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Leone R, Zuglian C, Brambilla R, Morella I. Understanding copy number variations through their genes: a molecular view on 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407865. [PMID: 38948459 PMCID: PMC11211608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407865] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that affect >4% of children worldwide, share common features and present a variegated genetic origin. They include clinically defined diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), motor disorders such as Tics and Tourette's syndromes, but also much more heterogeneous conditions like intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. Schizophrenia (SCZ) has also recently been proposed to belong to NDDs. Relatively common causes of NDDs are copy number variations (CNVs), characterised by the gain or the loss of a portion of a chromosome. In this review, we focus on deletions and duplications at the 16p11.2 chromosomal region, associated with NDDs, ID, ASD but also epilepsy and SCZ. Some of the core phenotypes presented by human carriers could be recapitulated in animal and cellular models, which also highlighted prominent neurophysiological and signalling alterations underpinning 16p11.2 CNVs-associated phenotypes. In this review, we also provide an overview of the genes within the 16p11.2 locus, including those with partially known or unknown function as well as non-coding RNAs. A particularly interesting interplay was observed between MVP and MAPK3 in modulating some of the pathological phenotypes associated with the 16p11.2 deletion. Elucidating their role in intracellular signalling and their functional links will be a key step to devise novel therapeutic strategies for 16p11.2 CNVs-related syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Leone
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Zuglian
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Ju J, Li X, Pan Y, Du J, Yang X, Men S, Liu B, Zhang Z, Zhong H, Mai J, Wang Y, Hou ST. Adenosine mediates the amelioration of social novelty deficits during rhythmic light treatment of 16p11.2 deletion female mice. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02596-4. [PMID: 38740879 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02596-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Non-invasive brain stimulation therapy for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has shown beneficial effects. Recently, we and others demonstrated that visual sensory stimulation using rhythmic 40 Hz light flicker effectively improved cognitive deficits in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease and stroke. However, whether rhythmic visual 40 Hz light flicker stimulation can ameliorate behavioral deficits in ASD remains unknown. Here, we show that 16p11.2 deletion female mice exhibit a strong social novelty deficit, which was ameliorated by treatment with a long-term 40 Hz light stimulation. The elevated power of local-field potential (LFP) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of 16p11.2 deletion female mice was also effectively reduced by 40 Hz light treatment. Importantly, the 40 Hz light flicker reversed the excessive excitatory neurotransmission of PFC pyramidal neurons without altering the firing rate and the number of resident PFC neurons. Mechanistically, 40 Hz light flicker evoked adenosine release in the PFC to modulate excessive excitatory neurotransmission of 16p11.2 deletion female mice. Elevated adenosine functioned through its cognate A1 receptor (A1R) to suppress excessive excitatory neurotransmission and to alleviate social novelty deficits. Indeed, either blocking the A1R using a specific antagonist DPCPX or knocking down the A1R in the PFC using a shRNA completely ablated the beneficial effects of 40 Hz light flicker. Thus, this study identified adenosine as a novel neurochemical mediator for ameliorating social novelty deficit by reducing excitatory neurotransmission during 40 Hz light flicker treatment. The 40 Hz light stimulation warrants further development as a non-invasive ASD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ju
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xuanyi Li
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yifan Pan
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jun Du
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, 100850, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyi Yang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Siqi Men
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Bo Liu
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Haolin Zhong
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jinyuan Mai
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Sheng-Tao Hou
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Neuroscience, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, 1088 Xueyuan Blvd, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, PR China.
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Carballo LH, Li P, Senek R, Yan Z. Systemic histone deacetylase inhibition ameliorates the aberrant responses to acute stress in socially isolated male mice. J Physiol 2024; 602:2047-2060. [PMID: 38500302 PMCID: PMC11068487 DOI: 10.1113/jp285875] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse experiences in early life can induce maladaptive responses to acute stress in later life. Chronic social isolation during adolescence is an early life adversity that can precipitate stress-related psychiatric disorders. We found that male mice after 8 weeks of adolescent social isolation (SI) have markedly increased aggression after being exposed to 2 h of restraint stress (RS), which was accompanied by a significant increase of AMPA receptor- and NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal neurons of SIRS males. Compared to group-housed counterparts, SIRS males exhibited a significantly decreased level of histone H3 acetylation in PFC. Systemic administration of class I histone deacetylase inhibitors, romidepsin or MS-275, ameliorated the aggressive behaviour, as well as general social interaction deficits, of SIRS males. Electrophysiological recordings also found normalization of PFC glutamatergic currents by romidepsin treatment of SIRS male mice. These results revealed an epigenetic mechanism and intervention avenue for aggression induced by chronic social isolation. KEY POINTS: Adolescent chronic social isolation can precipitate stress-related psychiatric disorders. A significant increase of glutamatergic transmission is found in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of socially isolated male mice exposed to an acute stress (SIRS). Treatment with class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors ameliorates the aggressive behaviour and social interaction deficits of SIRS males, and normalizes glutamatergic currents in PFC neurons. It provides an epigenetic mechanism and intervention avenue for aberrant stress responses induced by chronic social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Hernandez Carballo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Pei Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Rachel Senek
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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Jiang J, Wang D, Jiang Y, Yang X, Sun R, Chang J, Zhu W, Yao P, Song K, Chang S, Wang H, Zhou L, Zhang XS, Li H, Li N. The gut metabolite indole-3-propionic acid activates ERK1 to restore social function and hippocampal inhibitory synaptic transmission in a 16p11.2 microdeletion mouse model. MICROBIOME 2024; 12:66. [PMID: 38549163 PMCID: PMC10976717 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-024-01755-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdeletion of the human chromosomal region 16p11.2 (16p11.2+ / - ) is a prevalent genetic factor associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However its pathogenic mechanism remains unclear, and effective treatments for 16p11.2+ / - syndrome are lacking. Emerging evidence suggests that the gut microbiota and its metabolites are inextricably linked to host behavior through the gut-brain axis and are therefore implicated in ASD development. Despite this, the functional roles of microbial metabolites in the context of 16p11.2+ / - are yet to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), a gut microbiota metabolite, in addressing behavioral and neural deficits associated with 16p11.2+ / - , as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. RESULTS Mice with the 16p11.2+ / - showed dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and a significant decrease in IPA levels in feces and blood circulation. Further, these mice exhibited significant social and cognitive memory impairments, along with hyperactivation of hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons and reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission in this region. However, oral administration of IPA effectively mitigated the histological and electrophysiological alterations, thereby ameliorating the social and cognitive deficits of the mice. Remarkably, IPA treatment significantly increased the phosphorylation level of ERK1, a protein encoded by the Mapk3 gene in the 16p11.2 region, without affecting the transcription and translation of the Mapk3 gene. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that 16p11.2+ / - leads to a decline in gut metabolite IPA levels; however, IPA supplementation notably reverses the behavioral and neural phenotypes of 16p11.2+ / - mice. These findings provide new insights into the critical role of gut microbial metabolites in ASD pathogenesis and present a promising treatment strategy for social and cognitive memory deficit disorders, such as 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Jiang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dilong Wang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Youheng Jiang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuyan Yang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Runfeng Sun
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinlong Chang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenhui Zhu
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Peijia Yao
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kun Song
- Brain Research Centre, Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuwen Chang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hong Wang
- The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute (BCBDI), Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science Shenzhen Fundamental Research Institutions, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Zhou
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xue-Song Zhang
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Huiliang Li
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Ningning Li
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
- China-UK Institute for Frontier Science, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Afliated Hospital of Youjiang Medical University for Nationalities, Baise, China.
