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Chang P, Pérez-González M, Constable J, Bush D, Cleverley K, Tybulewicz VLJ, Fisher EMC, Walker MC. Neuronal oscillations in cognition: Down syndrome as a model of mouse to human translation. Neuroscientist 2024:10738584241271414. [PMID: 39316548 DOI: 10.1177/10738584241271414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), a prevalent cognitive disorder resulting from trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), poses a significant global health concern. Affecting approximately 1 in 800 live births worldwide, DS is the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability and a major predisposing factor for early-onset Alzheimer's dementia. The estimated global population of individuals with DS is 6 million, with increasing prevalence due to advances in DS health care. Global efforts are dedicated to unraveling the mechanisms behind the varied clinical outcomes in DS. Recent studies on DS mouse models reveal disrupted neuronal circuits, providing insights into DS pathologies. Yet, translating these findings to humans faces challenges due to limited systematic electrophysiological analyses directly comparing human and mouse. Additionally, disparities in experimental procedures between the two species pose hurdles to successful translation. This review provides a concise overview of neuronal oscillations in human and rodent cognition. Focusing on recent DS mouse model studies, we highlight disruptions in associated brain function. We discuss various electrophysiological paradigms and suggest avenues for exploring molecular dysfunctions contributing to DS-related cognitive impairments. Deciphering neuronal oscillation intricacies holds promise for targeted therapies to alleviate cognitive disabilities in DS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pishan Chang
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Jessica Constable
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Daniel Bush
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, and Pharmacology, UCL, London, UK
| | - Karen Cleverley
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- Immune Cell Biology and Down Syndrome Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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2
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Abukhaled Y, Hatab K, Awadhalla M, Hamdan H. Understanding the genetic mechanisms and cognitive impairments in Down syndrome: towards a holistic approach. J Neurol 2024; 271:87-104. [PMID: 37561187 PMCID: PMC10769995 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11890-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
The most common genetic cause of intellectual disability is Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21. It commonly results from three copies of human chromosome 21 (HC21). There are no mutations or deletions involved in DS. Instead, the phenotype is caused by altered transcription of the genes on HC21. These transcriptional variations are responsible for a myriad of symptoms affecting every organ system. A very debilitating aspect of DS is intellectual disability (ID). Although tremendous advances have been made to try and understand the underlying mechanisms of ID, there is a lack of a unified, holistic view to defining the cause and managing the cognitive impairments. In this literature review, we discuss the mechanisms of neuronal over-inhibition, abnormal morphology, and other genetic factors in contributing to the development of ID in DS patients and to gain a holistic understanding of ID in DS patients. We also highlight potential therapeutic approaches to improve the quality of life of DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Abukhaled
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Kenana Hatab
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Awadhalla
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamdan Hamdan
- Department of Physiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
- Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center (HEIC), Khalifa University, 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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3
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Hawley LE, Stringer M, Deal AJ, Folz A, Goodlett CR, Roper RJ. Sex-specific developmental alterations in DYRK1A expression in the brain of a Down syndrome mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 190:106359. [PMID: 37992782 PMCID: PMC10843801 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106359] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neurodevelopment in Down syndrome (DS)-caused by triplication of human chromosome 21-is commonly attributed to gene dosage imbalance, linking overexpression of trisomic genes with disrupted developmental processes, with DYRK1A particularly implicated. We hypothesized that regional brain DYRK1A protein overexpression in trisomic mice varies over development in sex-specific patterns that may be distinct from Dyrk1a transcription, and reduction of Dyrk1a copy number from 3 to 2 in otherwise trisomic mice reduces DYRK1A, independent of other trisomic genes. DYRK1A overexpression varied with age, sex, and brain region, with peak overexpression on postnatal day (P) 6 in both sexes. Sex-dependent differences were also evident from P15-P24. Reducing Dyrk1a copy number confirmed that these differences depended on Dyrk1a gene dosage and not other trisomic genes. Trisomic Dyrk1a mRNA and protein expression were not highly correlated. Sex-specific patterns of DYRK1A overexpression during trisomic neurodevelopment may provide mechanistic targets for therapeutic intervention in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Hawley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Megan Stringer
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford Street, LD124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Abigail J Deal
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrew Folz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Charles R Goodlett
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford Street, LD124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Randall J Roper
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Buczyńska A, Sidorkiewicz I, Krętowski AJ, Zbucka-Krętowska M. The Role of Oxidative Stress in Trisomy 21 Phenotype. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3943-3963. [PMID: 37819608 PMCID: PMC10661812 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research has been conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the deregulated metabolic pathways in the development of trisomy 21 (T21) or Down syndrome. This research has shed light on the hypothesis that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the manifestation of the T21 phenotype. Although in vivo studies have shown promising results in mitigating the detrimental effects of oxidative stress, there is currently a lack of introduced antioxidant treatment options targeting cognitive impairments associated with T21. To address this gap, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to provide an updated overview of the involvement of oxidative stress in T21. The review aimed to summarize the insights into the pathogenesis of the Down syndrome phenotype and present the findings of recent innovative research that focuses on improving cognitive function in T21 through various antioxidant interventions. By examining the existing literature, this research seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the role oxidative stress plays in the development of T21 and to explore novel approaches that target multiple aspects of antioxidant intervention to improve cognitive function in individuals with Down syndrome. The guides -base systematic review process (Hutton et al. 2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Buczyńska
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland.
| | - Iwona Sidorkiewicz
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland
| | - Adam Jacek Krętowski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland
| | - Monika Zbucka-Krętowska
- Department of Gynecological Endocrinology and Adolescent Gynecology, Medical University of Białystok, ul. M. Skłodowskiej-Curie 24a, 15-276, Białystok, Poland.
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Overk C, Fiorini E, Babolin C, Vukicevic M, Morici C, Madani R, Eligert V, Kosco-Vilbois M, Roberts A, Becker A, Pfeifer A, Mobley WC. Modeling Alzheimer's disease related phenotypes in the Ts65Dn mouse: impact of age on Aβ, Tau, pTau, NfL, and behavior. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1202208. [PMID: 37449271 PMCID: PMC10336548 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1202208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction People with DS are highly predisposed to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and demonstrate very similar clinical and pathological features. Ts65Dn mice are widely used and serve as the best-characterized animal model of DS. Methods We undertook studies to characterize age-related changes for AD-relevant markers linked to Aβ, Tau, and phospho-Tau, axonal structure, inflammation, and behavior. Results We found age related changes in both Ts65Dn and 2N mice. Relative to 2N mice, Ts65Dn mice showed consistent increases in Aβ40, insoluble phospho-Tau, and neurofilament light protein. These changes were correlated with deficits in learning and memory. Discussion These data have implications for planning future experiments aimed at preventing disease-related phenotypes and biomarkers. Interventions should be planned to address specific manifestations using treatments and treatment durations adequate to engage targets to prevent the emergence of phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Amanda Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | | | - William C. Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Shao LR, Gao F, Chinnasamy V, Kazuki Y, Oshimura M, Reeves RH, Stafstrom CE. Increased propensity for infantile spasms and altered neocortical excitation-inhibition balance in a mouse model of down syndrome carrying human chromosome 21. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106198. [PMID: 37315904 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Children with Down syndrome (DS, trisomy of chromosome 21) have an increased risk of infantile spasms (IS). As an epileptic encephalopathy, IS may further impair cognitive function and exacerbate neurodevelopmental delays already present in children with DS. To investigate the pathophysiology of IS in DS, we induced IS-like epileptic spasms in a genetic mouse model of DS that carries human chromosome 21q, TcMAC21, the animal model most closely representing gene dosage imbalance in DS. Repetitive extensor/flexor spasms were induced by the GABAB receptor agonist γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and occurred predominantly in young TcMAC21 mice (85%) but also in some euploid mice (25%). During GBL application, background electroencephalographic (EEG) amplitude was reduced, and rhythmic, sharp-and-slow wave activity or high-amplitude burst (epileptiform) events emerged in both TcMAC21 and euploid mice. Spasms occurred only during EEG bursts, but not every burst was accompanied by a spasm. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that basic membrane properties (resting membrane potential, input resistance, action-potential threshold and amplitude, rheobase, input-output relationship) of layer V pyramidal neurons were not different between TcMAC21 mice and euploid controls. However, excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) evoked at various intensities were significantly larger in TcMAC21 mice than euploid controls, while inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) were similar between the two groups, resulting in an increased excitation-inhibition (E-I) ratio. These data show that behavioral spasms with epileptic EEG activity can be induced in young TcMAC21 DS mice, providing proof-of-concept evidence for increased IS susceptibility in these DS mice. Our findings also show that basic membrane properties are similar in TcMAC21 and euploid mice, while the neocortical E-I balance is altered to favor increased excitation in TcMAC21 mice, which may predispose to IS generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Rong Shao
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Viveka Chinnasamy
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Mistuo Oshimura
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan; Trans Chromosomics, Inc., Tottori, Japan
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan; Department of Human Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carl E Stafstrom
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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7
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Stachowicz K. Physicochemical Principles of Adhesion Mechanisms in the Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065070. [PMID: 36982145 PMCID: PMC10048821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain functions through neuronal circuits and networks that are synaptically connected. This type of connection can exist due to physical forces that interact to stabilize local contacts in the brain. Adhesion is a fundamental physical phenomenon that allows different layers, phases, and tissues to connect. Similarly, synaptic connections are stabilized by specialized adhesion proteins. This review discusses the basic physical and chemical properties of adhesion. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) such as cadherins, integrins, selectins, and immunoglobulin family of cell adhesion molecules (IgSF) will be discussed, and their role in physiological and pathological brain function. Finally, the role of CAMs at the synapse will be described. In addition, methods for studying adhesion in the brain will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Stachowicz
- Department of Neurobiology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smętna 12, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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8
