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Liu J, Ye J, Ji C, Ren W, He Y, Xu F, Wang F. Mapping the Behavioral Signatures of Shank3b Mice in Both Sexes. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:1299-1314. [PMID: 38900384 PMCID: PMC11365888 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-024-01237-8] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by social and repetitive abnormalities. Although the ASD mouse model with Shank3b mutations is widely used in ASD research, the behavioral phenotype of this model has not been fully elucidated. Here, a 3D-motion capture system and linear discriminant analysis were used to comprehensively record and analyze the behavioral patterns of male and female Shank3b mutant mice. It was found that both sexes replicated the core and accompanied symptoms of ASD, with significant sex differences. Further, Shank3b heterozygous knockout mice exhibited distinct autistic behaviors, that were significantly different from those those observed in the wild type and homozygous knockout groups. Our findings provide evidence for the inclusion of both sexes and experimental approaches to efficiently characterize heterozygous transgenic models, which are more clinically relevant in autistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jialin Ye
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Chunyuan Ji
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Wenting Ren
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Youwei He
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Fuqiang Xu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Viral Vectors for Biomedicine, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Key Laboratory of Quality Control Technology for Virus-Based Therapeutics, Guangdong Provincial Medical Products Administration, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Feng Wang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Viral Vector Technology in Cell and Gene Therapy Medicinal Products, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Translational Research for Brain Diseases, Translational Research Center for the Nervous System, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behavior, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
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Dudas A, Nakahara TS, Pellissier LP, Chamero P. Parenting behaviors in mice: Olfactory mechanisms and features in models of autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105686. [PMID: 38657845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105686] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Rodents, along with numerous other mammals, heavily depend on olfactory cues to navigate their social interactions. Processing of olfactory sensory inputs is mediated by conserved brain circuits that ultimately trigger social behaviors, such as social interactions and parental care. Although innate, parenting is influenced by internal states, social experience, genetics, and the environment, and any significant disruption of these factors can impact the social circuits. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and social circuits from the olfactory epithelium to central processing that initiate parental behaviors and their dysregulations that may contribute to the social impairments in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We discuss recent advances of the crucial role of olfaction in parental care, its consequences for social interactions, and the reciprocal influence on social interaction impairments in mouse models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dudas
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Thiago S Nakahara
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
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3
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Fernandes HDB, Oliveira BDS, Machado CA, Carvalho BC, de Brito Toscano EC, da Silva MCM, Vieira ÉLM, de Oliveira ACP, Teixeira AL, de Miranda AS, da Silva AM. Behavioral, neurochemical and neuroimmune features of RasGEF1b deficient mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 129:110908. [PMID: 38048936 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
The factor RasGEF1b is a Ras guanine exchange factor involved in immune responses. Studies have also implicated RasGEF1b in the CNS development. It is still limited the understanding of the role of RasGEF1b in CNS functioning. Using RasGEF1b deficient mice (RasGEF1b-cKO), we investigated the impact of this gene deletion in behavior, cognition, brain neurochemistry and microglia morphology. We showed that RasGEF1b-cKO mice display spontaneous hyperlocomotion and anhedonia. RasGEF1b-cKO mice also exhibited compulsive-like behavior that was restored after acute treatment with the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine (5 mg/kg). A down-regulation of mRNA of dopamine receptor (Drd1, Drd2, Drd4 and Drd5) and serotonin receptor genes (5Htr1a, 5Htr1b and 5Htr1d) was observed in hippocampus of RasGEF1b-cKO mice. These mice also had reduction of Drd1 and Drd2 in prefrontal cortex and 5Htr1d in striatum. In addition, morphological alterations were observed in RasGEF1b deficient microglia along with decreased levels of hippocampal BDNF. We provided original evidence that the deletion of RasGEF1b leads to unique behavioral features, implicating this factor in CNS functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heliana de Barros Fernandes
- Laboratório de Genes Inflamatórios, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Bruna da Silva Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Caroline Amaral Machado
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Brener Cunha Carvalho
- Laboratório de Genes Inflamatórios, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Eliana Cristina de Brito Toscano
- Laboratório Integrado de Pesquisas em Patologia, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Av. Eugênio do Nascimento, s/n°, Dom Bosco, CEP: 36038-330, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina M da Silva
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Érica Leandro Marciano Vieira
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Center of Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Antônio Carlos Pinheiro de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia, Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Antônio Lúcio Teixeira
- Departament of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science McGovern School, Behavioral and Biomedical Sciences Building (BBSB), The University of Texas Health Science Center, 941 East Road, Houston, TX 77054, United States of America
| | - Aline Silva de Miranda
- Laboratório de Neurobiologia, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Aristóbolo Mendes da Silva
- Laboratório de Genes Inflamatórios, Departamento de Morfologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Presidente Antônio Carlos, 6627, Pampulha, CEP: 31270-901, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Tripathi MK, Ojha SK, Kartawy M, Khaliulin I, Hamoudi W, Amal H. Mutations associated with autism lead to similar synaptic and behavioral alterations in both sexes of male and female mouse brain. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10. [PMID: 38177238 PMCID: PMC10766975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50248-4] [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: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder based on synaptic abnormalities. The estimated prevalence rate of male individuals diagnosed with ASD prevails over females is in a proportion of 4:1. Consequently, males remain the main focus in ASD studies in clinical and experimental settings. Meanwhile, some studies point to an underestimation of this disorder in females. In this work, we studied the sex differences of the synaptic and behavioral phenotypes of ASD mouse models. Juvenile male and female Shank3Δ4-22 and Cntnap2-/- mutant mice and their WT littermates were used in the experiments. The animals were subjected to a Three-Chamber Sociability Test, then euthanized, and the whole cortex was used for the evaluation of the synaptic phenotype. Protein levels of glutamatergic (NR1) and GABAergic (GAD1 and VGAT) neuronal markers were measured. Protein level of synaptophysin (Syp) was also measured. Dendritic spine density in somatosensory neurons was analyzed by Golgi staining methods. Spine Density and GAD1, NR1, VGAT, and Syp levels were significantly reduced in Shank3Δ4-22 and Cntnap2-/- mice compared to the control group irrespective of sex, indicating impaired synaptic development in the mutant mice. These results were consistent with the lack of differences in the three-chamber sociability test between male and female mice. In conclusion, female ASD mice of both mutations undergo similar synaptic aberrations as their male counterparts and need to be studied along with the male animals. Finally, this work urges the psychiatry scientific community to use both sexes in their investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shashank Kumar Ojha
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maryam Kartawy
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Igor Khaliulin
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wajeha Hamoudi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Haitham Amal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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Dierdorff L, Garcia-Forn M, von Mueffling A, De Rubeis S. Assessing motor development and function in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods Cell Biol 2024; 188:171-181. [PMID: 38880523 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2024.04.005] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Alterations in motor development often accompany neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) and can have an impact on social interaction and communication. Studying motor development and function in mouse models of NDDs can offer a window to identify underlying biological mechanisms and establish preclinical outcome measures for testing therapeutics. This chapter describes tests to measure motor developmental milestones early postnatally and adult motor functions in mouse models of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Dierdorff
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marta Garcia-Forn
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexa von Mueffling
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States; The Alper Center for Neural Development and Regeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.
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6
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Ryndych D, Sebold A, Strassburg A, Li Y, Ramos RL, Otazu GH. Haploinsufficiency of Shank3 in Mice Selectively Impairs Target Odor Recognition in Novel Background Odors. J Neurosci 2023; 43:7799-7811. [PMID: 37739796 PMCID: PMC10648539 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0255-23.2023] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with mutations in a single copy of the SHANK3 gene present with social interaction deficits. Although social behavior in mice depends on olfaction, mice with mutations in a single copy of the Shank3 gene do not have olfactory deficits in simple odor identification tasks (Drapeau et al., 2018). Here, we tested olfaction in mice with mutations in a single copy of the Shank3 gene (Peça et al., 2011) using a complex odor task and imaging in awake mice. Average glomerular responses in the olfactory bulb of Shank3B +/- were correlated with WT mice. However, there was increased trial-to-trial variability in the odor responses for Shank3B +/- mice. Simulations demonstrated that this increased variability could affect odor detection in novel environments. To test whether performance was affected by the increased variability, we tested target odor recognition in the presence of novel background odors using a recently developed task (Li et al., 2023). Head-fixed mice were trained to detect target odors in the presence of known background odors. Performance was tested using catch trials where the known background odors were replaced by novel background odors. We compared the performance of eight Shank3B +/- mice (five males, three females) on this task with six WT mice (three males, three females). Performance for known background odors and learning rates were similar between Shank3B +/- and WT mice. However, when tested with novel background odors, the performance of Shank3B +/- mice dropped to almost chance levels. Thus, haploinsufficiency of the Shank3 gene causes a specific deficit in odor detection in novel environments. Our results are discussed in the context of other Shank3 mouse models and have implications for understanding olfactory function in neurodevelopmental disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT People and mice with mutations in a single copy in the synaptic gene Shank3 show features seen in autism spectrum disorders, including social interaction deficits. Although mice social behavior uses olfaction, mice with mutations in a single copy of Shank3 have so far not shown olfactory deficits when tested using simple tasks. Here, we used a recently developed task to show that these mice could identify odors in the presence of known background odors as well as wild-type mice. However, their performance fell below that of wild-type mice when challenged with novel background odors. This deficit was also previously reported in the Cntnap2 mouse model of autism, suggesting that odor detection in novel backgrounds is a general deficit across mouse models of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darya Ryndych
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
| | - Alison Sebold
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
| | - Alyssa Strassburg
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
| | - Raddy L Ramos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
| | - Gonzalo H Otazu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, New York 11568
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Cording KR, Bateup HS. Altered motor learning and coordination in mouse models of autism spectrum disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1270489. [PMID: 38026686 PMCID: PMC10663323 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1270489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with increasing prevalence. Over 1,000 risk genes have now been implicated in ASD, suggesting diverse etiology. However, the diagnostic criteria for the disorder still comprise two major behavioral domains - deficits in social communication and interaction, and the presence of restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior (RRBs). The RRBs associated with ASD include both stereotyped repetitive movements and other motor manifestations including changes in gait, balance, coordination, and motor skill learning. In recent years, the striatum, the primary input center of the basal ganglia, has been implicated in these ASD-associated motor behaviors, due to the striatum's role in action selection, motor learning, and habit formation. Numerous mouse models with mutations in ASD risk genes have been developed and shown to have alterations in ASD-relevant behaviors. One commonly used assay, the accelerating rotarod, allows for assessment of both basic motor coordination and motor skill learning. In this corticostriatal-dependent task, mice walk on a rotating rod that gradually increases in speed. In the extended version of this task, mice engage striatal-dependent learning mechanisms to optimize their motor routine and stay on the rod for longer periods. This review summarizes the findings of studies examining rotarod performance across a range of ASD mouse models, and the resulting implications for the involvement of striatal circuits in ASD-related motor behaviors. While performance in this task is not uniform across mouse models, there is a cohort of models that show increased rotarod performance. A growing number of studies suggest that this increased propensity to learn a fixed motor routine may reflect a common enhancement of corticostriatal drive across a subset of mice with mutations in ASD-risk genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine R. Cording
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Helen S. Bateup
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Molecular and Cell Biology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, United States
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Osman A, Mervosh NL, Strat AN, Euston TJ, Zipursky G, Pollak RM, Meckel KR, Tyler SR, Chan KL, Buxbaum Grice A, Drapeau E, Litichevskiy L, Gill J, Zeldin SM, Thaiss CA, Buxbaum JD, Breen MS, Kiraly DD. Acetate supplementation rescues social deficits and alters transcriptional regulation in prefrontal cortex of Shank3 deficient mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:311-324. [PMID: 37657643 PMCID: PMC10955506 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves genetic and environmental factors. Mounting evidence demonstrates a role for the gut microbiome in ASD, with signaling via short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) as one mechanism. Here, we utilize mice carrying deletion to exons 4-22 of Shank3 (Shank3KO) to model gene by microbiome interactions in ASD. We identify SCFA acetate as a mediator of gut-brain interactions and show acetate supplementation reverses social deficits concomitant with alterations to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) transcriptional regulation independent of microbiome status. METHODS Shank3KO and wild-type (Wt) littermates were divided into control, Antibiotic (Abx), Acetate and Abx + Acetate groups upon weaning. After six weeks, animals underwent behavioral testing. Molecular analysis including 16S and metagenomic sequencing, metabolomic and transcriptional profiling were conducted. Additionally, targeted serum metabolomic data from Phelan McDermid Syndrome (PMS) patients (who are heterozygous for the Shank3 gene) were leveraged to assess levels of SCFA's relative to ASD clinical measures. RESULTS Shank3KO mice were found to display social deficits, dysregulated gut microbiome and decreased cecal levels of acetate - effects exacerbated by Abx treatment. RNA-sequencing of mPFC showed unique gene expression signature induced by microbiome depletion in the Shank3KO mice. Oral treatment with acetate reverses social deficits and results in marked changes in gene expression enriched for synaptic signaling, pathways among others, even in Abx treated mice. Clinical data showed sex specific correlations between levels of acetate and hyperactivity scores. CONCLUSION These results suggest a key role for the gut microbiome and the neuroactive metabolite acetate in regulating ASD-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Osman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Nicholas L Mervosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ana N Strat
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Tanner J Euston
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Gillian Zipursky
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Rebecca M Pollak
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Katherine R Meckel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Scott R Tyler
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Kenny L Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Ariela Buxbaum Grice
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Lev Litichevskiy
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jasleen Gill
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sharon M Zeldin
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Christoph A Thaiss
- Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute of Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute for Obesity, Diabetes and Metabolism, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Michael S Breen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Drew D Kiraly
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States; Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, United States.