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Bollinger JL, Horchar MJ, Wohleb ES. Repeated Activation of Pyramidal Neurons in the Prefrontal Cortex Alters Microglial Phenotype in Male Mice. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:715-723. [PMID: 38129124 PMCID: PMC10801771 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neuronal activity in the cortex alters microglia phenotype and function in several contexts, including chronic psychologic stress and neurodegenerative disease. Recent findings even suggest that heightened levels of neuronal activity spur microglia to phagocytose synapses, with potential impacts on cognition and behavior. Thus, the present studies were designed to determine if activation of neurons alone-independent of disease or dysfunction-is sufficient to alter microglial phenotype in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), a brain region critical in emotion regulation and cognition. In these studies, we used both an adeno-associated virus-mediated and Cre-dependent chemogenetic [designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD)] approach to repeatedly activate excitatory pyramidal neurons (CaMKIIa+) neurons in the mPFC. Various molecular, cytometric, and behavioral endpoints were examined. Recurrent DREADD-induced neuronal activation led to pronounced changes in microglial density, clustering, and morphology in the mPFC and increased microglia-specific transcripts implicated in synaptic pruning (e.g., Csf1r, Cd11b). Further analyses revealed that the magnitude of DREADD-induced neuronal activation was significantly correlated with measures of microglial morphology in the mPFC. These alterations in microglial phenotype coincided with an increase in microglial lysosome volume in the mPFC and selective deficits in working memory function. Altogether, these findings indicate that repeated neuronal activation alone is sufficient to drive changes in microglia phenotype and function in the mPFC. Future studies using optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches to manipulate neural circuits need to consider microglial and other nonneuronal contributions to physiologic and behavioral outcomes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Microglia are highly attuned to fluctuations in neuronal activity. Here we show that repeated activation of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex induces broad changes in microglia phenotype; this includes upregulation of pathways associated with microglial proliferation, microglia-neuron interactions, and lysosome induction. Our findings suggest that studies using chemogenetic or optogenetic approaches to manipulate neural circuits should be mindful of indirect effects on nonneuronal cells and their potential contribution to measured outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Matthew J Horchar
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Eric S Wohleb
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
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Zhong P, Cao Q, Yan Z. Distinct and Convergent Alterations of Entorhinal Cortical Circuits in Two Mouse Models for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 98:1121-1131. [PMID: 38489190 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231413] [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: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Background The impairment of neural circuits controlling cognitive processes has been implicated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD). However, it is largely unclear what circuits are specifically changed in ADRD, particularly at the early stage. Objective Our goal of this study is to reveal the functional changes in the circuit of entorhinal cortex (EC), an interface between neocortex and hippocampus, in AD. Methods Electrophysiological, optogenetic and chemogenetic approaches were used to examine and manipulate entorhinal cortical circuits in amyloid-β familial AD model (5×FAD) and tauopathy model (P301S Tau). Results We found that, compared to wild-type mice, electrical stimulation of EC induced markedly smaller responses in subiculum (hippocampal output) of 5×FAD mice (6-month-old), suggesting that synaptic communication in the EC to subiculum circuit is specifically blocked in this AD model. In addition, optogenetic stimulation of glutamatergic terminals from prefrontal cortex (PFC) induced smaller responses in EC of 5×FAD and P301S Tau mice (6-month-old), suggesting that synaptic communication in the PFC to EC pathway is compromised in both ADRD models. Chemogenetic activation of PFC to EC pathway did not affect the bursting activity of EC neurons in 5×FAD mice, but partially restored the diminished EC neuronal activity in P301S Tau mice. Conclusions These data suggest that 5×FAD mice has a specific impairment of short-range hippocampal gateway (EC to subiculum), which may be caused by amyloid-β deposits; while two ADRD models have a common impairment of long-range cortical to hippocampal circuit (PFC to EC), which may be caused by microtubule/tau-based transport deficits. These circuit deficits provide a pathophysiological basis for unique and common impairments of various cognitive processes in ADRD conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qing Cao
- 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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Rusu A, Chevalier C, de Chaumont F, Nalesso V, Brault V, Hérault Y, Ey E. Day-to-day spontaneous social behaviours is quantitatively and qualitatively affected in a 16p11.2 deletion mouse model. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1294558. [PMID: 38173978 PMCID: PMC10763239 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1294558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders affect more than 1% of the population, impairing social communication and increasing stereotyped behaviours. A micro-deletion of the 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 chromosomic region has been identified in 1% of patients also displaying intellectual disabilities. In mouse models generated to understand the mechanisms of this deletion, learning and memory deficits were pervasive in most genetic backgrounds, while social communication deficits were only detected in some models. Methods To complement previous studies, we itemized the social deficits in the mouse model of 16p11.2 deletion on a hybrid C57BL/6N × C3H.Pde6b+ genetic background. We examined whether behavioural deficits were visible over long-term observation periods lasting several days and nights, to parallel everyday-life assessment of patients. We recorded the individual and social behaviours of mice carrying a heterozygous deletion of the homologous 16p11.2 chromosomic region (hereafter Del/+) and their wild-type littermates from both sexes over two or three consecutive nights during social interactions of familiar mixed-genotype quartets of males and of females, and of same-genotype unfamiliar female pairs. Results We observed that Del/+ mice of both sexes increased significantly their locomotor activity compared to wild-type littermates. In the social domain, Del/+ mice of both sexes displayed widespread deficits, even more so in males than in females in quartets of familiar individuals. In pairs, significant perturbations of the organisation of the social communication and behaviours appeared in Del/+ females. Discussion Altogether, this suggests that, over long recording periods, the phenotype of the 16p11.2 Del/+ mice was differently affected in the locomotor activity and the social domains and between the two sexes. These findings confirm the importance of testing models in long-term conditions to provide a comprehensive view of their phenotype that will refine the study of cellular and molecular mechanisms and complement pre-clinical targeted therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rusu
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Claire Chevalier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice de Chaumont
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Nalesso
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Brault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Hérault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
- Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Ey
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire‑UMR 7104-UMR-S 1258, Illkirch, France
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Paredes D, Morilak DA. Ventral Hippocampal Input to Infralimbic Cortex Is Necessary for the Therapeutic-Like Effects of Extinction in Stressed Rats. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2023; 26:529-536. [PMID: 37480574 PMCID: PMC10464924 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder is characterized by deficits in cognitive flexibility related to dysfunction of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Exposure therapy can effectively reverse these deficits. Fear extinction in rodents bears similarity to exposure therapy. Extinction reverses chronic stress-induced deficits in cognitive flexibility on the attentional set-shifting test (AST), an mPFC-mediated process. This therapeutic effect requires activity of pyramidal neurons and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling in infralimbic cortex (IL). However, the circuit mechanisms governing BDNF-mediated plasticity initiated by extinction in IL are unknown. The ventral hippocampus (vHipp) plays a role in regulating IL activity during extinction, and plasticity in vHipp is necessary for extinction memory consolidation. Therefore, we investigated the role of vHipp input to IL in the effects of extinction in reversing stress-induced cognitive deficits. METHODS vHipp input to IL was silenced using a Gi-Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADD) via local infusion of clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) into IL before extinction. A day later, rats were tested on AST. In a separate experiment, we tested whether vHipp input to the IL induces BDNF signaling to exert therapeutic effects. We activated the vHipp using a Gq-DREADD, and injected an anti-BDNF neutralizing antibody into IL. Rats were tested on the AST 24 hours later. RESULTS Silencing the vHipp input to IL prevented the beneficial effects of extinction in reversing stress-induced cognitive deficits. Activating vHipp input to IL in the absence of extinction was sufficient to reverse stress-induced deficits in set-shifting. The beneficial effects were blocked by local infusion of a neutralizing anti-BDNF antibody into IL. CONCLUSIONS vHipp-driven BDNF signaling in IL is critical for extinction to counteract the deleterious cognitive effects of chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisse Paredes
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - David A Morilak
- Department of Pharmacology and Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, TX
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Lin P, Yang J, Wu S, Ye T, Zhuang W, Wang W, Tan T. Current trends of high-risk gene Cul3 in neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1215110. [PMID: 37575562 PMCID: PMC10416632 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1215110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cul3 encodes Cullin-3, a core component of the ubiquitin E3 ligase that is involved in protein ubiquitination. Recent studies have identified Cul3 as a high-confidence risk gene in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), especially autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Different strategies have been used to generate animal models with Cul3 deficiency in the central nervous system, including whole-brain knockout (KO), cell-type specific conditional KO (cKO), and brain region-specific knockdown. In this review, we revisited the basic properties of CUL3 and its function under physiological and pathological conditions. Recent clinical studies including case reports and large cohort sequencing studies related to CUl3 in NDDs have been summarized. Moreover, we characterized the behavioral, electrophysiological, and molecular changes in newly developed Cul3 deficiency models. This would guide further studies related to Cul3 in CNS and provide potential therapeutic targets for Cul3-deficiency-induced NDDs, including ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Lin
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shumin Wu
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tong Ye
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenting Zhuang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tao Tan
- Oujiang Laboratory (Zhejiang Lab for Regenerative Medicine, Vision and Brain Health), Key Laboratory of Alzheimer's Disease of Zhejiang Province, Institute of Aging, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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10
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Liu J, Liu X, Zhou WY, Gan J, Wang J, Zhang Q, Li JL, Shen ZS, Zhang YY, Tang QY, Zhang Z. The activation of GABAergic neurons in the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nucleus attenuates sevoflurane and propofol-induced anesthesia in mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1153735. [PMID: 37426823 PMCID: PMC10325722 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1153735] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The histaminergic neurons in the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) have been suggested to play a vital role in maintaining a rising state. But the neuronal types of the TMN are in debate and the role of GABAergic neurons remains unclear. Methods: In the present study, we examined the role of TMN GABAergic neurons in general anesthesia using chemogenetics and optogenetics strategies to regulate the activity of TMN GABAergic neurons. Results: The results indicated that either chemogenetic or optogenetic activation of TMN GABAergic neurons in mice decreased the effect of sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia. In contrast, inhibition of the TMN GABAergic neurons facilitates the sevoflurane anesthesia effect. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the activity of TMN GABAergic neurons produces an anti-anesthesia effect in loss of consciousness and analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Life Sciences College, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen-Yu Zhou
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Gan
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Liang Li
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhong-Shan Shen
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yue-Ying Zhang
- Department of Anesthesia, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qiong-Yao Tang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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11
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Rapanelli M, Wang W, Hurley E, Feltri ML, Pittenger C, Frick LR, Yan Z. Cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain are involved in behavioral abnormalities associated with Cul3 deficiency: Role of prefrontal cortex projections in cognitive deficits. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:22. [PMID: 36693858 PMCID: PMC9873627 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss-of-function mutations of the gene Cul3 have been identified as a risk factor for autism-spectrum disorder (ASD), but the pathogenic mechanisms are not well understood. Conditional Cul3 ablation in cholinergic neurons of mice (ChatCRECul3F/+) recapitulated ASD-like social and sensory gating phenotypes and caused significant cognitive impairments, with diminished activity of cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain (BF). Chemogenetic inhibition of BF cholinergic neurons in healthy mice induced similar social and cognitive deficits. Conversely, chemogenetic stimulation of BF cholinergic neurons in ChatCRECul3F/+ mice reversed abnormalities in sensory gating and cognition. Cortical hypofunction was also found after ChAT-specific Cul3 ablation and stimulation of cholinergic projections from the BF to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) mitigated cognitive deficits. Overall, we demonstrate that cholinergic dysfunction due to Cul3 deficiency is involved in ASD-like behavioral abnormalities, and that BF cholinergic neurons are particularly critical for cognitive component through their projections to the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Rapanelli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Edward Hurley
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Maria Laura Feltri
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Institute for Myelin and Glia Exploration, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA
| | - Christopher Pittenger
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, Yale Child Study Center, and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, Buffalo, USA
| | - Luciana Romina Frick
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Clinical and Translational Research Center, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program. Jacobs School of Medicine, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, USA.