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Sarver DC, Xu C, Velez LM, Aja S, Jaffe AE, Seldin MM, Reeves RH, Wong GW. Dysregulated systemic metabolism in a Down syndrome mouse model. Mol Metab 2023; 68:101666. [PMID: 36587842 PMCID: PMC9841171 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trisomy 21 is one of the most complex genetic perturbations compatible with postnatal survival. Dosage imbalance arising from the triplication of genes on human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) affects multiple organ systems. Much of Down syndrome (DS) research, however, has focused on addressing how aneuploidy dysregulates CNS function leading to cognitive deficit. Although obesity, diabetes, and associated sequelae such as fatty liver and dyslipidemia are well documented in the DS population, only limited studies have been conducted to determine how gene dosage imbalance affects whole-body metabolism. Here, we conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key metabolic parameters across different physiological states in the Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model of DS. METHODS Ts65Dn mice and euploid littermates were subjected to comprehensive metabolic phenotyping under basal (chow-fed) state and the pathophysiological state of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). RNA sequencing of liver, skeletal muscle, and two major fat depots were conducted to determine the impact of aneuploidy on tissue transcriptome. Pathway enrichments, gene-centrality, and key driver estimates were performed to provide insights into tissue autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms contributing to the dysregulation of systemic metabolism. RESULTS Under the basal state, chow-fed Ts65Dn mice of both sexes had elevated locomotor activity and energy expenditure, reduced fasting serum cholesterol levels, and mild glucose intolerance. Sexually dimorphic deterioration in metabolic homeostasis became apparent when mice were challenged with a high-fat diet. While obese Ts65Dn mice of both sexes exhibited dyslipidemia, male mice also showed impaired systemic insulin sensitivity, reduced mitochondrial activity, and elevated fibrotic and inflammatory gene signatures in the liver and adipose tissue. Systems-level analysis highlighted conserved pathways and potential endocrine drivers of adipose-liver crosstalk that contribute to dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS A combined alteration in the expression of trisomic and disomic genes in peripheral tissues contribute to metabolic dysregulations in Ts65Dn mice. These data lay the groundwork for understanding the impact of aneuploidy on in vivo metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan C Sarver
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro M Velez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Susan Aja
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcus M Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - G William Wong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Bartesaghi R. Brain circuit pathology in Down syndrome: from neurons to neural networks. Rev Neurosci 2022; 34:365-423. [PMID: 36170842 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), a genetic pathology caused by triplication of chromosome 21, is characterized by brain hypotrophy and impairment of cognition starting from infancy. While studies in mouse models of DS have elucidated the major neuroanatomical and neurochemical defects of DS, comparatively fewer investigations have focused on the electrophysiology of the DS brain. Electrical activity is at the basis of brain functioning. Therefore, knowledge of the way in which brain circuits operate in DS is fundamental to understand the causes of behavioral impairment and devise targeted interventions. This review summarizes the state of the art regarding the electrical properties of the DS brain, starting from individual neurons and culminating in signal processing in whole neuronal networks. The reported evidence derives from mouse models of DS and from brain tissues and neurons derived from individuals with DS. EEG data recorded in individuals with DS are also provided as a key tool to understand the impact of brain circuit alterations on global brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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10
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Kleschevnikov AM. Enhanced GIRK2 channel signaling in Down syndrome: A feasible role in the development of abnormal nascent neural circuits. Front Genet 2022; 13:1006068. [PMID: 36171878 PMCID: PMC9510977 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1006068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The most distinctive feature of Down syndrome (DS) is moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Genetic, molecular, and neuronal mechanisms of this complex DS phenotype are currently under intensive investigation. It is becoming increasingly clear that the abnormalities arise from a combination of initial changes caused by triplication of genes on human chromosome 21 (HSA21) and later compensatory adaptations affecting multiple brain systems. Consequently, relatively mild initial cognitive deficits become pronounced with age. This pattern of changes suggests that one approach to improving cognitive function in DS is to target the earliest critical changes, the prevention of which can change the ‘trajectory’ of the brain development and reduce the destructive effects of the secondary alterations. Here, we review the experimental data on the role of KCNJ6 in DS-specific brain abnormalities, focusing on a putative role of this gene in the development of abnormal neural circuits in the hippocampus of genetic mouse models of DS. It is suggested that the prevention of these early abnormalities with pharmacological or genetic means can ameliorate cognitive impairment in DS.
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Jin M, Xu R, Wang L, Alam MM, Ma Z, Zhu S, Martini AC, Jadali A, Bernabucci M, Xie P, Kwan KY, Pang ZP, Head E, Liu Y, Hart RP, Jiang P. Type-I-interferon signaling drives microglial dysfunction and senescence in human iPSC models of Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Cell Stem Cell 2022; 29:1135-1153.e8. [PMID: 35803230 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microglia are critical in brain development and Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology. Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic developmental disorder and risk factor for AD. Surprisingly, little information is available on the impact of trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) on microglial functions during DS brain development and in AD in DS. Using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based organoid and chimeric mouse models, we report that DS microglia exhibit an enhanced synaptic pruning function, which alters neuronal synaptic functions. In response to human brain tissue-derived pathological tau, DS microglia undergo cellular senescence and exhibit elevated type-I-interferon signaling. Mechanistically, knockdown of Hsa21-encoded type I interferon receptors, IFNARs, rescues the DS microglial phenotypes both during brain development and in response to pathological tau. Our findings provide in vivo evidence that human microglia respond to pathological tau by exhibiting dystrophic phenotypes. Targeting IFNARs may improve DS microglial functions and prevent senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Jin
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Le Wang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Mahabub Maraj Alam
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ziyuan Ma
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Sining Zhu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Alessandra C Martini
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Azadeh Jadali
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Matteo Bernabucci
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Ping Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kelvin Y Kwan
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Center for Translational Science, Florida International University, Miami, FL 34987, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA.
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Wong H, Buck JM, Borski C, Pafford JT, Keller BN, Milstead RA, Hanson JL, Stitzel JA, Hoeffer CA. RCAN1 knockout and overexpression recapitulate an ensemble of rest-activity and circadian disruptions characteristic of Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and normative aging. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:33. [PMID: 35610565 PMCID: PMC9128232 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is overexpressed in Down syndrome (DS), but RCAN1 levels are also increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging. AD is highly comorbid among individuals with DS and is characterized in part by progressive neurodegeneration that resembles accelerated aging. Importantly, abnormal RCAN1 levels have been demonstrated to promote memory deficits and pathophysiology that appear symptomatic of DS, AD, and aging. Anomalous diurnal rest-activity patterns and circadian rhythm disruptions are also common in DS, AD, and aging and have been implicated in facilitating age-related cognitive decline and AD progression. However, no prior studies have assessed whether RCAN1 dysregulation may also promote the age-associated alteration of rest-activity profiles and circadian rhythms, which could in turn contribute to neurodegeneration in DS, AD, and aging. METHODS The present study examined the impacts of RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression on the photic entrainment, circadian periodicity, intensity and distribution, diurnal patterning, and circadian rhythmicity of wheel running in young (3-6 months old) and aged (9-14 months old) mice of both sexes. RESULTS We found that daily RCAN1 levels in the hippocampus and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of light-entrained young mice are generally constant and that balanced RCAN1 expression is necessary for normal circadian locomotor activity rhythms. While the light-entrained diurnal period was unaltered, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed lengthened endogenous (free-running) circadian periods like mouse models of AD and aging. In light-entrained young mice, RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression also recapitulated the general hypoactivity, diurnal rest-wake pattern fragmentation, and attenuated amplitudes of circadian activity rhythms reported in DS, preclinical and clinical AD, healthily aging individuals, and rodent models thereof. Under constant darkness, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed altered locomotor behavior indicating circadian clock dysfunction. Using the Dp(16)1Yey/+ (Dp16) mouse model for DS, which expresses three copies of Rcan1, we found reduced wheel running activity and rhythmicity in both light-entrained and free-running young Dp16 mice like young RCAN1-overexpressing mice. Critically, these diurnal and circadian deficits were rescued in part or entirely by restoring Rcan1 to two copies in Dp16 mice. We also found that RCAN1 deficiency but not RCAN1 overexpression altered protein levels of the clock gene Bmal1 in the SCN. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study's findings suggest that both loss and aberrant gain of RCAN1 precipitate anomalous light-entrained diurnal and circadian activity patterns emblematic of DS, AD, and possibly aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Curtis Borski
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jessica T Pafford
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bailey N Keller
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
| | - Ryan A Milstead
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jessica L Hanson
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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13
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Hu Y, Liu F, Peng W, Song S, Zhang C, Meng X. Overexpression of miR-99a in hippocampus leads to impairment of reversal learning in mice. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113542. [PMID: 34425183 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
As one of the most common human genetic disorders, Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by a mild-to-moderate cognitive disability, which mainly results from genes overexpression on chromosome 21. The expression of miR-99a, a gene harboring on chromosome 21, is increased by 50 folds in DS brain samples. This study aims to investigate the effect of miR-99a overexpression in the hippocampus on mouse behaviors and explore the underlying mechanisms. Lentivirus vectors were delivered into the hippocampus for focal miR-99a overexpression in mice. Then behaviors were observed by an open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod motor test, and Morris water maze. The genes affected by miR-99a were identified by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) in samples isolated from the hippocampus injected with lentivirus-GFP-miR-99a or lentivirus-GFP vectors. It was found that the expression of miR-99a with intrahippocampal delivery of lentivirus-GFP-miR-99a resulted in reversal learning impairment in mice although it had no influence on motor function and anxiety. Meanwhile, RNA-seq results showed that 92 genes including mRNAs and microRNAs were significantly regulated by miR-99a, consistent with qRT-PCR consequence. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-99a could directly bind to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'UTR) of target genes (Clic6 and Kcnj13) with an inhibitory effect on their activity. Furthermore, we also found that miR-99a overexpression affected different biological processes by bioinformatic analyses. Our study showed that miR-99a overexpression in the hippocampus leads to cognitive impairment through regulating the expressions of various genes, which reveals a novel function of miR-99a and provides new insights into understanding the pathophysiologic process of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Hu
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Feng Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Wenpeng Peng
- Department of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shuxin Song
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250022, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xianfang Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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14
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Kleschevnikov A. GIRK2 Channels in Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res 2022; 19:819-829. [PMID: 36567290 DOI: 10.2174/1567205020666221223122110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment in Down syndrome (DS) results from the abnormal expression of hundreds of genes. However, the impact of KCNJ6, a gene located in the middle of the 'Down syndrome critical region' of chromosome 21, seems to stand out. KCNJ6 encodes GIRK2 (KIR3.2) subunits of G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium channels, which serve as effectors for GABAB, m2, 5HT1A, A1, and many other postsynaptic metabotropic receptors. GIRK2 subunits are heavily expressed in neocortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. By controlling resting membrane potential and neuronal excitability, GIRK2 channels may thus affect both synaptic plasticity and stability of neural circuits in the brain regions important for learning and memory. Here, we discuss recent experimental data regarding the role of KCNJ6/GIRK2 in neuronal abnormalities and cognitive impairment in models of DS and Alzheimer's disease (AD). The results compellingly show that signaling through GIRK2 channels is abnormally enhanced in mouse genetic models of Down syndrome and that partial suppression of GIRK2 channels with pharmacological or genetic means can restore synaptic plasticity and improve impaired cognitive functions. On the other hand, signaling through GIRK2 channels is downregulated in AD models, such as models of early amyloidopathy. In these models, reduced GIRK2 channel signaling promotes neuronal hyperactivity, causing excitatory-inhibitory imbalance and neuronal death. Accordingly, activation of GABAB/GIRK2 signaling by GIRK channel activators or GABAB receptor agonists may reduce Aβ-induced hyperactivity and subsequent neuronal death, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect in models of AD.