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9
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Abdel-Haq M, Ojha SK, Hamoudi W, Kumar A, Tripathi MK, Khaliulin I, Domb AJ, Amal H. Effects of extended-release 7-nitroindazole gel formulation treatment on the behavior of Shank3 mouse model of autism. Nitric Oxide 2023; 140-141:41-49. [PMID: 37714296 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2023.09.003] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral deficits such as abnormalities in communication, social interaction, anxiety, and repetitive behavior. We have recently shown that the Shank3 mutation in mice representing a model of ASD causes excessive nitric oxide (NO) levels and aberrant protein S-nitrosylation. Further, 10-day daily injections of 7-NI, a neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, into Shank3Δ4-22 and Cntnap2(-/-) mutant mice (models of ASD) at a dose of 80 mg/kg reversed the manifestations of ASD phenotype. In this study, we proposed an extended release of 7-NI using a novel drug system. Importantly, unlike the intraperitoneal injections, our new preparation of poly (sebacic acid-co-ricinoleic acid) (PSARA) gel containing 7-NI was injected subcutaneously into the mutant mice only once. The animals underwent behavioral testing starting from day 3 post-injection. It should be noted that the developed PSARA gel formulation allowed a slow release of 7-NI maintaining the plasma level of the drug at ∼45 μg/ml/day. Further, we observed improved memory and social interaction and reduced anxiety-like behavior in Shank3 mutant mice. This was accompanied by a reduction in 3-nitrotyrosine levels (an indicator of nitrative/nitrosative stress) in plasma. Overall, we suggest that our single-dose formulation of PSARA gel is very efficient in rendering a therapeutic effect of 7-NI for at least 10 days. This approach may provide in the future a rational design of an effective ASD treatment using 7-NI and its clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdel-Haq
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Shashank Kumar Ojha
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Wajeha Hamoudi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Awanish Kumar
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Manish Kumar Tripathi
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Igor Khaliulin
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
| | - Abraham J Domb
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
| | - Haitham Amal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel.
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10
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Dejean C, Dupont T, Verpy E, Gonçalves N, Coqueran S, Michalski N, Pucheu S, Bourgeron T, Gourévitch B. Detecting Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Awake Mice. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1539. [PMID: 38002499 PMCID: PMC10669832 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice are increasingly used as models of human-acquired neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. All these conditions involve central auditory processing disorders, which have been little investigated despite their potential for providing interesting insights into the mechanisms behind such disorders. Alterations of the auditory steady-state response to 40 Hz click trains are associated with an imbalance between neuronal excitation and inhibition, a mechanism thought to be common to many neurological disorders. Here, we demonstrate the value of presenting click trains at various rates to mice with chronically implanted pins above the inferior colliculus and the auditory cortex for obtaining easy, reliable, and long-lasting access to subcortical and cortical complex auditory processing in awake mice. Using this protocol on a mutant mouse model of autism with a defect of the Shank3 gene, we show that the neural response is impaired at high click rates (above 60 Hz) and that this impairment is visible subcortically-two results that cannot be obtained with classical protocols for cortical EEG recordings in response to stimulation at 40 Hz. These results demonstrate the value and necessity of a more complete investigation of central auditory processing disorders in mouse models of neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Dejean
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Institut de l’Audition, Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits, F-75012 Paris, France
- Cilcare Company, F-34080 Montpellier, France
- Sorbonne Université, Ecole Doctorale Complexité du Vivant, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Typhaine Dupont
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Institut de l’Audition, Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Elisabeth Verpy
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, IUF, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Noémi Gonçalves
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Institut de l’Audition, Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits, F-75012 Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Coqueran
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, IUF, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Michalski
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Institut de l’Audition, Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits, F-75012 Paris, France
| | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, IUF, Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Boris Gourévitch
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, INSERM, Institut de l’Audition, Plasticity of Central Auditory Circuits, F-75012 Paris, France
- CNRS, F-75016 Paris, France
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11
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Ortner NJ, Sah A, Paradiso E, Shin J, Stojanovic S, Hammer N, Haritonova M, Hofer NT, Marcantoni A, Guarina L, Tuluc P, Theiner T, Pitterl F, Ebner K, Oberacher H, Carbone E, Stefanova N, Ferraguti F, Singewald N, Roeper J, Striessnig J. The human channel gating-modifying A749G CACNA1D (Cav1.3) variant induces a neurodevelopmental syndrome-like phenotype in mice. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e162100. [PMID: 37698939 PMCID: PMC10619503 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Germline de novo missense variants of the CACNA1D gene, encoding the pore-forming α1 subunit of Cav1.3 L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs), have been found in patients with neurodevelopmental and endocrine dysfunction, but their disease-causing potential is unproven. These variants alter channel gating, enabling enhanced Cav1.3 activity, suggesting Cav1.3 inhibition as a potential therapeutic option. Here we provide proof of the disease-causing nature of such gating-modifying CACNA1D variants using mice (Cav1.3AG) containing the A749G variant reported de novo in a patient with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual impairment. In heterozygous mutants, native LTCC currents in adrenal chromaffin cells exhibited gating changes as predicted from heterologous expression. The A749G mutation induced aberrant excitability of dorsomedial striatum-projecting substantia nigra dopamine neurons and medium spiny neurons in the dorsal striatum. The phenotype observed in heterozygous mutants reproduced many of the abnormalities described within the human disease spectrum, including developmental delay, social deficit, and pronounced hyperactivity without major changes in gross neuroanatomy. Despite an approximately 7-fold higher sensitivity of A749G-containing channels to the LTCC inhibitor isradipine, oral pretreatment over 2 days did not rescue the hyperlocomotion. Cav1.3AG mice confirm the pathogenicity of the A749G variant and point toward a pathogenetic role of altered signaling in the dopamine midbrain system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine J. Ortner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anupam Sah
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Enrica Paradiso
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Josef Shin
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Hammer
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maria Haritonova
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nadja T. Hofer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Marcantoni
- Department of Drug Science, N.I.S. Centre, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Laura Guarina
- Department of Drug Science, N.I.S. Centre, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Petronel Tuluc
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Tamara Theiner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Florian Pitterl
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Core Facility Metabolomics and
| | - Karl Ebner
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Emilio Carbone
- Department of Drug Science, N.I.S. Centre, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Nadia Stefanova
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesco Ferraguti
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Nicolas Singewald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jochen Roeper
- Institute for Neurophysiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jörg Striessnig
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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12
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Landry O, François A, Oye Mintsa Mi-Mba MF, Traversy MT, Tremblay C, Emond V, Bennett DA, Gylys KH, Buxbaum JD, Calon F. Postsynaptic Protein Shank3a Deficiency Synergizes with Alzheimer's Disease Neuropathology to Impair Cognitive Performance in the 3xTg-AD Murine Model. J Neurosci 2023; 43:4941-4954. [PMID: 37253603 PMCID: PMC10312061 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1945-22.2023] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synaptic loss is intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology and symptoms, but its direct impact on clinical symptoms remains elusive. The postsynaptic protein Shank3 (SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains) is of particular interest, as the loss of a single allele of the SHANK3 gene is sufficient to cause profound cognitive symptoms in children. We thus sought to determine whether a SHANK3 deficiency could contribute to the emergence or worsening of AD symptoms and neuropathology. We first found a 30%-50% postmortem loss of SHANK3a associated with cognitive decline in the parietal cortex of individuals with AD. To further probe the role of SHANK3 in AD, we crossed male and female 3xTg-AD mice modelling Aβ and tau pathologies with Shank3a-deficient mice (Shank3Δex4-9). We observed synergistic deleterious effects of Shank3a deficiency and AD neuropathology on object recognition memory at 9, 12, and 18 months of age and on anxious behavior at 9 and 12 months of age in hemizygous Shank3Δex4-9-3xTg-AD mice. In addition to the expected 50% loss of Shank3a, levels of other synaptic proteins, such as PSD-95, drebrin, and homer1, remained unchanged in the parietotemporal cortex of hemizygous Shank3Δex4-9 animals. However, Shank3a deficiency increased the levels of soluble Aβ42 and human tau at 18 months of age compared with 3xTg-AD mice with normal Shank3 expression. The results of this study in human brain samples and in transgenic mice are consistent with the hypothesis that Shank3 deficiency makes a key contribution to cognitive impairment in AD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Although the loss of several synaptic proteins has been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD), it remains unclear whether their reduction contributes to clinical symptoms. The results of this study in human samples show lower levels of SHANK3a in AD brain, correlating with cognitive decline. Data gathered in a novel transgenic mouse suggest that Shank3a deficiency synergizes with AD neuropathology to induce cognitive impairment, consistent with a causal role in AD. Therefore, treatment aiming at preserving Shank3 in the aging brain may be beneficial to prevent AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Landry
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Arnaud François
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Méryl-Farelle Oye Mintsa Mi-Mba
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-Therese Traversy
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cyntia Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vincent Emond
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois 60612
| | - Karen H Gylys
- School of Nursing, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York 10029, New York
| | - Frédéric Calon
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Quebec G1V 0A6, Quebec, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec G1V 4G2, Quebec, Canada
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13