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12
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Günther A, Hanganu-Opatz IL. Neuronal oscillations: early biomarkers of psychiatric disease? Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:1038981. [PMID: 36600993 PMCID: PMC9806131 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1038981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of the environmental and genetic factors contributing to the wide spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders has significantly increased in recent years. Impairment of neuronal network activity during early development has been suggested as a contributor to the emergence of neuropsychiatric pathologies later in life. Still, the neurobiological substrates underlying these disorders remain yet to be fully understood and the lack of biomarkers for early diagnosis has impeded research into curative treatment options. Here, we briefly review current knowledge on potential biomarkers for emerging neuropsychiatric disease. Moreover, we summarize recent findings on aberrant activity patterns in the context of psychiatric disease, with a particular focus on their potential as early biomarkers of neuropathologies, an essential step towards pre-symptomatic diagnosis and, thus, early intervention.
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13
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Wang Y, Meng W, Liu Z, An Q, Hu X. Cognitive impairment in psychiatric diseases: Biomarkers of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1046692. [DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1046692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric diseases, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder, place a huge health burden on society. Cognitive impairment is one of the core characteristics of psychiatric disorders and a vital determinant of social function and disease recurrence in patients. This review thus aims to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of cognitive impairment in major psychiatric disorders and identify valuable biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of patients.
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14
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Wang W, Tan T, Cao Q, Zhang F, Rein B, Duan WM, Yan Z. Histone Deacetylase Inhibition Restores Behavioral and Synaptic Function in a Mouse Model of 16p11.2 Deletion. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:877-889. [PMID: 35907244 PMCID: PMC9593221 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microdeletion of the human 16p11.2 gene locus confers risk for autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. How 16p11.2 deletion is linked to these neurodevelopmental disorders and whether there are treatment avenues for the manifested phenotypes remain to be elucidated. Emerging evidence suggests that epigenetic aberrations are strongly implicated in autism. METHODS We performed behavioral and electrophysiological experiments to examine the therapeutic effects of epigenetic drugs in transgenic mice carrying 16p11.2 deletion (16p11del/+). RESULTS We found that 16p11del/+ mice exhibited a significantly reduced level of histone acetylation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). A short (3-day) treatment with class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor MS-275 or Romidepsin led to the prolonged (3-4 weeks) rescue of social and cognitive deficits in 16p11del/+ mice. Concomitantly, MS-275 treatment reversed the hypoactivity of PFC pyramidal neurons and the hyperactivity of PFC fast-spiking interneurons. Moreover, the diminished N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated synaptic currents and the elevated GABAA receptor-mediated synaptic currents in PFC pyramidal neurons of 16p11del/+ mice were restored to control levels by MS-275 treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that HDAC inhibition provides a highly effective therapeutic strategy for behavioral deficits and excitation/inhibition imbalance in 16p11del/+ mice, likely via normalization of synaptic function in the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Freddy Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Rein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Wei-Ming Duan
- 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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15
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Jabarin R, Netser S, Wagner S. Beyond the three-chamber test: toward a multimodal and objective assessment of social behavior in rodents. Mol Autism 2022; 13:41. [PMID: 36284353 PMCID: PMC9598038 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00521-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MAIN: In recent years, substantial advances in social neuroscience have been realized, including the generation of numerous rodent models of autism spectrum disorder. Still, it can be argued that those methods currently being used to analyze animal social behavior create a bottleneck that significantly slows down progress in this field. Indeed, the bulk of research still relies on a small number of simple behavioral paradigms, the results of which are assessed without considering behavioral dynamics. Moreover, only few variables are examined in each paradigm, thus overlooking a significant portion of the complexity that characterizes social interaction between two conspecifics, subsequently hindering our understanding of the neural mechanisms governing different aspects of social behavior. We further demonstrate these constraints by discussing the most commonly used paradigm for assessing rodent social behavior, the three-chamber test. We also point to the fact that although emotions greatly influence human social behavior, we lack reliable means for assessing the emotional state of animals during social tasks. As such, we also discuss current evidence supporting the existence of pro-social emotions and emotional cognition in animal models. We further suggest that adequate social behavior analysis requires a novel multimodal approach that employs automated and simultaneous measurements of multiple behavioral and physiological variables at high temporal resolution in socially interacting animals. We accordingly describe several computerized systems and computational tools for acquiring and analyzing such measurements. Finally, we address several behavioral and physiological variables that can be used to assess socio-emotional states in animal models and thus elucidate intricacies of social behavior so as to attain deeper insight into the brain mechanisms that mediate such behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, we suggest that combining automated multimodal measurements with machine-learning algorithms will help define socio-emotional states and determine their dynamics during various types of social tasks, thus enabling a more thorough understanding of the complexity of social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renad Jabarin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shai Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shlomo Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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16
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Ma X, Li L, Li Z, Huang Z, Yang Y, Liu P, Guo D, Li Y, Wu T, Luo R, Xu J, Ye W, Jiang B, Shi L. eEF2 in the prefrontal cortex promotes excitatory synaptic transmission and social novelty behavior. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54543. [PMID: 35993189 PMCID: PMC9535807 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulation of mRNA translation is essential for brain development and function. Translation elongation factor eEF2 acts as a molecular hub orchestrating various synaptic signals to protein synthesis control and participates in hippocampus-dependent cognitive functions. However, whether eEF2 regulates other behaviors in different brain regions has been unknown. Here, we construct a line of Eef2 heterozygous (HET) mice, which show a reduction in eEF2 and protein synthesis mainly in excitatory neurons of the prefrontal cortex. The mice also show lower spine density, reduced excitability, and AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). While HET mice exhibit normal learning and memory, they show defective social behavior and elevated anxiety. Knockdown of Eef2 in excitatory neurons of the mPFC specifically is sufficient to impair social novelty preference. Either chemogenetic activation of excitatory neurons in the mPFC or mPFC local infusion of the AMPAR potentiator PF-4778574 corrects the social novelty deficit of HET mice. Collectively, we identify a novel role for eEF2 in promoting prefrontal AMPAR-mediated synaptic transmission underlying social novelty behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyue Ma
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Liuren Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ziming Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zhengyi Huang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yaorong Yang
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peng Liu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Daji Guo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Clinical Neuroscience InstituteThe First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yueyao Li
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tianying Wu
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Ruixiang Luo
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Junyu Xu
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Rehabilitation of the Children's HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Wen‐Cai Ye
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Bin Jiang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of MedicineSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Lei Shi
- JNU‐HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of PharmacyJinan UniversityGuangzhouChina
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17
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Purushotham SS, Reddy NMN, D'Souza MN, Choudhury NR, Ganguly A, Gopalakrishna N, Muddashetty R, Clement JP. A perspective on molecular signalling dysfunction, its clinical relevance and therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. Exp Brain Res 2022; 240:2525-2567. [PMID: 36063192 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-022-06448-x] [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: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders that have become a primary clinical and social concern, with a prevalence of 2-3% in the population. Neuronal function and behaviour undergo significant malleability during the critical period of development that is found to be impaired in ID/ASD. Human genome sequencing studies have revealed many genetic variations associated with ASD/ID that are further verified by many approaches, including many mouse and other models. These models have facilitated the identification of fundamental mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of ASD/ID, and several studies have proposed converging molecular pathways in ASD/ID. However, linking the mechanisms of the pathogenic genes and their molecular characteristics that lead to ID/ASD has progressed slowly, hampering the development of potential therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the possibility of recognising the common molecular causes for most ASD/ID based on studies from the available models that may enable a better therapeutic strategy to treat ID/ASD. We also reviewed the potential biomarkers to detect ASD/ID at early stages that may aid in diagnosis and initiating medical treatment, the concerns with drug failure in clinical trials, and developing therapeutic strategies that can be applied beyond a particular mutation associated with ASD/ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushmitha S Purushotham
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Neeharika M N Reddy
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Michelle Ninochka D'Souza
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - Nilpawan Roy Choudhury
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Anusa Ganguly
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Niharika Gopalakrishna
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India
| | - Ravi Muddashetty
- Centre for Brain Research, Indian Institute of Science Campus, CV Raman Avenue, Bangalore, 560 012, India.,The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bangalore, 560064, India
| | - James P Clement
- Neuroscience Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru, 560064, India.
