havekes R, Spruston N, Abel T. Transcriptional corepressor SIN3A regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity via Homer1/mGluR5 signaling. JCI Insight 2020; 5:92385. [PMID: 32069266 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.92385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term memory depends on the control of activity-dependent neuronal gene expression, which is regulated by epigenetic modifications. The epigenetic modification of histones is orchestrated by the opposing activities of 2 classes of regulatory complexes: permissive coactivators and silencing corepressors. Much work has focused on coactivator complexes, but little is known about the corepressor complexes that suppress the expression of plasticity-related genes. Here, we define a critical role for the corepressor SIN3A in memory and synaptic plasticity, showing that postnatal neuronal deletion of Sin3a enhances hippocampal long-term potentiation and long-term contextual fear memory. SIN3A regulates the expression of genes encoding proteins in the postsynaptic density. Loss of SIN3A increases expression of the synaptic scaffold Homer1, alters the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1α (mGluR1α) and mGluR5 dependence of long-term potentiation, and increases activation of ERK in the hippocampus after learning. Our studies define a critical role for corepressors in modulating neural plasticity and memory consolidation and reveal that Homer1/mGluR signaling pathways may be central molecular mechanisms for memory enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Anamika Banerjee
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chang-Gyu Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Nelson Spruston
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Janelia Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia, USA
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21
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Association of genes with phenotype in autism spectrum disorder. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10742-10770. [PMID: 31744938 PMCID: PMC6914398 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetic heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and speech development and is accompanied by stereotypical behaviors such as body rocking, hand flapping, spinning objects, sniffing and restricted behaviors. The considerable significance of the genetics associated with autism has led to the identification of many risk genes for ASD used for the probing of ASD specificity and shared cognitive features over the past few decades. Identification of ASD risk genes helps to unravel various genetic variants and signaling pathways which are involved in ASD. This review highlights the role of ASD risk genes in gene transcription and translation regulation processes, as well as neuronal activity modulation, synaptic plasticity, disrupted key biological signaling pathways, and the novel candidate genes that play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD. The current emphasis on autism spectrum disorders has generated new opportunities in the field of neuroscience, and further advancements in the identification of different biomarkers, risk genes, and genetic pathways can help in the early diagnosis and development of new clinical and pharmacological treatments for ASD.
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22
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Clifton NE, Trent S, Thomas KL, Hall J. Regulation and Function of Activity-Dependent Homer in Synaptic Plasticity. MOLECULAR NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2019; 5:147-161. [PMID: 31312636 DOI: 10.1159/000500267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in synaptic signaling and plasticity occur during the refinement of neural circuits over the course of development and the adult processes of learning and memory. Synaptic plasticity requires the rearrangement of protein complexes in the postsynaptic density (PSD), trafficking of receptors and ion channels and the synthesis of new proteins. Activity-induced short Homer proteins, Homer1a and Ania-3, are recruited to active excitatory synapses, where they act as dominant negative regulators of constitutively expressed, longer Homer isoforms. The expression of Homer1a and Ania-3 initiates critical processes of PSD remodeling, the modulation of glutamate receptor-mediated functions, and the regulation of calcium signaling. Together, available data support the view that Homer1a and Ania-3 are responsible for the selective, transient destabilization of postsynaptic signaling complexes to facilitate plasticity of the excitatory synapse. The interruption of activity-dependent Homer proteins disrupts disease-relevant processes and leads to memory impairments, reflecting their likely contribution to neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E Clifton
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Trent
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kerrie L Thomas
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom.,MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Institute of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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23
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Okamoto SI, Prikhodko O, Pina-Crespo J, Adame A, McKercher SR, Brill LM, Nakanishi N, Oh CK, Nakamura T, Masliah E, Lipton SA. NitroSynapsin for the treatment of neurological manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex in a rodent model. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 127:390-397. [PMID: 30928642 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene. TSC is often associated with neurological, cognitive, and behavioral deficits. TSC patients also express co-morbidity with anxiety and mood disorders. The mechanism of pathogenesis in TSC is not entirely clear, but TSC-related neurological symptoms are accompanied by excessive glutamatergic activity and altered synaptic spine structures. To address whether extrasynaptic (e)NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists, as opposed to antagonists that block physiological phasic synaptic activity, can ameliorate the synaptic and behavioral features of this disease, we utilized the Tsc2+/- mouse model of TSC to measure biochemical, electrophysiological, histological, and behavioral parameters in the mice. We found that antagonists that preferentially block tonic activity as found at eNMDARs, particularly the newer drug NitroSynapsin, provide biological and statistically significant improvement in Tsc2+/- phenotypes. Accompanying this improvement was correction of activity in the p38 MAPK-TSC-Rheb-mTORC1-S6K1 pathway. Deficits in hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP), histological loss of synapses, and behavioral fear conditioning in Tsc2+/- mice were all improved after treatment with NitroSynapsin. Taken together, these results suggest that amelioration of excessive excitation, by limiting aberrant eNMDAR activity, may represent a novel treatment approach for TSC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Prikhodko
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Juan Pina-Crespo
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Anthony Adame
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Scott R McKercher
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; Neuroscience Translational Center, Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Laurence M Brill
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Chang-Ki Oh
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; Neuroscience Translational Center, Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Tomohiro Nakamura
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; Neuroscience Translational Center, Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Stuart A Lipton
- Scintillon Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA; Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Neuroscience Translational Center, Departments of Molecular Medicine and Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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24
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Brown EA, Lautz JD, Davis TR, Gniffke EP, VanSchoiack AAW, Neier SC, Tashbook N, Nicolini C, Fahnestock M, Schrum AG, Smith SEP. Clustering the autisms using glutamate synapse protein interaction networks from cortical and hippocampal tissue of seven mouse models. Mol Autism 2018; 9:48. [PMID: 30237867 PMCID: PMC6139139 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0229-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a heterogeneous group of behaviorally defined disorders and are associated with hundreds of rare genetic mutations and several environmental risk factors. Mouse models of specific risk factors have been successful in identifying molecular mechanisms associated with a given factor. However, comparisons among different models to elucidate underlying common pathways or to define clusters of biologically relevant disease subtypes have been complicated by different methodological approaches or different brain regions examined by the labs that developed each model. Here, we use a novel proteomic technique, quantitative multiplex co-immunoprecipitation or QMI, to make a series of identical measurements of a synaptic protein interaction network in seven different animal models. We aim to identify molecular disruptions that are common to multiple models. Methods QMI was performed on 92 hippocampal and cortical samples taken from seven mouse models of ASD: Shank3B, Shank3Δex4-9, Ube3a2xTG, TSC2, FMR1, and CNTNAP2 mutants, as well as E12.5 VPA (maternal valproic acid injection on day 12.5 post-conception). The QMI panel targeted a network of 16 interacting, ASD-linked, synaptic proteins, probing 240 potential co-associations. A custom non-parametric statistical test was used to call significant differences between ASD models and littermate controls, and Hierarchical Clustering by Principal Components was used to cluster the models using mean log2 fold change values. Results Each model displayed a unique set of disrupted interactions, but some interactions were disrupted in multiple models. These tended to be interactions that are known to change with synaptic activity. Clustering revealed potential relationships among models and suggested deficits in AKT signaling in Ube3a2xTG mice, which were confirmed by phospho-western blots. Conclusions These data highlight the great heterogeneity among models, but suggest that high-dimensional measures of a synaptic protein network may allow differentiation of subtypes of ASD with shared molecular pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Brown
