1
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Wang HQ, Ma YR, Zhang YX, Wei FH, Zheng Y, Ji ZH, Guo HX, Wang T, Zhang JB, Yuan B. GnRH-driven FTO-mediated RNA m 6A modification promotes gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. BMC Biol 2024; 22:104. [PMID: 38702712 PMCID: PMC11069278 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-024-01905-1] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gonadotropin precisely controls mammalian reproductive activities. Systematic analysis of the mechanisms by which epigenetic modifications regulate the synthesis and secretion of gonadotropin can be useful for more precise regulation of the animal reproductive process. Previous studies have identified many differential m6A modifications in the GnRH-treated adenohypophysis. However, the molecular mechanism by which m6A modification regulates gonadotropin synthesis and secretion remains unclear. RESULTS Herein, it was found that GnRH can promote gonadotropin synthesis and secretion by promoting the expression of FTO. Highly expressed FTO binds to Foxp2 mRNA in the nucleus, exerting a demethylation function and reducing m6A modification. After Foxp2 mRNA exits the nucleus, the lack of m6A modification prevents YTHDF3 from binding to it, resulting in increased stability and upregulation of Foxp2 mRNA expression, which activates the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway to promote gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the study reveals the molecular mechanism of GnRH regulating the gonadotropin synthesis and secretion through FTO-mediated m6A modification. The results of this study allow systematic interpretation of the regulatory mechanism of gonadotropin synthesis and secretion in the pituitary at the epigenetic level and provide a theoretical basis for the application of reproductive hormones in the regulation of animal artificial reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ran Ma
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Fan-Hao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Yi Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Hao Ji
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Xiang Guo
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China.
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130062, P.R. China.
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2
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Liu H, Zeng Q, Zhou J, Bartlett A, Wang BA, Berube P, Tian W, Kenworthy M, Altshul J, Nery JR, Chen H, Castanon RG, Zu S, Li YE, Lucero J, Osteen JK, Pinto-Duarte A, Lee J, Rink J, Cho S, Emerson N, Nunn M, O'Connor C, Wu Z, Stoica I, Yao Z, Smith KA, Tasic B, Luo C, Dixon JR, Zeng H, Ren B, Behrens MM, Ecker JR. Single-cell DNA methylome and 3D multi-omic atlas of the adult mouse brain. Nature 2023; 624:366-377. [PMID: 38092913 PMCID: PMC10719113 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06805-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytosine DNA methylation is essential in brain development and is implicated in various neurological disorders. Understanding DNA methylation diversity across the entire brain in a spatial context is fundamental for a complete molecular atlas of brain cell types and their gene regulatory landscapes. Here we used single-nucleus methylome sequencing (snmC-seq3) and multi-omic sequencing (snm3C-seq)1 technologies to generate 301,626 methylomes and 176,003 chromatin conformation-methylome joint profiles from 117 dissected regions throughout the adult mouse brain. Using iterative clustering and integrating with companion whole-brain transcriptome and chromatin accessibility datasets, we constructed a methylation-based cell taxonomy with 4,673 cell groups and 274 cross-modality-annotated subclasses. We identified 2.6 million differentially methylated regions across the genome that represent potential gene regulation elements. Notably, we observed spatial cytosine methylation patterns on both genes and regulatory elements in cell types within and across brain regions. Brain-wide spatial transcriptomics data validated the association of spatial epigenetic diversity with transcription and improved the anatomical mapping of our epigenetic datasets. Furthermore, chromatin conformation diversities occurred in important neuronal genes and were highly associated with DNA methylation and transcription changes. Brain-wide cell-type comparisons enabled the construction of regulatory networks that incorporate transcription factors, regulatory elements and their potential downstream gene targets. Finally, intragenic DNA methylation and chromatin conformation patterns predicted alternative gene isoform expression observed in a whole-brain SMART-seq2 dataset. Our study establishes a brain-wide, single-cell DNA methylome and 3D multi-omic atlas and provides a valuable resource for comprehending the cellular-spatial and regulatory genome diversity of the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Liu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qiurui Zeng
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jingtian Zhou
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Bartlett
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bang-An Wang
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter Berube
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wei Tian
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mia Kenworthy
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jordan Altshul
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Huaming Chen
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rosa G Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Songpeng Zu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yang Eric Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacinta Lucero