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18
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Wang ZJ, Shwani T, Liu J, Zhong P, Yang F, Schatz K, Zhang F, Pralle A, Yan Z. Molecular and cellular mechanisms for differential effects of chronic social isolation stress in males and females. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3056-3068. [PMID: 35449296 PMCID: PMC9615910 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01574-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic social isolation stress during adolescence induces susceptibility for neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we show that 5-week post-weaning isolation stress induces sex-specific behavioral abnormalities and neuronal activity changes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), basal lateral amygdala (BLA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Chemogenetic manipulation, optogenetic recording, and in vivo calcium imaging identify that the PFC to BLA pathway is causally linked to heightened aggression in stressed males, and the PFC to VTA pathway is causally linked to social withdrawal in stressed females. Isolation stress induces genome-wide transcriptional alterations in a region-specific manner. Particularly, the upregulated genes in BLA of stressed males are under the control of activated transcription factor CREB, and CREB inhibition in BLA normalizes gene expression and reverses aggressive behaviors. On the other hand, neuropeptide Hcrt (Hypocretin/Orexin) is among the top-ranking downregulated genes in VTA of stressed females, and Orexin-A treatment rescues social withdrawal. These results have revealed molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for stress-related mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Treefa Shwani
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Junting Liu
- Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Fengwei Yang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Kelcie Schatz
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Freddy Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Arnd Pralle
- Department of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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19
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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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20
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Rein B, Conrow-Graham M, Frazier A, Cao Q, Yan Z. Inhibition of histone deacetylase 5 ameliorates abnormalities in 16p11.2 duplication mouse model. Neuropharmacology 2022; 204:108893. [PMID: 34822816 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108893] [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: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Microduplication of the human 16p11.2 gene locus is associated with a range of neurodevelopmental outcomes, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mice carrying heterozygous 16p11.2 duplication (16p11.2dp/+) display social deficits, which is attributable to impaired GABAergic synaptic function in prefrontal cortex (PFC) driven by downregulation of Npas4, an activity-dependent transcription factor that regulates GABA synapse formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the diminished transcription of Npas4 in 16p11.2 duplication remain unknown. Npas4 is one of the target genes regulated by histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5), an epigenetic enzyme repressing gene expression via removal of transcription-permissive acetyl groups from histones. Here we report that HDAC5 expression is elevated and histone acetylation is reduced at the Npas4 promoter in PFC of 16p11.2dp/+ mice. Treatment with the HDAC5 inhibitor LMK235 normalizes histone acetylation, restores GABAergic signaling in PFC, and significantly improves social preference in 16p11.2dp/+ mice. These findings suggest that HDAC5 inhibition is a promising therapeutic avenue to alleviate genetic, synaptic and behavioral deficits in 16p11.2 duplication conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Megan Conrow-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Allea Frazier
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, 14214, USA.
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21
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Deutsch SI, Luyo ZNM, Burket JA. Targeted NMDA Receptor Interventions for Autism: Developmentally Determined Expression of GluN2B and GluN2A-Containing Receptors and Balanced Allosteric Modulatory Approaches. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12020181. [PMID: 35204682 PMCID: PMC8961601 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Various ASD risk alleles have been associated with impairment of NMDA receptor activation (i.e., NMDA Receptor Hypofunction) and/or disturbance of the careful balance between activation mediated by GluN2B-subtype and GluN2A-subtype-containing NMDA receptors. Importantly, although these various risk alleles affect NMDA receptor activation through different mechanisms, they share the pathogenic consequences of causing disturbance of highly regulated NMDA receptor activation. Disturbances of NMDA receptor activation due to sequence variants, protein termination variants and copy number variants are often cell-specific and regionally selective. Thus, translational therapeutic NMDA receptor agonist interventions, which may require chronic administration, must have specificity, selectivity and facilitate NMDA receptor activation in a manner that is physiologic (i.e., mimicking that of endogenously released glutamate and glycine/D-serine released in response to salient and relevant socio-cognitive provocations within discrete neural circuits). Importantly, knockout mice with absent expression and mice with haploinsufficient expression of the deleterious genes often serve as good models to test the potential efficacy of promising pharmacotherapeutic strategies. The Review considers diverse examples of “illness” genes, their pathogenic effects on NMDA receptor activation and, when available, results of studies of impaired sociability in mouse models, including “proof of principle/proof of concept” experiments exploring NMDA receptor agonist interventions and the development of promising positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), which serve as support and models for developing an inventory of PAMs and negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) for translational therapeutic intervention. Conceivably, selective PAMs and NAMs either alone or in combination will be administered to patients guided by their genotype in order to potentiate and/or restore disrupted balance between activation mediated by GluN2B-subtype and GluN2A-subtype containing NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen I. Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 710, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA;
| | - Zachary N. M. Luyo
- Program in Neuroscience, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA;
| | - Jessica A. Burket
- Program in Neuroscience, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA;
- Department of Molecular Biology & Chemistry, Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA 23606, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-757-594-8743
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22
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Garrido D, Beretta S, Grabrucker S, Bauer HF, Bayer D, Sala C, Verpelli C, Roselli F, Bockmann J, Proepper C, Catanese A, Boeckers TM. Shank2/3 double knockout-based screening of cortical subregions links the retrosplenial area to the loss of social memory in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4994-5006. [PMID: 36100669 PMCID: PMC9763120 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Shank protein family are master scaffolds of the postsynaptic architecture and mutations within the SHANK genes are causally associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We generated a Shank2-Shank3 double knockout mouse that is showing severe autism related core symptoms, as well as a broad spectrum of comorbidities. We exploited this animal model to identify cortical brain areas linked to specific autistic traits by locally deleting Shank2 and Shank3 simultaneously. Our screening of 10 cortical subregions revealed that a Shank2/3 deletion within the retrosplenial area severely impairs social memory, a core symptom of ASD. Notably, DREADD-mediated neuronal activation could rescue the social impairment triggered by Shank2/3 depletion. Data indicate that the retrosplenial area has to be added to the list of defined brain regions that contribute to the spectrum of behavioural alterations seen in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Garrido
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefania Beretta
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Grabrucker
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Helen Friedericke Bauer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - David Bayer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carlo Sala
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Roselli
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Proepper
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alberto Catanese
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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23
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Yan Z, Rein B. Mechanisms of synaptic transmission dysregulation in the prefrontal cortex: pathophysiological implications. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:445-465. [PMID: 33875802 PMCID: PMC8523584 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01092-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) serves as the chief executive officer of the brain, controlling the highest level cognitive and emotional processes. Its local circuits among glutamatergic principal neurons and GABAergic interneurons, as well as its long-range connections with other brain regions, have been functionally linked to specific behaviors, ranging from working memory to reward seeking. The efficacy of synaptic signaling in the PFC network is profundedly influenced by monoaminergic inputs via the activation of dopamine, adrenergic, or serotonin receptors. Stress hormones and neuropeptides also exert complex effects on the synaptic structure and function of PFC neurons. Dysregulation of PFC synaptic transmission is strongly linked to social deficits, affective disturbance, and memory loss in brain disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, depression, and Alzheimer's disease. Critical neural circuits, biological pathways, and molecular players that go awry in these mental illnesses have been revealed by integrated electrophysiological, optogenetic, biochemical, and transcriptomic studies of PFC. Novel epigenetic mechanism-based strategies are proposed as potential avenues of therapeutic intervention for PFC-involved diseases. This review provides an overview of PFC network organization and synaptic modulation, as well as the mechanisms linking PFC dysfunction to the pathophysiology of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Insights from the preclinical studies offer the potential for discovering new medical treatments for human patients with these brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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24
