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Simões de Oliveira L, O'Leary HE, Nawaz S, Loureiro R, Davenport EC, Baxter P, Louros SR, Dando O, Perkins E, Peltier J, Trost M, Osterweil EK, Hardingham GE, Cousin MA, Chattarji S, Booker SA, Benke TA, Wyllie DJA, Kind PC. Enhanced hippocampal LTP but normal NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor function in a rat model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Mol Autism 2024; 15:28. [PMID: 38877552 PMCID: PMC11177379 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00601-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) cause a severe neurological disorder characterised by early-onset epileptic seizures, autism and intellectual disability (ID). Impaired hippocampal function has been implicated in other models of monogenic forms of autism spectrum disorders and ID and is often linked to epilepsy and behavioural abnormalities. Many individuals with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) have null mutations and complete loss of CDKL5 protein, therefore in the current study we used a Cdkl5-/y rat model to elucidate the impact of CDKL5 loss on cellular excitability and synaptic function of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). We hypothesised abnormal pre and/or post synaptic function and plasticity would be observed in the hippocampus of Cdkl5-/y rats. METHODS To allow cross-species comparisons of phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5, we generated a loss of function mutation in exon 8 of the rat Cdkl5 gene and assessed the impact of the loss of CDLK5 using a combination of extracellular and whole-cell electrophysiological recordings, biochemistry, and histology. RESULTS Our results indicate that CA1 hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) is enhanced in slices prepared from juvenile, but not adult, Cdkl5-/y rats. Enhanced LTP does not result from changes in NMDA receptor function or subunit expression as these remain unaltered throughout development. Furthermore, Ca2+ permeable AMPA receptor mediated currents are unchanged in Cdkl5-/y rats. We observe reduced mEPSC frequency accompanied by increased spine density in basal dendrites of CA1 PCs, however we find no evidence supporting an increase in silent synapses when assessed using a minimal stimulation protocol in slices. Additionally, we found no change in paired-pulse ratio, consistent with normal release probability at Schaffer collateral to CA1 PC synapses. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate a role for CDKL5 in hippocampal synaptic function and raise the possibility that altered intracellular signalling rather than synaptic deficits contribute to the altered plasticity. LIMITATIONS This study has focussed on the electrophysiological and anatomical properties of hippocampal CA1 PCs across early postnatal development. Studies involving other brain regions, older animals and behavioural phenotypes associated with the loss of CDKL5 are needed to understand the pathophysiology of CDD.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Male
- Rats
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/metabolism
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/pathology
- CA1 Region, Hippocampal/physiopathology
- Disease Models, Animal
- Epileptic Syndromes/genetics
- Epileptic Syndromes/metabolism
- Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/genetics
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/metabolism
- Genetic Diseases, X-Linked/physiopathology
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Long-Term Potentiation
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics
- Pyramidal Cells/metabolism
- Pyramidal Cells/pathology
- Receptors, AMPA/metabolism
- Receptors, AMPA/genetics
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/metabolism
- Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate/genetics
- Spasms, Infantile/genetics
- Spasms, Infantile/metabolism
- Synapses/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Simões de Oliveira
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Heather E O'Leary
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Sarfaraz Nawaz
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Instem, Bangalore, India
| | - Rita Loureiro
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Paul Baxter
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Susana R Louros
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Owen Dando
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emma Perkins
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Julien Peltier
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Matthias Trost
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Emily K Osterweil
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Giles E Hardingham
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- UK Dementia Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael A Cousin
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Instem, Bangalore, India
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, Tata Institute for Fundamental Research, Bangalore, 560065, India
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Instem, Bangalore, India
| | - Sam A Booker
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Tim A Benke
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver, 12800 East 19th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| | - David J A Wyllie
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Instem, Bangalore, India.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Peter C Kind
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, Patrick Wild Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
- Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Instem, Bangalore, India.
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
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2
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Silvestre M, Dempster K, Mihaylov SR, Claxton S, Ultanir SK. Cell type-specific expression, regulation and compensation of CDKL5 activity in mouse brain. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02434-7. [PMID: 38326557 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02434-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
CDKL5 is a brain-enriched serine/threonine kinase, associated with a profound developmental and epileptic encephalopathy called CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). To design targeted therapies for CDD, it is essential to determine where CDKL5 is expressed and is active in the brain and test if compensatory mechanisms exist at cellular level. We generated conditional Cdkl5 knockout mice in excitatory neurons, inhibitory neurons and astrocytes. To assess CDKL5 activity, we utilized a phosphospecific antibody for phosphorylated EB2, a well-known substrate of CDKL5. We found that CDKL5 and EB2 pS222 were prominent in excitatory and inhibitory neurons but were not detected in astrocytes. We observed that approximately 15-20% of EB2 pS222 remained in Cdkl5 knockout brains and primary neurons. Surprisingly, the remaining phosphorylation was modulated by NMDA and PP1/PP2A in neuronal CDKL5 knockout cultures, indicating the presence of a compensating kinase. Using a screen of candidate kinases with highest homology to the CDKL5 kinase domain, we found that CDKL2 and ICK can phosphorylate EB2 S222 in HEK293T cells and in primary neurons. We then generated Cdkl5/Cdkl2 dual knockout mice to directly test if CDKL2 phosphorylates EB2 in vivo and found that CDKL2 phosphorylates CDKL5 substrates in the brain. This study is the first indication that CDKL2 could potentially replace CDKL5 functions in the brain, alluding to novel therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaux Silvestre
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Kelvin Dempster
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Simeon R Mihaylov
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Suzanne Claxton
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK.
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3
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Sampedro-Castañeda M, Baltussen LL, Lopes AT, Qiu Y, Sirvio L, Mihaylov SR, Claxton S, Richardson JC, Lignani G, Ultanir SK. Epilepsy-linked kinase CDKL5 phosphorylates voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.3, altering inactivation kinetics and neuronal excitability. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7830. [PMID: 38081835 PMCID: PMC10713615 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43475-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are a group of rare childhood disorders characterized by severe epilepsy and cognitive deficits. Numerous DEE genes have been discovered thanks to advances in genomic diagnosis, yet putative molecular links between these disorders are unknown. CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD, DEE2), one of the most common genetic epilepsies, is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the brain-enriched kinase CDKL5. To elucidate CDKL5 function, we looked for CDKL5 substrates using a SILAC-based phosphoproteomic screen. We identified the voltage-gated Ca2+ channel Cav2.3 (encoded by CACNA1E) as a physiological target of CDKL5 in mice and humans. Recombinant channel electrophysiology and interdisciplinary characterization of Cav2.3 phosphomutant mice revealed that loss of Cav2.3 phosphorylation leads to channel gain-of-function via slower inactivation and enhanced cholinergic stimulation, resulting in increased neuronal excitability. Our results thus show that CDD is partly a channelopathy. The properties of unphosphorylated Cav2.3 closely resemble those described for CACNA1E gain-of-function mutations causing DEE69, a disorder sharing clinical features with CDD. We show that these two single-gene diseases are mechanistically related and could be ameliorated with Cav2.3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lucas L Baltussen
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
- Laboratory for the Research of Neurodegenerative Diseases (VIB-KU Leuven), Department of Neurosciences, ON5 Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - André T Lopes
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Yichen Qiu
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Liina Sirvio
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Simeon R Mihaylov
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Suzanne Claxton
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Jill C Richardson
- Neuroscience, MSD Research Laboratories, 120 Moorgate, London, EC2M 6UR, UK
| | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Queen Square House, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Kinases and Brain Development Lab, The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.
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4
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Liao W, Lee KZ. CDKL5-mediated developmental tuning of neuronal excitability and concomitant regulation of transcriptome. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:3276-3298. [PMID: 37688574 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad149] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) is a serine-threonine kinase enriched in the forebrain to regulate neuronal development and function. Patients with CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental condition caused by mutations of CDKL5 gene, present early-onset epilepsy as the most prominent feature. However, spontaneous seizures have not been reported in mouse models of CDD, raising vital questions on the human-mouse differences and the roles of CDKL5 in early postnatal brains. Here, we firstly measured electroencephalographic (EEG) activities via a wireless telemetry system coupled with video-recording in neonatal mice. We found that mice lacking CDKL5 exhibited spontaneous epileptic EEG discharges, accompanied with increased burst activities and ictal behaviors, specifically at postnatal day 12 (P12). Intriguingly, those epileptic spikes disappeared after P14. We next performed an unbiased transcriptome profiling in the dorsal hippocampus and motor cortex of Cdkl5 null mice at different developmental timepoints, uncovering a set of age-dependent and brain region-specific alterations of gene expression in parallel with the transient display of epileptic activities. Finally, we validated multiple differentially expressed genes, such as glycine receptor alpha 2 and cholecystokinin, at the transcript or protein levels, supporting the relevance of these genes to CDKL5-regulated excitability. Our findings reveal early-onset neuronal hyperexcitability in mouse model of CDD, providing new insights into CDD etiology and potential molecular targets to ameliorate intractable neonatal epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ze Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 70, Lienhai Road, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100, Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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5
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Abstract
Rett syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the methyl-CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) gene that is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, autistic features, speech deficits, and sleep and breathing abnormalities. Neurologically, patients with all three disorders display microcephaly, aberrant dendritic morphology, reduced spine density, and an imbalance of excitatory/inhibitory signaling. Loss-of-function mutations in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) and FOXG1 genes also cause similar behavioral and neurobiological defects and were referred to as congenital or variant Rett syndrome. The relatively recent realization that CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), FOXG1 syndrome, and Rett syndrome are distinct neurodevelopmental disorders with some distinctive features have resulted in separate focus being placed on each disorder with the assumption that distinct molecular mechanisms underlie their pathogenesis. However, given that many of the core symptoms and neurological features are shared, it is likely that the disorders share some critical molecular underpinnings. This review discusses the possibility that deregulation of common molecules in neurons and astrocytes plays a central role in key behavioral and neurological abnormalities in all three disorders. These include KCC2, a chloride transporter, vGlut1, a vesicular glutamate transporter, GluD1, an orphan-glutamate receptor subunit, and PSD-95, a postsynaptic scaffolding protein. We propose that reduced expression or activity of KCC2, vGlut1, PSD-95, and AKT, along with increased expression of GluD1, is involved in the excitatory/inhibitory that represents a key aspect in all three disorders. In addition, astrocyte-derived brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and inflammatory cytokines likely affect the expression and functioning of these molecules resulting in disease-associated abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santosh R D’Mello
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
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6
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Zhu ZA, Li YY, Xu J, Xue H, Feng X, Zhu YC, Xiong ZQ. CDKL5 deficiency in adult glutamatergic neurons alters synaptic activity and causes spontaneous seizures via TrkB signaling. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113202. [PMID: 37777961 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy resulting from pathological mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. Despite significant progress in understanding the neuronal function of CDKL5, the molecular mechanisms underlying CDD-associated epileptogenesis are unknown. Here, we report that acute ablation of CDKL5 from adult forebrain glutamatergic neurons leads to elevated neural network activity in the dentate gyrus and the occurrence of early-onset spontaneous seizures via tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) signaling. We observe increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and enhanced activation of its receptor TrkB in the hippocampus of Cdkl5-deficient mice prior to the onset of behavioral seizures. Moreover, reducing TrkB signaling in these mice rescues the altered synaptic activity and suppresses recurrent seizures. These results suggest that TrkB signaling mediates epileptogenesis in a mouse model of CDD and that targeting this pathway might be effective for treating epilepsy in patients affected by CDKL5 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Ai Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Juan Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Hui Xue
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yong-Chuan Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200030, China.