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15
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Ahmed MM, Block A, Busquet N, Gardiner KJ. Context Fear Conditioning in Down Syndrome Mouse Models: Effects of Trisomic Gene Content, Age, Sex and Genetic Background. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101528. [PMID: 34680922 PMCID: PMC8535510 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Currently, there are no effective pharmacotherapies. The success of clinical trials to improve cognition depends in part on the design of preclinical evaluations in mouse models. To broaden understanding of the common limitations of experiments in learning and memory, we report performance in context fear conditioning (CFC) in three mouse models of DS, the Dp(16)1Yey, Dp(17)1Yey and Dp(10)1Yey (abbreviated Dp16, Dp17 and Dp10), separately trisomic for the human Hsa21 orthologs mapping to mouse chromosomes 16, 17 and 10, respectively. We examined female and male mice of the three lines on the standard C57BL/6J background at 3 months of age and Dp17 and Dp10 at 18 months of age. We also examined female and male mice of Dp17 and Dp10 at 3 months of age as F1 hybrids obtained from a cross with the DBA/2J background. Results indicate that genotype, sex, age and genetic background affect CFC performance. These data support the need to use both female and male mice, trisomy of sets of all Hsa21 orthologs, and additional ages and genetic backgrounds to improve the reliability of preclinical evaluations of drugs for ID in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Aaron Block
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Department of Neurology, Animal Behavior and In Vivo Neurophysiology Core, NeuroTechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Katheleen J. Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Duchon A, Del Mar Muniz Moreno M, Martin Lorenzo S, Silva de Souza MP, Chevalier C, Nalesso V, Meziane H, Loureiro de Sousa P, Noblet V, Armspach JP, Brault V, Herault Y. Multi-influential genetic interactions alter behaviour and cognition through six main biological cascades in Down syndrome mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 30:771-788. [PMID: 33693642 PMCID: PMC8161522 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common genetic form of intellectual disability caused by the presence of an additional copy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). To provide novel insights into genotype–phenotype correlations, we used standardized behavioural tests, magnetic resonance imaging and hippocampal gene expression to screen several DS mouse models for the mouse chromosome 16 region homologous to Hsa21. First, we unravelled several genetic interactions between different regions of chromosome 16 and how they contribute significantly to altering the outcome of the phenotypes in brain cognition, function and structure. Then, in-depth analysis of misregulated expressed genes involved in synaptic dysfunction highlighted six biological cascades centred around DYRK1A, GSK3β, NPY, SNARE, RHOA and NPAS4. Finally, we provide a novel vision of the existing altered gene–gene crosstalk and molecular mechanisms targeting specific hubs in DS models that should become central to better understanding of DS and improving the development of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Duchon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Maria Del Mar Muniz Moreno
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Sandra Martin Lorenzo
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marcia Priscilla Silva de Souza
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Claire Chevalier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Valérie Nalesso
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Hamid Meziane
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | | | - Vincent Noblet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Jean-Paul Armspach
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Veronique Brault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), department of translational medicine and neurogenetics 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France.,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
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17
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Chen X, Salehi A, Pearn ML, Overk C, Nguyen PD, Kleschevnikov AM, Maccecchini M, Mobley WC. Targeting increased levels of APP in Down syndrome: Posiphen-mediated reductions in APP and its products reverse endosomal phenotypes in the Ts65Dn mouse model. Alzheimers Dement 2021; 17:271-292. [PMID: 32975365 PMCID: PMC7984396 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent clinical trials targeting amyloid beta (Aβ) and tau in Alzheimer's disease (AD) have yet to demonstrate efficacy. Reviewing the hypotheses for AD pathogenesis and defining possible links between them may enhance insights into both upstream initiating events and downstream mechanisms, thereby promoting discovery of novel treatments. Evidence that in Down syndrome (DS), a population markedly predisposed to develop early onset AD, increased APP gene dose is necessary for both AD neuropathology and dementia points to normalization of the levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its products as a route to further define AD pathogenesis and discovering novel treatments. BACKGROUND AD and DS share several characteristic manifestations. DS is caused by trisomy of whole or part of chromosome 21; this chromosome contains about 233 protein-coding genes, including APP. Recent evidence points to a defining role for increased expression of the gene for APP and for its 99 amino acid C-terminal fragment (C99, also known as β-CTF) in dysregulating the endosomal/lysosomal system. The latter is critical for normal cellular function and in neurons for transmitting neurotrophic signals. NEW/UPDATED HYPOTHESIS We hypothesize that the increase in APP gene dose in DS initiates a process in which increased levels of full-length APP (fl-APP) and its products, including β-CTF and possibly Aβ peptides (Aβ42 and Aβ40), drive AD pathogenesis through an endosome-dependent mechanism(s), which compromises transport of neurotrophic signals. To test this hypothesis, we carried out studies in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS and examined the effects of Posiphen, an orally available small molecule shown in prior studies to reduce fl-APP. In vitro, Posiphen lowered fl-APP and its C-terminal fragments, reversed Rab5 hyperactivation and early endosome enlargement, and restored retrograde transport of neurotrophin signaling. In vivo, Posiphen treatment (50 mg/kg/d, 26 days, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) of Ts65Dn mice was well tolerated and demonstrated no adverse effects in behavior. Treatment resulted in normalization of the levels of fl-APP, C-terminal fragments and small reductions in Aβ species, restoration to normal levels of Rab5 activity, reduced phosphorylated tau (p-tau), and reversed deficits in TrkB (tropomyosin receptor kinase B) activation and in the Akt (protein kinase B [PKB]), ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase), and CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) signaling pathways. Remarkably, Posiphen treatment also restored the level of choline acetyltransferase protein to 2N levels. These findings support the APP gene dose hypothesis, point to the need for additional studies to explore the mechanisms by which increased APP gene expression acts to increase the risk for AD in DS, and to possible utility of treatments to normalize the levels of APP and its products for preventing AD in those with DS. MAJOR CHALLENGES FOR THE HYPOTHESIS Important unanswered questions are: (1) When should one intervene in those with DS; (2) would an APP-based strategy have untoward consequences on possible adaptive changes induced by chronically increased APP gene dose; (3) do other genes present on chromosome 21, or on other chromosomes whose expression is dysregulated in DS, contribute to AD pathogenesis; and (4) can one model strategies that combine the use of an APP-based treatment with those directed at other AD phenotypes including p-tau and inflammation. LINKAGE TO OTHER MAJOR THEORIES The APP gene dose hypothesis interfaces with the amyloid cascade hypothesis of AD as well as with the genetic and cell biological observations that support it. Moreover, upregulation of fl-APP protein and products may drive downstream events that dysregulate tau homeostasis and inflammatory responses that contribute to propagation of AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu‐Qiao Chen
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesStanford Medical SchoolPalo AltoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Matthew L. Pearn
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity of California San Diego, School of MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- V.A. San Diego Healthcare SystemSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Phuong D. Nguyen
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | | | | | - William C. Mobley
- Department of NeurosciencesUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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18
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Mitsogiannis MD, Pancho A, Aerts T, Sachse SM, Vanlaer R, Noterdaeme L, Schmucker D, Seuntjens E. Subtle Roles of Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecules in Embryonic Forebrain Development and Neuronal Migration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:624181. [PMID: 33585465 PMCID: PMC7876293 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.624181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) Cell Adhesion Molecules (DSCAMs) are transmembrane proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily. Human DSCAM is located within the DS critical region of chromosome 21 (duplicated in Down Syndrome patients), and mutations or copy-number variations of this gene have also been associated to Fragile X syndrome, intellectual disability, autism, and bipolar disorder. The DSCAM paralogue DSCAM-like 1 (DSCAML1) maps to chromosome 11q23, implicated in the development of Jacobsen and Tourette syndromes. Additionally, a spontaneous mouse DSCAM deletion leads to motor coordination defects and seizures. Previous research has revealed roles for DSCAMs in several neurodevelopmental processes, including synaptogenesis, dendritic self-avoidance, cell sorting, axon growth and branching. However, their functions in embryonic mammalian forebrain development have yet to be completely elucidated. In this study, we revealed highly dynamic spatiotemporal patterns of Dscam and Dscaml1 expression in definite cortical layers of the embryonic mouse brain, as well as in structures and ganglionic eminence-derived neural populations within the embryonic subpallium. However, an in-depth histological analysis of cortical development, ventral forebrain morphogenesis, cortical interneuron migration, and cortical-subcortical connectivity formation processes in Dscam and Dscaml1 knockout mice (Dscam del17 and Dscaml1 GT ) at several embryonic stages indicated that constitutive loss of Dscam and Dscaml1 does not affect these developmental events in a significant manner. Given that several Dscam- and Dscaml1-linked neurodevelopmental disorders are associated to chromosomal region duplication events, we furthermore sought to examine the neurodevelopmental effects of Dscam and Dscaml1 gain of function (GOF). In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo GOF negatively impacted neural migration processes important to cortical development, and affected the morphology of maturing neurons. Overall, these findings contribute to existing knowledge on the molecular etiology of human neurodevelopmental disorders by elucidating how dosage variations of genes encoding adhesive cues can disrupt cell-cell or cell-environment interactions crucial for neuronal migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela D. Mitsogiannis
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anna Pancho
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tania Aerts
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sonja M. Sachse
- Neuronal Wiring Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ria Vanlaer
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lut Noterdaeme
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dietmar Schmucker
- Neuronal Wiring Laboratory, Department of Neurosciences, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Brain & Disease Research, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Neuronal Wiring Group, Life & Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Eve Seuntjens