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Jonathan D Lautz
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Tessa R Davis
- 2Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN USA.,3Present address: Department of Biomedical Engineering, UT Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | - Edward P Gniffke
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Alison A W VanSchoiack
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA.,Present address: Nanostring, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Steven C Neier
- 2Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN USA.,5Present address: Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA USA.,6Present address: Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA.,7Present address: Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Noah Tashbook
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Chiara Nicolini
- 8Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Margaret Fahnestock
- 8Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - Adam G Schrum
- 9Departments of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO USA
| | - Stephen E P Smith
- 1Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA USA.,10Department of Pediatrics and Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
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25
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Shonesy BC, Parrish WP, Haddad HK, Stephenson JR, Báldi R, Bluett RJ, Marks CR, Centanni SW, Folkes OM, Spiess K, Augustin SM, Mackie K, Lovinger DM, Winder DG, Patel S, Colbran RJ. Role of Striatal Direct Pathway 2-Arachidonoylglycerol Signaling in Sociability and Repetitive Behavior. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:304-315. [PMID: 29458998 PMCID: PMC6023784 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endocannabinoid signaling plays an important role in regulating synaptic transmission in the striatum, a brain region implicated as a central node of dysfunction in autism spectrum disorder. Deficits in signaling mediated by the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) have been reported in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder, but a causal role for striatal 2-AG deficiency in phenotypes relevant to autism spectrum disorder has not been explored. METHODS Using conditional knockout mice, we examined the electrophysiological, biochemical, and behavioral effects of 2-AG deficiency by deleting its primary synthetic enzyme, diacylglycerol lipase α (DGLα), from dopamine D1 receptor-expressing or adenosine A2a receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (MSNs) to determine the role of 2-AG signaling in striatal direct or indirect pathways, respectively. We then used viral-mediated deletion of DGLα to study the effects of 2-AG deficiency in the ventral and dorsal striatum. RESULTS Targeted deletion of DGLα from direct-pathway MSNs caused deficits in social interaction, excessive grooming, and decreased exploration of a novel environment. In contrast, deletion from indirect-pathway MSNs had no effect on any measure of behavior examined. Loss of 2-AG in direct-pathway MSNs also led to increased glutamatergic drive, which is consistent with a loss of retrograde feedback inhibition. Subregional DGLα deletion from the dorsal striatum produced deficits in social interaction, whereas deletion from the ventral striatum resulted in repetitive grooming. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a role for 2-AG deficiency in social deficits and repetitive behavior, and they demonstrate a key role for 2-AG in regulating striatal direct-pathway MSNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Shonesy
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
| | - Walker P Parrish
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Hala K Haddad
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jason R Stephenson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rita Báldi
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rebecca J Bluett
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christian R Marks
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Samuel W Centanni
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Oakleigh M Folkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Keeley Spiess
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Shana M Augustin
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ken Mackie
- The Gill Center and the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - David M Lovinger
- Laboratory for Integrative Neuroscience, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Danny G Winder
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sachin Patel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Roger J Colbran
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
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26
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Hassani Nia F, Kreienkamp HJ. Functional Relevance of Missense Mutations Affecting the N-Terminal Part of Shank3 Found in Autistic Patients. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:268. [PMID: 30131675 PMCID: PMC6090658 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic defects in SHANK genes are associated with autism. Deletions and truncating mutations suggest haploinsufficiency for Shank3 as a major cause of disease which may be analyzed in appropriate Shank deficient mouse models. Here we will focus on the functional analysis of missense mutations found in SHANK genes. The relevance of most of these mutations for Shank function, and their role in autism pathogenesis is unclear. This is partly due to the fact that mutations spare the most well studied functional domains of Shank3, such as the PDZ and SAM domains, or the short proline-rich motifs which are required for interactions with postsynaptic partners Homer, Cortactin, dynamin, IRSp53 and Abi-1. One set of mutations affects the N-terminal part, including the highly conserved SPN domain and ankyrin repeats. Functional analysis from several groups has indicated that these mutations (e.g., R12C; L68P; R300C, and Q321R) interfere with the critical role of Shank3 for synapse formation. More recently the structural analysis of the SPN-ARR module has begun to shed light on the molecular consequences of mutations in the SPN of Shank3. The SPN was identified as a Ras association domain, with high affinities for GTP-bound, active forms of Ras and Rap. The two autism related mutations in this part of the protein, R12C and L68P, both abolish Ras binding. Further work is directed at identifying the consequences of Ras binding to Shank proteins at postsynaptic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Hassani Nia
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Kreienkamp
- Institute for Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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27
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Taylor SE, Taylor RD, Price J, Andreae LC. Single-molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization reveals that human SHANK3 mRNA expression varies during development and in autism-associated SHANK3 heterozygosity. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:206. [PMID: 30064494 PMCID: PMC6069870 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deletions and mutations in the SHANK3 gene are strongly associated with autism spectrum disorder and underlie the autism-associated disorder Phelan-McDermid syndrome. SHANK3 is a scaffolding protein found at the post-synaptic membrane of excitatory neurons. METHODS Single-molecule fluorescence in-situ hybridization (smFISH) allows the visualization of single mRNA transcripts in vitro. Here we perform and quantify smFISH in human inducible pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cortical neurons, targeting the SHANK3 transcript. RESULTS Both smFISH and conventional immunofluorescence staining demonstrated a developmental increase in SHANK3 mRNA and protein, respectively, in control human cortical neurons. Analysis of single SHANK3 mRNA molecules in neurons derived from an autistic individual heterozygous for SHANK3 indicated that while the number of SHANK3 mRNA transcripts remained comparable with control levels in the cell soma, there was a 50% reduction within neuronal processes, suggesting that local, dendritic targeting of SHANK3 mRNA may be specifically affected in SHANK3 haploinsufficiency. CONCLUSION Human SHANK3 mRNA shows developmentally regulated dendritic localization in hiPSC-derived neurons, which is reduced in neurons generated from a haploinsufficient individual with autism. Although further replication is needed, given the importance of local mRNA translation in synaptic function, this could represent an important early abnormality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel E Taylor
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ruth D Taylor
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK.,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jack Price
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Laura C Andreae
- Centre for Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, SE1 1UL, UK. .,MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, King's College London, London, UK.