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julia K Osteen
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Antonio Pinto-Duarte
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jon Rink
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Cho
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nora Emerson
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Nunn
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn O'Connor
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zhanghao Wu
- Sky Computing Lab, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ion Stoica
- Sky Computing Lab, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Chongyuan Luo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse R Dixon
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bing Ren
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenomics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M Margarita Behrens
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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3
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Zhu X, Chen C, Wei D, Xu Y, Liang S, Jia W, Li J, Qu Y, Zhai J, Zhang Y, Wu P, Hao Q, Zhang L, Zhang W, Yang X, Pan L, Qi R, Li Y, Wang F, Yi R, Yang Z, Wang J, Zhao Y. FOXP2 confers oncogenic effects in prostate cancer. eLife 2023; 12:e81258. [PMID: 37668356 PMCID: PMC10513481 DOI: 10.7554/elife.81258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Identification oncogenes is fundamental to revealing the molecular basis of cancer. Here, we found that FOXP2 is overexpressed in human prostate cancer cells and prostate tumors, but its expression is absent in normal prostate epithelial cells and low in benign prostatic hyperplasia. FOXP2 is a FOX transcription factor family member and tightly associated with vocal development. To date, little is known regarding the link of FOXP2 to prostate cancer. We observed that high FOXP2 expression and frequent amplification are significantly associated with high Gleason score. Ectopic expression of FOXP2 induces malignant transformation of mouse NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human prostate epithelial cell RWPE-1. Conversely, FOXP2 knockdown suppresses the proliferation of prostate cancer cells. Transgenic overexpression of FOXP2 in the mouse prostate causes prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Overexpression of FOXP2 aberrantly activates oncogenic MET signaling and inhibition of MET signaling effectively reverts the FOXP2-induced oncogenic phenotype. CUT&Tag assay identified FOXP2-binding sites located in MET and its associated gene HGF. Additionally, the novel recurrent FOXP2-CPED1 fusion identified in prostate tumors results in high expression of truncated FOXP2, which exhibit a similar capacity for malignant transformation. Together, our data indicate that FOXP2 is involved in tumorigenicity of prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoquan Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking UniversityShenzhenChina
- The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical CenterHong KongChina
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yong Xu
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjingChina
- Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjing Medical UniversityTianjingChina
| | - Siying Liang
- Genetic Testing Center, Qingdao Women and Children's HospitalQingdaoChina
| | - Wenlong Jia
- Department of Computer Science, City University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Jian Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanchun Qu
- Tianjin Institute of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical UniversityTianjingChina
| | - Jianpo Zhai
- Department of Urology, Beijing Jishuitan HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yaoguang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Pengjie Wu
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Qiang Hao
- Department of Urology, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Linlin Zhang
- School of Nursing, Harbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital, Institute of UrologyBeijingChina
| | - Lin Pan
- Clinical Institute of China-Japan Friendship HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Ruomei Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yao Li
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical ScienceBeijingChina
| | - Feiliang Wang
- The Department of Ultrasonography, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Rui Yi
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Ze Yang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Jianye Wang
- Department of Urology, Beijing Hospital, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yanyang Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, National Health Commission, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingChina
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4
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Chen Z, Xiao Z, Tian W, Li Z, Wu T. Two Enhances the Cisplatin Sensitivity of Cervical Cancer Cells via Suppression of c-MET Expression. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:1476-1486. [PMID: 37593506 PMCID: PMC10430408 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i7.13249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Background The drug resistance of chemotherapeutic agents leads to unsatisfactory survival rates for cervical cancer (CC) patients. We aimed to explore the effect of FOXP2 on the sensitivity of CC cells to cisplatin (DDP) and its mechanism in Changde, China in 2018. Methods A Total of 6 cervical cancer tissue samples including 3 patients with cisplatin sensitivity and 3 patients with cisplatin resistance, who received DDP-based treatment, were obtained from Changde First People's Hospital, Changde City during 2021, and FOXP2 level was detected by Western blot. The expression levels of FOXP2 and c-MET (hepatocyte growth factor receptor, c-MET) in cells were determined by q-PCR and Western blot analysis. The cell survival, apoptosis, and clone formation were analyzed by flow cytometry, MTT assay, or clone formation assay. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and Chromatin immunoprecipitation were applied to verify the regulation between FOXP2 and c-MET. Results FOXP2 was downregulated in cisplatin-resistant cervical cancer tissues and cells compared with control. FOXP2 overexpression in SiHa/DDP cells inhibited cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of FOXP2 in SiHa cells had the opposite result. FOXP2 enhanced chemosensitive to DDP in CC cells. FOXP2 is negatively correlated with c-MET expression level in SiHa and SiHa/DDP cells. Mechanistically, FOXP2 binds to the promoter region of c-MET to regulate its expression in CC cells negatively. Overexpression of c-MET can attenuate the enhancement of DDP-induced apoptosis caused by FOXP2 overexpression. Conclusion This is a novel study on the role of FOXP2 in promoting the DDP sensitivity of CC cells by inhibiting c-MET. The FOXP2/c-MET signaling axis uncovered in the present study may be a novel therapeutic target for the DDP therapy resistance of CC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqin Chen
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Zemin Xiao
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Tian
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Zongjuan Li
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Oncology, First People’s Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415003, Hunan, China
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5
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Liu H, Zeng Q, Zhou J, Bartlett A, Wang BA, Berube P, Tian W, Kenworthy M, Altshul J, Nery JR, Chen H, Castanon RG, Zu S, Li YE, Lucero J, Osteen JK, Pinto-Duarte A, Lee J, Rink J, Cho S, Emerson N, Nunn M, O'Connor C, Yao Z, Smith KA, Tasic B, Zeng H, Luo C, Dixon JR, Ren B, Behrens MM, Ecker JR. Single-cell DNA Methylome and 3D Multi-omic Atlas of the Adult Mouse Brain. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.16.536509. [PMID: 37131654 PMCID: PMC10153407 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.16.536509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Cytosine DNA methylation is essential in brain development and has been implicated in various neurological disorders. A comprehensive understanding of DNA methylation diversity across the entire brain in the context of the brain's 3D spatial organization is essential for building a complete molecular atlas of brain cell types and understanding their gene regulatory landscapes. To this end, we employed optimized single-nucleus methylome (snmC-seq3) and multi-omic (snm3C-seq1) sequencing technologies to generate 301,626 methylomes and 176,003 chromatin conformation/methylome joint profiles from 117 dissected regions throughout the adult mouse brain. Using iterative clustering and integrating with companion whole-brain transcriptome and chromatin accessibility datasets, we constructed a methylation-based cell type taxonomy that contains 4,673 cell groups and 261 cross-modality-annotated subclasses. We identified millions of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) across the genome, representing potential gene regulation elements. Notably, we observed spatial cytosine methylation patterns on both genes and regulatory elements in cell types within and across brain regions. Brain-wide multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH2) data validated the association of this spatial epigenetic diversity with transcription and allowed the mapping of the DNA methylation and topology information into anatomical structures more precisely than our dissections. Furthermore, multi-scale chromatin conformation diversities occur in important neuronal genes, highly associated with DNA methylation and transcription changes. Brain-wide cell type comparison allowed us to build a regulatory model for each gene, linking transcription factors, DMRs, chromatin contacts, and downstream genes to establish regulatory networks. Finally, intragenic DNA methylation and chromatin conformation patterns predicted alternative gene isoform expression observed in a companion whole-brain SMART-seq3 dataset. Our study establishes the first brain-wide, single-cell resolution DNA methylome and 3D multi-omic atlas, providing an unparalleled resource for comprehending the mouse brain's cellular-spatial and regulatory genome diversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Liu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Qiurui Zeng
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jingtian Zhou
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Bartlett
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bang-An Wang
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter Berube
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Wei Tian
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Mia Kenworthy
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jordan Altshul
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Huaming Chen
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Rosa G Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Songpeng Zu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yang Eric Li
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacinta Lucero
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Julia K Osteen
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Antonio Pinto-Duarte
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jasper Lee
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jon Rink