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 201210, China; School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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7
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Ziemka-Nalecz M, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Zalewska T. Sex Differences in Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14571. [PMID: 37834018 PMCID: PMC10572175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914571] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5, A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Z.-N.); (P.P.); (K.Z.)
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8
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Shoji H, Ikeda K, Miyakawa T. Behavioral phenotype, intestinal microbiome, and brain neuronal activity of male serotonin transporter knockout mice. Mol Brain 2023; 16:32. [PMID: 36991468 PMCID: PMC10061809 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-023-01020-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) plays a critical role in the regulation of serotonin neurotransmission. Mice genetically deficient in 5-HTT expression have been used to study the physiological functions of 5-HTT in the brain and have been proposed as a potential animal model for neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent studies have provided evidence for a link between the gut-brain axis and mood disorders. However, the effects of 5-HTT deficiency on gut microbiota, brain function, and behavior remain to be fully characterized. Here we investigated the effects of 5-HTT deficiency on different types of behavior, the gut microbiome, and brain c-Fos expression as a marker of neuronal activation in response to the forced swim test for assessing depression-related behavior in male 5-HTT knockout mice. Behavioral analysis using a battery of 16 different tests showed that 5-HTT-/- mice exhibited markedly reduced locomotor activity, decreased pain sensitivity, reduced motor function, increased anxiety-like and depression-related behavior, altered social behavior in novel and familiar environments, normal working memory, enhanced spatial reference memory, and impaired fear memory compared to 5-HTT+/+ mice. 5-HTT+/- mice showed slightly reduced locomotor activity and impaired social behavior compared to 5-HTT+/+ mice. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicons showed that 5-HTT-/- mice had altered gut microbiota abundances, such as a decrease in Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, Clostridium sensu stricto, and Turicibacter, compared to 5-HTT+/+ mice. This study also showed that after exposure to the forced swim test, the number of c-Fos-positive cells was higher in the paraventricular thalamus and lateral hypothalamus and was lower in the prefrontal cortical regions, nucleus accumbens shell, dorsolateral septal nucleus, hippocampal regions, and ventromedial hypothalamus in 5-HTT-/- mice than in 5-HTT+/+ mice. These phenotypes of 5-HTT-/- mice partially recapitulate clinical observations in humans with major depressive disorder. The present findings indicate that 5-HTT-deficient mice serve as a good and valid animal model to study anxiety and depression with altered gut microbial composition and abnormal neuronal activity in the brain, highlighting the importance of 5-HTT in brain function and the mechanisms underlying the regulation of anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirotaka Shoji
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, 2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi, 470-1192, Japan.
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9
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Wan Y, Morikawa M, Morikawa M, Iwata S, Naseer MI, Ahmed Chaudhary AG, Tanaka Y, Hirokawa N. KIF4 regulates neuronal morphology and seizure susceptibility via the PARP1 signaling pathway. J Cell Biol 2023; 222:e202208108. [PMID: 36482480 PMCID: PMC9735414 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202208108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disease worldwide, and one of its causes is genetic abnormalities. Here, we identified a point mutation in KIF4A, a member of kinesin superfamily molecular motors, in patients with neurological disorders such as epilepsy, developmental delay, and intellectual disability. KIF4 is involved in the poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) signaling pathway, and the mutation (R728Q) strengthened its affinity with PARP1 through elongation of the KIF4 coiled-coil domain. Behavioral tests showed that KIF4-mutant mice exhibited mild developmental delay with lower seizure threshold. Further experiments revealed that the KIF4 mutation caused aberrant morphology in dendrites and spines of hippocampal pyramidal neurons through PARP1-TrkB-KCC2 pathway. Furthermore, supplementing NAD, which activates PARP1, could modulate the TrkB-KCC2 pathway and rescue the seizure susceptibility phenotype of the mutant mice. Therefore, these findings indicate that KIF4 is engaged in a fundamental mechanism regulating seizure susceptibility and could be a potential target for epilepsy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuansong Wan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Momo Morikawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Manatsu Morikawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Suguru Iwata
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Muhammad Imran Naseer
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Yosuke Tanaka
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobutaka Hirokawa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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CDKL5 deficiency causes epileptic seizures independent of cellular mosaicism. J Neurol Sci 2022; 443:120498. [PMID: 36417806 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120498] [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: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In a study using a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), seizures are specific to female mice heterozygous for Cdkl5 mutations and not observed in hemizygous knockout males or homozygous knockout females. The aim of this study was to examine whether the clinical phenotype of patients with CDD can be impacted by the type of genetic variant. METHODS Eleven CDD patients (six females and five males) were included in this study. The molecular diagnosis of hemizygous male patients was performed using digital PCR and their clinical phenotypes were compared with those of patients with mosaic or heterozygous CDKL5 variants. The severity of clinical phenotypes was graded by using CDKL5 Developmental Score and the adapted version of the CDKL5 Clinical Severity Assessment. The effect of cellular mosaicism on the severity of CDD was studied by comparing the clinical characteristics and comorbidities between individuals with hemizygous and mosaic or heterozygous CDKL5 variants. RESULTS One of the five male patients was mosaic for the CDKL5 variant. All patients developed seizures irrespective of their genetic status of the pathogenic variant. However, cellular mosaicism of CDKL5 deficiency was associated with lesser severity of other comorbidities such as feeding, respiratory, and visual functional impairments. SIGNIFICANCE This study provided evidence that cellular mosaicism of CDKL5 deficiency was not necessarily required for developing epilepsy. CDD patients not only exhibited clinical features of epilepsy but also exhibited the developmental consequences arising directly from the effect of the CDKL5 pathogenic variant.
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11
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Viglione A, Sagona G, Carrara F, Amato G, Totaro V, Lupori L, Putignano E, Pizzorusso T, Mazziotti R. Behavioral impulsivity is associated with pupillary alterations and hyperactivity in CDKL5 mutant mice. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:4107-4120. [PMID: 35861639 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (Cdkl5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe neurodevelopmental condition caused by mutations in the X-linked Cdkl5 gene. CDD is characterized by early-onset seizures in the first month of life, intellectual disability, motor and social impairment. No effective treatment is currently available and medical management is only symptomatic and supportive. Recently, mouse models of Cdkl5 disorder have demonstrated that mice lacking Cdkl5 exhibit autism-like phenotypes, hyperactivity and dysregulations of the arousal system, suggesting the possibility to use these features as translational biomarkers. In this study, we tested Cdkl5 male and female mutant mice in an appetitive operant conditioning chamber to assess cognitive and motor abilities, and performed pupillometry to assess the integrity of the arousal system. Then, we evaluated the performance of artificial intelligence models to classify the genotype of the animals from the behavioral and physiological phenotype. The behavioral results show that CDD mice display impulsivity, together with low levels of cognitive flexibility and perseverative behaviors. We assessed arousal levels by simultaneously recording pupil size and locomotor activity. Pupillometry reveals in CDD mice a smaller pupil size and an impaired response to unexpected stimuli associated with hyperlocomotion, demonstrating a global defect in arousal modulation. Finally, machine learning reveals that both behavioral and pupillometry parameters can be considered good predictors of CDD. Since early diagnosis is essential to evaluate treatment outcomes and pupillary measures can be performed easily, we proposed the monitoring of pupil size as a promising biomarker for CDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurelia Viglione
- BIO@SNS Lab, Scuola Normale Superiore, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Sagona
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Fabio Carrara
- ISTI-Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dell'Informazione, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Amato
- ISTI-Istituto di Scienza e Tecnologia dell'Informazione, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Valentino Totaro
- BIO@SNS Lab, Scuola Normale Superiore, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Lupori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Putignano
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- BIO@SNS Lab, Scuola Normale Superiore, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, via Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, viale del Tirreno 331, 56128 Pisa, Italy
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12
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Medici G, Tassinari M, Galvani G, Bastianini S, Gennaccaro L, Loi M, Mottolese N, Alvente S, Berteotti C, Sagona G, Lupori L, Candini G, Baggett HR, Zoccoli G, Giustetto M, Muotri A, Pizzorusso T, Nakai H, Trazzi S, Ciani E. Expression of a Secretable, Cell-Penetrating CDKL5 Protein Enhances the Efficacy of Gene Therapy for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1886-1904. [PMID: 36109452 PMCID: PMC9723029 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01295-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although delivery of a wild-type copy of the mutated gene to cells represents the most effective approach for a monogenic disease, proof-of-concept studies highlight significant efficacy caveats for treatment of brain disorders. Herein, we develop a cross-correction-based strategy to enhance the efficiency of a gene therapy for CDKL5 deficiency disorder, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by CDKL5 gene mutations. We created a gene therapy vector that produces an Igk-TATk-CDKL5 fusion protein that can be secreted via constitutive secretory pathways and, due to the cell-penetration property of the TATk peptide, internalized by cells. We found that, although AAVPHP.B_Igk-TATk-CDKL5 and AAVPHP.B_CDKL5 vectors had similar brain infection efficiency, the AAVPHP.B_Igk-TATk-CDKL5 vector led to higher CDKL5 protein replacement due to secretion and penetration of the TATk-CDKL5 protein into the neighboring cells. Importantly, Cdkl5 KO mice treated with the AAVPHP.B_Igk-TATk-CDKL5 vector showed a behavioral and neuroanatomical improvement in comparison with vehicle or AAVPHP.B_CDKL5 vector-treated Cdkl5 KO mice. In conclusion, we provide the first evidence that a gene therapy based on a cross-correction approach is more effective at compensating Cdkl5-null brain defects than gene therapy based on the expression of the native CDKL5, opening avenues for the development of this innovative approach for other monogenic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Tassinari
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Bastianini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Mottolese
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sara Alvente
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Berteotti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Sagona
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, 50139, Psychology, Italy
| | - Leonardo Lupori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128, Pisa, Italy
- Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Candini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Helen Rappe Baggett
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Molecular Immunology and Microbiology Oregon Health & Science University, OR, 97239, Portland, USA
| | - Giovanna Zoccoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, OR, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Alysson Muotri
- School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, Archealization Center (ArchC), Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Scuola Normale Superiore, 56126, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Hiroyuki Nakai
- Departments of Molecular and Medical Genetics and Molecular Immunology and Microbiology Oregon Health & Science University, OR, 97239, Portland, USA
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science, University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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13
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CDKL5 deficiency disorder: molecular insights and mechanisms of pathogenicity to fast-track therapeutic development. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1207-1224. [PMID: 35997111 PMCID: PMC9444073 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is an X-linked brain disorder of young children and is caused by pathogenic variants in the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. Individuals with CDD suffer infantile onset, drug-resistant seizures, severe neurodevelopmental impairment and profound lifelong disability. The CDKL5 protein is a kinase that regulates key phosphorylation events vital to the development of the complex neuronal network of the brain. Pathogenic variants identified in patients may either result in loss of CDKL5 catalytic activity or are hypomorphic leading to partial loss of function. Whilst the progressive nature of CDD provides an excellent opportunity for disease intervention, we cannot develop effective therapeutics without in-depth knowledge of CDKL5 function in human neurons. In this mini review, we summarize new findings on the function of CDKL5. These include CDKL5 phosphorylation targets and the consequence of disruptions on signaling pathways in the human brain. This new knowledge of CDKL5 biology may be leveraged to advance targeted drug discovery and rapid development of treatments for CDD. Continued development of effective humanized models will further propel our understanding of CDD biology and may permit the development and testing of therapies that will significantly alter CDD disease trajectory in young children.