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28
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Soler J, Fañanás L, Parellada M, Krebs MO, Rouleau GA, Fatjó-Vilas M. Genetic variability in scaffolding proteins and risk for schizophrenia and autism-spectrum disorders: a systematic review. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2018; 43:223-244. [PMID: 29947605 PMCID: PMC6019351 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.170066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scaffolding proteins represent an evolutionary solution to controlling the specificity of information transfer in intracellular networks. They are highly concentrated in complexes located in specific subcellular locations. One of these complexes is the postsynaptic density of the excitatory synapses. There, scaffolding proteins regulate various processes related to synaptic plasticity, such as glutamate receptor trafficking and signalling, and dendritic structure and function. Most scaffolding proteins can be grouped into 4 main families: discs large (DLG), discs-large-associated protein (DLGAP), Shank and Homer. Owing to the importance of scaffolding proteins in postsynaptic density architecture, it is not surprising that variants in the genes that code for these proteins have been associated with neuropsychiatric diagnoses, including schizophrenia and autism-spectrum disorders. Such evidence, together with the clinical, neurobiological and genetic overlap described between schizophrenia and autism-spectrum disorders, suggest that alteration of scaffolding protein dynamics could be part of the pathophysiology of both. However, despite the potential importance of scaffolding proteins in these psychiatric conditions, no systematic review has integrated the genetic and molecular data from studies conducted in the last decade. This review has the following goals: to systematically analyze the literature in which common and/or rare genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms, single nucleotide variants and copy number variants) in the scaffolding family genes are associated with the risk for either schizophrenia or autism-spectrum disorders; to explore the implications of the reported genetic variants for gene expression and/or protein function; and to discuss the relationship of these genetic variants to the shared genetic, clinical and cognitive traits of schizophrenia and autism-spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Soler
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
| | - Lourdes Fañanás
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
| | - Mara Parellada
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
| | - Marie-Odile Krebs
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
| | - Guy A Rouleau
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- From the Secció Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Dept Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Fatjó-Vilas); the Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain (Soler, Fañanás, Parellada, Fatjó-Vilas); Servicio de Psiquiatría del Niño y del Adolescente, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain (Parellada); the Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, Faculté de Médecine Paris Descartes, Paris, France (Krebs); the Université Paris Descartes, Inserm Centre de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Laboratoire de Physiopathologie des Maladies Psychiatriques, Paris, France (Krebs); the CNRS, GDR 3557, Institut de Psychiatrie, Paris, France (Krebs); the Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC (Rouleau); and the FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain (Fatjó-Vilas)
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Roessler R, Goldmann J, Shivalila C, Jaenisch R. JIP2 haploinsufficiency contributes to neurodevelopmental abnormalities in human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors and cortical neurons. Life Sci Alliance 2018; 1:e201800094. [PMID: 30456368 PMCID: PMC6238622 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.201800094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular and cellular profiling of patient-specific neural cell types provides suggestions for the involvement of JIP2 in the neurodevelopmental disorder Phelan–McDermid syndrome. Phelan–McDermid syndrome (also known as 22q13.3 deletion syndrome) is a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder and currently thought to be caused by heterozygous loss of SHANK3. However, patients most frequently present with large chromosomal deletions affecting several additional genes. We used human pluripotent stem cell technology and genome editing to further dissect molecular and cellular mechanisms. We found that loss of JIP2 (MAPK8IP2) may contribute to a distinct neurodevelopmental phenotype in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) affecting neuronal maturation. This is most likely due to a simultaneous down-regulation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) proteins, leading to impaired generation of mature neurons. Furthermore, semaphorin signaling appears to be impaired in patient NPCs and neurons. Pharmacological activation of neuropilin receptor 1 (NRP1) rescued impaired semaphorin pathway activity and JNK expression in patient neurons. Our results suggest a novel disease-specific mechanism involving the JIP/JNK complex and identify NRP1 as a potential new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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30
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Pharmacological Inhibition of ERK Signaling Rescues Pathophysiology and Behavioral Phenotype Associated with 16p11.2 Chromosomal Deletion in Mice. J Neurosci 2018; 38:6640-6652. [PMID: 29934348 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0515-17.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The human 16p11.2 microdeletion is one of the most common gene copy number variations linked to autism, but the pathophysiology associated with this chromosomal abnormality is largely unknown. The 593 kb deletion contains the ERK1 gene and other genes that converge onto the ERK/MAP kinase pathway. Perturbations in ERK signaling are linked to a group of related neurodevelopmental disorders hallmarked by intellectual disability, including autism. We report that mice harboring the 16p11.2 deletion exhibit a paradoxical elevation of ERK activity, cortical cytoarchitecture abnormalities and behavioral deficits. Importantly, we show that treatment with a novel ERK pathway inhibitor during a critical period of brain development rescues the molecular, anatomical and behavioral deficits in the 16p11.2 deletion mice. The ERK inhibitor treatment administered to adult mice ameliorates a subset of these behavioral deficits. Our findings provide evidence for potential targeted therapeutic intervention in 16p11.2 deletion carriers.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT The ERK/MAPK pathway is genetically linked to autism spectrum disorders and other syndromes typified by intellectual disability. We provide direct evidence connecting the ERK/MAP kinases to the developmental abnormalities in neurogenesis and cortical cytoarchitecture associated with the 16p11.2 chromosomal deletion. Most importantly, we demonstrate that treatment with a novel ERK-specific inhibitor during development rescues aberrant cortical cytoarchitecture and restores normal levels of cell-cycle regulators during cortical neurogenesis. These treatments partially reverse the behavioral deficits observed in the 16p11.2del mouse model, including hyperactivity, memory as well as olfaction, and maternal behavior. We also report a rescue of a subset of these deficits upon treatment of adult 16p11.2del mice. These data provide a strong rationale for therapeutic approaches to this disorder.