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Wang W, Cao Q, Tan T, Yang F, Williams JB, Yan Z. Epigenetic treatment of behavioral and physiological deficits in a tauopathy mouse model. Aging Cell 2021; 20:e13456. [PMID: 34547169 PMCID: PMC8520711 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic abnormality is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive deficits, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). A common feature of AD is the accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau. Transgenic mice expressing mutant P301S human tau protein develop AD‐like progressive tau pathology and cognitive impairment. Here, we show that the euchromatic histone‐lysine N‐methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) is significantly elevated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of P301S Tau mice (5–7 months old), leading to the increased repressive histone mark, H3K9me2, which is reversed by treatment with the selective EHMT inhibitor UNC0642. Behavioral assays show that UNC0642 treatment induces the robust rescue of spatial and recognition memory deficits in P301S Tau mice. Concomitantly, the diminished PFC neuronal excitability and glutamatergic synaptic transmission in P301S Tau mice are also normalized by UNC0642 treatment. In addition, EHMT inhibition dramatically attenuates the hyperphosphorylated tau level in PFC of P301S Tau mice. Transcriptomic analysis reveals that UNC0642 treatment of P301S Tau mice has normalized a number of dysregulated genes in PFC, which are enriched in cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix organization, ion channels and transporters, receptor signaling, and stress responses. Together, these data suggest that targeting histone methylation enzymes to adjust gene expression could be used to treat cognitive and synaptic deficits in neurodegenerative diseases linked to tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Qing Cao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Fengwei Yang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Jamal B. Williams
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo Buffalo New York USA
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25
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Ju J, Yang X, Jiang J, Wang D, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Fang X, Liao H, Zheng L, Li S, Hou ST, Liang L, Pan Y, Li H, Li N. Structural and Lipidomic Alterations of Striatal Myelin in 16p11.2 Deletion Mouse Model of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:718720. [PMID: 34483844 PMCID: PMC8416256 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.718720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin abnormalities have been observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this study, we seek to discover myelin-related changes in the striatum, a key brain region responsible for core ASD features, using the 16p11.2 deletion (16p11.2±) mouse model of ASD. We found downregulated expression of multiple myelin genes and decreased myelin thickness in the striatum of 16p11.2± mice versus wild type controls. Moreover, given that myelin is the main reservoir of brain lipids and that increasing evidence has linked dysregulation of lipid metabolism to ASD, we performed lipidomic analysis and discovered decreased levels of certain species of sphingomyelin, hexosyl ceramide and their common precursor, ceramide, in 16p11.2± striatum, all of which are major myelin components. We further identified lack of ceramide synthase 2 as the possible reason behind the decrease in these lipid species. Taken together, our data suggest a role for myelin and myelin lipids in ASD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ju
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuyan Yang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Dilong Wang
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaofeng Zhao
- Institute of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Organ Development and Regeneration, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyi Fang
- Department of Neonatology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huanquan Liao
- The Clinical Neuroscience Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shupeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and Biotechnology, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Hou
- Brain Research Centre and Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liyang Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yihang Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huiliang Li
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, Division of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ningning Li
- Tomas Lindahl Nobel Laureate Laboratory, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
- China-UK Institute for Frontier Science, Shenzhen, China
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26
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Wang ZJ, Rein B, Zhong P, Williams J, Cao Q, Yang F, Zhang F, Ma K, Yan Z. Autism risk gene KMT5B deficiency in prefrontal cortex induces synaptic dysfunction and social deficits via alterations of DNA repair and gene transcription. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1617-1626. [PMID: 34007043 PMCID: PMC8280130 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01029-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Large-scale genetic screening has identified KMT5B (SUV420H1), which encodes a histone H4 K20 di- and tri-methyltransferase highly expressed in prefrontal cortex (PFC), as a top-ranking high-risk gene for autism. However, the biological function of KMT5B in the brain is poorly characterized, and how KMT5B deficiency is linked to autism remains largely unknown. Here we knocked down Kmt5b in PFC and examined behavioral and electrophysiological changes, as well as underlying molecular mechanisms. Mice with Kmt5b deficiency in PFC display social deficits, a core symptom of autism, without the alteration of other behaviors. Kmt5b deficiency also produces deficits in PFC glutamatergic synaptic transmission, which is accompanied by the reduced synaptic expression of glutamate receptor subunits and associated proteins. Kmt5b deficiency-induced reduction of H4K20me2 impairs 53BP1-mediated DNA repair, leading to the elevation of p53 expression and its target gene Ddit4 (Redd1), which is implicated in synaptic impairment. RNA-sequencing data indicate that Kmt5b deficiency results in the upregulation of genes enriched in cellular stress response and ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation. Collectively, this study has revealed the functional role of Kmt5b in the PFC, and suggests that Kmt5b deficiency could cause autistic phenotypes by inducing synaptic dysfunction and transcriptional aberration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jun Wang
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Ben Rein
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Ping Zhong
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jamal Williams
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Qing Cao
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Fengwei Yang
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Freddy Zhang
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Kaijie Ma
- grid.273335.30000 0004 1936 9887Department 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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27
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Duggan MR, Joshi S, Strupp J, Parikh V. Chemogenetic inhibition of prefrontal projection neurons constrains top-down control of attention in young but not aged rats. Brain Struct Funct 2021; 226:2357-2373. [PMID: 34247267 PMCID: PMC8355172 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-021-02336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) governs top-down control of attention and is known to be vulnerable in aging. Cortical reorganization with increased PFC recruitment is suggested to account for functional compensation. Here, we hypothesized that reduced PFC output would exert differential effects on attentional capacities in young and aged rats, with the latter exhibiting a more robust decline in performance. A chemogenetic approach involving designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs was utilized to determine the impact of silencing PFC projection neurons in rats performing an operant attention task. Visual distractors were presented in all behavioral testing sessions to tax attentional resources. Under control conditions, aged rats exhibited impairments in discriminating signals with the shortest duration from non-signal events. Surprisingly, chemogenetic inhibition of PFC output neurons did not worsen performance amongst aged animals. Conversely, significant impairments in attentional capacities were observed in young subjects following such manipulation. Given the involvement of PFC-projecting basal forebrain cholinergic neurons in top-down regulation of attention, amperometric recordings were conducted to measure alterations in prefrontal cholinergic transmission in a separate cohort of young and aged rats. While PFC silencing resulted in a robust attenuation of tonic cholinergic signaling across age groups, the capacity to generate phasic cholinergic transients was impaired only amongst young animals. Collectively, our findings suggest a reduced efficiency of PFC-mediated top-down control of attention and cholinergic system in aging, and that activity of PFC output neurons does not reflect compensation in aged rats, at least in the attention domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Duggan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Surbhi Joshi
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Jacob Strupp
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Vinay Parikh
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
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28
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Reversal of synaptic and behavioral deficits in a 16p11.2 duplication mouse model via restoration of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1967-1979. [PMID: 32099100 PMCID: PMC7483162 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0693-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The human 16p11.2 gene locus is a hot spot for copy number variations, which predispose carriers to a range of neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Microduplications of 16p11.2 are associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and schizophrenia (SZ). Despite the debilitating nature of 16p11.2 duplications, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here we performed a comprehensive behavioral characterization of 16p11.2 duplication mice (16p11.2dp/+) and identified social and cognitive deficits reminiscent of ASD and ID phenotypes. 16p11.2dp/+ mice did not exhibit the SZ-related sensorimotor gating deficits, psychostimulant-induced hypersensitivity, or motor impairment. Electrophysiological recordings of 16p11.2dp/+ mice found deficient GABAergic synaptic transmission and elevated neuronal excitability in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region critical for social and cognitive functions. RNA-sequencing identified genome-wide transcriptional aberrance in the PFC of 16p11.2dp/+ mice, including downregulation of the GABA synapse regulator Npas4. Restoring Npas4 expression in PFC of 16p11.2dp/+ mice ameliorated the social and cognitive deficits and reversed GABAergic synaptic impairment and neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings suggest that prefrontal cortical GABAergic synaptic circuitry and Npas4 are strongly implicated in 16p11.2 duplication pathology, and may represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in ASD.