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Molloy CJ, Cooke J, Gatford NJF, Rivera-Olvera A, Avazzadeh S, Homberg JR, Grandjean J, Fernandes C, Shen S, Loth E, Srivastava DP, Gallagher L. Bridging the translational gap: what can synaptopathies tell us about autism? Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1191323. [PMID: 37441676 PMCID: PMC10333541 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1191323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple molecular pathways and cellular processes have been implicated in the neurobiology of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. There is a current focus on synaptic gene conditions, or synaptopathies, which refer to clinical conditions associated with rare genetic variants disrupting genes involved in synaptic biology. Synaptopathies are commonly associated with autism and developmental delay and may be associated with a range of other neuropsychiatric outcomes. Altered synaptic biology is suggested by both preclinical and clinical studies in autism based on evidence of differences in early brain structural development and altered glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission potentially perturbing excitatory and inhibitory balance. This review focusses on the NRXN-NLGN-SHANK pathway, which is implicated in the synaptic assembly, trans-synaptic signalling, and synaptic functioning. We provide an overview of the insights from preclinical molecular studies of the pathway. Concentrating on NRXN1 deletion and SHANK3 mutations, we discuss emerging understanding of cellular processes and electrophysiology from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) models derived from individuals with synaptopathies, neuroimaging and behavioural findings in animal models of Nrxn1 and Shank3 synaptic gene conditions, and key findings regarding autism features, brain and behavioural phenotypes from human clinical studies of synaptopathies. The identification of molecular-based biomarkers from preclinical models aims to advance the development of targeted therapeutic treatments. However, it remains challenging to translate preclinical animal models and iPSC studies to interpret human brain development and autism features. We discuss the existing challenges in preclinical and clinical synaptopathy research, and potential solutions to align methodologies across preclinical and clinical research. Bridging the translational gap between preclinical and clinical studies will be necessary to understand biological mechanisms, to identify targeted therapies, and ultimately to progress towards personalised approaches for complex neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciara J. Molloy
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Cooke
- Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas J. F. Gatford
- Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Medical Sciences Division, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alejandro Rivera-Olvera
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sahar Avazzadeh
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Judith R. Homberg
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Joanes Grandjean
- Physiology and Cellular Physiology Research Laboratory, CÚRAM SFI Centre for Research in Medical Devices, School of Medicine, Human Biology Building, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Cathy Fernandes
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- FutureNeuro, The SFI Research Centre for Chronic and Rare Neurological Diseases, Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eva Loth
- Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Deepak P. Srivastava
- MRC Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- The Hospital for SickKids, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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14
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Ferhat AT, Verpy E, Biton A, Forget B, De Chaumont F, Mueller F, Le Sourd AM, Coqueran S, Schmitt J, Rochefort C, Rondi-Reig L, Leboucher A, Boland A, Fin B, Deleuze JF, Boeckers TM, Ey E, Bourgeron T. Excessive self-grooming, gene dysregulation and imbalance between the striosome and matrix compartments in the striatum of Shank3 mutant mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1139118. [PMID: 37008785 PMCID: PMC10061084 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1139118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is characterized by atypical social communication and stereotyped behaviors. Mutations in the gene encoding the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are detected in 1–2% of patients with autism and intellectual disability, but the mechanisms underpinning the symptoms remain largely unknown. Here, we characterized the behavior of Shank3Δ11/Δ11 mice from 3 to 12 months of age. We observed decreased locomotor activity, increased stereotyped self-grooming and modification of socio-sexual interaction compared to wild-type littermates. We then used RNAseq on four brain regions of the same animals to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were identified mainly in the striatum and were associated with synaptic transmission (e.g., Grm2, Dlgap1), G-protein-signaling pathways (e.g., Gnal, Prkcg1, and Camk2g), as well as excitation/inhibition balance (e.g., Gad2). Downregulated and upregulated genes were enriched in the gene clusters of medium-sized spiny neurons expressing the dopamine 1 (D1-MSN) and the dopamine 2 receptor (D2-MSN), respectively. Several DEGs (Cnr1, Gnal, Gad2, and Drd4) were reported as striosome markers. By studying the distribution of the glutamate decarboxylase GAD65, encoded by Gad2, we showed that the striosome compartment of Shank3Δ11/Δ11 mice was enlarged and displayed much higher expression of GAD65 compared to wild-type mice. Altogether, these results indicate altered gene expression in the striatum of Shank3-deficient mice and strongly suggest, for the first time, that the excessive self-grooming of these mice is related to an imbalance in the striatal striosome and matrix compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allain-Thibeault Ferhat
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Allain-Thibeault Ferhat,
| | - Elisabeth Verpy
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anne Biton
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Hub, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Benoît Forget
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice De Chaumont
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Florian Mueller
- Imagerie et Modélisation, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3691, Paris, France
| | - Anne-Marie Le Sourd
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Coqueran
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Julien Schmitt
- Cerebellum Navigation and Memory Team, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Neurosciences Paris Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm UMR-S 1130, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Christelle Rochefort
- Cerebellum Navigation and Memory Team, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Neurosciences Paris Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm UMR-S 1130, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Laure Rondi-Reig
- Cerebellum Navigation and Memory Team, Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Neurosciences Paris Seine, CNRS UMR 8246, Inserm UMR-S 1130, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Aziliz Leboucher
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Anne Boland
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Bertrand Fin
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
| | - Jean-François Deleuze
- Centre National de Recherche en Génomique Humaine, CEA, Université Paris-Saclay, Evry, France
- Centre d’Étude du Polymorphisme Humain, Paris, France
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elodie Ey
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, CNRS UMR 7104, Inserm UMR-S 1258, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3571, IUF, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Thomas Bourgeron,
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15
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Burgdorf JS, Yoon S, Dos Santos M, Lammert CR, Moskal JR, Penzes P. An IGFBP2-derived peptide promotes neuroplasticity and rescues deficits in a mouse model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1101-1111. [PMID: 36481930 PMCID: PMC10084719 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01904-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
We developed an IGFBP2-mimetic peptide fragment, JB2, and showed that it promotes basal synaptic structural and functional plasticity in cultured neurons and mice. We demonstrate that JB2 directly binds to dendrites and synapses, and its biological activity involves NMDA receptor activation, gene transcription and translation, and IGF2 receptors. It is not IGF1 receptor-dependent. In neurons, JB2 induced extensive remodeling of the membrane phosphoproteome. Synapse and cytoskeletal regulation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk factors, and a Shank3-associated protein network were significantly enriched among phosphorylated and dephosphorylated proteins. Haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene on chromosome 22q13.3 often causes Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS), a genetically defined form of autism with profound deficits in motor behavior, sensory processing, language, and cognitive function. We identified multiple disease-relevant phenotypes in a Shank3 heterozygous mouse and showed that JB2 rescued deficits in synaptic function and plasticity, learning and memory, ultrasonic vocalizations, and motor function; it also normalized neuronal excitability and seizure susceptibility. Notably, JB2 rescued deficits in the auditory evoked response latency, alpha peak frequency, and steady-state electroencephalography response, measures with direct translational value to human subjects. These data demonstrate that JB2 is a potent modulator of neuroplasticity with therapeutic potential for the treatment of PMS and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey S Burgdorf
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- Gate neurosciences, Inc., Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - Sehyoun Yoon
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Marc Dos Santos
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Catherine R Lammert
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Joseph R Moskal
- Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60201, USA
- Gate neurosciences, Inc., Carmel, IN, 46032, USA
| | - Peter Penzes
- Department of Neuroscience, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
- Northwestern University, Center for Autism and Neurodevelopment, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Huang M, Qi Q, Xu T. Targeting Shank3 deficiency and paresthesia in autism spectrum disorder: A brief review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1128974. [PMID: 36846568 PMCID: PMC9948097 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1128974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) includes a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social communication, social interaction, and repetitive behaviors. Several studies have shown an association between cases of ASD and mutations in the genes of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domain protein 3 (SHANK3). These genes encode many cell adhesion molecules, scaffold proteins, and proteins involved in synaptic transcription, protein synthesis, and degradation. They have a profound impact on all aspects of synaptic transmission and plasticity, including synapse formation and degeneration, suggesting that the pathogenesis of ASD may be partially attributable to synaptic dysfunction. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of synapses related to Shank3 in ASD. We also discuss the molecular, cellular, and functional studies of experimental models of ASD and current autism treatment methods targeting related proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Anesthesiology, Suzhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Tao Xu,
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17
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Grgurevic N. Testing the extreme male hypothesis in the valproate mouse model; sex-specific effects on plasma testosterone levels and tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus, but not on parental behavior. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1107226. [PMID: 36818606 PMCID: PMC9932272 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1107226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong male bias in prevalence and severity. The extreme male hypothesis proposed that autism is a manifestation of extreme male traits as evidenced by increased masculine behaviors, hypermasculinization of some brain regions, and alterations in androgen metabolism. In the present study, the extreme male hypothesis was tested in the valproate (VPA) mouse model. Methods Females of the C57BL/6JOlaHsd mouse strain were treated with 500 mg/kg VPA on gestational day 12. Offspring of both sexes were tested at 3 to 4 months of age in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, sociability tests, and for parental behavior. After sacrifice at 5 to 6 months of age, plasma testosterone was measured in males, while the brains of both sexes were examined for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV). Results VPA treatment significantly increased plasma testosterone levels and decreased AVPV TH expression in males, whereas the expression of TH in females remained at the same level. In parental behavior test none of the pup-oriented behavior was affected by VPA treatment in both sexes, the exception was nest quality which was lower after VPA exposure in males, but not in females. Discussion Our results suggest a hypermasculinizing effect of VPA that occurred specifically in males but not in females, and this effect could be related to changes in androgen physiology. Nevertheless, a generalized interpretation of the extreme male hypothesis on brain and behavior should be avoided due to the complex effects of VPA.