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31
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A pathogenic role for germline PTEN variants which accumulate into the nucleus. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:1180-1187. [PMID: 29706633 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0155-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The PTEN gene encodes a master regulator protein that exerts essential functions both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus. PTEN is mutated in the germline of both patients with heterogeneous tumor syndromic diseases, categorized as PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS), and a group affected with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies have unveiled the functional heterogeneity of PTEN variants found in both patient cohorts, making functional studies necessary to provide mechanistic insights related to their pathogenicity. Here, we have functionally characterized a PTEN missense variant [c.49C>G; p.(Gln17Glu); Q17E] associated to both PHTS and ASD patients. The PTEN Q17E variant displayed partially reduced PIP3-catalytic activity and normal stability in cells, as shown using S. cerevisiae and mammalian cell experimental models. Remarkably, PTEN Q17E accumulated in the nucleus, in a process involving the PTEN N-terminal nuclear localization sequence. The analysis of additional germline-associated PTEN N-terminal variants illustrated the existence of a PTEN N-terminal region whose targeting in disease causes PTEN nuclear accumulation, in parallel with defects in PIP3-catalytic activity in cells. Our findings highlight the frequent occurrence of PTEN gene mutations targeting PTEN N-terminus whose pathogenicity may be related, at least in part, with the retention of PTEN in the nucleus. This could be important for the implementation of precision therapies for patients with alterations in the PTEN pathway.
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Hens K, Noens I, Peeters H, Steyaert J. The ethics of patenting autism genes. Nat Rev Genet 2018; 19:247-248. [DOI: 10.1038/nrg.2018.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Kalsner L, Twachtman-Bassett J, Tokarski K, Stanley C, Dumont-Mathieu T, Cotney J, Chamberlain S. Genetic testing including targeted gene panel in a diverse clinical population of children with autism spectrum disorder: Findings and implications. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2017; 6:171-185. [PMID: 29271092 PMCID: PMC5902398 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genetic testing of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is now standard in the clinical setting, with American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMGG) guidelines recommending microarray for all children, fragile X testing for boys and additional gene sequencing, including PTEN and MECP2, in appropriate patients. Increasingly, testing utilizing high throughput sequencing, including gene panels and whole exome sequencing, are offered as well. METHODS We performed genetic testing including microarray, fragile X testing and targeted gene panel, consistently sequencing 161 genes associated with ASD risk, in a clinical population of 100 well characterized children with ASD. Frequency of rare variants identified in individual genes was compared with that reported in the Exome Aggregation Consortium (ExAC) database. RESULTS We did not diagnose any conditions with complete penetrance for ASD; however, copy number variants believed to contribute to ASD risk were identified in 12%. Eleven children were found to have likely pathogenic variants on gene panel, yet, after careful analysis, none was considered likely causative of disease. KIRREL3 variants were identified in 6.7% of children compared to 2% in ExAC, suggesting a potential role for KIRREL3 variants in ASD risk. Children with KIRREL3 variants more often had minor facial dysmorphism and intellectual disability. We also observed an increase in rare variants in TSC2. However, analysis of variant data from the Simons Simplex Collection indicated that rare variants in TSC2 occur more commonly in specific racial/ethnic groups, which are more prevalent in our population than in the ExAC database. CONCLUSION The yield of genetic testing including microarray, fragile X (boys) and targeted gene panel was 12%. Gene panel did not increase diagnostic yield; however, we found an increase in rare variants in KIRREL3. Our findings reinforce the need for racial/ethnic diversity in large-scale genomic databases used to identify variants that contribute to disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Kalsner
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Farmington, CT, USA.,University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Kristin Tokarski
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Thyde Dumont-Mathieu
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Farmington, CT, USA.,University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Justin Cotney
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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Common functional variants of the glutamatergic system in Autism spectrum disorder with high and low intellectual abilities. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2017; 125:259-271. [PMID: 29147782 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1813-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The genetic architecture underlying Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been suggested to differ between individuals with lower (IQ ≤ 70; LIQ) and higher intellectual abilities (IQ > 70; HIQ). Among the identified pathomechanisms, the glutamatergic signalling pathway is of specific interest in ASD. We investigated 187 common functional variants of this neurotransmitter system for association with ASD and with symptom severity in two independent samples, a German (German-ALL: N = 583 families) and the Autism Genome Project cohort (AGP-ALL: N = 2001 families), split into HIQ, and LIQ subgroups. We did not identify any association withstanding correction for multiple testing. However, we report a replicated nominal significant under-transmission (OR < 0.79, p < 0.04) of the AKAP13 rs745191-T allele in both LIQ cohorts, but not in the much larger HIQ cohorts. At the phenotypic level, we nominally replicated associations of CAMK2A-rs2241694 with non-verbal communication in both combined LIQ and HIQ ASD cohorts. Variants PLD1-rs2124147 and ADCY1-rs2461127 were nominally associated with impaired non-verbal abilities and AKAP2-rs3739456 with repetitive behaviour in both LIQ cohorts. All four LIQ-associated genes are involved in G-protein coupled signal transduction, a downstream pathway of metabotropic glutamate receptor activation. We conclude that functional common variants of glutamatergic genes do not have a strong impact on ASD, but seem to moderately affect ASD risk and phenotypic expression. Since most of our nominally replicated hits were identified in the LIQ cohort, further investigation of the glutamatergic system in this subpopulation might be warranted.
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Hippocampal Regulation of Postsynaptic Density Homer1 by Associative Learning. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:5959182. [PMID: 29238619 PMCID: PMC5697134 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5959182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes involved in synaptic plasticity, particularly genes encoding postsynaptic density proteins, have been recurrently linked to psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and autism. Postsynaptic density Homer1 proteins contribute to synaptic plasticity through the competing actions of short and long isoforms. The activity-induced expression of short Homer1 isoforms, Homer1a and Ania-3, is thought to be related to processes of learning and memory. However, the precise regulation of Homer1a and Ania-3 with different components of learning has not been investigated. Here, we used in situ hybridization to quantify short and long Homer1 expression in the hippocampus following consolidation, retrieval, and extinction of associative fear memory, using contextual fear conditioning in rats. Homer1a and Ania-3, but not long Homer1, were regulated by contextual fear learning or novelty detection, although their precise patterns of expression in hippocampal subregions were dependent on the isoform. We also show for the first time that the two short Homer1 isoforms are regulated after the retrieval and extinction of contextual fear memory, albeit with distinct temporal and spatial profiles. These findings support a role of activity-induced Homer1 isoforms in learning and memory processes in discrete hippocampal subregions and suggest that Homer1a and Ania-3 may play separable roles in synaptic plasticity.