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29
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The role of GABAergic signalling in neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:290-307. [PMID: 33772226 PMCID: PMC9001156 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00443-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
GABAergic inhibition shapes the connectivity, activity and plasticity of the brain. A series of exciting new discoveries provides compelling evidence that disruptions in a number of key facets of GABAergic inhibition have critical roles in the aetiology of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These facets include the generation, migration and survival of GABAergic neurons, the formation of GABAergic synapses and circuit connectivity, and the dynamic regulation of the efficacy of GABAergic signalling through neuronal chloride transporters. In this Review, we discuss recent work that elucidates the functions and dysfunctions of GABAergic signalling in health and disease, that uncovers the contribution of GABAergic neural circuit dysfunction to NDD aetiology and that leverages such mechanistic insights to advance precision medicine for the treatment of NDDs.
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30
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Rapanelli M, Tan T, Wang W, Wang X, Wang ZJ, Zhong P, Frick L, Qin L, Ma K, Qu J, Yan Z. Behavioral, circuitry, and molecular aberrations by region-specific deficiency of the high-risk autism gene Cul3. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1491-1504. [PMID: 31455858 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0498-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cullin 3 (Cul3) gene, which encodes a core component of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex that mediates proteasomal degradation, has been identified as a true high-risk factor for autism. Here, by combining behavioral, electrophysiological, and proteomic approaches, we have examined how Cul3 deficiency contributes to the etiology of different aspects of autism. Heterozygous mice with forebrain Cul3 deletion displayed autism-like social interaction impairment and sensory-gating deficiency. Region-specific deletion of Cul3 leads to distinct phenotypes, with social deficits linked to the loss of Cul3 in prefrontal cortex (PFC), and stereotypic behaviors linked to the loss of Cul3 in striatum. Correlated with these behavioral alterations, Cul3 deficiency in forebrain or PFC induces NMDA receptor hypofunction, while Cul3 loss in striatum causes a cell type-specific alteration of neuronal excitability in striatal circuits. Large-scale profiling has identified sets of misregulated proteins resulting from Cul3 deficiency in different regions, including Smyd3, a histone methyltransferase involved in gene transcription. Inhibition or knockdown of Smyd3 in forebrain Cul3-deficient mice ameliorates social deficits and restores NMDAR function in PFC. These results have revealed for the first time a potential molecular mechanism underlying the manifestation of different autism-like behavioral deficits by Cul3 deletion in cortico-striatal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano Rapanelli
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xue Wang
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Zi-Jun Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Luciana Frick
- Hunter James Kelly Research Institute, Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Luye Qin
- 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
| | - Jun Qu
- New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences, 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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31
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Ding G, Li X, Hou X, Zhou W, Gong Y, Liu F, He Y, Song J, Wang J, Basil P, Li W, Qian S, Saha P, Wang J, Cui C, Yang T, Zou K, Han Y, Amos CI, Xu Y, Chen L, Sun Z. REV-ERB in GABAergic neurons controls diurnal hepatic insulin sensitivity. Nature 2021; 592:763-767. [PMID: 33762728 PMCID: PMC8085086 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-03358-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic insulin sensitivity shows a diurnal rhythm with a peak upon waking1,2. The molecular mechanism that underlies this temporal pattern is unclear. Here we show that the nuclear receptors REV-ERB-α and REV-ERB-β (referred to here as 'REV-ERB') in the GABAergic (γ-aminobutyric acid-producing) neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) (SCNGABA neurons) control the diurnal rhythm of insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production in mice, without affecting diurnal eating or locomotor behaviours during regular light-dark cycles. REV-ERB regulates the rhythmic expression of genes that are involved in neurotransmission in the SCN, and modulates the oscillatory firing activity of SCNGABA neurons. Chemogenetic stimulation of SCNGABA neurons at waking leads to glucose intolerance, whereas restoration of the temporal pattern of either SCNGABA neuron firing or REV-ERB expression rescues the time-dependent glucose metabolic phenotype caused by REV-ERB depletion. In individuals with diabetes, an increased level of blood glucose after waking is a defining feature of the 'extended dawn phenomenon'3,4. Patients with type 2 diabetes with the extended dawn phenomenon exhibit a differential temporal pattern of expression of REV-ERB genes compared to patients with type 2 diabetes who do not have the extended dawn phenomenon. These findings provide mechanistic insights into how the central circadian clock regulates the diurnal rhythm of hepatic insulin sensitivity, with implications for our understanding of the extended dawn phenomenon in type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guolian Ding
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Xinguo Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yingyun Gong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fuqiang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanlin He
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Laboratory of Brain Glycemia and Metabolism Control, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Jia Song
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Paul Basil
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wenbo Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sichong Qian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Pradip Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jinbang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chen Cui
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Yang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kexin Zou
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Institute of Reproduction and Development, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Younghun Han
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Christopher I Amos
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yong Xu
- USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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32
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Tan T, Wang W, Liu T, Zhong P, Conrow-Graham M, Tian X, Yan Z. Neural circuits and activity dynamics underlying sex-specific effects of chronic social isolation stress. Cell Rep 2021; 34:108874. [PMID: 33761364 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.108874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to prolonged stress in critical developmental periods induces heightened vulnerability to psychiatric disorders, which may have sex-specific consequences. Here we investigate the neuronal circuits mediating behavioral changes in mice after chronic adolescent social isolation stress. Escalated aggression is exhibited in stressed males, while social withdrawal is shown in stressed females. In vivo multichannel recordings of free-moving animals indicate that pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex (PFC) from stressed males exhibit the significantly decreased spike activity during aggressive attacks, while PFC pyramidal neurons from stressed females show a blunted increase of discharge rates during sociability tests. Chemogenetic and electrophysiological evidence shows that PFC hypofunctioning and BLA principal neuron hyperactivity contribute to the elevated aggression in stressed males, while PFC hypofunctioning and VTA dopamine neuron hypoactivity contribute to the diminished sociability in stressed females. These results establish a framework for understanding the circuit and physiological mechanisms underlying sex-specific divergent effects of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Tan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Tiaotiao Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Megan Conrow-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Xin Tian
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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33
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Rein B, Yan Z. 16p11.2 Copy Number Variations and Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Trends Neurosci 2020; 43:886-901. [PMID: 32993859 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) of the human 16p11.2 genetic locus are associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy. In this review, we delineate genetic information and diverse phenotypes in individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs, and synthesize preclinical findings from transgenic mouse models of 16p11.2 CNVs. Mice with 16p11.2 deletions or duplications recapitulate many core behavioral phenotypes, including social and cognitive deficits, and exhibit altered synaptic function across various brain areas. Mechanisms of transcriptional dysregulation and cortical maldevelopment are reviewed, along with potential therapeutic intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Rein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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34
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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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35
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Saitow F, Takumi T, Suzuki H. Upregulated 5-HT 1A receptor-mediated currents in the prefrontal cortex layer 5 neurons in the 15q11-13 duplication mouse model of autism. Mol Brain 2020; 13:115. [PMID: 32831117 PMCID: PMC7444243 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-020-00655-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) is a well-known modulator of behavioral, physiological, and emotional functions of the forebrain region. We recently discovered alterations of serotonergic synaptic modulations in both, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the somatosensory cortex, in the 15q dup mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To further understand the roles of the 5-HT system implicated in developmental disorders such as ASD, comparison with model animals exhibiting different phenotypes may be useful. In this study, we investigated the relationship between sociability and the magnitude of 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) activation-induced outward currents from layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the PFC, because a mouse model of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS; another developmental disorder exhibiting low innate anxiety and high sociability) reportedly showed larger 5-HT-induced currents. To investigate whether the 5-HT1AR activation-induced outward currents are involved in the endophenotype determination of social behavior, we examined 15q dup mice with a phenotype opposite to WBS. We found 5-HT elicited significantly larger outward currents in 15q dup mice than in WT controls, regardless of sociability. In contrast, baclofen-induced GABAB receptor-mediated outward currents were not significantly different between genotypes, although GABAB receptor was coupled to Gi/o as well as 5-HT1A. Further, we found the larger 5-HT1AR-mediated currents in 15q dup mice did not affect the magnitude of inhibitory action of NMDA receptor functions. Taken together, our results provide a potential physiological hallmark for developmental disorders that may involve the imbalance of the neuronal circuity in the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihito Saitow
- Department of Pharmacology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan.,Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Kobe University School of Medicine, Chuo, Kobe, 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hidenori Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