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18
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Bauer HF, Delling JP, Bockmann J, Boeckers TM, Schön M. Development of sex- and genotype-specific behavioral phenotypes in a Shank3 mouse model for neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1051175. [PMID: 36699652 PMCID: PMC9868822 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1051175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with a SHANK3-related neurodevelopmental disorder, also termed Phelan-McDermid syndrome or abbreviated as PMS, exhibit significant global developmental delay, language impairment, and muscular hypotonia. Also common are repetitive behaviors and altered social interactions, in line with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. This study investigated the developmental aspect of autism-related behaviors and other phenotypes in a Shank3-transgenic mouse model. The animals underwent two sets of identical behavioral experiments, spanning motor skills, social and repetitive behavior, and cognition: baseline began at 5 weeks of age, corresponding to human adolescence, and the follow-up was initiated when aged 13 weeks, resembling early adulthood in humans. Interestingly, the animals displayed relatively stable phenotypes. Moreover, motor coordination and endurance were impaired, while muscle strength was unchanged. Surprisingly, the animals displayed only minor impairments in social behavior, but pronounced stereotypic and repetitive behaviors. Some behavioral tests indicated increased avoidance and anxiety. While spatial learning and memory were unchanged, knockout animals displayed slightly impaired cognitive flexibility. Female animals had similar abnormalities as males in the paradigms testing avoidance, anxiety, and cognition, but were less pathological in motor function and repetitive behavior. In all test paradigms, heterozygous Shank3 knockout animals had either no abnormal or a milder phenotype. Accurate characterization of animal models for genetic diseases is a prerequisite for understanding the pathophysiology. This is subsequently the basis for finding suitable and, ideally, translational biomarkers for therapeutic approaches and, thereby reducing the number of animals needed for preclinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Friedericke Bauer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany,International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Jürgen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany,Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany,*Correspondence: Tobias M. Boeckers,
| | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany,Michael Schön,
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19
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Cabana-Domínguez J, Antón-Galindo E, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Singgih EL, O'Leary A, Norton WH, Strekalova T, Schenck A, Reif A, Lesch KP, Slattery D, Cormand B. The translational genetics of ADHD and related phenotypes in model organisms. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104949. [PMID: 36368527 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104949] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from the interaction between genetic and environmental risk factors. It is well known that ADHD co-occurs frequently with other psychiatric disorders due, in part, to shared genetics factors. Although many studies have contributed to delineate the genetic landscape of psychiatric disorders, their specific molecular underpinnings are still not fully understood. The use of animal models can help us to understand the role of specific genes and environmental stimuli-induced epigenetic modifications in the pathogenesis of ADHD and its comorbidities. The aim of this review is to provide an overview on the functional work performed in rodents, zebrafish and fruit fly and highlight the generated insights into the biology of ADHD, with a special focus on genetics and epigenetics. We also describe the behavioral tests that are available to study ADHD-relevant phenotypes and comorbid traits in these models. Furthermore, we have searched for new models to study ADHD and its comorbidities, which can be useful to test potential pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Cabana-Domínguez
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Ester Antón-Galindo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Euginia L Singgih
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Aet O'Leary
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany; Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Department of Psychology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - William Hg Norton
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany, and Department of Neuropsychology and Psychiatry, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David Slattery
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Catalonia, Spain.
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20
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Steinert JR, Amal H. The contribution of an imbalanced redox signalling to neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 194:71-83. [PMID: 36435368 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide and other redox active molecules such as oxygen free radicals provide essential signalling in diverse neuronal functions, but their excess production and insufficient scavenging induces cytotoxic redox stress which is associated with numerous neurodegenerative and neurological conditions. A further component of redox signalling is mediated by a homeostatic regulation of divalent metal ions, the imbalance of which contributes to neuronal dysfunction. Additional antioxidant molecules such as glutathione and enzymes such as super oxide dismutase are involved in maintaining a physiological redox status within neurons. When cellular processes are perturbed and generation of free radicals overwhelms the antioxidants capacity of the neurons, a resulting redox damage leads to neuronal dysfunction and cell death. Cellular sources for production of redox-active molecules may include NADPH oxidases, mitochondria, cytochrome P450 and nitric oxide (NO)-generating enzymes, such as endothelial, neuronal and inducible NO synthases. Several neurodegenerative and developmental neurological conditions are associated with an imbalanced redox state as a result of neuroinflammatory processes leading to nitrosative and oxidative stress. Ongoing research aims at understanding the causes and consequences of such imbalanced redox homeostasis and its role in neuronal dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joern R Steinert
- Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Nottingham, School of Life Sciences, Nottingham, NG7 2NR, UK.
| | - Haitham Amal
- Institute for Drug Research, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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21
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Lee K, Mills Z, Cheung P, Cheyne JE, Montgomery JM. The Role of Zinc and NMDA Receptors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 16:ph16010001. [PMID: 36678498 PMCID: PMC9866730 DOI: 10.3390/ph16010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA-type glutamate receptors are critical for synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Their unique properties and age-dependent arrangement of subunit types underpin their role as a coincidence detector of pre- and postsynaptic activity during brain development and maturation. NMDAR function is highly modulated by zinc, which is co-released with glutamate and concentrates in postsynaptic spines. Both NMDARs and zinc have been strongly linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), suggesting that NMDARs are an important player in the beneficial effects observed with zinc in both animal models and children with ASDs. Significant evidence is emerging that these beneficial effects occur via zinc-dependent regulation of SHANK proteins, which form the backbone of the postsynaptic density. For example, dietary zinc supplementation enhances SHANK2 or SHANK3 synaptic recruitment and rescues NMDAR deficits and hypofunction in Shank3ex13-16-/- and Tbr1+/- ASD mice. Across multiple studies, synaptic changes occur in parallel with a reversal of ASD-associated behaviours, highlighting the zinc-dependent regulation of NMDARs and glutamatergic synapses as therapeutic targets for severe forms of ASDs, either pre- or postnatally. The data from rodent models set a strong foundation for future translational studies in human cells and people affected by ASDs.
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22
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Lord JS, Gay SM, Harper KM, Nikolova VD, Smith KM, Moy SS, Diering GH. Early life sleep disruption potentiates lasting sex-specific changes in behavior in genetically vulnerable Shank3 heterozygous autism model mice. Mol Autism 2022; 13:35. [PMID: 36038911 PMCID: PMC9425965 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00514-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience high rates of sleep disruption beginning early in life; however, the developmental consequences of this disruption are not understood. We examined sleep behavior and the consequences of sleep disruption in developing mice bearing C-terminal truncation mutation in the high-confidence ASD risk gene SHANK3 (Shank3ΔC). We hypothesized that sleep disruption may be an early sign of developmental divergence, and that clinically relevant Shank3WT/ΔC mice may be at increased risk of lasting deleterious outcomes following early life sleep disruption. Methods We recorded sleep behavior in developing Shank3ΔC/ΔC, Shank3WT/ΔC, and wild-type siblings of both sexes using a noninvasive home-cage monitoring system. Separately, litters of Shank3WT/ΔC and wild-type littermates were exposed to automated mechanical sleep disruption for 7 days prior to weaning (early life sleep disruption: ELSD) or post-adolescence (PASD) or undisturbed control (CON) conditions. All groups underwent standard behavioral testing as adults. Results Male and female Shank3ΔC/ΔC mice slept significantly less than wild-type and Shank3WT/ΔC siblings shortly after weaning, with increasing sleep fragmentation in adolescence, indicating that sleep disruption has a developmental onset in this ASD model. ELSD treatment interacted with genetic vulnerability in Shank3WT/ΔC mice, resulting in lasting, sex-specific changes in behavior, whereas wild-type siblings were largely resilient to these effects. Male ELSD Shank3WT/ΔC subjects demonstrated significant changes in sociability, sensory processing, and locomotion, while female ELSD Shank3WT/ΔC subjects had a significant reduction in risk aversion. CON Shank3WT/ΔC mice, PASD mice, and all wild-type mice demonstrated typical behavioral responses in most tests. Limitations This study tested the interaction between developmental sleep disruption and genetic vulnerability using a single ASD mouse model: Shank3ΔC (deletion of exon 21). The broader implications of this work should be supported by additional studies using ASD model mice with distinct genetic vulnerabilities. Conclusion Our study shows that sleep disruption during sensitive periods of early life interacts with underlying genetic vulnerability to drive lasting and sex-specific changes in behavior. As individuals progress through maturation, they gain resilience to the lasting effects of sleep disruption. This work highlights developmental sleep disruption as an important vulnerability in ASD susceptibility. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00514-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Lord
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and the Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sean M Gay
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and the Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Kathryn M Harper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Viktoriya D Nikolova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kirsten M Smith
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and the Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. .,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Graham H Diering
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and the Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA. .,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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23
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Mehta R, Kuhad A, Bhandari R. Nitric oxide pathway as a plausible therapeutic target in autism spectrum disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:659-679. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Mehta
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
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24
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Neuromotor Development in the Shank3 Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12070872. [PMID: 35884680 PMCID: PMC9313282 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12070872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is mainly characterized by developmental delay in social and communication skills, it has been shown that neuromotor deficits are an early component of ASD. The neuromotor development of B6.129-Shank3tm2Gfng/J (Shank3B−/−) mice as an animal model of autism has not been analyzed yet. The aim of this study was to compare the early neuromotor development of Shank3B−/− to wild-type mice. The mice underwent a multitude of neurodevelopmental tests and observations from postnatal day 1 (PND = 1) to weaning. Shank3B−/− mice opened their eyes later than their wild-type litter mates (p < 0.01). Shank3B−/− mice were also slower in the negative geotaxis test from PND = 13 to PND = 16 (p < 0.001) in both sexes. The results of this study indicate neurodevelopmental deficits in Shank3B−/− mice. The test is partially dependent on truncal motor control, and these lines of evidence suggest a phenotype of developmental hypotonia, which corresponds with the phenotypes seen in patients with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. There was no observable effect of sex in any of the tests. There were no observed differences in upper and lower incisor eruption, ear unfolding, air righting, surface righting and ear twitch reflexes. Further studies should prove whether the delay in neuromotor development is linked to social or communication deficits, and thus, whether it may serve as an early indicator of autistic-like phenotype in mice.