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Datko MC, Hu JH, Williams M, Reyes CM, Lominac KD, von Jonquieres G, Klugmann M, Worley PF, Szumlinski KK. Behavioral and Neurochemical Phenotyping of Mice Incapable of Homer1a Induction. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:208. [PMID: 29163080 PMCID: PMC5672496 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00208] [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: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immediate early and constitutively expressed products of the Homer1 gene regulate the functional assembly of post-synaptic density proteins at glutamatergic synapses to influence excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. Earlier studies of Homer1 gene knock-out (KO) mice indicated active, but distinct, roles for IEG and constitutively expressed Homer1 gene products in regulating cognitive, emotional, motivational and sensorimotor processing, as well as behavioral and neurochemical sensitivity to cocaine. More recent characterization of transgenic mice engineered to prevent generation of the IEG form (a.k.a Homer1a KO) pose a critical role for Homer1a in cocaine-induced behavioral and neurochemical sensitization of relevance to drug addiction and related neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we extend our characterization of the Homer1a KO mouse and report a modest pro-depressant phenotype, but no deleterious effects of the KO upon spatial learning/memory, prepulse inhibition, or cocaine-induced place-conditioning. As we reported previously, Homer1a KO mice did not develop cocaine-induced behavioral or neurochemical sensitization within the nucleus accumbens; however, virus-mediated Homer1a over-expression within the nucleus accumbens reversed the sensitization phenotype of KO mice. We also report several neurochemical abnormalities within the nucleus accumbens of Homer1a KO mice that include: elevated basal dopamine and reduced basal glutamate content, Group1 mGluR agonist-induced glutamate release and high K+-stimulated release of dopamine and glutamate within this region. Many of the neurochemical anomalies exhibited by Homer1a KO mice are recapitulated upon deletion of the entire Homer1 gene; however, Homer1 deletion did not affect NAC dopamine or alter K+-stimulated neurotransmitter release within this region. These data show that the selective deletion of Homer1a produces a behavioral and neurochemical phenotype that is distinguishable from that produced by deletion of the entire Homer1 gene. Moreover, the data indicate a specific role for Homer1a in regulating cocaine-induced behavioral and neurochemical sensitization of potential relevance to the psychotogenic properties of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Datko
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Jia-Hua Hu
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Melanie Williams
- Department of Molecular, Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Cindy M Reyes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Kevin D Lominac
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Georg von Jonquieres
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthias Klugmann
- Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul F Worley
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Karen K Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Department of Molecular, Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States.,Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
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Vicidomini C, Ponzoni L, Lim D, Schmeisser M, Reim D, Morello N, Orelanna D, Tozzi A, Durante V, Scalmani P, Mantegazza M, Genazzani AA, Giustetto M, Sala M, Calabresi P, Boeckers TM, Sala C, Verpelli C. Pharmacological enhancement of mGlu5 receptors rescues behavioral deficits in SHANK3 knock-out mice. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:689-702. [PMID: 27021819 PMCID: PMC5014121 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
SHANK3 (also called PROSAP2) genetic haploinsufficiency is thought to be the major cause of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS). PMS is a rare genetic disorder that causes a severe form of intellectual disability (ID), expressive language delays and other autistic features. Furthermore, a significant number of SHANK3 mutations have been identified in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and SHANK3 truncating mutations are associated with moderate to profound ID. The Shank3 protein is a scaffold protein that is located in the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory synapses and is crucial for synapse development and plasticity. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with the ASD-like behaviors observed in Shank3Δ11-/- mice, in which exon 11 has been deleted. Our results indicate that Shank3 is essential to mediating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5)-receptor signaling by recruiting Homer1b/c to the PSD, specifically in the striatum and cortex. Moreover, augmenting mGlu5-receptor activity by administering 3-Cyano-N-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl)benzamide ameliorated the functional and behavioral defects that were observed in Shank3Δ11-/- mice, suggesting that pharmaceutical treatments that increase mGlu5 activity may represent a new approach for treating patients that are affected by PMS and SHANK3 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dmitry Lim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara
| | | | | | - Noemi Morello
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Torino
| | | | - Alessandro Tozzi
- University of Perugia, Department of Experimental Medicine,
Perugia
| | - Valentina Durante
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia and Clinica
Neurologica, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Scalmani
- U.O. of Neurophysiopathology and Diagnostic Epileptology, Foundation
Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neurological Institute
Carlo Besta, Milan
| | - Massimo Mantegazza
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology (IPMC), Laboratory
of Excellence Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics (LabEx ICST), CNRS UMR7275 and
University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne
| | - Armando A. Genazzani
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università degli Studi
del Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro”, Novara
| | | | - Mariaelvina Sala
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Milano,Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia and Clinica
Neurologica, Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Sala
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Milano
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Emerging Synaptic Molecules as Candidates in the Etiology of Neurological Disorders. Neural Plast 2017; 2017:8081758. [PMID: 28331639 PMCID: PMC5346360 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8081758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Synapses are complex structures that allow communication between neurons in the central nervous system. Studies conducted in vertebrate and invertebrate models have contributed to the knowledge of the function of synaptic proteins. The functional synapse requires numerous protein complexes with specialized functions that are regulated in space and time to allow synaptic plasticity. However, their interplay during neuronal development, learning, and memory is poorly understood. Accumulating evidence links synapse proteins to neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we describe the way in which several proteins that participate in cell adhesion, scaffolding, exocytosis, and neurotransmitter reception from presynaptic and postsynaptic compartments, mainly from excitatory synapses, have been associated with several synaptopathies, and we relate their functions to the disease phenotype.