- Developmental Neurobiology Group, Animal Physiology and Neurobiology Division, Department of Biology, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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19
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Roper RJ, Goodlett CR, Martínez de Lagrán M, Dierssen M. Behavioral Phenotyping for Down Syndrome in Mice. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 10:e79. [PMID: 32780566 DOI: 10.1002/cpmo.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability, characterized by alterations in different behavioral symptom domains: neurodevelopment, motor behavior, and cognition. As mouse models have the potential to generate data regarding the neurological basis for the specific behavioral profile of DS, and may indicate pharmacological treatments with the potential to affect their behavioral phenotype, it is important to be able to assess disease-relevant behavioral traits in animal models in order to provide biological plausibility to the potential findings. The field is at a juncture that requires assessments that may effectively translate the findings acquired in mouse models to humans with DS. In this article, behavioral tests are described that are relevant to the domains affected in DS. A neurodevelopmental behavioral screen, the balance beam test, and the Multivariate Concentric Square Field test to assess multiple behavioral phenotypes and locomotion are described, discussing the ways to merge these findings to more fully understand cognitive strengths and weaknesses in this population. New directions for approaches to cognitive assessment in mice and humans are discussed. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Preweaning neurodevelopmental battery Basic Protocol 2: Balance beam Basic Protocol 3: Multivariate concentric square field test (MCSF).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - María Martínez de Lagrán
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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20
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Chang P, Bush D, Schorge S, Good M, Canonica T, Shing N, Noy S, Wiseman FK, Burgess N, Tybulewicz VLJ, Walker MC, Fisher EMC. Altered Hippocampal-Prefrontal Neural Dynamics in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Cell Rep 2020; 30:1152-1163.e4. [PMID: 31995755 PMCID: PMC6996020 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered neural dynamics in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus may contribute to cognitive impairments in the complex chromosomal disorder Down syndrome (DS). Here, we demonstrate non-overlapping behavioral differences associated with distinct abnormalities in hippocampal and mPFC electrophysiology during a canonical spatial working memory task in three partially trisomic mouse models of DS (Dp1Tyb, Dp10Yey, and Dp17Yey) that together cover all regions of homology with human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Dp1Tyb mice show slower decision-making (unrelated to the gene dose of DYRK1A, which has been implicated in DS cognitive dysfunction) and altered theta dynamics (reduced frequency, increased hippocampal-mPFC coherence, and increased modulation of hippocampal high gamma); Dp10Yey mice show impaired alternation performance and reduced theta modulation of hippocampal low gamma; and Dp17Yey mice are not significantly different from the wild type. These results link specific hippocampal and mPFC circuit dysfunctions to cognitive deficits in DS models and, importantly, map them to discrete regions of Hsa21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pishan Chang
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK; Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Daniel Bush
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Mark Good
- School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Tara Canonica
- School of Psychology, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Nathanael Shing
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Suzanna Noy
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Frances K Wiseman
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Neil Burgess
- UCL Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London WC1N 3AZ, UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK; Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Matthew C Walker
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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21
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Chaves JCS, Machado FT, Almeida MF, Bacovsky TB, Ferrari MFR. microRNAs expression correlates with levels of APP, DYRK1A, hyperphosphorylated Tau and BDNF in the hippocampus of a mouse model for Down syndrome during ageing. Neurosci Lett 2020; 714:134541. [PMID: 31605772 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) patients are more susceptible to Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the presence of three copies of genes on chromosome 21 such as DYRK1A, which encodes a broad acting kinase, and APP (amyloid precursor protein), leading to formation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylation of Tau. In this study, we investigated the association among miRNAs miR-17, -20a, -101, -106b, -199b, -26a, 26b and some of their target mRNAs such as APP, DYRK1A and BDNF, as well as the levels of hyperphosphorylated Tau in the hippocampus of a 2 and 5 months old mice model of trisomy 21 (Ts65Dn). Results indicated that increased APP expression in the hippocampus of 5 months old DS mice might be correlated with decrease in miR-17, -20a, -101 and -106b. Whereas at 2 months of age normal levels of APP expression in the hippocampus was correlated with increased levels of miR-17, -101 and -106b in DS mice. DYRK1A mRNA also increased in the hippocampus of 5 months old DS mice and it is associated with decreased levels of miR-199b. Increased levels of DYRK1A in 5-month old mice are associated with increased phosphorylation of Tau at Thr212 residue but not at Ser199-202. Tau pathology is accompanied by decreased expression of BDNF and increased miR-26a/b in mice of 5 months of age. Taken together, data indicate that miR-17, -20a, -26a/b, -101, -106b and -199b might be interesting targets to mitigate Tau and Aβ pathology in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C S Chaves
- Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felippe T Machado
- Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Michael F Almeida
- Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiana B Bacovsky
- Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Merari F R Ferrari
- Departamento de Genetica e Biologia Evolutiva, Instituto de Biociencias, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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22
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Botté A, Potier MC. Focusing on cellular biomarkers: The endo-lysosomal pathway in Down syndrome. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 251:209-243. [PMID: 32057308 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal disorder. It is caused by the triplication of human chromosome 21, leading to increased dosage of a variety of genes including APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein). Mainly for this reason, individuals with DS are at high risk to develop Alzheimer's disease (AD). Extensive literature identified various morphological and molecular abnormalities in the endo-lysosomal pathway both in DS and AD. Most studies in this field investigated the causative role of APP (Amyloid Precursor Protein) in endo-lysosomal dysfunctions, thus linking phenotypes observed in DS and AD. In DS context, several lines of evidence and emerging hypotheses suggest that other molecular players and pathways may be implicated in these complex phenotypes. In this review, we outline the normal functioning of endosomal trafficking and summarize the research on endo-lysosomal dysfunction in DS in light of AD findings. We emphasize the role of genes of chromosome 21 implicated in endocytosis to explain endosomal abnormalities and set the limitations and perspectives of models used to explore endo-lysosomal dysfunction in DS and find new biomarkers. The review highlights the complexity of endo-lysosomal dysfunction in DS and suggests directions for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Botté
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), CNRS UMR7225, INSERM U1127, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière (ICM), CNRS UMR7225, INSERM U1127, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
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23
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Roper RJ, Hawley L, Goodlett CR. Influence of allelic differences in Down syndrome. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 251:29-54. [PMID: 32057311 PMCID: PMC7500172 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Both trisomic and non-trisomic genes may affect the incidence and severity of phenotypes associated with Down syndrome (DS). The importance of extra (trisomic) genetic material is emphasized in DS, with less emphasis to the allelic composition of candidate trisomic genes in defining the trisomic gene-phenotype relationship in DS. Allelic differences in non-trisomic genes have been shown to be important moderators of cardiac, leukemia, and developmental phenotypes associated with DS. Trisomic mouse models provide an in vivo genetic platform for examining the gene-phenotype relationship, including the influence of allelic variants, on DS-like phenotypes. DS mouse models have differing trisomic genetic makeup, and optimal development, viability and translational value of these mouse models may require a non-inbred genetic background with heterogeneity at many loci. Additionally, understanding the contribution of specific genes or regions to DS phenotypes often requires the utilization of genetically manipulated mice that may be established on a different inbred background than the trisomic mice. The impact of allelic differences of trisomic and background genes in human and model systems may offer insight into the variability in occurrence and severity of trisomic phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randall J Roper
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
| | - Laura Hawley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Charles R Goodlett
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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24
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Ahlfors H, Anyanwu N, Pakanavicius E, Dinischiotu N, Lana-Elola E, Watson-Scales S, Tosh J, Wiseman F, Briscoe J, Page K, Fisher EMC, Tybulewicz VLJ. Gene expression dysregulation domains are not a specific feature of Down syndrome. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2489. [PMID: 31171815 PMCID: PMC6554309 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), results in a broad range of phenotypes. A recent study reported that DS cells show genome-wide transcriptional changes in which up- or down-regulated genes are clustered in gene expression dysregulation domains (GEDDs). GEDDs were also reported in fibroblasts derived from a DS mouse model duplicated for some Hsa21-orthologous genes, indicating cross-species conservation of this phenomenon. Here we investigate GEDDs using the Dp1Tyb mouse model of DS, which is duplicated for the entire Hsa21-orthologous region of mouse chromosome 16. Our statistical analysis shows that GEDDs are present both in DS cells and in Dp1Tyb mouse fibroblasts and hippocampus. However, we find that GEDDs do not depend on the DS genotype but occur whenever gene expression changes. We conclude that GEDDs are not a specific feature of DS but instead result from the clustering of co-regulated genes, a function of mammalian genome organisation. Gene expression dysregulation domains (GEDDs) have been reported in Down syndrome (DS) cells, where changes in gene expression are clustered. Here the authors find that, while GEDDs are present in DS cells and in the Dp1Tyb mouse model of DS, GEDDs do not depend on the DS genotype and occur whenever gene expression changes, suggesting they result from the clustering of co-regulated genes as a function of mammalian genome organisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Ahlfors
- NE Thames Regional Genetics Laboratory, GOSH NHS Foundation Trust, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Justin Tosh
- UCL Institute of Neurology, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | | | | | - Karen Page
- Department of Mathematics, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | | | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, NW1 1AT, UK. .,Imperial College, London, W12 0NN, UK.