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25
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Neklyudova A, Smirnov K, Rebreikina A, Martynova O, Sysoeva O. Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan-McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Neklyudova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Kirill Smirnov
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Anna Rebreikina
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
- Sirius Center for Cognitive Research, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Olga Martynova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Olga Sysoeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
- Sirius Center for Cognitive Research, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
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Silverman JL, Thurm A, Ethridge SB, Soller MM, Petkova SP, Abel T, Bauman MD, Brodkin ES, Harony‐Nicolas H, Wöhr M, Halladay A. Reconsidering animal models used to study autism spectrum disorder: Current state and optimizing future. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2022; 21:e12803. [PMID: 35285132 PMCID: PMC9189007 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID), are pervasive, often lifelong disorders, lacking evidence-based interventions for core symptoms. With no established biological markers, diagnoses are defined by behavioral criteria. Thus, preclinical in vivo animal models of NDDs must be optimally utilized. For this reason, experts in the field of behavioral neuroscience convened a workshop with the goals of reviewing current behavioral studies, reports, and assessments in rodent models. Goals included: (a) identifying the maximal utility and limitations of behavior in animal models with construct validity; (b) providing recommendations for phenotyping animal models; and (c) guidelines on how in vivo models should be used and reported reliably and rigorously while acknowledging their limitations. We concluded by recommending minimal criteria for reporting in manuscripts going forward. The workshop elucidated a consensus of potential solutions to several problems, including revisiting claims made about animal model links to ASD (and related conditions). Specific conclusions included: mice (or other rodent or preclinical models) are models of the neurodevelopmental insult, not specifically any disorder (e.g., ASD); a model that perfectly recapitulates a disorder such as ASD is untenable; and greater attention needs be given to validation of behavioral testing methods, data analysis, and critical interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Audrey Thurm
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Sarah B. Ethridge
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping ServiceNational Institute of Mental HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Makayla M. Soller
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Stela P. Petkova
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and PharmacologyIowa Neuroscience Institute, University of IowaIowa CityIowaUSA
| | - Melissa D. Bauman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of California Davis School of MedicineSacramentoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Department of PsychiatryPerelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research LaboratoryPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Markus Wöhr
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Research Unit Brain and Cognition, Laboratory of Biological PsychologySocial and Affective Neuroscience Research Group, KU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Leuven Brain InstituteKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium,Faculty of Psychology, Experimental and Biological Psychology, Behavioral NeurosciencePhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany,Center for Mind, Brain, and BehaviorPhilipps‐University of MarburgMarburgGermany
| | - Alycia Halladay
- Autism Science FoundationUSA,Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyRutgers UniversityPiscatawayNew JerseyUSA
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27
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Cammarata-Scalisi F, Callea M, Martinelli D, Willoughby CE, Tadich AC, Araya Castillo M, Lacruz-Rengel MA, Medina M, Grimaldi P, Bertini E, Nevado J. Clinical and Genetic Aspects of Phelan-McDermid Syndrome: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Management. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:504. [PMID: 35328058 PMCID: PMC8955098 DOI: 10.3390/genes13030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a rare, heterogeneous, and complex neurodevelopmental disorder. It is generally caused by a heterozygous microdeletion of contiguous genes located in the distal portion of the long arm of chromosome 22, including the SHANK3 gene. Sequence variants of SHANK3, including frameshift, nonsense mutations, small indels and splice site mutations also result in PMS. Furthermore, haploinsufficiency in SHANK3 has been suggested as the main cause of PMS. SHANK3 is also associated with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. The phenotype of PMS is variable, and lacks a distinctive phenotypic characteristic, so the clinical diagnosis should be confirmed by genetic analysis. PMS is a multi-system disorder, and clinical care must encompass various specialties and therapists. The role of risperidone, intranasal insulin, insulin growth factor 1, and oxytocin as potential therapeutic options in PMS will be discussed in this review. The diagnosis of PMS is important to provide an appropriate clinical evaluation, treatment, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Cammarata-Scalisi
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Michele Callea
- Pediatric Dentistry and Special Dental Care Unit, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Diego Martinelli
- Unit of Metabolism, Bambino Gesù Children’s Research Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Colin Eric Willoughby
- Genomic Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK;
| | - Antonio Cárdenas Tadich
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | | | | | - Marco Medina
- Pediatric Service, Regional of Antofagasta Hospital, Antofagasta 1240835, Chile; (F.C.-S.); (A.C.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Piercesare Grimaldi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Torino, 10126 Torino, Italy;
| | - Enrico Bertini
- Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Neurosciences, Bambino Gesu’ Children’s Research Hospital IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Julián Nevado
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Instituto de Investigación del Hospital Universitario La Paz (IdIPaz), 28046 Madrid, Spain; or
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en RED de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), 28046 Madrid, Spain
- ITHACA, European Reference Network on Rare Congenital Malformations and Rare Intellectual Disability, Hospital La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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28
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Cristancho AG, Gadra EC, Samba IM, Zhao C, Ouyang M, Magnitsky S, Huang H, Viaene AN, Anderson SA, Marsh ED. Deficits in Seizure Threshold and Other Behaviors in Adult Mice without Gross Neuroanatomic Injury after Late Gestation Transient Prenatal Hypoxia. Dev Neurosci 2022; 44:246-265. [PMID: 35279653 PMCID: PMC9464267 DOI: 10.1159/000524045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine hypoxia is a common cause of brain injury in children resulting in a broad spectrum of long-term neurodevelopmental sequela, including life-long disabilities that can occur even in the absence of severe neuroanatomic damage. Postnatal hypoxia-ischemia rodent models are commonly used to understand the effects of ischemia and transient hypoxia on the developing brain. Postnatal models, however, have some limitations. First, they do not test the impact of placental pathologies on outcomes from hypoxia. Second, they primarily recapitulate severe injury because they provoke substantial cell death, which is not seen in children with mild hypoxic injury. Lastly, they do not model preterm hypoxic injury. Prenatal models of hypoxia in mice may allow us to address some of these limitations to expand our understanding of developmental brain injury. The published rodent models of prenatal hypoxia employ multiple days of hypoxic exposure or complicated surgical procedures, making these models challenging to perform consistently in mice. Furthermore, large animal models suggest that transient prenatal hypoxia without ischemia is sufficient to lead to significant functional impairment to the developing brain. However, these large animal studies are resource-intensive and not readily amenable to mechanistic molecular studies. Therefore, here we characterized the effect of late gestation (embryonic day 17.5) transient prenatal hypoxia (5% inspired oxygen) on long-term anatomical and neurodevelopmental outcomes in mice. Late gestation transient prenatal hypoxia increased hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha protein levels (a marker of hypoxic exposure) in the fetal brain. Hypoxia exposure predisposed animals to decreased weight at postnatal day 2, which normalized by day 8. However, hypoxia did not affect gestational age at birth, litter size at birth, or pup survival. No differences in fetal brain cell death or long-term gray or white matter changes resulted from hypoxia. Animals exposed to prenatal hypoxia did have several long-term functional consequences, including sex-dichotomous changes. Hypoxia exposure was associated with a decreased seizure threshold and abnormalities in hindlimb strength and repetitive behaviors in males and females. Males exposed to hypoxia had increased anxiety-related deficits, whereas females had deficits in social interaction. Neither sex developed any motor or visual learning deficits. This study demonstrates that late gestation transient prenatal hypoxia in mice is a simple, clinically relevant paradigm for studying putative environmental and genetic modulators of the long-term effects of hypoxia on the developing brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana G. Cristancho
- Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Elyse C. Gadra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Ima M. Samba
- Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Chenying Zhao
- Radiology Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Minhui Ouyang
- Radiology Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
| | - Sergey Magnitsky
- Radiology Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Hao Huang
- Radiology Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, U.S.A
| | - Angela N. Viaene
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A. and Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Stewart A. Anderson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Services, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
| | - Eric D. Marsh
- Division of Child Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.A
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29
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GENDER DIFFERENCES IN EFFECTS OF PRENATAL AND POSTNATAL EXPOSURE TO ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD AND PRENATAL ZINC ON BEHAVIOUR AND SYNAPTIC PROTEINS IN RATS. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 122:102092. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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30
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Terashima H, Minatohara K, Maruoka H, Okabe S. Imaging neural circuit pathology of autism spectrum disorders: autism-associated genes, animal models and the application of in vivo two-photon imaging. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i81-i99. [DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in human genetics identified genetic variants involved in causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Mouse models that mimic mutations found in patients with ASD exhibit behavioral phenotypes consistent with ASD symptoms. These mouse models suggest critical biological factors of ASD etiology. Another important implication of ASD genetics is the enrichment of ASD risk genes in molecules involved in developing synapses and regulating neural circuit function. Sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies applied to ASD mouse models identify common synaptic impairments in the neocortex, with genetic-mutation-specific defects in local neural circuits. In this article, we review synapse- and circuit-level phenotypes identified by in vivo two-photon imaging in multiple mouse models of ASD and discuss the contributions of altered synapse properties and neural circuit activity to ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Terashima
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Minatohara
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisato Maruoka
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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31
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Krüttner S, Falasconi A, Valbuena S, Galimberti I, Bouwmeester T, Arber S, Caroni P. Absence of familiarity triggers hallmarks of autism in mouse model through aberrant tail-of-striatum and prelimbic cortex signaling. Neuron 2022; 110:1468-1482.e5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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32
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Sensory Processing Phenotypes in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-Related Intellectual Disability. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020137. [PMID: 35203901 PMCID: PMC8869824 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing differences are an established feature of both syndromic and non-syndromic Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Significant work has been carried out to characterize and classify specific sensory profiles in non-syndromic autism. However, it is not known if syndromic autism disorders, such as Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMD) or SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability (SYNGAP1-ID), have unique sensory phenotypes. Understanding the sensory features of these disorders is important for providing appropriate care and for understanding their underlying mechanisms. Our objective in this work was to determine the sensory processing abnormalities present in two syndromic ASDs: Phelan-McDermid Syndrome and SYNGAP1-related Intellectual Disability. Using a standardized instrument, the Short Sensory Profile-2, we characterized sensory features in 41 patients with PMD and 24 patients with SYNGAP1-ID, and sub-scores were then calculated for seeking, avoiding, sensitivity and registration, as well as overall sensory and behavior scores. We found both patient groups exhibited atypical sensory features, including high scores in the areas of avoiding and seeking. Thus, we discovered significant sensory processing abnormalities are common in these syndromic ASDs. Measurements of sensory processing could serve as useful clinical endpoints for trials of novel therapeutics for these populations.