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14
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Tassinari M, Mottolese N, Galvani G, Ferrara D, Gennaccaro L, Loi M, Medici G, Candini G, Rimondini R, Ciani E, Trazzi S. Luteolin Treatment Ameliorates Brain Development and Behavioral Performance in a Mouse Model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23158719. [PMID: 35955854 PMCID: PMC9369425 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a rare and severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene, is characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. Although pharmacotherapy has shown promise in the CDD mouse model, safe and effective clinical treatments are still far off. Recently, we found increased microglial activation in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, suggesting that a neuroinflammatory state, known to be involved in brain maturation and neuronal dysfunctions, may contribute to the pathophysiology of CDD. The present study aims to evaluate the possible beneficial effect of treatment with luteolin, a natural flavonoid known to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities, on brain development and behavior in a heterozygous Cdkl5 (+/−) female mouse, the mouse model of CDD that best resembles the genetic clinical condition. We found that inhibition of neuroinflammation by chronic luteolin treatment ameliorates motor stereotypies, hyperactive profile and memory ability in Cdkl5 +/− mice. Luteolin treatment also increases hippocampal neurogenesis and improves dendritic spine maturation and dendritic arborization of hippocampal and cortical neurons. These findings show that microglia overactivation exerts a harmful action in the Cdkl5 +/− brain, suggesting that treatments aimed at counteracting the neuroinflammatory process should be considered as a promising adjuvant therapy for CDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Tassinari
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Mottolese
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Ferrara
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Candini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Rimondini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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15
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Varela T, Varela D, Martins G, Conceição N, Cancela ML. Cdkl5 mutant zebrafish shows skeletal and neuronal alterations mimicking human CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9325. [PMID: 35665761 PMCID: PMC9167277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a rare neurodevelopmental condition characterized primarily by seizures and impairment of cognitive and motor skills. Additional phenotypes include microcephaly, dysmorphic facial features, and scoliosis. Mutations in cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene, encoding a kinase essential for normal brain development and function, are responsible for CDD. Zebrafish is an accepted biomedical model for the study of several genetic diseases and has many advantages over other models. Therefore, this work aimed to characterize the phenotypic, behavioral, and molecular consequences of the Cdkl5 protein disruption in a cdkl5 mutant zebrafish line (sa21938). cdkl5sa21938 mutants displayed a reduced head size, suggesting microcephaly, a feature frequently observed in CDD individuals. Double staining revealed shorter craniofacial cartilage structures and decrease bone mineralization in cdkl5 homozygous zebrafish indicating an abnormal craniofacial cartilage development and impaired skeletal development. Motor behavior analysis showed that cdkl5sa21938 embryos had less frequency of double coiling suggesting impaired glutamatergic neurotransmission. Locomotor behavior analysis revealed that homozygous embryos swim shorter distances, indicative of impaired motor activity which is one of the main traits of CCD. Although no apparent spontaneous seizures were observed in these models, upon treatment with pentylenetetrazole, seizure behavior and an increase in the distance travelled were observed. Quantitative PCR showed that neuronal markers, including glutamatergic genes were dysregulated in cdkl5sa21938 mutant embryos. In conclusion, homozygous cdkl5sa21938 zebrafish mimic several characteristics of CDD, thus validating them as a suitable animal model to better understand the physiopathology of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Varela
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Débora Varela
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Gil Martins
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Natércia Conceição
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
| | - M Leonor Cancela
- Centre of Marine Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal.
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16
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Adhikari A, Buchanan FKB, Fenton TA, Cameron DL, Halmai JANM, Copping NA, Fink KD, Silverman JL. Touchscreen Cognitive Deficits, Hyperexcitability, and Hyperactivity in Males and Females Using Two Models of Cdkl5 Deficiency. Hum Mol Genet 2022; 31:3032-3050. [PMID: 35445702 PMCID: PMC9476626 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are the result of mutations on the X chromosome. One severe NDD resulting from mutations on the X chromosome is CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). CDD is an epigenetic, X-linked NDD characterized by intellectual disability (ID), pervasive seizures and severe sleep disruption, including recurring hospitalizations. CDD occurs at a 4:1 ratio, with a female bias. CDD is driven by the loss of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5), a serine/threonine kinase that is essential for typical brain development, synapse formation and signal transmission. Previous studies focused on male subjects from animal models, likely to avoid the complexity of X mosaicism. For the first time, we report translationally relevant behavioral phenotypes in young adult (8–20 weeks) females and males with robust signal size, including impairments in learning and memory, substantial hyperactivity and increased susceptibility to seizures/reduced seizure thresholds, in both sexes, and in two models of CDD preclinical mice, one with a general loss-of-function mutation and one that is a patient-derived mutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adhikari
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Fiona K B Buchanan
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Timothy A Fenton
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - David L Cameron
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Julian A N M Halmai
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Nycole A Copping
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Kyle D Fink
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Stem Cell Program and Gene Therapy Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
| | - Jill L Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA
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17
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Fontana BD, Alnassar N, Parker MO. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) anxiety test battery: comparison of behavioral responses in the novel tank diving and light-dark tasks following exposure to anxiogenic and anxiolytic compounds. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:287-296. [PMID: 34651212 PMCID: PMC8770442 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05990-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Triangulation of approaches (i.e., using several tests of the same construct) can be extremely useful for increasing the robustness of the findings being widely used when working with behavioral testing, especially when using rodents as a translational model. Although zebrafish are widely used in neuropharmacology research due to their high-throughput screening potential for new therapeutic drugs, behavioral test battery effects following pharmacological manipulations are still unknown. METHODS Here, we tested the effects of an anxiety test battery and test time following pharmacological manipulations in zebrafish by using two behavioral tasks: the novel tank diving task (NTT) and the light-dark test (LDT). Fluoxetine and conspecific alarm substance (CAS) were chosen to induce anxiolytic and anxiogenic-like behavior, respectively. RESULTS For non-drug-treated animals, no differences were observed for testing order (NTT → LDT or LDT → NTT) and there was a strong correlation between performances on the two behavioral tasks. However, we found that during drug treatment, NTT/LDT responses are affected by the tested order depending on the test time being fluoxetine effects higher at the second behavioral task (6 min later) and CAS effects lower across time. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our data supports the use of baseline behavior assessment using this anxiety test battery. However, when working with drug exposure, data analysis must carefully consider time-drug-response and data variability across behavioral tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara D Fontana
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.
| | - Nancy Alnassar
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK
| | - Matthew O Parker
- Brain and Behaviour Laboratory, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Old St Michael's Building, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2DT, UK.