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Reim D, Distler U, Halbedl S, Verpelli C, Sala C, Bockmann J, Tenzer S, Boeckers TM, Schmeisser MJ. Proteomic Analysis of Post-synaptic Density Fractions from Shank3 Mutant Mice Reveals Brain Region Specific Changes Relevant to Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:26. [PMID: 28261056 PMCID: PMC5306440 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Disruption of the human SHANK3 gene can cause several neuropsychiatric disease entities including Phelan-McDermid syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability. Although, a wide array of neurobiological studies strongly supports a major role for SHANK3 in organizing the post-synaptic protein scaffold, the molecular processes at synapses of individuals harboring SHANK3 mutations are still far from being understood. In this study, we biochemically isolated the post-synaptic density (PSD) fraction from striatum and hippocampus of adult Shank3Δ11-/- mutant mice and performed ion-mobility enhanced data-independent label-free LC-MS/MS to obtain the corresponding PSD proteomes (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD005192). This unbiased approach to identify molecular disturbances at Shank3 mutant PSDs revealed hitherto unknown brain region specific alterations including a striatal decrease of several molecules encoded by ASD susceptibility genes such as the serine/threonine kinase Cdkl5 and the potassium channel KCa1.1. Being the first comprehensive analysis of brain region specific PSD proteomes from a Shank3 mutant line, our study provides crucial information on molecular alterations that could foster translational treatment studies for SHANK3 mutation-associated synaptopathies and possibly also ASD in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Reim
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
| | - Ute Distler
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University MainzMainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Sonja Halbedl
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- CNR Neuroscience InstituteMilan, Italy
- BIOMETRA, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Carlo Sala
- CNR Neuroscience InstituteMilan, Italy
- BIOMETRA, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
| | - Stefan Tenzer
- Institute for Immunology, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University MainzMainz, Germany
| | | | - Michael J. Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm UniversityUlm, Germany
- Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke UniversityMagdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for NeurobiologyMagdeburg, Germany
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40
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Xie Z, Li J, Baker J, Eagleson KL, Coba MP, Levitt P. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase MET Interactome and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Partners at the Developing Synapse. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:933-942. [PMID: 27086544 PMCID: PMC5001930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical synapse development and plasticity are implicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). NDD-associated, high-confidence risk genes have been identified, yet little is known about functional relationships at the level of protein-protein interactions, which are the dominant molecular bases responsible for mediating circuit development. METHODS Proteomics in three independent developing neocortical synaptosomal preparations identified putative interacting proteins of the ligand-activated MET receptor tyrosine kinase, an autism risk gene that mediates synapse development. The candidates were translated into interactome networks and analyzed bioinformatically. Additionally, three independent quantitative proximity ligation assays in cultured neurons and four independent immunoprecipitation analyses of synaptosomes validated protein interactions. RESULTS Approximately 11% (8/72) of MET-interacting proteins, including SHANK3, SYNGAP1, and GRIN2B, are associated with NDDs. Proteins in the MET interactome were translated into a novel MET interactome network based on human protein-protein interaction databases. High-confidence genes from different NDD datasets that encode synaptosomal proteins were analyzed for being enriched in MET interactome proteins. This was found for autism but not schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. There is correlated gene expression between MET and its interactive partners in developing human temporal and visual neocortices but not with highly expressed genes that are not in the interactome. Proximity ligation assays and biochemical analyses demonstrate that MET-protein partner interactions are dynamically regulated by receptor activation. CONCLUSIONS The results provide a novel molecular framework for deciphering the functional relations of key regulators of synaptogenesis that contribute to both typical cortical development and to NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Xie
- Department of Pediatrics and The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jing Li
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan Baker
- College of Science, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Kathie L Eagleson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California
| | - Marcelo P Coba
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California; Program in Developmental Neurogenetics, Institute for the Developing Mind and The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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41
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Lin YC, Frei JA, Kilander MBC, Shen W, Blatt GJ. A Subset of Autism-Associated Genes Regulate the Structural Stability of Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2016; 10:263. [PMID: 27909399 PMCID: PMC5112273 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2016.00263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a range of neurological conditions that affect individuals’ ability to communicate and interact with others. People with ASD often exhibit marked qualitative difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Alterations in neurite arborization and dendritic spine morphology, including size, shape, and number, are hallmarks of almost all neurological conditions, including ASD. As experimental evidence emerges in recent years, it becomes clear that although there is broad heterogeneity of identified autism risk genes, many of them converge into similar cellular pathways, including those regulating neurite outgrowth, synapse formation and spine stability, and synaptic plasticity. These mechanisms together regulate the structural stability of neurons and are vulnerable targets in ASD. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of those autism risk genes that affect the structural connectivity of neurons. We sub-categorize them into (1) cytoskeletal regulators, e.g., motors and small RhoGTPase regulators; (2) adhesion molecules, e.g., cadherins, NCAM, and neurexin superfamily; (3) cell surface receptors, e.g., glutamatergic receptors and receptor tyrosine kinases; (4) signaling molecules, e.g., protein kinases and phosphatases; and (5) synaptic proteins, e.g., vesicle and scaffolding proteins. Although the roles of some of these genes in maintaining neuronal structural stability are well studied, how mutations contribute to the autism phenotype is still largely unknown. Investigating whether and how the neuronal structure and function are affected when these genes are mutated will provide insights toward developing effective interventions aimed at improving the lives of people with autism and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Lin
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Jeannine A Frei
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Michaela B C Kilander
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Wenjuan Shen
- Laboratory of Neuronal Connectivity, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Gene J Blatt
- Laboratory of Autism Neurocircuitry, Program in Neuroscience, Hussman Institute for Autism, Baltimore MD, USA
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42
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Louros SR, Osterweil EK. Perturbed proteostasis in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurochem 2016; 139:1081-1092. [PMID: 27365114 PMCID: PMC5215415 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation and members of the UPS have been associated with an increased risk for the development of autism spectrum disorders. It is possible that these mutations result in a similar imbalance in protein homeostasis (proteostasis) at the synapse. This review will summarize recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and propose that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to autism spectrum disorders.
Dynamic changes in synaptic strength rely on de novo protein synthesis and protein degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). Disruption of either of these cellular processes will result in significant impairments in synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Mutations in several genes encoding regulators of mRNA translation (i.e. FMR1) and protein degradation (i.e. UBE3A) have been associated with an increased risk for autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability (ASD/ID). These mutations similarly disrupt protein homeostasis (proteostasis). Compensatory changes that reset the rate of proteostasis may contribute to the neurological symptoms of ASD/ID. This review summarizes recent work investigating the role of the UPS in synaptic plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and proposes that dysfunctional proteostasis is a common consequence of several genetic mutations linked to ASD.