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33
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Isenstein EL, Grosman HE, Guillory SB, Zhang Y, Barkley S, McLaughlin CS, Levy T, Halpern D, Siper PM, Buxbaum JD, Kolevzon A, Foss-Feig JH. Neural Markers of Auditory Response and Habituation in Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:815933. [PMID: 35592263 PMCID: PMC9110667 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.815933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid Syndrome (PMS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by deletion or sequence variation in the SHANK3 gene at terminal chromosome 22 that confers high likelihood of comorbid autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whereas individuals with idiopathic ASD (iASD) can demonstrate diverse patterns of sensory differences, PMS is mainly characterized by sensory hyporesponsiveness. This study used electrophysiology and a passive auditory habituation paradigm to test for neural markers of hyporesponsiveness. EEG was recorded from 15 individuals with PMS, 15 with iASD, and 16 with neurotypical development (NT) while a series of four consecutive 1,000 Hz tones was repeatedly presented. We found intact N1, P2, and N2 event-related potentials (ERPs) and habituation to simple auditory stimuli, both in individuals with iASD and in those with PMS. Both iASD and PMS groups showed robust responses to the initial tone and decaying responses to each subsequent tone, at levels comparable to the NT control group. However, in PMS greater initial N1 amplitude and habituation were associated with auditory hypersensitivity, and P2 habituation correlated with ASD symptomatology. Additionally, further classification of the PMS cohort into genetic groupings revealed dissociation of initial P2 amplitude and habituation of N1 based on whether the deletions included additional genes beyond solely SHANK3 and those not thought to contribute to phenotype. These results provide preliminary insight into early auditory processing in PMS and suggest that while neural response and habituation is generally preserved in PMS, genotypic and phenotypic characteristics may drive some variability. These initial findings provide early evidence that the robust pattern of behavioral hyporesponsiveness in PMS may be due, at least in audition, to higher order factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Isenstein
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Hannah E Grosman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Sylvia B Guillory
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yian Zhang
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Barkley
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Christopher S McLaughlin
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tess Levy
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Danielle Halpern
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Paige M Siper
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Alexander Kolevzon
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jennifer H Foss-Feig
- Seaver Autism Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States.,Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
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34
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Moutin E, Sakkaki S, Compan V, Bouquier N, Giona F, Areias J, Goyet E, Hemonnot-Girard AL, Seube V, Glasson B, Benac N, Chastagnier Y, Raynaud F, Audinat E, Groc L, Maurice T, Sala C, Verpelli C, Perroy J. Restoring glutamate receptosome dynamics at synapses rescues autism-like deficits in Shank3-deficient mice. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7596-7609. [PMID: 34331007 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Shank3 monogenic mutations lead to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Shank3 is part of the glutamate receptosome that physically links ionotropic NMDA receptors to metabotropic mGlu5 receptors through interactions with scaffolding proteins PSD95-GKAP-Shank3-Homer. A main physiological function of the glutamate receptosome is to control NMDA synaptic function that is required for plasticity induction. Intact glutamate receptosome supports glutamate receptors activation and plasticity induction, while glutamate receptosome disruption blocks receptors activity, preventing the induction of subsequent plasticity. Despite possible impact on metaplasticity and cognitive behaviors, scaffold interaction dynamics and their consequences are poorly defined. Here, we used mGlu5-Homer interaction as a biosensor of glutamate receptosome integrity to report changes in synapse availability for plasticity induction. Combining BRET imaging and electrophysiology, we show that a transient neuronal depolarization inducing NMDA-dependent plasticity disrupts glutamate receptosome in a long-lasting manner at synapses and activates signaling pathways required for the expression of the initiated neuronal plasticity, such as ERK and mTOR pathways. Glutamate receptosome disruption also decreases the NMDA/AMPA ratio, freezing the sensitivity of the synapse to subsequent changes of neuronal activity. These data show the importance of a fine-tuning of protein-protein interactions within glutamate receptosome, driven by changes of neuronal activity, to control plasticity. In a mouse model of ASD, a truncated mutant form of Shank3 prevents the integrity of the glutamate receptosome. These mice display altered plasticity, anxiety-like, and stereotyped behaviors. Interestingly, repairing the integrity of glutamate receptosome and its sensitivity to the neuronal activity rescued synaptic transmission, plasticity, and some behavioral traits of Shank3∆C mice. Altogether, our findings characterize mechanisms by which Shank3 mutations cause ASD and highlight scaffold dynamics as new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enora Moutin
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
| | - Sophie Sakkaki
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Compan
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Julie Areias
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Elise Goyet
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroScience, CNRS, UMR 5297, Centre Broca Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Vincent Seube
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Bastien Glasson
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Nathan Benac
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroScience, CNRS, UMR 5297, Centre Broca Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yan Chastagnier
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Fabrice Raynaud
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.,PhyMedExp, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU de Montpellier, France
| | - Etienne Audinat
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Laurent Groc
- Interdisciplinary Institute for NeuroScience, CNRS, UMR 5297, Centre Broca Nouvelle-Aquitaine, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tangui Maurice
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Carlo Sala
- Cnr Neuroscience Institute, 3220129, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Julie Perroy
- IGF, University of Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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35
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Leithead AB, Tasker JG, Harony‐Nicolas H. The interplay between glutamatergic circuits and oxytocin neurons in the hypothalamus and its relevance to neurodevelopmental disorders. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e13061. [PMID: 34786775 PMCID: PMC8951898 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) neurons of the hypothalamus are at the center of several physiological functions, including milk ejection, uterus contraction, and maternal and social behavior. In lactating females, OXT neurons show a pattern of burst firing and inter-neuron synchronization during suckling that leads to pulsatile release of surges of OXT into the bloodstream to stimulate milk ejection. This pattern of firing and population synchronization may be facilitated in part by hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits, as has been observed in vitro using brain slices obtained from male rats and neonates. However, it remains unknown how hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits influence OXT cell activity outside the context of lactation. In this review, we summarize the in vivo and in vitro studies that describe the synchronized burst firing pattern of OXT neurons and the implication of hypothalamic glutamate in this pattern of firing. We also make note of the few studies that have traced glutamatergic afferents to the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. Finally, we discuss the genetic findings implicating several glutamatergic genes in neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, thus underscoring the need for future studies to investigate the impact of these mutations on hypothalamic glutamatergic circuits and the OXT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda B. Leithead
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jeffrey G. Tasker
- Neurobiology DivisionDepartment of Cell and Molecular BiologyTulane UniversityNew OrleansLAUSA
| | - Hala Harony‐Nicolas
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of NeuroscienceIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Friedman Brain Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
- Mindich Child Health and Development Institute at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
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36
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Boitnott A, Garcia-Forn M, Ung DC, Niblo K, Mendonca D, Park Y, Flores M, Maxwell S, Ellegood J, Qiu LR, Grice DE, Lerch JP, Rasin MR, Buxbaum JD, Drapeau E, De Rubeis S. Developmental and Behavioral Phenotypes in a Mouse Model of DDX3X Syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:742-755. [PMID: 34344536 PMCID: PMC8571043 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutations in the X-linked gene DDX3X account for approximately 2% of intellectual disability in females, often comorbid with behavioral problems, motor deficits, and brain malformations. DDX3X encodes an RNA helicase with emerging functions in corticogenesis and synaptogenesis. METHODS We generated a Ddx3x haploinsufficient mouse (Ddx3x+/- females) with construct validity for DDX3X loss-of-function mutations. We used standardized batteries to assess developmental milestones and adult behaviors, as well as magnetic resonance imaging and immunostaining of cortical projection neurons to capture early postnatal changes in brain development. RESULTS Ddx3x+/- females showed physical, sensory, and motor delays that evolved into behavioral anomalies in adulthood, including hyperactivity, anxiety-like behaviors, cognitive impairments in specific tasks (e.g., contextual fear memory but not novel object recognition memory), and motor deficits. Motor function declined with age but not if mice were previously exposed to behavioral training. Developmental and behavioral changes were associated with a reduction in brain volume, with some regions (e.g., cortex and amygdala) disproportionally affected. Cortical thinning was accompanied by defective cortical lamination, indicating that Ddx3x regulates the balance of glutamatergic neurons in the developing cortex. CONCLUSIONS These data shed new light on the developmental mechanisms driving DDX3X syndrome and support construct and face validity of this novel preclinical mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Boitnott
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Forn
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Dévina C Ung
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Kristi Niblo
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Danielle Mendonca
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Yeaji Park
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michael Flores
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Biology, New York University, College of Arts and Science, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Sylvia Maxwell
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Bronx High School of Science, NY 10468, USA
| | - Jacob Ellegood
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Lily R Qiu
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Dorothy E Grice
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jason P Lerch
- Mouse Imaging Centre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, ON M5T 3H7, Canada.,Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, ON M5T 3H7, Canada
| | - Mladen-Roko Rasin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Joseph D Buxbaum
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,The Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Elodie Drapeau
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Silvia De Rubeis
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Mindich Child Health and Development Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
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37
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Delling JP, Boeckers TM. Comparison of SHANK3 deficiency in animal models: phenotypes, treatment strategies, and translational implications. J Neurodev Disord 2021; 13:55. [PMID: 34784886 PMCID: PMC8594088 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-021-09397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, which is characterized by clinical heterogeneity and high heritability. Core symptoms of ASD include deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Many genes have been identified that are associated with an increased risk for ASD. Proteins encoded by these ASD risk genes are often involved in processes related to fetal brain development, chromatin modification and regulation of gene expression in general, as well as the structural and functional integrity of synapses. Genes of the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains (SHANK) family encode crucial scaffolding proteins (SHANK1-3) of excitatory synapses and other macromolecular complexes. SHANK gene mutations are highly associated with ASD and more specifically the Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMDS), which is caused by heterozygous 22q13.3-deletion resulting in SHANK3-haploinsufficiency, or by SHANK3 missense variants. SHANK3 deficiency and potential treatment options have been extensively studied in animal models, especially in mice, but also in rats and non-human primates. However, few of the proposed therapeutic strategies have translated into clinical practice yet. MAIN TEXT This review summarizes the literature concerning SHANK3-deficient animal models. In particular, the structural, behavioral, and neurological abnormalities are described and compared, providing a broad and comprehensive overview. Additionally, the underlying pathophysiologies and possible treatments that have been investigated in these models are discussed and evaluated with respect to their effect on ASD- or PMDS-associated phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Animal models of SHANK3 deficiency generated by various genetic strategies, which determine the composition of the residual SHANK3-isoforms and affected cell types, show phenotypes resembling ASD and PMDS. The phenotypic heterogeneity across multiple models and studies resembles the variation of clinical severity in human ASD and PMDS patients. Multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed and tested in animal models, which might lead to translational implications for human patients with ASD and/or PMDS. Future studies should explore the effects of new therapeutic approaches that target genetic haploinsufficiency, like CRISPR-mediated activation of promotors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Delling
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany.
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 11, Ulm, 89081, Germany. .,Ulm Site, DZNE, Ulm, Germany.