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25
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Xu R, Brawner AT, Li S, Liu JJ, Kim H, Xue H, Pang ZP, Kim WY, Hart RP, Liu Y, Jiang P. OLIG2 Drives Abnormal Neurodevelopmental Phenotypes in Human iPSC-Based Organoid and Chimeric Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:908-926.e8. [PMID: 31130512 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, and cognitive defects in DS patients may arise from imbalances in excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. Understanding the mechanisms underlying such imbalances may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Here, we show that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from DS patients overproduce OLIG2+ ventral forebrain neural progenitors. As a result, DS hiPSC-derived cerebral organoids excessively produce specific subclasses of GABAergic interneurons and cause impaired recognition memory in neuronal chimeric mice. Increased OLIG2 expression in DS cells directly upregulates interneuron lineage-determining transcription factors. shRNA-mediated knockdown of OLIG2 largely reverses abnormal gene expression in early-stage DS neural progenitors, reduces interneuron production in DS organoids and chimeric mouse brains, and improves behavioral deficits in DS chimeric mice. Thus, altered OLIG2 expression may underlie neurodevelopmental abnormalities and cognitive defects in DS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjie Xu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Andrew T Brawner
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shenglan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jing-Jing Liu
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Haipeng Xue
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhiping P Pang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology and Child Health Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Woo-Yang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Ronald P Hart
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peng Jiang
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Munroe-Meyer Institute and Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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26
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Marechal D, Brault V, Leon A, Martin D, Lopes Pereira P, Loaëc N, Birling MC, Friocourt G, Blondel M, Herault Y. Cbs overdosage is necessary and sufficient to induce cognitive phenotypes in mouse models of Down syndrome and interacts genetically with Dyrk1a. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:1561-1577. [PMID: 30649339 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying dosage-sensitive genes is a key to understand the mechanisms underlying intellectual disability in Down syndrome (DS). The Dp(17Abcg1-Cbs)1Yah DS mouse model (Dp1Yah) shows cognitive phenotypes that need to be investigated to identify the main genetic driver. Here, we report that three copies of the cystathionine-beta-synthase gene (Cbs) in the Dp1Yah mice are necessary to observe a deficit in the novel object recognition (NOR) paradigm. Moreover, the overexpression of Cbs alone is sufficient to induce deficits in the NOR test. Accordingly, overexpressing human CBS specifically in Camk2a-expressing neurons leads to impaired objects discrimination. Altogether, this shows that Cbs overdosage is involved in DS learning and memory phenotypes. To go further, we identified compounds that interfere with the phenotypical consequence of CBS overdosage in yeast. Pharmacological intervention in Tg(CBS) mice with one selected compound restored memory in the NOR test. In addition, using a genetic approach, we demonstrated an epistatic interaction between Cbs and Dyrk1a, another human chromosome 21-located gene (which encodes the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1a) and an already known target for DS therapeutic intervention. Further analysis using proteomic approaches highlighted several molecular pathways, including synaptic transmission, cell projection morphogenesis and actin cytoskeleton, that are affected by DYRK1A and CBS overexpression. Overall, we demonstrated that CBS overdosage underpins the DS-related recognition memory deficit and that both CBS and DYRK1A interact to control accurate memory processes in DS. In addition, our study establishes CBS as an intervention point for treating intellectual deficiencies linked to DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Marechal
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Brault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Alice Leon
- Inserm UMR 1078, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne, CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Brest, France
| | - Dehren Martin
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Patricia Lopes Pereira
- Transgenese et Archivage Animaux Modèles, TAAM, CNRS, 3B Rue de la Férollerie Orléans, France
| | - Nadege Loaëc
- Inserm UMR 1078, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne, CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Brest, France
| | | | - Gaelle Friocourt
- Inserm UMR 1078, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne, CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Brest, France
| | - Marc Blondel
- Inserm UMR 1078, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS) Bretagne, CHRU Brest, Hôpital Morvan, Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire, Brest, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, ICS, Illkirch, France
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27
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Navarro-Romero A, Vázquez-Oliver A, Gomis-González M, Garzón-Montesinos C, Falcón-Moya R, Pastor A, Martín-García E, Pizarro N, Busquets-Garcia A, Revest JM, Piazza PV, Bosch F, Dierssen M, de la Torre R, Rodríguez-Moreno A, Maldonado R, Ozaita A. Cannabinoid type-1 receptor blockade restores neurological phenotypes in two models for Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2019; 125:92-106. [PMID: 30685352 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability is the most limiting hallmark of Down syndrome, for which there is no gold-standard clinical treatment yet. The endocannabinoid system is a widespread neuromodulatory system involved in multiple functions including learning and memory processes. Alterations of this system contribute to the pathogenesis of several neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome has not been explored before. We used the best-characterized preclinical model of Down syndrome, the segmentally trisomic Ts65Dn model. In male Ts65Dn mice, cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) expression was enhanced and its function increased in hippocampal excitatory terminals. Knockdown of CB1R in the hippocampus of male Ts65Dn mice restored hippocampal-dependent memory. Concomitant with this result, pharmacological inhibition of CB1R restored memory deficits, hippocampal synaptic plasticity and adult neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. Notably, the blockade of CB1R also normalized hippocampal-dependent memory in female Ts65Dn mice. To further investigate the mechanisms involved, we used a second transgenic mouse model overexpressing a single gene candidate for Down syndrome cognitive phenotypes, the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A). CB1R pharmacological blockade similarly improved cognitive performance, synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis in transgenic male Dyrk1A mice. Our results identify CB1R as a novel druggable target potentially relevant for the improvement of cognitive deficits associated with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Navarro-Romero
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Vázquez-Oliver
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Gomis-González
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos Garzón-Montesinos
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Ctra Utrera km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Falcón-Moya
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Ctra Utrera km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Antoni Pastor
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Martín-García
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nieves Pizarro
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Arnau Busquets-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jean-Michel Revest
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Diseases, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Pier-Vincenzo Piazza
- INSERM U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathology and Therapeutic Approaches of Stress-Related Diseases, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Fátima Bosch
- Center of Animal Biotechnology and Gene Therapy (CBATEG), Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain; CIBER Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Disorders (CIBERDEM), 08017 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Cellular & Systems Neurobiology, Systems Biology Program, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Rare Disorders (CIBERER), Spain; Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neuroscience Research Group, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Pathophysiology of Obesity and Nutrition, Institute of Health Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Moreno
- Laboratory of Cellular Neuroscience and Plasticity, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Pablo de Olavide, Ctra Utrera km. 1, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Maldonado
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Ozaita
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology-NeuroPhar, Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, University Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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28
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Abstract
Down syndrome (DS; Trisomy 21) is the most common chromosomal disorder in humans. It has numerous associated neurologic phenotypes including intellectual disability, sleep apnea, seizures, behavioral problems, and dementia. With improved access to medical care, people with DS are living longer than ever before. As more individuals with DS reach old age, the necessity for further life span research is essential and cannot be overstated. There is currently a scarcity of information on common medical conditions encountered as individuals with DS progress into adulthood and old age. Conflicting information and uncertainty about the relative risk of dementia for adults with DS is a source of distress for the DS community that creates a major obstacle to proper evaluation and treatment. In this chapter, we discuss the salient neurologic phenotypes of DS, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), and current understanding of their biologic bases and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Rafii
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, San Diego, CA, United States
| | | | - Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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29
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Zhao X, Bhattacharyya A. Human Models Are Needed for Studying Human Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:829-857. [PMID: 30526865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of animal models of neurological disease has been instrumental in furthering our understanding of neurodevelopment and brain diseases. However, animal models are limited in revealing some of the most fundamental aspects of development, genetics, pathology, and disease mechanisms that are unique to humans. These shortcomings are exaggerated in disorders that affect the brain, where the most significant differences between humans and animal models exist, and could underscore failures in targeted therapeutic interventions in affected individuals. Human pluripotent stem cells have emerged as a much-needed model system for investigating human-specific biology and disease mechanisms. However, questions remain regarding whether these cell-culture-based models are sufficient or even necessary. In this review, we summarize human-specific features of neurodevelopment and the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, present discrepancies between animal models and human diseases, demonstrate how human stem cell models can provide meaningful information, and discuss the challenges that exist in our pursuit to understand distinctively human aspects of neurodevelopment and brain disease. This information argues for a more thoughtful approach to disease modeling through consideration of the valuable features and limitations of each model system, be they human or animal, to mimic disease characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA.