This article is part of a mini review series: “Synaptic Function and Dysfunction in Brain Diseases”.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana R Louros
- Centre for Integrative Physiology/Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Emily K Osterweil
- Centre for Integrative Physiology/Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
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Selective Disruption of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5-Homer Interactions Mimics Phenotypes of Fragile X Syndrome in Mice. J Neurosci 2016; 36:2131-47. [PMID: 26888925 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2921-15.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Altered function of the Gq-coupled, Group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors, specifically mGlu5, is implicated in multiple mouse models of autism and intellectual disability. mGlu5 dysfunction has been most well characterized in the fragile X syndrome mouse model, the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse, where pharmacological and genetic reduction of mGlu5 reverses many phenotypes. mGlu5 is less associated with its scaffolding protein Homer in Fmr1 KO mice, and restoration of mGlu5-Homer interactions by genetic deletion of a short, dominant negative of Homer, H1a, rescues many phenotypes of Fmr1 KO mice. These results suggested that disruption of mGlu5-Homer leads to phenotypes of FXS. To test this idea, we examined mice with a knockin mutation of mGlu5 (F1128R; mGlu5(R/R)) that abrogates binding to Homer. Although FMRP levels were normal, mGlu5(R/R) mice mimicked multiple phenotypes of Fmr1 KO mice, including reduced mGlu5 association with the postsynaptic density, enhanced constitutive mGlu5 signaling to protein synthesis, deficits in agonist-induced translational control, protein synthesis-independent LTD, neocortical hyperexcitability, audiogenic seizures, and altered behaviors, including anxiety and sensorimotor gating. These results reveal new roles for the Homer scaffolds in regulation of mGlu5 function and implicate a specific molecular mechanism in a complex brain disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Abnormal function of the metabotropic, or Gq-coupled, glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, including a genetic cause of intellectual disability and autism called fragile X syndrome. In brains of a mouse model of fragile X, mGlu5 is less associated with its binding partner Homer, a scaffolding protein that regulates mGlu5 localization to synapses and its ability to activate biochemical signaling pathways. Here we show that a mouse expressing a mutant mGlu5 that cannot bind to Homer is sufficient to mimic many of the biochemical, neurophysiological, and behavioral symptoms observed in the fragile X mouse. This work provides strong evidence that Homer-mGlu5 binding contributes to symptoms associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Banerjee A, Luong JA, Ho A, Saib AO, Ploski JE. Overexpression of Homer1a in the basal and lateral amygdala impairs fear conditioning and induces an autism-like social impairment. Mol Autism 2016; 7:16. [PMID: 26929812 PMCID: PMC4770673 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders with a wide range of behavioral impairments including social and communication deficits. Apart from these core symptoms, a significant number of ASD individuals display higher levels of anxiety, and some studies indicate that a subset of ASD individuals have a reduced ability to be fear conditioned. Deciphering the molecular basis of ASD has been considerably challenging and it currently remains poorly understood. In this study we examined the molecular basis of autism-like impairments in an environmentally induced animal model of ASD, where pregnant rats are exposed to the known teratogen, valproic acid (VPA), on day 12.5 of gestation and the subsequent progeny exhibit ASD-like symptoms. We focused our analysis on the basal and lateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA), a region of the brain found to be associated with ASD pathology. Methods We performed whole genome gene expression analysis on the BLA using DNA microarrays to examine differences in gene expression within the amygdala of VPA-exposed animals. We validated one VPA-dysregulated candidate gene (Homer1a) using both quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Finally, we overexpressed Homer1a within the basal and lateral amygdala of naïve animals utilizing adeno-associated viruses (AAV) and subsequently examined these animals in a battery of behavioral tests associated with ASD, including auditory fear conditioning, social interaction and open field. Results Our microarray data indicated that Homer1a was one of the genes which exhibited a significant upregulation within the amygdala. We observed an increase in Homer1a messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in multiple cohorts of VPA-exposed animals indicating that dysregulation of Homer1a levels might underlie some of the symptoms exhibited by VPA-exposed animals. To test this hypothesis, we overexpressed Homer1a within BLA neurons utilizing a viral-mediated approach and found that overexpression of Homer1a impaired auditory fear conditioning and reduced social interaction, while having no influence on open-field behavior. Conclusions This study indicates that dysregulation of amygdala Homer1a might contribute to some autism-like symptoms induced by VPA exposure. These findings are interesting in part because Homer1a influences the functioning of Shank3, metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5), and Homer1, and these proteins have previously been associated with ASD, indicating that these differing models of ASD may have a similar molecular basis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-016-0077-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Banerjee
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, 615 Michael St. WBRB #415, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Jonathan A Luong
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Anthony Ho
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Aeshah O Saib
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
| | - Jonathan E Ploski
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, 800 West Campbell road, Richardson, TX 75080 USA
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Guo W, Ceolin L, Collins KA, Perroy J, Huber KM. Elevated CaMKIIα and Hyperphosphorylation of Homer Mediate Circuit Dysfunction in a Fragile X Syndrome Mouse Model. Cell Rep 2015; 13:2297-311. [PMID: 26670047 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 09/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) function, as a result of disrupted scaffolding with its binding partner Homer, contributes to the pathophysiology of fragile X syndrome, a common inherited form of intellectual disability and autism caused by mutations in Fmr1. How loss of Fmr1 disrupts mGluR5-Homer scaffolds is unknown, and little is known about the dynamic regulation of mGluR5-Homer scaffolds in wild-type neurons. Here, we demonstrate that brief (minutes-long) elevations in neural activity cause CaMKIIα-mediated phosphorylation of long Homer proteins and dissociation from mGluR5 at synapses. In Fmr1 knockout (KO) cortex, Homers are hyperphosphorylated as a result of elevated CaMKIIα protein. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CaMKIIα or replacement of Homers with dephosphomimetics restores mGluR5-Homer scaffolds and multiple Fmr1 KO phenotypes, including circuit hyperexcitability and/or seizures. This work links translational control of an FMRP target mRNA, CaMKIIα, to the molecular-, cellular-, and circuit-level brain dysfunction in a complex neurodevelopmental disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weirui Guo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Laura Ceolin
- CNRS, UMR-5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, 34000 Montpellier, France; INSERM, U1191, 34000 Montpellier, France; Universites de Montpellier 1 & 2, UMR-5203, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Katie A Collins
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Julie Perroy
- CNRS, UMR-5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, 34000 Montpellier, France; INSERM, U1191, 34000 Montpellier, France; Universites de Montpellier 1 & 2, UMR-5203, 34000 Montpellier, France