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18
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Serrano RJ, Lee C, Douek AM, Kaslin J, Bryson-Richardson RJ, Sztal TE. Novel pre-clinical model for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273746. [PMID: 34913468 PMCID: PMC8922025 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like-5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe X-linked neurodegenerative disease characterised by early-onset epileptic seizures, low muscle tone, progressive intellectual disability and severe motor function. CDD affects ∼1 in 60,000 live births, with many patients experiencing a reduced quality of life due to the severity of their neurological symptoms and functional impairment. There are no effective therapies for CDD, with current treatments focusing on improving symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of the disorder. Zebrafish offer many unique advantages for high-throughput preclinical evaluation of potential therapies for neurological diseases, including CDD. In particular, the large number of offspring produced, together with the possibilities for in vivo imaging and genetic manipulation, allows for the detailed assessment of disease pathogenesis and therapeutic discovery. We have characterised a loss-of-function zebrafish model for CDD, containing a nonsense mutation in cdkl5. cdkl5 mutant zebrafish display defects in neuronal patterning, seizures, microcephaly, and reduced muscle function caused by impaired muscle innervation. This study provides a powerful vertebrate model for investigating CDD disease pathophysiology and allowing high-throughput screening for effective therapies. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper. Summary: Characterisation of a novel loss-of-function zebrafish model for CDKL5 deficiency disorder, containing a nonsense mutation, demonstrates its utility for investigating disease aetiology and allowing high-throughput screening for potentially effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita J Serrano
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Clara Lee
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alon M Douek
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jan Kaslin
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Tamar E Sztal
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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19
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Hao S, Wang Q, Tang B, Wu Z, Yang T, Tang J. CDKL5 Deficiency Augments Inhibitory Input into the Dentate Gyrus That Can Be Reversed by Deep Brain Stimulation. J Neurosci 2021; 41:9031-9046. [PMID: 34544833 PMCID: PMC8549531 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1010-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a core feature of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early epileptic seizures, intellectual disability, and autistic behaviors. Although loss of CDKL5 affects a number of molecular pathways, very little has been discovered about the physiological effects of these changes on the neural circuitry. We therefore studied synaptic plasticity and local circuit activity in the dentate gyrus of both Cdkl5-/y and Cdkl5+/- mutant mice. We found that CDKL5 haploinsufficiency in both male and female mice impairs hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in multiple tasks. In vivo, loss of CDKL5 reduced LTP of the perforant path to the dentate gyrus and augmented feedforward inhibition in this pathway; ex vivo experiments confirmed that excitatory/inhibitory input into the dentate gyrus is skewed toward inhibition. Injecting the GABAergic antagonist gabazine into the dentate improved contextual fear memory in Cdkl5-/y mice. Finally, chronic forniceal deep brain stimulation rescued hippocampal memory deficits, restored synaptic plasticity, and relieved feedforward inhibition in Cdkl5+/- mice. These results indicate that CDKL5 is important for maintaining proper dentate excitatory/inhibitory balance, with consequences for hippocampal memory.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Cognitive impairment is a core feature of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder. Although CDKL5 deficiency has been found to affect a number of molecular pathways, little is known about its physiological effects on the neural circuitry. We find that CDKL5 loss reduces hippocampal synaptic plasticity and augments feedforward inhibition in the perforant path to the dentate gyrus in vivo in Cdkl5 mutant mice. Chronic forniceal deep brain stimulation rescued hippocampal memory deficits, restored synaptic plasticity, and relieved feedforward inhibition in Cdkl5+/- mice, as it had previously done with Rett syndrome mice, suggesting that such stimulation may be useful for other neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Hao
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Qi Wang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Bin Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Tingting Yang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Neurology, People's Hospital of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, 560000, China
| | - Jianrong Tang
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
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20
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Terzic B, Davatolhagh MF, Ho Y, Tang S, Liu YT, Xia Z, Cui Y, Fuccillo MV, Zhou Z. Temporal manipulation of Cdkl5 reveals essential postdevelopmental functions and reversible CDKL5 deficiency disorder-related deficits. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:143655. [PMID: 34651584 DOI: 10.1172/jci143655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is an early onset, neurodevelopmental syndrome associated with pathogenic variants in the X-linked gene encoding cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5). CDKL5 has been implicated in neuronal synapse maturation, yet its postdevelopmental necessity and the reversibility of CDD-associated impairments remain unknown. We temporally manipulated endogenous Cdkl5 expression in male mice and found that postdevelopmental loss of CDKL5 disrupts numerous behavioral domains, hippocampal circuit communication, and dendritic spine morphology, demonstrating an indispensable role for CDKL5 in the adult brain. Accordingly, restoration of Cdkl5 after the early stages of brain development using a conditional rescue mouse model ameliorated CDD-related behavioral impairments and aberrant NMDA receptor signaling. These findings highlight the requirement of CDKL5 beyond early development, underscore the potential for disease reversal in CDD, and suggest that a broad therapeutic time window exists for potential treatment of CDD-related deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Felicia Davatolhagh
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marc V Fuccillo
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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21
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Jhang CL, Lee HY, Chen JC, Liao W. Dopaminergic loss of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 recapitulates methylphenidate-remediable hyperlocomotion in mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:2408-2419. [PMID: 32588892 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5), a serine-threonine kinase encoded by an X-linked gene, is highly expressed in the mammalian forebrain. Mutations in this gene cause CDKL5 deficiency disorder, a neurodevelopmental encephalopathy characterized by early-onset seizures, motor dysfunction, and intellectual disability. We previously found that mice lacking CDKL5 exhibit hyperlocomotion and increased impulsivity, resembling the core symptoms in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Here, we report the potential neural mechanisms and treatment for hyperlocomotion induced by CDKL5 deficiency. Our results showed that loss of CDKL5 decreases the proportion of phosphorylated dopamine transporter (DAT) in the rostral striatum, leading to increased levels of extracellular dopamine and hyperlocomotion. Administration of methylphenidate (MPH), a DAT inhibitor clinically effective to improve symptoms in ADHD, significantly alleviated the hyperlocomotion phenotype in Cdkl5 null mice. In addition, the improved behavioral effects of MPH were accompanied by a region-specific restoration of phosphorylated dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein Mr 32 kDa, a key signaling protein for striatal motor output. Finally, mice carrying a Cdkl5 deletion selectively in DAT-expressing dopaminergic neurons, but not dopamine receptive neurons, recapitulated the hyperlocomotion phenotype found in Cdkl5 null mice. Our findings suggest that CDKL5 is essential to control locomotor behavior by regulating region-specific dopamine content and phosphorylation of dopamine signaling proteins in the striatum. The direct, as well as indirect, target proteins regulated by CDKL5 may play a key role in movement control and the therapeutic development for hyperactivity disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian-Ling Jhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Hom-Yi Lee
- Department of Psychology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan.,Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Wenlin Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan.,Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
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22
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Ito N, Riyadh MA, Ahmad SAI, Hattori S, Kanemura Y, Kiyonari H, Abe T, Furuta Y, Shinmyo Y, Kaneko N, Hirota Y, Lupo G, Hatakeyama J, Abdulhaleem M FA, Anam MB, Yamaguchi M, Takeo T, Takebayashi H, Takebayashi M, Oike Y, Nakagata N, Shimamura K, Holtzman MJ, Takahashi Y, Guillemot F, Miyakawa T, Sawamoto K, Ohta K. Dysfunction of the proteoglycan Tsukushi causes hydrocephalus through altered neurogenesis in the subventricular zone in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/587/eaay7896. [PMID: 33790026 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay7896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The lateral ventricle (LV) is flanked by the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neural stem cell (NSC) niche rich in extrinsic growth factors regulating NSC maintenance, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation. Dysregulation of the SVZ niche causes LV expansion, a condition known as hydrocephalus; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms are unclear. We show that deficiency of the proteoglycan Tsukushi (TSK) in ependymal cells at the LV surface and in the cerebrospinal fluid results in hydrocephalus with neurodevelopmental disorder-like symptoms in mice. These symptoms are accompanied by altered differentiation and survival of the NSC lineage, disrupted ependymal structure, and dysregulated Wnt signaling. Multiple TSK variants found in patients with hydrocephalus exhibit reduced physiological activity in mice in vivo and in vitro. Administration of wild-type TSK protein or Wnt antagonists, but not of hydrocephalus-related TSK variants, in the LV of TSK knockout mice prevented hydrocephalus and preserved SVZ neurogenesis. These observations suggest that TSK plays a crucial role as a niche molecule modulating the fate of SVZ NSCs and point to TSK as a candidate for the diagnosis and therapy of hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naofumi Ito
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - M Asrafuzzaman Riyadh
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shah Adil Ishtiyaq Ahmad
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of System Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yonehiro Kanemura
- Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14, Hoensaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0006, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Furuta
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Mouse Genetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-cho, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Naoko Kaneko
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirota
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.,Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Jun Hatakeyama
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Felemban Athary Abdulhaleem M
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Badrul Anam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO Program", Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Physiology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hirohide Takebayashi
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Takebayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Michael J Holtzman
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Yoshiko Takahashi
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.,AMED Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | | | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of System Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Sawamoto
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.,Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan. .,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO Program", Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,AMED Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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23
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Galvani G, Mottolese N, Gennaccaro L, Loi M, Medici G, Tassinari M, Fuchs C, Ciani E, Trazzi S. Inhibition of microglia overactivation restores neuronal survival in a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:155. [PMID: 34238328 PMCID: PMC8265075 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, is caused by mutations in the CDKL5 gene. Evidence in animal models of CDD showed that absence of CDKL5 negatively affects neuronal survival, as well as neuronal maturation and dendritic outgrowth; however, knowledge of the substrates underlying these alterations is still limited. Neuroinflammatory processes are known to contribute to neuronal dysfunction and death. Recent evidence shows a subclinical chronic inflammatory status in plasma from CDD patients. However, to date, it is unknown whether a similar inflammatory status is present in the brain of CDD patients and, if so, whether this plays a causative or exacerbating role in the pathophysiology of CDD. Methods We evaluated microglia activation using AIF-1 immunofluorescence, proinflammatory cytokine expression, and signaling in the brain of a mouse model of CDD, the Cdkl5 KO mouse, which is characterized by an impaired survival of hippocampal neurons that worsens with age. Hippocampal neuron survival was determined by DCX, NeuN, and cleaved caspase-3 immunostaining in Cdkl5 KO mice treated with luteolin (10 mg/kg), a natural anti-inflammatory flavonoid. Since hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice exhibit increased susceptibility to excitotoxic stress, we evaluated neuronal survival in Cdkl5 KO mice injected with NMDA (60 mg/kg) after a 7-day treatment with luteolin. Results We found increased microglial activation in the brain of the Cdkl5 KO mouse. We found alterations in microglial cell morphology and number, increased levels of AIF-1 and proinflammatory cytokines, and activation of STAT3 signaling. Remarkably, treatment with luteolin recovers microglia alterations as well as neuronal survival and maturation in Cdkl5 KO mice, and prevents the increase in NMDA-induced cell death in the hippocampus. Conclusions Our results suggest that neuroinflammatory processes contribute to the pathogenesis of CDD and imply the potential usefulness of luteolin as a treatment option in CDD patients. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-021-02204-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Mottolese
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Tassinari
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Piazza di Porta San Donato 2, 40126, Bologna, Italy.