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA.
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30
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Zamponi E, Zamponi N, Coskun P, Quassollo G, Lorenzo A, Cannas SA, Pigino G, Chialvo DR, Gardiner K, Busciglio J, Helguera P. Nrf2 stabilization prevents critical oxidative damage in Down syndrome cells. Aging Cell 2018; 17:e12812. [PMID: 30028071 PMCID: PMC6156351 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence implicates chronic oxidative stress as a critical driver of the aging process. Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by a complex phenotype, including early senescence. DS cells display increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial structural and metabolic dysfunction, which are counterbalanced by sustained Nrf2-mediated transcription of cellular antioxidant response elements (ARE). Here, we show that caspase 3/PKCδdependent activation of the Nrf2 pathway in DS and Dp16 (a mouse model of DS) cells is necessary to protect against chronic oxidative damage and to preserve cellular functionality. Mitochondria-targeted catalase (mCAT) significantly reduced oxidative stress, restored mitochondrial structure and function, normalized replicative and wound healing capacity, and rendered the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response dispensable. These results highlight the critical role of Nrf2/ARE in the maintenance of DS cell homeostasis and validate mitochondrial-specific interventions as a key aspect of antioxidant and antiaging therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Zamponi
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín FerreyraINIMEC‐CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCordobaArgentina
| | - Nahuel Zamponi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical OncologyWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNew York
| | - Pinar Coskun
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and MemoryUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCalifornia
| | - Gonzalo Quassollo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín FerreyraINIMEC‐CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCordobaArgentina
| | - Alfredo Lorenzo
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín FerreyraINIMEC‐CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCordobaArgentina
| | - Sergio A. Cannas
- Instituto de Física Enrique Gaviola (IFEG‐CONICET)FAMAFyC, UNCCordobaArgentina
| | - Gustavo Pigino
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín FerreyraINIMEC‐CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCordobaArgentina
| | - Dante R. Chialvo
- Center for Complex Systems and Brain Sciences (CEMSC3)UNSAMSan MartinArgentina
| | - Katheleen Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, Linda Crnic Institute for Down SyndromeUniversity of Colorado Denver School of MedicineAuroraColorado
| | - Jorge Busciglio
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders and Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and MemoryUniversity of California IrvineIrvineCalifornia
| | - Pablo Helguera
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín FerreyraINIMEC‐CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de CórdobaCordobaArgentina
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31
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Herault Y, Delabar JM, Fisher EMC, Tybulewicz VLJ, Yu E, Brault V. Rodent models in Down syndrome research: impact and future opportunities. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:1165-1186. [PMID: 28993310 PMCID: PMC5665454 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. To date, a multiplicity of mouse models with Down-syndrome-related features has been developed to understand this complex human chromosomal disorder. These mouse models have been important for determining genotype-phenotype relationships and identification of dosage-sensitive genes involved in the pathophysiology of the condition, and in exploring the impact of the additional chromosome on the whole genome. Mouse models of Down syndrome have also been used to test therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an overview of research in the last 15 years dedicated to the development and application of rodent models for Down syndrome. We also speculate on possible and probable future directions of research in this fast-moving field. As our understanding of the syndrome improves and genome engineering technologies evolve, it is necessary to coordinate efforts to make all Down syndrome models available to the community, to test therapeutics in models that replicate the whole trisomy and design new animal models to promote further discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Summary: Mouse models have boosted therapeutic options for Down syndrome, and improved models are being developed to better understand the pathophysiology of this genetic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris
| | - Jean M Delabar
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, 75205 Paris, France.,INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle épinière, ICM, 75013 Paris, France.,Brain and Spine Institute (ICM) CNRS UMR7225, INSERM UMRS 975, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Eugene Yu
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Roswell Park Division of Graduate School, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Veronique Brault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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32
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Developmental excitatory-to-inhibitory GABA polarity switch is delayed in Ts65Dn mice, a genetic model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 115:1-8. [PMID: 29550538 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of developmental abnormalities leading to intellectual disability. One notable phenomenon affecting the formation of nascent neural circuits during late developmental periods is developmental switch of GABA action from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing mode. We examined properties of this switch in DS using primary cultures and acute hippocampal slices from Ts65Dn mice, a genetic model of DS. Cultures of DIV3-DIV13 Ts65Dn and control normosomic (2 N) neurons were loaded with FURA-2 AM, and GABA action was assessed using local applications. In 2 N cultures, the number of GABA-activated cells dropped from ~100% to 20% between postnatal days 3-13 (P3-P13) reflecting the switch in GABA action polarity. In Ts65Dn cultures, the timing of this switch was delayed by 2-3 days. Next, microelectrode recordings of multi-unit activity (MUA) were performed in CA3 slices during bath application of the GABAA agonist isoguvacine. MUA frequency was increased in P8-P12 and reduced in P14-P22 slices reflecting the switch of GABA action from excitatory to inhibitory mode. The timing of this switch was delayed in Ts65Dn by approximately 2 days. Finally, frequency of giant depolarizing potentials (GDPs), a form of primordial neural activity, was significantly increased in slices from Ts65Dn pups at P12 and P14. These experimental evidences show that GABA action polarity switch is delayed in Ts65Dn model of DS, and that these changes lead to a delay in maturation of nascent neural circuits. These alterations may affect properties of neural circuits in adult animals and, therefore, represent a prospective target for pharmacotherapy of cognitive impairment in DS.
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33
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Systematic Functional Characterization of Human 21st Chromosome Orthologs in Caenorhabditis elegans. G3-GENES GENOMES GENETICS 2018; 8:967-979. [PMID: 29367452 PMCID: PMC5844316 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome have neurological and muscle impairments due to an additional copy of the human 21st chromosome (HSA21). Only a few of ∼200 HSA21 genes encoding proteins have been linked to specific Down syndrome phenotypes, while the remainder are understudied. To identify poorly characterized HSA21 genes required for nervous system function, we studied behavioral phenotypes caused by loss-of-function mutations in conserved HSA21 orthologs in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. We identified 10 HSA21 orthologs that are required for neuromuscular behaviors: cle-1 (COL18A1), cysl-2 (CBS), dnsn-1 (DONSON), eva-1 (EVA1C), mtq-2 (N6ATM1), ncam-1 (NCAM2), pad-2 (POFUT2), pdxk-1 (PDXK), rnt-1 (RUNX1), and unc-26 (SYNJ1). We also found that three of these genes are required for normal release of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This includes a known synaptic gene unc-26 (SYNJ1), as well as uncharacterized genes pdxk-1 (PDXK) and mtq-2 (N6ATM1). As the first systematic functional analysis of HSA21 orthologs, this study may serve as a platform to understand genes that underlie phenotypes associated with Down syndrome.
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34
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Raveau M, Polygalov D, Boehringer R, Amano K, Yamakawa K, McHugh TJ. Alterations of in vivo CA1 network activity in Dp(16)1Yey Down syndrome model mice. eLife 2018; 7:31543. [PMID: 29485402 PMCID: PMC5841929 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome, the leading genetic cause of intellectual disability, results from an extra-copy of chromosome 21. Mice engineered to model this aneuploidy exhibit Down syndrome-like memory deficits in spatial and contextual tasks. While abnormal neuronal function has been identified in these models, most studies have relied on in vitro measures. Here, using in vivo recording in the Dp(16)1Yey model, we find alterations in the organization of spiking of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons, including deficits in the generation of complex spikes. These changes lead to poorer spatial coding during exploration and less coordinated activity during sharp-wave ripples, events involved in memory consolidation. Further, the density of CA1 inhibitory neurons expressing neuropeptide Y, a population key for the generation of pyramidal cell bursts, were significantly increased in Dp(16)1Yey mice. Our data refine the ‘over-suppression’ theory of Down syndrome pathophysiology and suggest specific neuronal subtypes involved in hippocampal dysfunction in these model mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Denis Polygalov
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Roman Boehringer
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kenji Amano
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
| | - Thomas J McHugh
- Laboratory for Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, RIKEN, Brain Science Institute, Saitama, Japan
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35
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Zorrilla de San Martin J, Delabar JM, Bacci A, Potier MC. GABAergic over-inhibition, a promising hypothesis for cognitive deficits in Down syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 114:33-39. [PMID: 28993272 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability. It is also a model human disease for exploring consequences of gene dosage imbalance on complex phenotypes. Learning and memory impairments linked to intellectual disabilities in DS could result from synaptic plasticity deficits and excitatory-inhibitory alterations leading to changes in neuronal circuitry in the brain of affected individuals. Increasing number of studies in mouse and cellular models converge towards the assumption that excitatory-inhibitory imbalance occurs in DS, likely early during development. Thus increased inhibition appears to be a common trend that could explain synaptic and circuit disorganization. Interestingly using several potent pharmacological tools, preclinical studies strongly demonstrated that cognitive deficits could be restored in mouse models of DS. Clinical trials have not yet provided robust data for therapeutic application and additional studies are needed. Here we review the literature and our own published work emphasizing the over-inhibition hypothesis in DS and their links with gene dosage imbalance paving the way for future basic and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Zorrilla de San Martin
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Maurice Delabar
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Alberto Bacci
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- INSERM U1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMRS 1127, Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle épinière, ICM, Paris, France.