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Cho
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nora Emerson
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael Nunn
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Carolyn O'Connor
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Zizhen Yao
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Hongkui Zeng
- Allen Institute for Brain Science, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chongyuan Luo
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse R Dixon
- Peptide Biology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Bing Ren
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenomics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M Margarita Behrens
- Computational Neurobiology Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
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6
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Auvinen P, Vehviläinen J, Marjonen H, Modhukur V, Sokka J, Wallén E, Rämö K, Ahola L, Salumets A, Otonkoski T, Skottman H, Ollikainen M, Trokovic R, Kahila H, Kaminen-Ahola N. Chromatin modifier developmental pluripotency associated factor 4 (DPPA4) is a candidate gene for alcohol-induced developmental disorders. BMC Med 2022; 20:495. [PMID: 36581877 PMCID: PMC9801659 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-022-02699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) affects embryonic development, causing a variable fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) phenotype with neuronal disorders and birth defects. We hypothesize that early alcohol-induced epigenetic changes disrupt the accurate developmental programming of embryo and consequently cause the complex phenotype of developmental disorders. To explore the etiology of FASD, we collected unique biological samples of 80 severely alcohol-exposed and 100 control newborns at birth. METHODS We performed genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) and gene expression analyses of placentas by using microarrays (EPIC, Illumina) and mRNA sequencing, respectively. To test the manifestation of observed PAE-associated DNAm changes in embryonic tissues as well as potential biomarkers for PAE, we examined if the changes can be detected also in white blood cells or buccal epithelial cells of the same newborns by EpiTYPER. To explore the early effects of alcohol on extraembryonic placental tissue, we selected 27 newborns whose mothers had consumed alcohol up to gestational week 7 at maximum to the separate analyses. Furthermore, to explore the effects of early alcohol exposure on embryonic cells, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as well as hESCs during differentiation into endodermal, mesodermal, and ectodermal cells were exposed to alcohol in vitro. RESULTS DPPA4, FOXP2, and TACR3 with significantly decreased DNAm were discovered-particularly the regulatory region of DPPA4 in the early alcohol-exposed placentas. When hESCs were exposed to alcohol in vitro, significantly altered regulation of DPPA2, a closely linked heterodimer of DPPA4, was observed. While the regulatory region of DPPA4 was unmethylated in both control and alcohol-exposed hESCs, alcohol-induced decreased DNAm similar to placenta was seen in in vitro differentiated mesodermal and ectodermal cells. Furthermore, common genes with alcohol-associated DNAm changes in placenta and hESCs were linked exclusively to the neurodevelopmental pathways in the enrichment analysis, which emphasizes the value of placental tissue when analyzing the effects of prenatal environment on human development. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows the effects of early alcohol exposure on human embryonic and extraembryonic cells, introduces candidate genes for alcohol-induced developmental disorders, and reveals potential biomarkers for prenatal alcohol exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Auvinen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - J Vehviläinen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Marjonen
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - V Modhukur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - J Sokka
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Wallén
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - K Rämö
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - L Ahola
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Salumets
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 50406, Tartu, Estonia.,Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - T Otonkoski
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Skottman
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33520, Tampere, Finland
| | - M Ollikainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Finland, FIMM, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - R Trokovic
- Research Programs Unit, Stem cells and Metabolism and Biomedicum Stem Cell Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Kahila
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - N Kaminen-Ahola
- Environmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Medical and Clinical Genetics, Medicum, University of Helsinki, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
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7