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24
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La Montanara P, Hervera A, Baltussen LL, Hutson TH, Palmisano I, De Virgiliis F, Kong G, Chadwick J, Gao Y, Bartus K, Majid QA, Gorgoraptis N, Wong K, Downs J, Pizzorusso T, Ultanir SK, Leonard H, Yu H, Millar DS, Istvan N, Mazarakis ND, Di Giovanni S. Cyclin-dependent-like kinase 5 is required for pain signaling in human sensory neurons and mouse models. Sci Transl Med 2021; 12:12/551/eaax4846. [PMID: 32641489 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax4846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent-like kinase 5 (CDKL5) gene mutations lead to an X-linked disorder that is characterized by infantile epileptic encephalopathy, developmental delay, and hypotonia. However, we found that a substantial percentage of these patients also report a previously unrecognized anamnestic deficiency in pain perception. Consistent with a role in nociception, we found that CDKL5 is expressed selectively in nociceptive dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons in mice and in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived human nociceptors. CDKL5-deficient mice display defective epidermal innervation, and conditional deletion of CDKL5 in DRG sensory neurons impairs nociception, phenocopying CDKL5 deficiency disorder in patients. Mechanistically, CDKL5 interacts with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II α (CaMKIIα) to control outgrowth and transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1)-dependent signaling, which are disrupted in both CDKL5 mutant murine DRG and human iPS-derived nociceptors. Together, these findings unveil a previously unrecognized role for CDKL5 in nociception, proposing an original regulatory mechanism for pain perception with implications for future therapeutics in CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo La Montanara
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
| | - Arnau Hervera
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.,Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08028 Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology & Institute of Neuroscience, Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucas L Baltussen
- Kinases and Brain Development Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London NW1 1AT, UK
| | - Thomas H Hutson
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ilaria Palmisano
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francesco De Virgiliis
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Guiping Kong
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Jessica Chadwick
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Yunan Gao
- Gene Therapy, Centre for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Katalin Bartus
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London Bridge, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Qasim A Majid
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nikos Gorgoraptis
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Kingsley Wong
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jenny Downs
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council (CNR), I-56124 Pisa, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, I-50135 Florence, Italy
| | - Sila K Ultanir
- Gene Therapy, Centre for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - David S Millar
- Institute of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff F14 4ED, UK
| | - Nagy Istvan
- Nociception, Section of Anesthetics, Pain Medicine and Intensive Care, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Gene Therapy, Centre for Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Simone Di Giovanni
- Department of Brain Sciences, Division of Neuroscience, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK.
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25
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Gennaccaro L, Fuchs C, Loi M, Pizzo R, Alvente S, Berteotti C, Lupori L, Sagona G, Galvani G, Gurgone A, Raspanti A, Medici G, Tassinari M, Trazzi S, Ren E, Rimondini R, Pizzorusso T, Giovanna Z, Maurizio G, Elisabetta C. Age-Related Cognitive and Motor Decline in a Mouse Model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder is Associated with Increased Neuronal Senescence and Death. Aging Dis 2021; 12:764-785. [PMID: 34094641 PMCID: PMC8139207 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2020.0827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe neurodevelopmental disease caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene. Children affected by CDD display a clinical phenotype characterized by early-onset epilepsy, intellectual disability, motor impairment, and autistic-like features. Although the clinical aspects associated with CDKL5 mutations are well described in children, adults with CDD are still under-characterized. Similarly, most animal research has been carried out on young adult Cdkl5 knockout (KO) mice only. Since age represents a risk factor for the worsening of symptoms in many neurodevelopmental disorders, understanding age differences in the development of behavioral deficits is crucial in order to optimize the impact of therapeutic interventions. Here, we compared young adult Cdkl5 KO mice with middle-aged Cdkl5 KO mice, at a behavioral, neuroanatomical, and molecular level. We found an age-dependent decline in motor, cognitive, and social behaviors in Cdkl5 KO mice, as well as in breathing and sleep patterns. The behavioral decline in older Cdkl5 KO mice was not associated with a worsening of neuroanatomical alterations, such as decreased dendritic arborization or spine density, but was paralleled by decreased neuronal survival in different brain regions such as the hippocampus, cortex, and basal ganglia. Interestingly, we found increased β-galactosidase activity and DNA repair protein levels, γH2AX and XRCC5, in the brains of older Cdkl5 KO mice, which suggests that an absence of Cdkl5 accelerates neuronal senescence/death by triggering irreparable DNA damage. In summary, this work provides evidence that CDKL5 may play a fundamental role in neuronal survival during brain aging and suggests a possible worsening with age of the clinical picture in CDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gennaccaro
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Fuchs
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pizzo
- 2Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Sara Alvente
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Berteotti
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Leonardo Lupori
- 3BIO@SNS lab, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,4Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Sagona
- 4Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,5Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,6Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galvani
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia Gurgone
- 2Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giorgio Medici
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna Tassinari
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Ren
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Rimondini
- 7Department of Medical and Clinical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- 3BIO@SNS lab, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,4Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy.,5Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Zoccoli Giovanna
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giustetto Maurizio
- 2Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,8National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Turin, Italy
| | - Ciani Elisabetta
- 1Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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26
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Carli S, Chaabane L, Butti C, De Palma C, Aimar P, Salio C, Vignoli A, Giustetto M, Landsberger N, Frasca A. In vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the brain of Cdkl5 null mice reveals a metabolic profile indicative of mitochondrial dysfunctions. J Neurochem 2021; 157:1253-1269. [PMID: 33448385 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene cause CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD), a severe neurodevelopmental condition mainly characterized by infantile epileptic encephalopathy, intellectual disability, and autistic features. The molecular mechanisms underlying the clinical symptoms remain largely unknown and the identification of reliable biomarkers in animal models will certainly contribute to increase our comprehension of CDD as well as to assess the efficacy of therapeutic strategies. Here, we used different Magnetic Resonance (MR) methods to disclose structural, functional, or metabolic signatures of Cdkl5 deficiency in the brain of adult mice. We found that loss of Cdkl5 does not cause cerebral atrophy but affects distinct brain areas, particularly the hippocampus. By in vivo proton-MR spectroscopy (MRS), we revealed in the Cdkl5 null brain a metabolic dysregulation indicative of mitochondrial dysfunctions. Accordingly, we unveiled a significant reduction in ATP levels and a decrease in the expression of complex IV of mitochondrial electron transport chain. Conversely, the number of mitochondria appeared preserved. Importantly, we reported a significant defect in the activation of one of the major regulators of cellular energy balance, the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), that might contribute to the observed metabolic impairment and become an interesting therapeutic target for future preclinical trials. In conclusion, MRS revealed in the Cdkl5 null brain the presence of a metabolic dysregulation suggestive of a mitochondrial dysfunction that permitted to foster our comprehension of Cdkl5 deficiency and brought our interest towards targeting mitochondria as therapeutic strategy for CDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Carli
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Chaabane
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE) and Experimental Imaging Center (CIS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Clarissa Butti
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research (WIBR), University College London, London, UK
| | - Clara De Palma
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Patrizia Aimar
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Chiara Salio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Aglaia Vignoli
- Epilepsy Center-Child Neuropsychiatric Unit, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giustetto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience-Italy, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Neuroscience Division, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
| | - Angelisa Frasca
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Segrate (Milan), Italy
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27
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Wang HT, Zhu ZA, Li YY, Lou SS, Yang G, Feng X, Xu W, Huang ZL, Cheng X, Xiong ZQ. CDKL5 deficiency in forebrain glutamatergic neurons results in recurrent spontaneous seizures. Epilepsia 2021; 62:517-528. [PMID: 33400301 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mutations of the cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene cause severe neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by intractable epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autism. Multiple mouse models generated for mechanistic studies have exhibited phenotypes similar to some human pathological features, but none of the models has developed one of the major symptoms affecting CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) patients: intractable recurrent seizures. As disrupted neuronal excitation/inhibition balance is closely associated with the activity of glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) neurons, our aim was to study the effect of the loss of CDKL5 in different types of neurons on epilepsy. METHODS Using the Cre-LoxP system, we generated conditional knockout (cKO) mouse lines allowing CDKL5 deficiency in glutamatergic or GABAergic neurons. We employed noninvasive video recording and in vivo electrophysiological approaches to study seizure activity in these Cdkl5 cKO mice. Furthermore, we conducted Timm staining to confirm a morphological alteration, mossy fiber sprouting, which occurs with limbic epilepsy in both human and mouse brains. Finally, we performed whole-cell patch clamp in dentate granule cells to investigate cell-intrinsic properties and synaptic excitatory activity. RESULTS We demonstrate that Emx1- or CamK2α-derived Cdkl5 cKO mice manifest high-frequency spontaneous seizure activities recapitulating the epilepsy of CDD patients, which ultimately led to sudden death in mice. However, Cdkl5 deficiency in GABAergic neurons does not generate such seizures. The seizures were accompanied by typical epileptic features including higher amplitude spikes for epileptiform discharges and abnormal hippocampal mossy fiber sprouting. We also found an increase in spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequencies but no change in amplitudes in the dentate granule cells of Emx1-cKO mice, indicating enhanced excitatory synaptic activity. SIGNIFICANCE Our study demonstrates that Cdkl5 cKO mice, serving as an animal model to study recurrent spontaneous seizures, have potential value for the pathological study of CDD-related seizures and for therapeutic innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Tao Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Zi-Ai Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Yan Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sen-Sen Lou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Li Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuewen Cheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Shanghai Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence Technology, Shanghai, China
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28