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38
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Lin R, Learman LN, Bangash MA, Melnikova T, Leyder E, Reddy SC, Naidoo N, Park JM, Savonenko A, Worley PF. Homer1a regulates Shank3 expression and underlies behavioral vulnerability to stress in a model of Phelan-McDermid syndrome. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110014. [PMID: 34788607 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of SHANK3 cause Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS), and these individuals can exhibit sensitivity to stress, resulting in behavioral deterioration. Here, we examine the interaction of stress with genotype using a mouse model with face validity to PMS. In Shank3ΔC/+ mice, swim stress produces an altered transcriptomic response in pyramidal neurons that impacts genes and pathways involved in synaptic function, signaling, and protein turnover. Homer1a, which is part of the Shank3-mGluR-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor complex, is super-induced and is implicated in the stress response because stress-induced social deficits in Shank3ΔC/+ mice are mitigated in Shank3ΔC/+;Homer1a-/- mice. Several lines of evidence demonstrate that Shank3 expression is regulated by Homer1a in competition with crosslinking forms of Homer, and consistent with this model, Shank3 expression and function that are reduced in Shank3ΔC/+ mice are rescued in Shank3ΔC/+;Homer1a-/- mice. Studies highlight the interaction between stress and genetics and focus attention on activity-dependent changes that may contribute to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raozhou Lin
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Lisa N Learman
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - M Ali Bangash
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Molecular Nociception Group, Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Tatiana Melnikova
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Erica Leyder
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sai C Reddy
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Nirinjini Naidoo
- Division of Sleep Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Joo Min Park
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon 34126, Republic of Korea; University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - Alena Savonenko
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Paul F Worley
- Solomon Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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39
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Wan L, Ai JQ, Yang C, Jiang J, Zhang QL, Luo ZH, Huang RJ, Tu T, Pan A, Tu E, Manavis J, Xiao B, Yan XX. Expression of the Excitatory Postsynaptic Scaffolding Protein, Shank3, in Human Brain: Effect of Age and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:717263. [PMID: 34504419 PMCID: PMC8421777 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.717263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank3 is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein of excitatory synapses. Mutations or variations of SHANK3 are associated with various psychiatric and neurological disorders. We set to determine its normal expression pattern in the human brain, and its change, if any, with age and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-type β-amyloid (Aβ) and Tau pathogenesis. In general, Shank3 immunoreactivity (IR) exhibited largely a neuropil pattern with differential laminar/regional distribution across brain regions. In youth and adults, subsets of pyramidal/multipolar neurons in the cerebrum, striatum, and thalamus showed moderate IR, while some large-sized neurons in the brainstem and the granule cells in the cerebellar cortex exhibited light IR. In double immunofluorescence, Shank3 IR occurred at the sublemmal regions in neuronal somata and large dendrites, apposing to synaptophysin-labeled presynaptic terminals. In aged cases, immunolabeled neuronal somata were reduced, with disrupted neuropil labeling seen in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus in AD cases. In immunoblot, levels of Shank3 protein were positively correlated with that of the postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) among different brain regions. Levels of Shank3, PSD95, and synaptophysin immunoblotted in the prefrontal, precentral, and cerebellar cortical lysates were reduced in the aged and AD relative to youth and adult groups. Taken together, the differential Shank3 expression among brain structures/regions indicates the varied local density of the excitatory synapses. The enriched Shank3 expression in the forebrain subregions appears inconsistent with a role of this protein in the modulation of high cognitive functions. The decline of its expression in aged and AD brains may relate to the degeneration of excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jia-Qi Ai
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Chen Yang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Jiang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qi-Lei Zhang
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rou-Jie Huang
- Medical Doctor Program, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tian Tu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Ewen Tu
- Department of Neurology, Brain Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, China
| | - Jim Manavis
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Changsha, China
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40
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Bicker F, Nardi L, Maier J, Vasic V, Schmeisser MJ. Criss-crossing autism spectrum disorder and adult neurogenesis. J Neurochem 2021; 159:452-478. [PMID: 34478569 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a group of multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders primarily characterized by deficits in social interaction and repetitive behavior. Although the onset is typically in early childhood, ASD poses a lifelong challenge for both patients and caretakers. Adult neurogenesis (AN) is the process by which new functional neurons are created from neural stem cells existing in the post-natal brain. The entire event is based on a sequence of cellular processes, such as proliferation, specification of cell fate, maturation, and ultimately, synaptic integration into the existing neural circuits. Hence, AN is implicated in structural and functional brain plasticity throughout life. Accumulating evidence shows that impaired AN may underlie some of the abnormal behavioral phenotypes seen in ASD. In this review, we approach the interconnections between the molecular pathways related to AN and ASD. We also discuss existing therapeutic approaches targeting such pathways both in preclinical and clinical studies. A deeper understanding of how ASD and AN reciprocally affect one another could reveal important converging pathways leading to the emergence of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Bicker
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Leonardo Nardi
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jannik Maier
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Verica Vasic
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Microscopic Anatomy and Neurobiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
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41
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Shank3 Deficiency is Associated With Altered Profile of Neurotransmission Markers in Pups and Adult Mice. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:3342-3355. [PMID: 34453663 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03435-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in the balance between excitation and inhibition, especially in the brain's critical developmental periods, are considered an integral part of the pathophysiology of autism. However, the precise mechanisms have not yet been established. SH3 and multiple Ankyrin repeat domains 3 (Shank3) deficient mice represent a well-established transgenic model of a neurodevelopmental disorder with autistic symptomatology. In this study, we characterize the consequences of Shank3 deficiency according to (1) expression of specific markers of different neuronal populations in pups and adult mice and (2) social behaviour and anxiety in adult mice. Our research found enhanced expression of serotonin transporter and choline acetyltransferase in the hippocampus and hypothalamus in Shank3-deficient pups. We demonstrated marked brain region differences in expression of excitatory glutamatergic markers in pups and adult Shank3 deficient mice. We also observed reduced expression of inhibitory GABAergic markers and GABA receptor subunits in several brain areas in both pups and adult Shank3 deficient mice. Further analysis of dopaminergic brain areas (nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area) revealed lower expression levels of GABAergic markers in adult Shank3 deficient mice. Adult Shank3- deficient mice exhibited excessive repetitive behaviour, a higher level of anxiety, and lower locomotor activity. Our data support the theory of an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission in conditions of abnormal SHANK3 protein. We therefore suggest that autism-like conditions are accompanied by reduced expression of GABAergic markers in the brain during early development as well as in the adult age, which could be associated with long-lasting behavioural abnormalities.
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42
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Lyons-Warren AM, Herman I, Hunt PJ, Arenkiel BR. A systematic-review of olfactory deficits in neurodevelopmental disorders: From mouse to human. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:110-121. [PMID: 33610612 PMCID: PMC8142839 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Olfactory impairment is a common clinical motif across neurodevelopmental disorders, suggesting olfactory circuits are particularly vulnerable to disease processes and can provide insight into underlying disease mechanisms. The mouse olfactory bulb is an ideal model system to study mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disease due to its anatomical accessibility, behavioral relevance, ease of measuring circuit input and output, and the feature of adult neurogenesis. Despite the clinical relevance and experimental benefits, olfactory testing across animal models of neurodevelopmental disease has been inconsistent and non-standardized. Here we performed a systematic literature review of olfactory function testing in mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and identified intriguing inconsistencies that include evidence for both increased and decreased acuity in odor detection in various mouse models of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Based on our identified gaps in the literature, we recommend direct comparison of different mouse models of ASD using standardized tests for odor detection and discrimination. This review provides a framework to guide future olfactory function testing in mouse models of neurodevelopmental diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel M Lyons-Warren
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience; Clinical Care Center, Suite 1250, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America;,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Isabella Herman
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Neurology and Developmental Neuroscience; Clinical Care Center, Suite 1250, 6621 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030, United States of America;,Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular & Human Genetics; 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1170.12, Houston TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Patrick J Hunt
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular & Human Genetics; 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1170.12, Houston TX 77030, United States of America
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Molecular & Human Genetics; 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1170.12, Houston TX 77030, United States of America;,Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Neuroscience; 1250 Moursund Street, Suite 1170.12, Houston TX 77030, United States of America;,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030 USA.,McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
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43
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Xu J, Marshall JJ, Kraniotis S, Nomura T, Zhu Y, Contractor A. Genetic disruption of Grm5 causes complex alterations in motor activity, anxiety and social behaviors. Behav Brain Res 2021; 411:113378. [PMID: 34029630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Although group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), and in particular mGluR5, have been extensively proposed as potential targets for intervention in autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders, there has not been a comprehensive analysis of the effect of mGluR5 loss on behaviors typically assessed in autism mouse models thought to be correlates of behavioral symptoms of human disorders. Here we present a behavioral characterization of mice with complete or partial loss of mGluR5 (homozygous or heterozygous null mutations in Grm5 gene). We tested several autism related behaviors including social interaction, repetitive grooming, digging and locomotor behaviors. We found that digging and marble burying behaviors were almost completely abolished in mGluR5 ko mice, although self-grooming was not altered. Social interaction was impaired in ko but not in heterozygote (het) mice. In tests of locomotor activity and anxiety related behaviors, mGluR5 ko mice exhibited hyperactivity and reduced anxiety in the open field test but unexpectedly, showed hypoactivity in the elevated zero-maze test. There was no impairment in motor learning in the accelerating rotarod in both ko and het mutant. Together these results provide support for the importance of mGluR5 in motor and social behaviors that are specifically affected in autism disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Xu
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States.
| | - John J Marshall
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Stephen Kraniotis
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Toshihiro Nomura
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Yongling Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States
| | - Anis Contractor
- Department of Physiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, United States; Department of Neurobiology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, United States.