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36
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Marciante AB, Farmer GE, Cunningham JT. G q DREADD activation of CaMKIIa MnPO neurons stimulates nitric oxide activity. J Neurophysiol 2020; 124:591-609. [PMID: 32697679 PMCID: PMC7500373 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00239.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) modify cellular activity following administration of the exogenous ligand clozapine-N-oxide (CNO). However, some reports indicate CNO may have off-target effects. The current studies investigate the use of Gq DREADDs in CaMKIIa-expressing neurons in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO). Male Sprague-Dawley rats (250 g) anesthetized with isoflurane were stereotaxically microinjected in the MnPO with the Gq DREADD (AAV5-CaMKIIa-HM3D-mCherry) or control virus (AAV5-CaMKIIa-mCherry). Following a 2-wk recovery, rats were used for either immunohistochemical Fos analysis or in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology. In Gq DREADD-injected rats, CNO induced significant increases in Fos staining in the MnPO and in regions that receive direct or indirect projections from the MnPO. In electrophysiological studies, CNO depolarized and augmented firing frequency in both Gq DREADD-positive neurons (Gq DREADD) as well as unlabeled MnPO neurons in slices from Gq DREADD-injected rats (Gq DREADDx). Gq DREADDx neurons also displayed increases in spontaneous postsynaptic current (sPSC) frequency in response to CNO. Additionally, CaMKIIa-positive MnPO neurons, which also express nitric oxide synthase (NOS), were treated with Nω-nitro-l-arginine (l-NNA; competitive inhibitor of NOS) and hemoglobin (NO scavenger) to assess the role of NO in Gq DREADDx neuron recruitment. Both l-NNA and hemoglobin blocked CNO-induced effects in Gq DREADDx neurons without affecting Gq DREADD neurons. These findings indicate that Gq DREADD-mediated activation of CaMKIIa/NOS expressing neurons in the MnPO can influence the activity of neighboring neurons. Future studies utilizing the use of Gq DREADDs will need to consider the potential recruitment of additional cell populations.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Rats were injected in the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) with either an adeno-associated virus (AAV) and excitatory (Gq) designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADD) construct or a control AAV. In the Gq DREADD-injected rats only, clozapine-N-oxide (CNO) increased Fos staining in the MnPO and its targets and increased neuron action potential frequency. In electrophysiology experiments with slices with DREADD cells, unlabeled cells were activated and this was likely due to nitric oxide release by the DREADD cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria B Marciante
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - George E Farmer
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas
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37
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Ling WY, Cui Y, Gao JL, Jiang XH, Wang KJ, Tian YX, Sheng HX, Cui JZ. Long-term chemogenetic activation of M1 glutamatergic neurons attenuates the behavioral and cognitive deficits caused by intracerebral hemorrhage. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 527:22-28. [PMID: 32446371 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening disease. It is often accompanied by severe neurological sequelae largely caused by the loss of integrity of the neural circuits. However, these neurological sequelae have few strong medical interventions. Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) are important chemogenetic tools capable of precisely modulating the activity of neural circuits. They have been suggested to have therapeutic effects on multiple neurological diseases. Despite this, no empirical research has explored the effects of DREADDs on functional recovery after ICH. We aimed to explore whether the long-term excitation of glutamatergic neurons in primary motor cortex (M1) by DREADD could promote functional recovery after ICH. We used CaMKII-driven Gq/Gi-DREADDs to activate/inhibit M1 glutamatergic neurons for 21 consecutive days, and examined their effects on behavioral and cognitive deficits caused by ICH in a mouse model of ICH targeting striatum. Long-term chemogenetic activation of the M1 glutamatergic neurons increased the spatial memory and sensorimotor ability of mice suffering from ICH. It also attenuated the mitochondrial dysfunctions of striatal neurons by raising the ATP levels and mitochondrial membrane potential while decreasing the 8-OHdG levels. These results strongly suggest that selective stimulation of the M1 glutamatergic neurons contributes to functional recovery after ICH presumably through alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yuan Ling
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China
| | - Ying Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jun-Ling Gao
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Xiao-Hua Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Kai-Jie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Yan-Xia Tian
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Hua-Xin Sheng
- School of Basic Medical Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China; Hebei Key Laboratory for Preclinical and Basic Research on Chronic Diseases, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China
| | - Jian-Zhong Cui
- Department of Surgery, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital, Tangshan, Hebei, PR China.
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38
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Kim Y, Noh YW, Kim K, Yang E, Kim H, Kim E. IRSp53 Deletion in Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons and in Male and Female Mice Leads to Distinct Electrophysiological and Behavioral Phenotypes. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:23. [PMID: 32116566 PMCID: PMC7026675 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
IRSp53 (also known as BAIAP2) is an abundant excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). IRSp53 is expressed in different cell types across different brain regions, although it remains unclear how IRSp53 deletion in different cell types affects brain functions and behaviors in mice. Here, we deleted IRSp53 in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in mice and compared resulting phenotypes in males and females. IRSp53 deletion in excitatory neurons driven by Emx1 leads to strong social deficits and hyperactivity without affecting anxiety-like behavior, whereas IRSp53 deletion in inhibitory neurons driven by Viaat has minimal impacts on these behaviors in male mice. In female mice, excitatory neuronal IRSp53 deletion induces hyperactivity but moderate social deficits. Excitatory neuronal IRSp53 deletion in male mice induces an increased ratio of evoked excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission (E/I ratio) in layer V pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas the same mutation does not alter the E/I ratio in female neurons. These results suggest that IRSp53 deletion in excitatory and inhibitory neurons and in male and female mice has distinct impacts on behaviors and synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangsik Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young Woo Noh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Kyungdeok Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Esther Yang
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
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39
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Saitow F, Takumi T, Suzuki H. Change in serotonergic modulation contributes to the synaptic imbalance of neuronal circuit at the prefrontal cortex in the 15q11-13 duplication mouse model of autism. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107931. [PMID: 31901366 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been extensively studied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in an attempt to understand the deficits in executive and other higher brain functions related to sociability and emotion. Disruption of the excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance of cortical circuits is thought to underlie the pathophysiology of ASD. Recently, we showed that 15q dup mice (a model for ASD with human chromosome 15q11-13 paternal duplication) exhibit disruption of the E/I balance in layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of the somatosensory cortex due to a decrease in the number of inhibitory synapses. However, whether there is a pathological abnormality in E/I balance in the PFC of 15q dup mice remains unknown. In this study, we found that 15q dup facilitates the activity-induced LTP of glutamate synapses onto layer 5 pyramidal neurons by shifting the E/I balance to an excitatory state, which this was associated with differences in synaptic glutamatergic and GABAergic inputs onto GABAergic fast-spiking interneurons (FSINs). Furthermore, we found that FSIN excitability was well-modulated and regulated by the constitutive activation of 5-HT2 receptors in PFC microcircuits. These results provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms underlying maintenance of optimal E/I balance in the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumihito Saitow
- Department of Pharmacology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Hidenori Suzuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
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40
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Sceniak MP, Fedder KN, Wang Q, Droubi S, Babcock K, Patwardhan S, Wright-Zornes J, Pham L, Sabo SL. An autism-associated mutation in GluN2B prevents NMDA receptor trafficking and interferes with dendrite growth. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.232892. [PMID: 31548203 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.232892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are neurodevelopmental disorders with multiple genetic associations. Analysis of de novo mutations identified GRIN2B, which encodes the GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors, as a gene linked to ASDs with high probability. However, the mechanisms by which GRIN2B mutations contribute to ASD pathophysiology are not understood. Here, we investigated the cellular phenotypes induced by a human mutation that is predicted to truncate GluN2B within the extracellular loop. This mutation abolished NMDA-dependent Ca2+ influx. Mutant GluN2B co-assembled with GluN1 but was not trafficked to the cell surface or dendrites. When mutant GluN2B was expressed in developing cortical neurons, dendrites appeared underdeveloped, with shorter and fewer branches, while spine density was unaffected. Mutant dendritic arbors were often dysmorphic, displaying abnormal filopodial-like structures. Interestingly, dendrite maldevelopment appeared when mutant GluN2B was expressed on a wild-type background, reflecting the disease given that individuals are heterozygous for GRIN2B mutations. Restoring the fourth transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic tail did not rescue the phenotypes. Finally, abnormal development was not accompanied by reduced mTOR signaling. These data suggest that mutations in GluN2B contribute to ASD pathogenesis by disrupting dendrite development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Sceniak
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Karlie N Fedder
- Departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Sammy Droubi
- Departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Katie Babcock
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Sagar Patwardhan
- Departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Jazmin Wright-Zornes
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Lucynda Pham
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA
| | - Shasta L Sabo
- Department of Biology, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, USA .,Departments of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
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41