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Terzic B, Cui Y, Edmondson AC, Tang S, Sarmiento N, Zaitseva D, Marsh ED, Coulter DA, Zhou Z. X-linked cellular mosaicism underlies age-dependent occurrence of seizure-like events in mouse models of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 148:105176. [PMID: 33197557 PMCID: PMC7856307 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is an infantile, epileptic encephalopathy presenting with early-onset seizures, intellectual disability, motor impairment, and autistic features. The disorder has been linked to mutations in the X-linked CDKL5, and mouse models of the disease recapitulate several aspects of CDD symptomology, including learning and memory impairments, motor deficits, and autistic-like features. Although early-onset epilepsy is one of the hallmark features of CDD, evidence of spontaneous seizure activity has only recently been described in Cdkl5-deficient heterozygous female mice, but the etiology, prevalence, and sex-specificity of this phenotype remain unknown. Here, we report the first observation of disturbance-associated seizure-like events in heterozygous female mice across two independent mouse models of CDD: Cdkl5 knockout mice and CDKL5 R59X knock-in mice. We find that both the prevalence and severity of this phenotype increase with aging, with a median onset around 28 weeks of age. Similar seizure-like events are not observed in hemizygous knockout male or homozygous knockout female littermates, suggesting that X-linked cellular mosaicism is a driving factor underlying these seizure-like events. Together, these findings not only contribute to our understanding of the effects of CDKL5 loss on seizure susceptibility, but also document a novel, pre-clinical phenotype for future therapeutic investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Terzic
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yue Cui
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Andrew C Edmondson
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sheng Tang
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Nicolas Sarmiento
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Daria Zaitseva
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas A Coulter
- Departments of Neuroscience, Neurology, and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
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29
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Turner TJ, Zourray C, Schorge S, Lignani G. Recent advances in gene therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders with epilepsy. J Neurochem 2020; 157:229-262. [PMID: 32880951 PMCID: PMC8436749 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders can be caused by mutations in neuronal genes fundamental to brain development. These disorders have severe symptoms ranging from intellectually disability, social and cognitive impairments, and a subset are strongly linked with epilepsy. In this review, we focus on those neurodevelopmental disorders that are frequently characterized by the presence of epilepsy (NDD + E). We loosely group the genes linked to NDD + E with different neuronal functions: transcriptional regulation, intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission. All these genes have in common a pivotal role in defining the brain architecture and function during early development, and when their function is altered, symptoms can present in the first stages of human life. The relationship with epilepsy is complex. In some NDD + E, epilepsy is a comorbidity and in others seizures appear to be the main cause of the pathology, suggesting that either structural changes (NDD) or neuronal communication (E) can lead to these disorders. Furthermore, grouping the genes that cause NDD + E, we review the uses and limitations of current models of the different disorders, and how different gene therapy strategies are being developed to treat them. We highlight where gene replacement may not be a treatment option, and where innovative therapeutic tools, such as CRISPR‐based gene editing, and new avenues of delivery are required. In general this group of genetically defined disorders, supported increasing knowledge of the mechanisms leading to neurological dysfunction serve as an excellent collection for illustrating the translational potential of gene therapy, including newly emerging tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Turner
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Clara Zourray
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK.,Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | | | - Gabriele Lignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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30
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Yamada Y, Yoshikawa T, Naganuma F, Kikkawa T, Osumi N, Yanai K. Chronic brain histamine depletion in adult mice induced depression-like behaviours and impaired sleep-wake cycle. Neuropharmacology 2020; 175:108179. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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31
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Mahmood HM, Aldhalaan HM, Alshammari TK, Alqasem MA, Alshammari MA, Albekairi NA, AlSharari SD. The Role of Nicotinic Receptors in the Attenuation of Autism-Related Behaviors in a Murine BTBR T + tf/J Autistic Model. Autism Res 2020; 13:1311-1334. [PMID: 32691528 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Nicotinic receptors are distributed throughout the central and peripheral nervous system. Postmortem studies have reported that some nicotinic receptor subtypes are altered in the brains of autistic people. Recent studies have demonstrated the importance of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in the autistic behavior of BTBR T + tf/J mouse model of autism. This study was undertaken to examine the behavioral effects of targeted nAChRs using pharmacological ligands, including nicotine and mecamylamine in BTBR T + tf/J and C57BL/6J mice in a panel of behavioral tests relating to autism. These behavioral tests included the three-chamber social interaction, self-grooming, marble burying, locomotor activity, and rotarod test. We examined the effect of various oral doses of nicotine (50, 100, and 400 mcg/mL; po) over a period of 2 weeks in BTBR T + tf/J mouse model. The results indicated that the chronic administration of nicotine modulated sociability and repetitive behavior in BTBR T + tf/J mice while no effects observed in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, the nonselective nAChR antagonist, mecamylamine, reversed nicotine effects on sociability and increased repetitive behaviors in BTBR T + tf/J mice. Overall, the findings indicate that the pharmacological modulation of nicotinic receptors is involved in modulating core behavioral phenotypes in the BTBR T + tf/J mouse model. LAY SUMMARY: The involvement of brain nicotinic neurotransmission system plays a crucial role in regulating autism-related behavioral features. In addition, the brain of the autistic-like mouse model has a low acetylcholine level. Here, we report that nicotine, at certain doses, improved sociability and reduced repetitive behaviors in a mouse model of autism, implicating the potential therapeutic values of a pharmacological intervention targeting nicotinic receptors for autism therapy. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1311-1334. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafiz M Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M Aldhalaan
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tahani K Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mashael A Alqasem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad A Alshammari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Norah A Albekairi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shakir D AlSharari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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32
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Mulcahey PJ, Tang S, Takano H, White A, Davila Portillo DR, Kane OM, Marsh ED, Zhou Z, Coulter DA. Aged heterozygous Cdkl5 mutant mice exhibit spontaneous epileptic spasms. Exp Neurol 2020; 332:113388. [PMID: 32585155 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by early-onset epilepsy, severe intellectual disability, cortical visual impairment and motor disabilities. Epilepsy is a central feature of CDD, with most patients having intractable seizures, but seizure frequency and severity can vary. Clinical reports demonstrate a diversity in seizure semiology and electrographic features, with no pattern diagnostic of CDD. Although animal models of CDD have shown evidence of hyperexcitability, spontaneous seizures have not been previously reported. Here, we present the first systematic study of spontaneous seizures in mouse models of CDD. Epileptic spasms, the most frequent and persistent seizure type in CDD patients, were recapitulated in two mouse models of CDD carrying heterozygous mutations, Cdkl5R59X and Cdkl5KO. Spasm-like events were present in a significant proportion of aged heterozygous female mice carrying either of the two Cdkl5 mutations with significant variability in seizure burden. Electrographically, spasms were most frequently associated with generalized slow-wave activity and tended to occur in clusters during sleep. CDD mice also showed interictal and background abnormalities, characterized by high-amplitude spiking and altered power in multiple frequency bands. These data demonstrate that aged female heterozygous Cdkl5 mice recapitulate multiple features of epilepsy in CDD and can serve to complement existing models of epileptic spasms in future mechanistic and translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J Mulcahey
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Sheng Tang
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Hajime Takano
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Alicia White
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Dayana R Davila Portillo
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Owen M Kane
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Eric D Marsh
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America; Departments of Neurology, and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Zhaolan Zhou
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Douglas A Coulter
- Division of Child Neurology and CHOP Research Institute, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, United States of America; Department of Neuroscience and Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, United States of America.
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33
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Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 (CDKL5): Possible Cellular Signalling Targets and Involvement in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Neural Plast 2020; 2020:6970190. [PMID: 32587608 PMCID: PMC7293752 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6970190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5, also known as STK9) is a serine/threonine protein kinase originally identified in 1998 during a transcriptional mapping project of the human X chromosome. Thereafter, a mutation in CDKL5 was reported in individuals with the atypical Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder, suggesting that CDKL5 plays an important regulatory role in neuronal function. The disease associated with CDKL5 mutation has recently been recognised as CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) and has been distinguished from the Rett syndrome owing to its symptomatic manifestation. Because CDKL5 mutations identified in patients with CDD cause enzymatic loss of function, CDKL5 catalytic activity is likely strongly associated with the disease. Consequently, the exploration of CDKL5 substrate characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of its catalytic activity are important for identifying therapeutic target molecules and developing new treatment. In this review, we summarise recent findings on the phosphorylation of CDKL5 substrates and the mechanisms of CDKL5 phosphorylation and dephosphorylation. We also discuss the relationship between changes in the phosphorylation signalling pathways and the Cdkl5 knockout mouse phenotype and consider future prospects for the treatment of mental and neurological disease associated with CDKL5 mutations.
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34
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Fingolimod Modulates Dendritic Architecture in a BDNF-Dependent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093079. [PMID: 32349283 PMCID: PMC7247704 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays crucial roles in both the developing and mature brain. Moreover, alterations in BDNF levels are correlated with the cognitive impairment observed in several neurological diseases. Among the different therapeutic strategies developed to improve endogenous BDNF levels is the administration of the BDNF-inducing drug Fingolimod, an agonist of the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor. Fingolimod treatment was shown to rescue diverse symptoms associated with several neurological conditions (i.e., Alzheimer disease, Rett syndrome). However, the cellular mechanisms through which Fingolimod mediates its BDNF-dependent therapeutic effects remain unclear. We show that Fingolimod regulates the dendritic architecture, dendritic spine density and morphology of healthy mature primary hippocampal neurons. Moreover, the application of Fingolimod upregulates the expression of activity-related proteins c-Fos and pERK1/2 in these cells. Importantly, we show that BDNF release is required for these actions of Fingolimod. As alterations in neuronal structure underlie cognitive impairment, we tested whether Fingolimod application might prevent the abnormalities in neuronal structure typical of two neurodevelopmental disorders, namely Rett syndrome and Cdk5 deficiency disorder. We found a significant rescue in the neurite architecture of developing cortical neurons from Mecp2 and Cdkl5 mutant mice. Our study provides insights into understanding the BDNF-dependent therapeutic actions of Fingolimod.