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36
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Stachowicz K. The role of DSCAM in the regulation of synaptic plasticity: possible involvement in neuropsychiatric disorders. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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37
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Liu C, Yu T, Xing Z, Jiang X, Li Y, Pao A, Mu J, Wallace PK, Stoica G, Bakin AV, Yu YE. Triplications of human chromosome 21 orthologous regions in mice result in expansion of megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors and reduction of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4773-4786. [PMID: 29435140 PMCID: PMC5797011 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) frequently have hematopoietic abnormalities, including transient myeloproliferative disorder and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia which are often accompanied by acquired GATA1 mutations that produce a truncated protein, GATA1s. The mouse has been used for modeling DS based on the syntenic conservation between human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and three regions in the mouse genome located on mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10), Mmu16 and Mmu17. To assess the impact of the dosage increase of Hsa21 gene orthologs on the hematopoietic system, we characterized the related phenotype in the Dp(10)1Yey/+;Dp(16)1Yey/+;Dp(17)1Yey/+ model which carries duplications spanning the entire Hsa21 orthologous regions on Mmu10, Mmu16 and Mmu17, and the Dp(10)1Yey/+;Dp(16)1Yey/+;Dp(17)1Yey/+;Gata1Yeym2 model which carries a Gata1s mutation we engineered. Both models exhibited anemia, macrocytosis, and myeloproliferative disorder. Similar to human DS, the megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEPs) and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) were significantly increased and reduced, respectively, in both models. The subsequent identification of all the aforementioned phenotypes in the Dp(16)1Yey/+ model suggests that the causative dosage sensitive gene(s) are in the Hsa21 orthologous region on Mmu16. Therefore, we reveal here for the first time that the human trisomy 21-associated major segmental chromosomal alterations in mice can lead to expanded MEP and reduced GMP populations, mimicking the dynamics of these myeloid progenitors in DS. These models will provide the critical systems for unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanism of DS-associated myeloproliferative disorder, and particularly for determining how human trisomy 21 leads to expansion of MEPs as well as how such an alteration leads to myeloproliferative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Liu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Tao Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhuo Xing
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Xiaoling Jiang
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Yichen Li
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Annie Pao
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Justin Mu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Paul K Wallace
- Department of Flow and Image Cytometry, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - George Stoica
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Andrei V Bakin
- Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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38
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Lowe SA, Hodge JJL, Usowicz MM. A third copy of the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) causes synaptic and locomotor dysfunction in Drosophila. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 110:93-101. [PMID: 29196216 PMCID: PMC5773243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by triplication of chromosome 21 (HSA21). It is characterised by intellectual disability and impaired motor coordination that arise from changes in brain volume, structure and function. However, the contribution of each HSA21 gene to these various phenotypes and to the causal alterations in neuronal and synaptic structure and function are largely unknown. Here we have investigated the effect of overexpression of the HSA21 gene DSCAM (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule), on glutamatergic synaptic transmission and motor coordination, using Drosophila expressing three copies of Dscam1. Electrophysiological recordings of miniature and evoked excitatory junction potentials at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction of Drosophila larvae showed that the extra copy of Dscam1 changed the properties of spontaneous and electrically-evoked transmitter release and strengthened short-term synaptic depression during high-frequency firing of the motor nerve. Behavioural analyses uncovered impaired locomotor coordination despite preserved gross motor function. This work identifies DSCAM as a candidate causative gene in DS that is sufficient to modify synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity and cause a DS behavioural phenotype. Drosophila expressing a third copy of Dscam have altered neuromuscular transmission. Drosophila expressing a third copy of Dscam have deficits in locomotor coordination. Drosophila are a powerful system for studying single-gene effects in Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Lowe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - James J L Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Maria M Usowicz
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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39
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Syndromic Autism: Progressing Beyond Current Levels of Description. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-017-0116-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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40
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Vidal V, García-Cerro S, Martínez P, Corrales A, Lantigua S, Vidal R, Rueda N, Ozmen L, Hernández MC, Martínez-Cué C. Decreasing the Expression of GABA A α5 Subunit-Containing Receptors Partially Improves Cognitive, Electrophysiological, and Morphological Hippocampal Defects in the Ts65Dn Model of Down Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4745-4762. [PMID: 28717969 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Trisomy 21 or Down syndrome (DS) is the most common cause of intellectual disability of a genetic origin. The Ts65Dn (TS) mouse, which is the most commonly used and best-characterized mouse model of DS, displays many of the cognitive, neuromorphological, and biochemical anomalies that are found in the human condition. One of the mechanisms that have been proposed to be responsible for the cognitive deficits in this mouse model is impaired GABA-mediated inhibition. Because of the well-known modulatory role of GABAA α5 subunit-containing receptors in cognitive processes, these receptors are considered to be potential targets for improving the intellectual disability in DS. The chronic administration of GABAA α5-negative allosteric modulators has been shown to be procognitive without anxiogenic or proconvulsant side effects. In the present study, we use a genetic approach to evaluate the contribution of GABAA α5 subunit-containing receptors to the cognitive, electrophysiological, and neuromorphological deficits in TS mice. We show that reducing the expression of GABAA α5 receptors by deleting one or two copies of the Gabra5 gene in TS mice partially ameliorated the cognitive impairments, improved long-term potentiation, enhanced neural differentiation and maturation, and normalized the density of the GABAergic synapse markers. Reducing the gene dosage of Gabra5 in TS mice did not induce motor alterations and anxiety or affect the viability of the mice. Our results provide further evidence of the role of GABAA α5 receptor-mediated inhibition in cognitive impairment in the TS mouse model of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Vidal
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Susana García-Cerro
- Departamento de Fundamentos Clínicos, Unidad de Farmacología, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Andrea Corrales
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Sara Lantigua
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Rebeca Vidal
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina y Biotecnología de Cantabria, IBBTEC (Universidad de Cantabria, CSIC, SODERCAN), Santander, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noemí Rueda
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain
| | - Laurence Ozmen
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Hoffman-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Departamento de Fisiología y Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad deCantabria, Santander, Spain.