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Kang E, Kim JY, Liu CY, Xiao B, Chen PY, Christian KM, Worley PF, Song H, Ming GL. Rheb1 mediates DISC1-dependent regulation of new neuron development in the adult hippocampus. NEUROGENESIS 2015; 2:e1081715. [PMID: 27606328 PMCID: PMC4973590 DOI: 10.1080/23262133.2015.1081715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A large number of susceptibility genes have been implicated in psychiatric disorders with a developmental origin, yet their biological roles and signaling mechanisms in neurodevelopment are largely unknown. Disrupted-In-Schizophrenia 1 (DISC1), a susceptibility gene for several major psychiatric disorders, regulates the development of newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus. Systemic pharmacological inhibition of mTOR signaling with rapamycin has been shown to rescue DISC1 deficiency-induced neurodevelopmental defects, as well as cognitive and affective deficits. Whether mTOR signaling plays a cell-autonomous and/or non-cell-autonomous role in DISC1-dependent regulation of neuronal development is not clear. Here we provide genetic evidence that hyper-activation of mTOR activator Rheb1 (Ras homolog enriched in brain 1) in newborn neurons recapitulates DISC1 deficiency-induced neurodevelopmental defects, including neuronal morphogenesis and migration. We further show that genetic deletion of Rheb1 rescues those defects in a cell-autonomous fashion in developing newborn neurons in the adult hippocampus. Our genetic and functional studies demonstrate that Rheb1 acts as a key mediator of DISC1-dependent regulation of mTOR signaling and neuronal development during adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunchai Kang
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Ju Young Kim
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Cindy Y Liu
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Bo Xiao
- The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy; West China Hospital; Sichuan University; Chengdu P.R. China
| | - Po Yu Chen
- Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine ; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Kimberly M Christian
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Paul F Worley
- Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Hongjun Song
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Guo-Li Ming
- Institute for Cell Engineering; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Neurology; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine; Baltimore, MD USA
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Role of long purine stretches in controlling the expression of genes associated with neurological disorders. Gene 2015; 572:175-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Revised: 06/17/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abstract
Homeostatic plasticity is a negative feedback mechanism that stabilizes neurons during periods of perturbed activity. The best-studied form of homeostatic plasticity in the central nervous system is the scaling of excitatory synapses. Postsynaptic AMPA-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) can be inserted into synapses to compensate for neuronal inactivity or removed to compensate for hyperactivity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the homeostatic regulation of AMPARs remain elusive. Here, we show that the expression of GRIP1, a multi-PDZ (postsynaptic density 95/discs large/zona occludens) domain AMPAR-binding protein, is bidirectionally altered by neuronal activity. Furthermore, we observe a subcellular redistribution of GRIP1 and a change in the binding of GRIP1 to GluA2 during synaptic scaling. Using a combination of biochemical, genetic, and electrophysiological methods, we find that loss of GRIP1 blocks the accumulation of surface AMPARs and the scaling up of synaptic strength that occur in response to chronic activity blockade. Collectively, our data point to an essential role of GRIP1-mediated AMPAR trafficking during inactivity-induced synaptic scaling.
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Echeverría N, Moratorio G, Cristina J, Moreno P. Hepatitis C virus genetic variability and evolution. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:831-845. [PMID: 25937861 PMCID: PMC4411526 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i6.831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected over 170 million people worldwide and creates a huge disease burden due to chronic, progressive liver disease. HCV is a single-stranded, positive sense, RNA virus, member of the Flaviviridae family. The high error rate of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the pressure exerted by the host immune system, has driven the evolution of HCV into 7 different genotypes and more than 67 subtypes. HCV evolves by means of different mechanisms of genetic variation. On the one hand, its high mutation rates generate the production of a large number of different but closely related viral variants during infection, usually referred to as a quasispecies. The great quasispecies variability of HCV has also therapeutic implications since the continuous generation and selection of resistant or fitter variants within the quasispecies spectrum might allow viruses to escape control by antiviral drugs. On the other hand HCV exploits recombination to ensure its survival. This enormous viral diversity together with some host factors has made it difficult to control viral dispersal. Current treatment options involve pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin as dual therapy or in combination with a direct-acting antiviral drug, depending on the country. Despite all the efforts put into antiviral therapy studies, eradication of the virus or the development of a preventive vaccine has been unsuccessful so far. This review focuses on current available data reported to date on the genetic mechanisms driving the molecular evolution of HCV populations and its relation with the antiviral therapies designed to control HCV infection.
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50
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Kozol RA, Cukier HN, Zou B, Mayo V, De Rubeis S, Cai G, Griswold AJ, Whitehead PL, Haines JL, Gilbert JR, Cuccaro ML, Martin ER, Baker JD, Buxbaum JD, Pericak-Vance MA, Dallman JE. Two knockdown models of the autism genes SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 in zebrafish produce similar behavioral phenotypes associated with embryonic disruptions of brain morphogenesis. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:4006-23. [PMID: 25882707 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in the genetics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), how genetic mutations translate to the behavioral changes characteristic of ASD remains largely unknown. ASD affects 1-2% of children and adults, and is characterized by deficits in verbal and non-verbal communication, and social interactions, as well as the presence of repetitive behaviors and/or stereotyped interests. ASD is clinically and etiologically heterogeneous, with a strong genetic component. Here, we present functional data from syngap1 and shank3 zebrafish loss-of-function models of ASD. SYNGAP1, a synaptic Ras GTPase activating protein, and SHANK3, a synaptic scaffolding protein, were chosen because of mounting evidence that haploinsufficiency in these genes is highly penetrant for ASD and intellectual disability (ID). Orthologs of both SYNGAP1 and SHANK3 are duplicated in the zebrafish genome and we find that all four transcripts (syngap1a, syngap1b, shank3a and shank3b) are expressed at the earliest stages of nervous system development with pronounced expression in the larval brain. Consistent with early expression of these genes, knockdown of syngap1b or shank3a cause common embryonic phenotypes including delayed mid- and hindbrain development, disruptions in motor behaviors that manifest as unproductive swim attempts, and spontaneous, seizure-like behaviors. Our findings indicate that both syngap1b and shank3a play novel roles in morphogenesis resulting in common brain and behavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Kozol
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA,
| | - Holly N Cukier
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Bing Zou
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Vera Mayo
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA and
| | - Guiqing Cai
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA and
| | - Anthony J Griswold
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Patrice L Whitehead
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan L Haines
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John R Gilbert
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael L Cuccaro
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Eden R Martin
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - James D Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Friedman Brain Institute and Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA and
| | - Margaret A Pericak-Vance
- John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Julia E Dallman
- Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA,
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