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35
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Lupori L, Sagona G, Fuchs C, Mazziotti R, Stefanov A, Putignano E, Napoli D, Strettoi E, Ciani E, Pizzorusso T. Site-specific abnormalities in the visual system of a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:2851-2861. [PMID: 31108505 PMCID: PMC6736061 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a severe global developmental delay and early-onset seizures. Notably, patients show distinctive visual abnormalities often clinically diagnosed as cortical visual impairment. However, the involvement of cerebral cortical dysfunctions in the origin of the symptoms is poorly understood. CDD mouse models also display visual deficits, and cortical visual responses can be used as a robust biomarker in CDKL5 mutant mice. A deeper understanding of the circuits underlying the described visual deficits is essential for directing preclinical research and translational approaches. Here, we addressed this question in two ways: first, we performed an in-depth morphological analysis of the visual pathway, from the retina to the primary visual cortex (V1), of CDKL5 null mice. We found that the lack of CDKL5 produced no alteration in the organization of retinal circuits. Conversely, CDKL5 mutants showed reduced density and altered morphology of spines and decreased excitatory synapse marker PSD95 in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus and in V1. An increase in the inhibitory marker VGAT was selectively present in V1. Second, using a conditional CDKL5 knockout model, we showed that selective cortical deletion of CDKL5 from excitatory cells is sufficient to produce abnormalities of visual cortical responses, demonstrating that the normal function of cortical circuits is dependent on CDKL5. Intriguingly, these deficits were associated with morphological alterations of V1 excitatory and inhibitory synaptic contacts. In summary, this work proposes cortical circuit structure and function as a critically important target for studying CDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Lupori
- BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Giulia Sagona
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA University of Florence, Area San Salvi-Pad. 26, Florence 50135, Italy.,Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa 56128, Italy
| | - Claudia Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Raffaele Mazziotti
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA University of Florence, Area San Salvi-Pad. 26, Florence 50135, Italy
| | - Antonia Stefanov
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Elena Putignano
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Debora Napoli
- BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Enrica Strettoi
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Tommaso Pizzorusso
- BIO@SNS Laboratory, Scuola Normale Superiore, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience, National Research Council, Via Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health NEUROFARBA University of Florence, Area San Salvi-Pad. 26, Florence 50135, Italy
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36
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Gao Y, Irvine EE, Eleftheriadou I, Naranjo CJ, Hearn-Yeates F, Bosch L, Glegola JA, Murdoch L, Czerniak A, Meloni I, Renieri A, Kinali M, Mazarakis ND. Gene replacement ameliorates deficits in mouse and human models of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 disorder. Brain 2020; 143:811-832. [DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 disorder is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene. It predominantly affects females who typically present with severe early epileptic encephalopathy, global developmental delay, motor dysfunction, autistic features and sleep disturbances. To develop a gene replacement therapy, we initially characterized the human CDKL5 transcript isoforms expressed in the brain, neuroblastoma cell lines, primary astrocytes and embryonic stem cell-derived cortical interneurons. We found that the isoform 1 and to a lesser extent the isoform 2 were expressed in human brain, and both neuronal and glial cell types. These isoforms were subsequently cloned into recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector genome and high-titre viral vectors were produced. Intrajugular delivery of green fluorescence protein via AAV vector serotype PHP.B in adult wild-type male mice transduced neurons and astrocytes throughout the brain more efficiently than serotype 9. Cdkl5 knockout male mice treated with isoform 1 via intrajugular injection at age 28–30 days exhibited significant behavioural improvements compared to green fluorescence protein-treated controls (1012 vg per animal, n = 10 per group) with PHP.B vectors. Brain expression of the isoform 1 transgene was more abundant in hindbrain than forebrain and midbrain. Transgene brain expression was sporadic at the cellular level and most prominent in hippocampal neurons and cerebellar Purkinje cells. Correction of postsynaptic density protein 95 cerebellar misexpression, a major fine cerebellar structural abnormality in Cdkl5 knockout mice, was found in regions of high transgene expression within the cerebellum. AAV vector serotype DJ efficiently transduced CDKL5-mutant human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitors, which were subsequently differentiated into mature neurons. When treating CDKL5-mutant neurons, isoform 1 expression led to an increased density of synaptic puncta, while isoform 2 ameliorated the calcium signalling defect compared to green fluorescence protein control, implying distinct functions of these isoforms in neurons. This study provides the first evidence that gene therapy mediated by AAV vectors can be used for treating CDKL5 disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Gao
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Elaine E Irvine
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Ioanna Eleftheriadou
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Carlos Jiménez Naranjo
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Francesca Hearn-Yeates
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Leontien Bosch
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Justyna A Glegola
- Metabolic Signalling Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Leah Murdoch
- CBS Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
| | | | - Ilaria Meloni
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Renieri
- Medical Genetics, Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Maria Kinali
- The Portland Hospital, 205-209 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5AH, UK
| | - Nicholas D Mazarakis
- Gene Therapy, Section of Neuroscience, Department of Brain Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London W12 0NN, UK
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Increased DNA Damage and Apoptosis in CDKL5-Deficient Neurons. Mol Neurobiol 2020; 57:2244-2262. [PMID: 32002787 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-020-01884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the CDKL5 gene, which encodes a serine/threonine kinase, causes a rare encephalopathy, characterized by early-onset epilepsy and severe intellectual disability, named CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). In vitro and in vivo studies in mouse models of Cdkl5 deficiency have highlighted the role of CDKL5 in brain development and, in particular, in the morphogenesis and synaptic connectivity of hippocampal and cortical neurons. Interestingly, Cdkl5 deficiency in mice increases vulnerability to excitotoxic stress in hippocampal neurons. However, the mechanism by which CDKL5 controls neuronal survival is far from being understood. To investigate further the function of CDKL5 and dissect the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal survival, we generated a human neuronal model of CDKL5 deficiency, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. We demonstrated that CDKL5 deletion in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells not only impairs neuronal maturation but also reduces cell proliferation and survival, with alterations in the AKT and ERK signaling pathways and an increase in the proapoptotic BAX protein and in DNA damage-associated biomarkers (i.e., γH2AX, RAD50, and PARP1). Furthermore, CDKL5-deficient cells were hypersensitive to DNA damage-associated stress, accumulated more DNA damage foci (γH2AX positive) and were more prone to cell death than the controls. Importantly, increased kainic acid-induced cell death of hippocampal neurons of Cdkl5 KO mice correlated with an increased γH2AX immunostaining. The results suggest a previously unknown role for CDKL5 in DNA damage response that could underlie the pro-survival function of CDKL5.
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Fuchs C, Gennaccaro L, Ren E, Galvani G, Trazzi S, Medici G, Loi M, Conway E, Devinsky O, Rimondini R, Ciani E. Pharmacotherapy with sertraline rescues brain development and behavior in a mouse model of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Neuropharmacology 2019; 167:107746. [PMID: 31469994 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107746] [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: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene cause a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD). CDKL5 is fundamental for correct brain development and function, but the molecular mechanisms underlying aberrant neurologic dysfunction in CDD are incompletely understood. Here we show a dysregulation of hippocampal and cortical serotonergic (5-HT) receptor expression in heterozygous Cdkl5 knockout (KO) female mice, suggesting that impaired 5-HT neurotransmission contributes to CDD. We demonstrate that targeting impaired 5-HT signaling via the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline rescues CDD-related neurodevelopmental and behavioral defects in heterozygous Cdkl5 KO female mice. In particular, chronic treatment with sertraline normalized locomotion, stereotypic and autistic-like features, and spatial memory in Cdkl5 KO mice. These positive behavioral effects were accompanied by restored neuronal survival, dendritic development and synaptic connectivity. At a molecular level, sertraline increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and restored abnormal phosphorylation levels of tyrosine kinase B (TrkB) and its downstream target the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Since sertraline is an FDA-approved drug with an extensive safety and tolerability data package, even for children, our findings suggest that sertraline may improve neurodevelopment in children with CDD. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Serotonin Research: Crossing Scales and Boundaries'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fuchs
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Ren
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Galvani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefania Trazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Medici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Loi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Erin Conway
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, USA
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, USA
| | - Roberto Rimondini
- Department of Medical and Clinical Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Barbiero I, De Rosa R, Kilstrup-Nielsen C. Microtubules: A Key to Understand and Correct Neuronal Defects in CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4075. [PMID: 31438497 PMCID: PMC6747382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is a severe neurodevelopmental encephalopathy caused by mutations in the X-linked CDKL5 gene that encodes a serine/threonine kinase. CDD is characterised by the early onset of seizures and impaired cognitive and motor skills. Loss of CDKL5 in vitro and in vivo affects neuronal morphology at early and late stages of maturation, suggesting a link between CDKL5 and the neuronal cytoskeleton. Recently, various microtubule (MT)-binding proteins have been identified as interactors of CDKL5, indicating that its roles converge on regulating MT functioning. MTs are dynamic structures that are important for neuronal morphology, migration and polarity. The delicate control of MT dynamics is fundamental for proper neuronal functions, as evidenced by the fact that aberrant MT dynamics are involved in various neurological disorders. In this review, we highlight the link between CDKL5 and MTs, discussing how CDKL5 deficiency may lead to deranged neuronal functions through aberrant MT dynamics. Finally, we discuss whether the regulation of MT dynamics through microtubule-targeting agents may represent a novel strategy for future pharmacological approaches in the CDD field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Barbiero
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Roberta De Rosa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, (DBSV), University of Insubria, Via Manara 7, 21052 Busto Arsizio (VA), Italy.