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Kahn JB, Port RG, Yue C, Takano H, Coulter DA. Circuit-based interventions in the dentate gyrus rescue epilepsy-associated cognitive dysfunction. Brain 2019; 142:2705-2721. [PMID: 31363737 PMCID: PMC6736326 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awz209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with significant structural pathology in the hippocampus. In the dentate gyrus, the summative effect of these pathologies is massive hyperexcitability in the granule cells, generating both increased seizure susceptibility and cognitive deficits. To date, therapeutic approaches have failed to improve the cognitive symptoms in fully developed, chronic epilepsy. As the dentate's principal signalling population, the granule cells' aggregate excitability has the potential to provide a mechanistically-independent downstream target. We examined whether normalizing epilepsy-associated granule cell hyperexcitability-without correcting the underlying structural circuit disruptions-would constitute an effective therapeutic approach for cognitive dysfunction. In the systemic pilocarpine mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, the epileptic dentate gyrus excessively recruits granule cells in behavioural contexts, not just during seizure events, and these mice fail to perform on a dentate-mediated spatial discrimination task. Acutely reducing dorsal granule cell hyperactivity in chronically epileptic mice via either of two distinct inhibitory chemogenetic receptors rescued behavioural performance such that they responded comparably to wild type mice. Furthermore, recreating granule cell hyperexcitability in control mice via excitatory chemogenetic receptors, without altering normal circuit anatomy, recapitulated spatial memory deficits observed in epileptic mice. However, making the granule cells overly quiescent in both epileptic and control mice again disrupted behavioural performance. These bidirectional manipulations reveal that there is a permissive excitability window for granule cells that is necessary to support successful behavioural performance. Chemogenetic effects were specific to the targeted dorsal hippocampus, as hippocampal-independent and ventral hippocampal-dependent behaviours remained unaffected. Fos expression demonstrated that chemogenetics can modulate granule cell recruitment via behaviourally relevant inputs. Rather than driving cell activity deterministically or spontaneously, chemogenetic intervention merely modulates the behaviourally permissive activity window in which the circuit operates. We conclude that restoring appropriate principal cell tuning via circuit-based therapies, irrespective of the mechanisms generating the disease-related hyperactivity, is a promising translational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia B Kahn
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Russell G Port
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Cuiyong Yue
- The Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Hajime Takano
- The Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Douglas A Coulter
- Department of Neuroscience, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- The Research Institute of the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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42
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Kizner V, Naujock M, Fischer S, Jäger S, Reich S, Schlotthauer I, Zuckschwerdt K, Geiger T, Hildebrandt T, Lawless N, Macartney T, Dorner-Ciossek C, Gillardon F. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Knockout of the Neuropsychiatric Risk Gene KCTD13 Causes Developmental Deficits in Human Cortical Neurons Derived from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:616-634. [PMID: 31402430 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01727-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The human KCTD13 gene is located within the 16p11.2 locus and copy number variants of this locus are associated with a high risk for neuropsychiatric diseases including autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Studies in zebrafish point to a role of KCTD13 in proliferation of neural precursor cells which may contribute to macrocephaly in 16p11.2 deletion carriers. KCTD13 is highly expressed in the fetal human brain and in mouse cortical neurons, but its contribution to the development and function of mammalian neurons is not completely understood. In the present study, we deleted the KCTD13 gene in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using CRISPR/Cas9 nickase. Following neural differentiation of KCTD13 deficient and isogenic control iPSC lines, we detected a moderate but significant inhibition of DNA synthesis and proliferation in KCTD13 deficient human neural precursor cells. KCTD13 deficient cortical neurons derived from iPSCs showed decreased neurite formation and reduced spontaneous network activity. RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis pointed to a role for ERBB signaling in these phenotypic changes. Consistently, activating and inhibiting ERBB kinases rescued and aggravated, respectively, impaired neurite formation. In contrast to findings in non-neuronal human HeLa cells, we did not detect an accumulation of the putative KCTD13/Cullin-3 substrate RhoA, and treatment with inhibitors of RhoA signaling did not rescue decreased neurite formation in human KCTD13 knockout neurons. Taken together, our data provide insight into the role of KCTD13 in neurodevelopmental disorders, and point to ERBB signaling as a potential target for neuropsychiatric disorders associated with KCTD13 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Kizner
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Maximilian Naujock
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Sandra Fischer
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Stefan Jäger
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Selina Reich
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Ines Schlotthauer
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Kai Zuckschwerdt
- Target Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Tobias Geiger
- Cardio-metabolic Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Tobias Hildebrandt
- Target Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Nathan Lawless
- Target Discovery Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Thomas Macartney
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, Sir James Black Centre, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Cornelia Dorner-Ciossek
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Frank Gillardon
- CNS Diseases Research, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, 88397, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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43
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Qin L, Ma K, Yan Z. Chemogenetic Activation of Prefrontal Cortex in Shank3-Deficient Mice Ameliorates Social Deficits, NMDAR Hypofunction, and Sgk2 Downregulation. iScience 2019; 17:24-35. [PMID: 31247448 PMCID: PMC6599088 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Haploinsufficiency of the SHANK3 gene is causally linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in human genetic studies. Here we found that chemogenetic activation of pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Shank3-deficient mice with the hM3D (Gq) DREADD restored social preference behaviors and elevated glutamatergic synaptic function in PFC. Moreover, the expression of Sgk2 (serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 2), a member of the Sgk family, which plays a key role in regulating the membrane trafficking of glutamate receptors, was diminished by Shank3 deficiency and rescued by Gq DREADD activation of PFC. Blocking Sgk function in Shank3-deficient mice prevented Gq DREADD from rescuing social and synaptic deficits, whereas blocking Sgk function in wild-type mice led to the attenuation of PFC glutamatergic signaling and the induction of autism-like social deficits. These results have provided a potential circuit intervention and molecular target for autism treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luye Qin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Kaijie Ma
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA.
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Takumi T, Tamada K, Hatanaka F, Nakai N, Bolton PF. Behavioral neuroscience of autism. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 110:60-76. [PMID: 31059731 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Several genetic causes of ASD have been identified and this has enabled researchers to construct mouse models. Mouse behavioral tests reveal impaired social interaction and communication, as well as increased repetitive behavior and behavioral inflexibility in these mice, which correspond to core behavioral deficits observed in individuals with ASD. However, the connection between these behavioral abnormalities and the underlying dysregulation in neuronal circuits and synaptic function is poorly understood. Moreover, different components of the ASD phenotype may be linked to dysfunction in different brain regions, making it even more challenging to chart the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in ASD. Here we summarize the research on mouse models of ASD and their contribution to understanding pathophysiological mechanisms. Specifically, we emphasize abnormal serotonin production and regulation, as well as the disruption in circadian rhythms and sleep that are observed in a subset of ASD, and propose that spatiotemporal disturbances in brainstem development may be a primary cause of ASD that propagates towards the cerebral cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan.
| | - Kota Tamada
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | | | - Nobuhiro Nakai
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Patrick F Bolton
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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45
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Loss of function of NCOR1 and NCOR2 impairs memory through a novel GABAergic hypothalamus-CA3 projection. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:205-217. [PMID: 30664766 PMCID: PMC6361549 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-018-0311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor corepressor 1 (NCOR1) and NCOR2 (also known as SMRT) regulate gene expression by activating histone deacetylase 3 through their deacetylase activation domain (DAD). We show that mice with DAD knock-in mutations have memory deficits, reduced anxiety levels, and reduced social interactions. Mice with NCOR1 and NORC2 depletion specifically in GABAergic neurons (NS-V mice) recapitulated the memory deficits and had reduced GABAA receptor subunit α2 (GABRA2) expression in lateral hypothalamus GABAergic (LHGABA) neurons. This was associated with LHGABA neuron hyperexcitability and impaired hippocampal long-term potentiation, through a monosynaptic LHGABA to CA3GABA projection. Optogenetic activation of this projection caused memory deficits, whereas targeted manipulation of LHGABA or CA3GABA neuron activity reversed memory deficits in NS-V mice. We describe de novo variants in NCOR1, NCOR2 or HDAC3 in patients with intellectual disability or neurodevelopmental disorders. These findings identify a hypothalamus-hippocampus projection that may link endocrine signals with synaptic plasticity through NCOR-mediated regulation of GABA signaling.
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Patel J, Lukkes JL, Shekhar A. Overview of genetic models of autism spectrum disorders. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2018; 241:1-36. [PMID: 30447752 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopment disorders that are characterized by heterogenous cognitive deficits and genetic factors. As more ASD risk genes are identified, genetic animal models have been developed to parse out the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of ASD. In this review, we discuss a subset of genetic models of ASD, focusing on those that have been widely studied and strongly linked to ASD. We focus our discussion of these models in the context of the theories and potential mechanisms of ASD, including disruptions in cell growth and proliferation, spine dynamics, synaptic transmission, excitation/inhibition balance, intracellular signaling, neuroinflammation, and behavior. In addition to ASD pathophysiology, we examine the limitations and challenges that genetic models pose for the study of ASD biology. We end with a review of innovative techniques and concepts of ASD pathology that can be further applied to and studied using genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jheel Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Jodi L Lukkes
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Anantha Shekhar
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Program in Medical Neuroscience, Paul and Carole Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN, United States; Indiana Clinical and Translation Sciences Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States.
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