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41
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Colas D, Chuluun B, Garner CC, Heller HC. Short-term treatment with flumazenil restores long-term object memory in a mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 140:11-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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42
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Kleschevnikov AM, Yu J, Kim J, Lysenko LV, Zeng Z, Yu YE, Mobley WC. Evidence that increased Kcnj6 gene dose is necessary for deficits in behavior and dentate gyrus synaptic plasticity in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 103:1-10. [PMID: 28342823 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21, is caused by increased dose of genes present on human chromosome 21 (HSA21). The gene-dose hypothesis argues that a change in the dose of individual genes or regulatory sequences on HSA21 is necessary for creating DS-related phenotypes, including cognitive impairment. We focused on a possible role for Kcnj6, the gene encoding Kir3.2 (Girk2) subunits of a G-protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channel. This gene resides on a segment of mouse Chromosome 16 that is present in one extra copy in the genome of the Ts65Dn mouse, a well-studied genetic model of DS. Kir3.2 subunit-containing potassium channels serve as effectors for a number of postsynaptic metabotropic receptors including GABAB receptors. Several studies raise the possibility that increased Kcnj6 dose contributes to synaptic and cognitive abnormalities in DS. To assess directly a role for Kcnj6 gene dose in cognitive deficits in DS, we produced Ts65Dn mice that harbor only 2 copies of Kcnj6 (Ts65Dn:Kcnj6++- mice). The reduction in Kcnj6 gene dose restored to normal the hippocampal level of Kir3.2. Long-term memory, examined in the novel object recognition test with the retention period of 24h, was improved to the level observed in the normosomic littermate control mice (2N:Kcnj6++). Significantly, both short-term and long-term potentiation (STP and LTP) was improved to control levels in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the Ts65Dn:Kcnj6++- mouse. In view of the ability of fluoxetine to suppress Kir3.2 channels, we asked if fluoxetine-treated DG slices of Ts65Dn:Kcnj6+++ mice would rescue synaptic plasticity. Fluoxetine increased STP and LTP to control levels. These results are evidence that increased Kcnj6 gene dose is necessary for synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Strategies aimed at pharmacologically reducing channel function should be explored for enhancing cognition in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Kleschevnikov
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jessica Yu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeesun Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Larisa V Lysenko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Academy of Biology and Biotechnology of Southern Federal University, 194/1 Stachki Str, Rostov-na-Donu 344090, Russian Federation
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Contestabile A, Magara S, Cancedda L. The GABAergic Hypothesis for Cognitive Disabilities in Down Syndrome. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:54. [PMID: 28326014 PMCID: PMC5339239 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder caused by the presence of a third copy of chromosome 21. DS affects multiple organs, but it invariably results in altered brain development and diverse degrees of intellectual disability. A large body of evidence has shown that synaptic deficits and memory impairment are largely determined by altered GABAergic signaling in trisomic mouse models of DS. These alterations arise during brain development while extending into adulthood, and include genesis of GABAergic neurons, variation of the inhibitory drive and modifications in the control of neural-network excitability. Accordingly, different pharmacological interventions targeting GABAergic signaling have proven promising preclinical approaches to rescue cognitive impairment in DS mouse models. In this review, we will discuss recent data regarding the complex scenario of GABAergic dysfunctions in the trisomic brain of DS mice and patients, and we will evaluate the state of current clinical research targeting GABAergic signaling in individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Contestabile
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) Genova, Italy
| | - Salvatore Magara
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT) Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT)Genova, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon InstituteGenova, Italy
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Do C, Xing Z, Yu YE, Tycko B. Trans-acting epigenetic effects of chromosomal aneuploidies: lessons from Down syndrome and mouse models. Epigenomics 2016; 9:189-207. [PMID: 27911079 PMCID: PMC5549717 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An important line of postgenomic research seeks to understand how genetic factors can influence epigenetic patterning. Here we review epigenetic effects of chromosomal aneuploidies, focusing on findings in Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21). Recent work in human DS and mouse models has shown that the extra chromosome 21 acts in trans to produce epigenetic changes, including differential CpG methylation (DS-DM), in specific sets of downstream target genes, mostly on other chromosomes. Mechanistic hypotheses emerging from these data include roles of chromosome 21-linked methylation pathway genes (DNMT3L and others) and transcription factor genes (RUNX1, OLIG2, GABPA, ERG and ETS2) in shaping the patterns of DS-DM. The findings may have broader implications for trans-acting epigenetic effects of chromosomal and subchromosomal aneuploidies in other human developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Do
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhuo Xing
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program & Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program & Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's disease & the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Créau N, Cabet E, Daubigney F, Souchet B, Bennaï S, Delabar J. Specific age-related molecular alterations in the cerebellum of Down syndrome mouse models. Brain Res 2016; 1646:342-353. [PMID: 27297494 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, has been modeled with various trisomic and transgenic mice to help understand the consequences of an altered gene dosage in brain development and function. Though Down syndrome has been associated with premature aging, little is known about the molecular and cellular alterations that target brain function. To help identify alterations at specific ages, we analyzed the cerebellum of Ts1Cje mice, trisomic for 77 HSA21 orthologs, at three ages-young (4 months), middle-age (12 months), and old (17 months)-compared to age-matched controls. Quantification of neuronal and glial markers (n=11) revealed increases in GFAP, with an age effect, and S100B, with age and genotype effects. The genotype effect on S100B with age was unexpected as Ts1Cje has only two copies of the S100b gene. Interestingly, the different increase in GFAP observed between Ts1Cje (trisomic segment includes Pcp4 gene) and controls was magnified in TgPCP4 mice (1 extra copy of the human PCP4 gene) at the same age. S100B increase was not found in the TgPCP4 confirming a difference of regulation with aging for GFAP and S100B and excluding the calcium signaling regulator, Pcp4, as a potential candidate for increase of S100B in the Ts1Cje. To understand these differences, comparison of GFAP and S100B immunostainings at young and middle-age were performed. Immunohistochemical detection of differences in GFAP and S100B localization with aging implicate S100B+ oligodendrocytes as a new phenotypic target in this specific aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Créau
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France.
| | - Eva Cabet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Daubigney
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Souchet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Soumia Bennaï
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jean Delabar
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
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46
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Mouse models of Down syndrome: gene content and consequences. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:538-555. [PMID: 27538963 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is challenging to model in mice. Not only is it a contiguous gene syndrome spanning 35 Mb of the long arm of Hsa21, but orthologs of Hsa21 genes map to segments of three mouse chromosomes, Mmu16, Mmu17, and Mmu10. The Ts65Dn was the first viable segmental trisomy mouse model for DS; it is a partial trisomy currently popular in preclinical evaluations of drugs for cognition in DS. Limitations of the Ts65Dn are as follows: (i) it is trisomic for 125 human protein-coding orthologs, but only 90 of these are Hsa21 orthologs and (ii) it lacks trisomy for ~75 Hsa21 orthologs. In recent years, several additional mouse models of DS have been generated, each trisomic for a different subset of Hsa21 genes or their orthologs. To best exploit these models and interpret the results obtained with them, prior to proposing clinical trials, an understanding of their trisomic gene content, relative to full trisomy 21, is necessary. Here we first review the functional information on Hsa21 protein-coding genes and the more recent annotation of a large number of functional RNA genes. We then discuss the conservation and genomic distribution of Hsa21 orthologs in the mouse genome and the distribution of mouse-specific genes. Lastly, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of mouse models of DS based on the number and nature of the Hsa21 orthologs that are, and are not, trisomic in each, and discuss their validity for use in preclinical evaluations of drug responses.
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Romano E, Cosentino L, Laviola G, De Filippis B. Genes and sex hormones interaction in neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 67:9-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Duchon A, Herault Y. DYRK1A, a Dosage-Sensitive Gene Involved in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Is a Target for Drug Development in Down Syndrome. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:104. [PMID: 27375444 PMCID: PMC4891327 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is one of the leading causes of intellectual disability, and patients with DS face various health issues, including learning and memory deficits, congenital heart disease, Alzheimer's disease (AD), leukemia, and cancer, leading to huge medical and social costs. Remarkable advances on DS research have been made in improving cognitive function in mouse models for future therapeutic approaches in patients. Among the different approaches, DYRK1A inhibitors have emerged as promising therapeutics to reduce DS cognitive deficits. DYRK1A is a dual-specificity kinase that is overexpressed in DS and plays a key role in neurogenesis, outgrowth of axons and dendrites, neuronal trafficking and aging. Its pivotal role in the DS phenotype makes it a prime target for the development of therapeutics. Recently, disruption of DYRK1A has been found in Autosomal Dominant Mental Retardation 7 (MRD7), resulting in severe mental deficiency. Recent advances in the development of kinase inhibitors are expected, in the near future, to remove DS from the list of incurable diseases, providing certain conditions such as drug dosage and correct timing for the optimum long-term treatment. In addition the exact molecular and cellular mechanisms that are targeted by the inhibition of DYRK1A are still to be discovered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Duchon
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirch, France; UMR7104, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueIllkirch, France; U964, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche MédicaleIllkirch, France; Université de StrasbourgIllkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et CellulaireIllkirch, France; UMR7104, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueIllkirch, France; U964, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche MédicaleIllkirch, France; Université de StrasbourgIllkirch, France; PHENOMIN, Institut Clinique de la Souris, Groupement d'Intérêt Économique-Centre Européen de Recherche en Biologie et en Médecine, CNRS, INSERMIllkirch-Graffenstaden, France
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Belichenko PV, Madani R, Rey-Bellet L, Pihlgren M, Becker A, Plassard A, Vuillermot S, Giriens V, Nosheny RL, Kleschevnikov AM, Valletta JS, Bengtsson SKS, Linke GR, Maloney MT, Hickman DT, Reis P, Granet A, Mlaki D, Lopez-Deber MP, Do L, Singhal N, Masliah E, Pearn ML, Pfeifer A, Muhs A, Mobley WC. An Anti-β-Amyloid Vaccine for Treating Cognitive Deficits in a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152471. [PMID: 27023444 PMCID: PMC4811554 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In Down syndrome (DS) or trisomy of chromosome 21, the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) is present in excess. Evidence points to increased APP gene dose and Aβ as playing a critical role in cognitive difficulties experienced by people with DS. Particularly, Aβ is linked to the late-life emergence of dementia as associated with neuropathological markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). At present, no treatment targets Aβ-related pathogenesis in people with DS. Herein we used a vaccine containing the Aβ 1-15 peptide embedded into liposomes together with the adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA). Ts65Dn mice, a model of DS, were immunized with the anti-Aβ vaccine at 5 months of age and were examined for cognitive measures at 8 months of age. The status of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and brain levels of APP and its proteolytic products were measured. Immunization of Ts65Dn mice resulted in robust anti-Aβ IgG titers, demonstrating the ability of the vaccine to break self-tolerance. The vaccine-induced antibodies reacted with Aβ without detectable binding to either APP or its C-terminal fragments. Vaccination of Ts65Dn mice resulted in a modest, but non-significant reduction in brain Aβ levels relative to vehicle-treated Ts65Dn mice, resulting in similar levels of Aβ as diploid (2N) mice. Importantly, vaccinated Ts65Dn mice showed resolution of memory deficits in the novel object recognition and contextual fear conditioning tests, as well as reduction of cholinergic neuron atrophy. No treatment adverse effects were observed; vaccine did not result in inflammation, cellular infiltration, or hemorrhage. These data are the first to show that an anti-Aβ immunotherapeutic approach may act to target Aβ-related pathology in a mouse model of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel V. Belichenko
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Rachel L. Nosheny
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Alexander M. Kleschevnikov
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Janice S. Valletta
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Sara K. S. Bengtsson
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Gordon R. Linke
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Michael T. Maloney
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford Medical School, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Long Do
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Nishant Singhal
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Eliezer Masliah
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew L. Pearn
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - William C. Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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