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Olson HE, Demarest ST, Pestana-Knight EM, Swanson LC, Iqbal S, Lal D, Leonard H, Cross JH, Devinsky O, Benke TA. Cyclin-Dependent Kinase-Like 5 Deficiency Disorder: Clinical Review. Pediatr Neurol 2019; 97:18-25. [PMID: 30928302 PMCID: PMC7120929 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2019.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) is a developmental encephalopathy caused by pathogenic variants in the gene CDKL5. This unique disorder includes early infantile onset refractory epilepsy, hypotonia, developmental intellectual and motor disabilities, and cortical visual impairment. We review the clinical presentations and genetic variations in CDD based on a systematic literature review and experience in the CDKL5 Centers of Excellence. We propose minimum diagnostic criteria. Pathogenic variants include deletions, truncations, splice variants, and missense variants. Pathogenic missense variants occur exclusively within the kinase domain or affect splice sites. The CDKL5 protein is widely expressed in the brain, predominantly in neurons, with roles in cell proliferation, neuronal migration, axonal outgrowth, dendritic morphogenesis, and synapse development. The molecular biology of CDD is revealing opportunities in precision therapy, with phase 2 and 3 clinical trials underway or planned to assess disease specific and disease modifying treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Olson
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
| | - Scott T Demarest
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elia M Pestana-Knight
- Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute Epilepsy Center, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute Pediatric Neurology Department, Neurogenetics, Cleveland Clinic Children's, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Lindsay C Swanson
- Division of Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sumaiya Iqbal
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Analytic and Translational Genetics Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Dennis Lal
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Genomic Medicine Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Helen Leonard
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J Helen Cross
- UCL Great Ormond Street NIHR BRC Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York
| | - Tim A Benke
- Children's Hospital Colorado, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Neurology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; Department of Otolaryngology, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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Deep learning of spontaneous arousal fluctuations detects early cholinergic defects across neurodevelopmental mouse models and patients. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 117:23298-23303. [PMID: 31332003 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1820847116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental spectrum disorders like autism (ASD) are diagnosed, on average, beyond age 4 y, after multiple critical periods of brain development close and behavioral intervention becomes less effective. This raises the urgent need for quantitative, noninvasive, and translational biomarkers for their early detection and tracking. We found that both idiopathic (BTBR) and genetic (CDKL5- and MeCP2-deficient) mouse models of ASD display an early, impaired cholinergic neuromodulation as reflected in altered spontaneous pupil fluctuations. Abnormalities were already present before the onset of symptoms and were rescued by the selective expression of MeCP2 in cholinergic circuits. Hence, we trained a neural network (ConvNetACh) to recognize, with 97% accuracy, patterns of these arousal fluctuations in mice with enhanced cholinergic sensitivity (LYNX1-deficient). ConvNetACh then successfully detected impairments in all ASD mouse models tested except in MeCP2-rescued mice. By retraining only the last layers of ConvNetACh with heart rate variation data (a similar proxy of arousal) directly from Rett syndrome patients, we generated ConvNetPatients, a neural network capable of distinguishing them from typically developing subjects. Even with small cohorts of rare patients, our approach exhibited significant accuracy before (80% in the first and second year of life) and into regression (88% in stage III patients). Thus, transfer learning across species and modalities establishes spontaneous arousal fluctuations combined with deep learning as a robust noninvasive, quantitative, and sensitive translational biomarker for the rapid and early detection of neurodevelopmental disorders before major symptom onset.
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Altered NMDAR signaling underlies autistic-like features in mouse models of CDKL5 deficiency disorder. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2655. [PMID: 31201320 PMCID: PMC6572855 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10689-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) is characterized by epilepsy, intellectual disability, and autistic features, and CDKL5-deficient mice exhibit a constellation of behavioral phenotypes reminiscent of the human disorder. We previously found that CDKL5 dysfunction in forebrain glutamatergic neurons results in deficits in learning and memory. However, the pathogenic origin of the autistic features of CDD remains unknown. Here, we find that selective loss of CDKL5 in GABAergic neurons leads to autistic-like phenotypes in mice accompanied by excessive glutamatergic transmission, hyperexcitability, and increased levels of postsynaptic NMDA receptors. Acute, low-dose inhibition of NMDAR signaling ameliorates autistic-like behaviors in GABAergic knockout mice, as well as a novel mouse model bearing a CDD-associated nonsense mutation, CDKL5 R59X, implicating the translational potential of this mechanism. Together, our findings suggest that enhanced NMDAR signaling and circuit hyperexcitability underlie autistic-like features in mouse models of CDD and provide a new therapeutic avenue to treat CDD-related symptoms. Mouse models of CDKL5 deficiency disorder (CDD) recapitulate multiple clinical symptoms of CDD, such as intellectual disability and autism. Here, the authors show that selective loss of CDKL5 from GABAergic neurons leads to social deficits and stereotypic behaviors, which can be ameliorated through inhibition of NMDAR signaling.
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Hattori S, Okumura Y, Takao K, Yamaguchi Y, Miyakawa T. Open source code for behavior analysis in rodents. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2019; 39:67-69. [PMID: 30659767 PMCID: PMC7292282 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim We have conducted a series of behavioral tests, which cover a broad range of behavioral domains, on various strains of genetically engineered mice. For the behavioral screening, we have been using Image J plugins that we developed for most of the tests in the battery. Our behavioral analysis system with the plugins enables systematic and automated image analysis of behavior. The plugins are freely available on the “Mouse Phenotype Database” website (http://www.mouse-phenotype.org/software.html). Here, we release the source code of the plugins in a Git repository with the aim of promoting their use and expanding their functionality. Methods We published the source code of the Image J plugins for behavioral analysis at Git repository (https://github.com/neuroinformatics). The source code for light/dark transition, elevated plus maze, open filed, T‐maze, and fear conditioning tests was made publicly available in the repository. Conclusions The source code of the plugins for the behavioral tests as well as the pre‐compiled binaries can be freely obtained. The open source code could promote the development and modification of the plugins for additional behavioral indices in these tests and for other behavioral tests. We developed the Image J plugins for behavioral analysis, and the pre‐compiled plugins are freely available on the website of “Mouse Phenotype Database.” Here, we released the source code of the plugins in the Git repository.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Okumura
- Neuroinformatics Unit, Integrative Computational Brain Science Collaboration Center, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Division of Animal Resources and Development, Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamaguchi
- Neuroinformatics Unit, Integrative Computational Brain Science Collaboration Center, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Katano T, Takao K, Abe M, Yamazaki M, Watanabe M, Miyakawa T, Sakimura K, Ito S. Distribution of Caskin1 protein and phenotypic characterization of its knockout mice using a comprehensive behavioral test battery. Mol Brain 2018; 11:63. [PMID: 30359304 PMCID: PMC6202847 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-018-0407-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase (CASK)-interacting protein 1 (Caskin1) is a direct binding partner of the synaptic adaptor protein CASK. Because Caskin1 forms homo-multimers and binds not only CASK but also other neuronal proteins in vitro, it is anticipated to have neural functions; but its exact role in mammals remains unclear. Previously, we showed that the concentration of Caskin1 in the spinal dorsal horn increases under chronic pain. To characterize this protein, we generated Caskin1-knockout (Caskin1-KO) mice and specific anti-Caskin1 antibodies. Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that Caskin1 was broadly distributed in the whole brain and spinal cord, and that it primarily localized at synapses. To elucidate the neural function of Caskin1 in vivo, we subjected Caskin1-KO mice to comprehensive behavioral analysis. The mutant mice exhibited differences in gait, enhanced nociception, and anxiety-like behavior relative to their wild-type littermates. In addition, the knockouts exhibited strong freezing responses, with or without a cue tone, in contextual and cued-fear conditioning tests as well as low memory retention in the Barnes Maze test. Taken together, these results suggest that Caskin1 contributes to a wide spectrum of behavioral phenotypes, including gait, nociception, memory, and stress response, in broad regions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayo Katano
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, 573-1010 Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Section of Behavior Patterns, National Institute of Physiological Sciences NINS, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585 Japan
- Division of Experimental Animal Resource and Development, Life Science Research Center, University of Toyama, Toyama, 930-0194 Japan
| | - Manabu Abe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Maya Yamazaki
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, 94158 USA
| | - Masahiko Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, 060-8638 Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Section of Behavior Patterns, National Institute of Physiological Sciences NINS, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8585 Japan
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192 Japan
| | - Kenji Sakimura
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Brain Research Institute, Niigata University, Niigata, 951-8585 Japan
| | - Seiji Ito
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Kansai Medical University, Hirakata, 573-1010 Japan
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Zhu YC, Xiong ZQ. Molecular and Synaptic Bases of CDKL5 Disorder. Dev Neurobiol 2018; 79:8-19. [PMID: 30246934 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) encodes a serine/threonine kinase abundantly expressed in the brain. Mutations in CDKL5 have been associated with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by early-onset epileptic encephalopathy and severe intellectual disability, suggesting that CDKL5 plays important roles in brain development and function. Recent studies using cultured neurons, knockout mice, and human iPSC-derived neurons have demonstrated that CDKL5 regulates axon outgrowth, dendritic morphogenesis, and synapse formation. The role of CDKL5 in maintaining synaptic function in the mature brain has also begun to emerge. Moreover, mouse models that are deficient for CDKL5 recapitulate some of the key clinical phenotypes in human patients. Here we review these findings related to the function of CDKL5 in the brain and discuss the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Chuan Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Xiong
- Institute of Neuroscience and State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Vigli D, Rusconi L, Valenti D, La Montanara P, Cosentino L, Lacivita E, Leopoldo M, Amendola E, Gross C, Landsberger N, Laviola G, Kilstrup-Nielsen C, Vacca RA, De Filippis B. Rescue of prepulse inhibition deficit and brain mitochondrial dysfunction by pharmacological stimulation of the central serotonin receptor 7 in a mouse model of CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder. Neuropharmacology 2018; 144:104-114. [PMID: 30326240 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the X-linked cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) gene cause CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by severe behavioural and physiological symptoms. No cure is available for CDD. CDKL5 is a kinase that is abundantly expressed in the brain and plays a critical role in neurodevelopmental processes, such as neuronal morphogenesis and plasticity. This study provides the first characterization of the neurobehavioural phenotype of 1 year old Cdkl5-null mice and demonstrates that stimulation of the serotonin receptor 7 (5-HT7R) with the agonist molecule LP-211 (0.25 mg/kg once/day for 7 days) partially rescues the abnormal phenotype and brain molecular alterations in Cdkl5-null male mice. In particular, LP-211 treatment completely normalizes the prepulse inhibition defects observed in Cdkl5-null mice and, at a molecular level, restores the abnormal cortical phosphorylation of rpS6, a downstream target of mTOR and S6 kinase, which plays a direct role in regulating protein synthesis. Moreover, we demonstrate for the first time that mitochondria show prominent functional abnormalities in Cdkl5-null mouse brains that can be restored by pharmacological stimulation of brain 5-HT7R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Vigli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rusconi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Daniela Valenti
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo La Montanara
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Livia Cosentino
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Enza Lacivita
- Dept. Pharmacy, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", 70125 Bari, Italy
| | | | - Elena Amendola
- Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Cornelius Gross
- Mouse Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) 00015 Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Landsberger
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Charlotte Kilstrup-Nielsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences and Center of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21052 Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Rosa A Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies, National Council of Research, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Bianca De Filippis
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
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