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44
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic mutations in animals advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and treatments of neurodevelopmental disorders. Research with mutant mouse models is being extended to nonhuman primates whose brain development is closer to that of humans. This review summaries advances in mouse and nonhuman primate models. RECENT FINDINGS Mutant mouse models recapitulate key symptoms in neurodevelopmental disorders. However, successful phenotypic reversal of symptoms in mouse models has not been replicated in human studies; this failure may be because of differences in the structure and physiology of the brain between rodents and humans. Rett syndrome MECP2 models and Phelan-McDermid syndrome where reduced expression of SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 (SHANK3) models have been introduced in nonhuman primates and are underway in other neurodevelopmental disorders. SUMMARY Mutant mouse models in neurogenetic disorders continued to be pursued along with gene-edited and cell-based models in nonhuman primates. Established ethical guidelines are being followed and infrastructure being established to facilitate dissemination of primate transgenic models as they become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Harris
- The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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45
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Wan L, Liu D, Xiao WB, Zhang BX, Yan XX, Luo ZH, Xiao B. Association of SHANK Family with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: An Update on Genetic and Animal Model Discoveries. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1623-1643. [PMID: 33595806 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01054-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The Shank family proteins are enriched at the postsynaptic density (PSD) of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. They serve as synaptic scaffolding proteins and appear to play a critical role in the formation, maintenance and functioning of synapse. Increasing evidence from genetic association and animal model studies indicates a connection of SHANK genes defects with the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. In this review, we first update the current understanding of the SHANK family genes and their encoded protein products. We then denote the literature relating their alterations to the risk of neuropsychiatric diseases. We further review evidence from animal models that provided molecular insights into the biological as well as pathogenic roles of Shank proteins in synapses, and the potential relationship to the development of abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lily Wan
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Du Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.,Taikang Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, 430050, Hubei, China
| | - Wen-Biao Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Bo-Xin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiao-Xin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
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Matas E, Maisterrena A, Thabault M, Balado E, Francheteau M, Balbous A, Galvan L, Jaber M. Major motor and gait deficits with sexual dimorphism in a Shank3 mutant mouse model. Mol Autism 2021; 12:2. [PMID: 33468258 PMCID: PMC7814442 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00412-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contrasting findings were reported in several animal models with a Shank3 mutation used to induce various autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms. Here, we aimed at investigating behavioral, cellular, and molecular consequences of a C-terminal (frameshift in exon 21) deletion in Shank3 protein in mice, a mutation that is also found in clinical conditions and which results in loss of major isoforms of Shank3. A special focus was made on cerebellar related parameters. Methods All three genotypes were analyzed [wild type (WT), heterozygote (Shank3+/ΔC) and homozygote (Shank3 ΔC/ΔC)] and males and females were separated into two distinct groups. Motor and social behavior, gait, Purkinje cells (PC) and glutamatergic protein levels were determined. Behavioral and cellular procedures used here were previously validated using two environmental animal models of ASD. ANOVA and post-hoc analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice showed significant impairments in social novelty preference, stereotyped behavior and gait. These were accompanied by a decreased number of PC in restricted cerebellar sub-regions and decreased cerebellar expression of mGluR5. Females Shank3 ΔC/ΔC were less affected by the mutation than males. Shank3+/ΔC mice showed impairments only in social novelty preference, grooming, and decreased mGluR5 expression and that were to a much lesser extent than in Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice. Limitations As Shank3 mutation is a haploinsufficiency, it is of interest to emphasize that Shank3+/ΔC mice showed only mild to no deficiencies compared to Shank3 ΔC/ΔC. Conclusions Our findings indicate that several behavioral, cellular, and molecular parameters are affected in this animal model. The reported deficits are more pronounced in males than in females. Additionally, male Shank3 ΔC/ΔC mice show more pronounced alterations than Shank3+/ΔC. Together with our previous findings in two environmental animal models of ASD, our studies indicate that gait dysfunction constitutes a robust set of motor ASD symptoms that may be considered for implementation in clinical settings as an early and quantitative diagnosis criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Matas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Alexandre Maisterrena
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mathieu Thabault
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Eric Balado
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Maureen Francheteau
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Anais Balbous
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France
| | - Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, 86073, Poitiers, France. .,CHU de Poitiers, 86000 Poitiers, France.
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Alachkar A, Ojha SK, Sadeq A, Adem A, Frank A, Stark H, Sadek B. Experimental Models for the Discovery of Novel Anticonvulsant Drugs: Focus on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures and Associated Memory Deficits. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:1693-1711. [PMID: 32003682 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200131105324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by irregular, excessive neuronal excitability, and recurrent seizures that affect millions of patients worldwide. Currently, accessible antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) do not adequately support all epilepsy patients, with around 30% patients not responding to the existing therapies. As lifelong epilepsy treatment is essential, the search for new and more effective AEDs with an enhanced safety profile is a significant therapeutic goal. Seizures are a combination of electrical and behavioral events that can induce biochemical, molecular, and anatomic changes. Therefore, appropriate animal models are required to evaluate novel potential AEDs. Among the large number of available animal models of seizures, the acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced myoclonic seizure model is the most widely used model assessing the anticonvulsant effect of prospective AEDs, whereas chronic PTZ-kindled seizure models represent chronic models in which the repeated administration of PTZ at subconvulsive doses leads to the intensification of seizure activity or enhanced seizure susceptibility similar to that in human epilepsy. In this review, we summarized the memory deficits accompanying acute or chronic PTZ seizure models and how these deficits were evaluated applying several behavioral animal models. Furthermore, major advantages and limitations of the PTZ seizure models in the discovery of new AEDs were highlighted. With a focus on PTZ seizures, the major biochemicals, as well as morphological alterations and the modulated brain neurotransmitter levels associated with memory deficits have been illustrated. Moreover, numerous medicinal compounds with concurrent anticonvulsant, procognitive, antioxidant effects, modulating effects on several brain neurotransmitters in rodents, and several newly developed classes of compounds applying computer-aided drug design (CADD) have been under development as potential AEDs. The article details the in-silico approach following CADD, which can be utilized for generating libraries of novel compounds for AED discovery. Additionally, in vivo studies could be useful in demonstrating efficacy, safety, and novel mode of action of AEDs for further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alachkar
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666 Al Ain, United States.,Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States
| | - Shreesh K Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666 Al Ain, United States.,Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States
| | - Adel Sadeq
- College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Abdu Adem
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666 Al Ain, United States.,Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States
| | - Annika Frank
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitaetsstr. 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666 Al Ain, United States.,Zayed Centre for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United States
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Ishizuka K, Yoshida T, Kawabata T, Imai A, Mori H, Kimura H, Inada T, Okahisa Y, Egawa J, Usami M, Kushima I, Morikawa M, Okada T, Ikeda M, Branko A, Mori D, Someya T, Iwata N, Ozaki N. Functional characterization of rare NRXN1 variants identified in autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. J Neurodev Disord 2020; 12:25. [PMID: 32942984 PMCID: PMC7496212 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-020-09325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rare genetic variants contribute to the etiology of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). Most genetic studies limit their focus to likely gene-disrupting mutations because they are relatively easier to interpret their effects on the gene product. Interpretation of missense variants is also informative to some pathophysiological mechanisms of these neurodevelopmental disorders; however, their contribution has not been elucidated because of relatively small effects. Therefore, we characterized missense variants detected in NRXN1, a well-known neurodevelopmental disease-causing gene, from individuals with ASD and SCZ. Methods To discover rare variants with large effect size and to evaluate their role in the shared etiopathophysiology of ASD and SCZ, we sequenced NRXN1 coding exons with a sample comprising 562 Japanese ASD and SCZ patients, followed by a genetic association analysis in 4273 unrelated individuals. Impact of each missense variant detected here on cell surface expression, interaction with NLGN1, and synaptogenic activity was analyzed using an in vitro functional assay and in silico three-dimensional (3D) structural modeling. Results Through mutation screening, we regarded three ultra-rare missense variants (T737M, D772G, and R856W), all of which affected the LNS4 domain of NRXN1α isoform, as disease-associated variants. Diagnosis of individuals with T737M, D772G, and R856W was 1ASD and 1SCZ, 1ASD, and 1SCZ, respectively. We observed the following phenotypic and functional burden caused by each variant. (i) D772G and R856W carriers had more serious social disabilities than T737M carriers. (ii) In vitro assay showed reduced cell surface expression of NRXN1α by D772G and R856W mutations. In vitro functional analysis showed decreased NRXN1α-NLGN1 interaction of T737M and D772G mutants. (iii) In silico 3D structural modeling indicated that T737M and D772G mutations could destabilize the rod-shaped structure of LNS2-LNS5 domains, and D772G and R856W could disturb N-glycan conformations for the transport signal. Conclusions The combined data suggest that missense variants in NRXN1 could be associated with phenotypes of neurodevelopmental disorders beyond the diagnosis of ASD and/or SCZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Ishizuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, 9300194, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kawabata
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, 5650871, Japan
| | - Ayako Imai
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, 9300194, Japan
| | - Hisashi Mori
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toyama, Toyama, 9300194, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kimura
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Toshiya Inada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Yuko Okahisa
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Jun Egawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 9518510, Japan
| | - Masahide Usami
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Kohnodai Hospital, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Chiba, 2728516, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Mako Morikawa
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Masashi Ikeda
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, 4701192, Japan
| | - Aleksic Branko
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
| | - Daisuke Mori
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan. .,Brain and Mind Research Center, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan.
| | - Toshiyuki Someya
- Department of Psychiatry, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, 9518510, Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Aichi, 4701192, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, 4668550, Japan
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Rein B, Ma K, Yan Z. A standardized social preference protocol for measuring social deficits in mouse models of autism. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:3464-3477. [PMID: 32895524 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0382-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and other behavioral abnormalities. The three-chamber social preference test is often used to assess social deficits in mouse models of ASD. However, varying and often contradicting phenotypic descriptions of ASD mouse models can be found in the scientific literature, and the substantial variability in the methods used by researchers to assess social deficits in mice could be a contributing factor. Here we describe a standardized three-chamber social preference protocol, which is sensitive and reliable at detecting social preference deficits in several mouse models of ASD. This protocol comprises three phases that can all be completed within 1 d. The test mouse is first habituated to the apparatus containing two empty cups in the side chambers, followed by the pre-test phase in which the mouse can interact with two identical inanimate objects placed in the cups. During the test phase, the mouse is allowed to interact with a social stimulus (an unfamiliar wild-type (WT) mouse) contained in one cup and a novel non-social stimulus contained in the other cup. The protocol is thus designed to assess preference between social and non-social stimuli under conditions of equal salience. The broad implementation of the three-chamber social preference protocol presented here should improve the accuracy and consistency of assessments for social preference deficits associated with ASD and other psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kaijie Ma
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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50
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Rho GTPases in the Amygdala-A Switch for Fears? Cells 2020; 9:cells9091972. [PMID: 32858950 PMCID: PMC7563696 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Fear is a fundamental evolutionary process for survival. However, excess or irrational fear hampers normal activity and leads to phobia. The amygdala is the primary brain region associated with fear learning and conditioning. There, Rho GTPases are molecular switches that act as signaling molecules for further downstream processes that modulate, among others, dendritic spine morphogenesis and thereby play a role in fear conditioning. The three main Rho GTPases—RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42, together with their modulators, are known to be involved in many psychiatric disorders that affect the amygdala′s fear conditioning mechanism. Rich2, a RhoGAP mainly for Rac1 and Cdc42, has been studied extensively in such regard. Here, we will discuss these effectors, along with Rich2, as a molecular switch for fears, especially in the amygdala. Understanding the role of Rho GTPases in fear controlling could be beneficial for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting conditions with abnormal fear/anxiety-like behaviors.
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