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Yang L, Xia Z, Feng J, Zhang M, Miao P, Nie Y, Zhang X, Hao Z, Hu R. Retinoic Acid Supplementation Rescues the Social Deficits in Fmr1 Knockout Mice. Front Genet 2022; 13:928393. [PMID: 35783275 PMCID: PMC9247356 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.928393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with the underlying etiology yet incompletely understood and no cure treatment. Patients of fragile X syndrome (FXS) also manifest symptoms, e.g. deficits in social behaviors, that are core traits with ASD. Several studies demonstrated that a mutual defect in retinoic acid (RA) signaling was observed in FXS and ASD. However, it is still unknown whether RA replenishment could pose a positive effect on autistic-like behaviors in FXS. Herein, we found that RA signaling was indeed down-regulated when the expression of FMR1 was impaired in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, RA supplementation rescued the atypical social novelty behavior, but failed to alleviate the defects in sociability behavior or hyperactivity, in Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model. The repetitive behavior and motor coordination appeared to be normal. The RNA sequencing results of the prefrontal cortex in Fmr1 KO mice indicated that deregulated expression of Foxp2, Tnfsf10, Lepr and other neuronal genes was restored to normal after RA treatment. Gene ontology terms of metabolic processes, extracellular matrix organization and behavioral pathways were enriched. Our findings provided a potential therapeutic intervention for social novelty defects in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Yang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhixiong Xia
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianhua Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Menghuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Miao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Nie
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiangyan Zhang
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pulmonary Immune-related Diseases, Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Zijian Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
| | - Ronggui Hu
- School of Medicine, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyan Zhang, ; Zijian Hao, ; Ronggui Hu,
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8
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Xu P, Zhang X, Cao J, Yang J, Chen Z, Wang W, Wang S, Zhang L, Xie L, Fang L, Xia Y, Xuan Z, Lv J, Xu H, Xu Z. The novel role of circular RNA ST3GAL6 on blocking gastric cancer malignant behaviours through autophagy regulated by the FOXP2/MET/mTOR axis. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e707. [PMID: 35061934 PMCID: PMC8782491 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) ranks third in mortality among all cancers worldwide. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer. Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2), as a transcription factor, is closely associated with the development of many types of tumours. However, the regulatory network between FOXP2 and circRNAs remains to be explored. In our study, circST3GAL6 was significantly downregulated in GC and was associated with poor prognosis in GC patients. Overexpression of circST3GAL6 inhibited the malignant behaviours of GC cells, which was mediated by inducing apoptosis and autophagy. In addition, we demonstrated that circST3GAL6 regulated FOXP2 through the mir-300 sponge. We further found that FOXP2 inhibited MET Proto-Oncogene (MET), which was the initiating factor that regulated the classic AKT/mTOR pathway of autophagy. In conclusion, our results suggested that circST3GAL6 played a tumour suppressive role in gastric cancer through miR-300/FOXP2 axis and regulated apoptosis and autophagy through FOXP2-mediated transcriptional inhibition of the MET axis, which may become a potential target for GC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Xu
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Xing Zhang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jiacheng Cao
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zetian Chen
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Weizhi Wang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Sen Wang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Li Xie
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Lang Fang
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yiwen Xia
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhe Xuan
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jialun Lv
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zekuan Xu
- Department of General Surgerythe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Personalized Cancer MedicineNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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9
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Behbahanipour M, García-Pardo J, Ventura S. Decoding the role of coiled-coil motifs in human prion-like proteins. Prion 2021; 15:143-154. [PMID: 34428113 PMCID: PMC8386614 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2021.1961569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Prions are self-propagating proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases in humans. However, increasing evidence suggests that eukaryotic cells exploit prion conformational conversion for functional purposes. A recent study delineated a group of twenty prion-like proteins in humans, characterized by the presence of low-complexity glutamine-rich sequences with overlapping coiled-coil (CCs) motifs. This is the case of Mediator complex subunit 15 (MED15), which is overexpressed in a wide range of human cancers. Biophysical studies demonstrated that the prion-like domain (PrLD) of MED15 forms homodimers in solution, sustained by CCs interactions. Furthermore, the same coiled-coil (CC) region plays a crucial role in the PrLD structural transition to a transmissible β-sheet amyloid state. In this review, we discuss the role of CCs motifs and their contribution to amyloid transitions in human prion-like domains (PrLDs), while providing a comprehensive overview of six predicted human prion-like proteins involved in transcription, gene expression, or DNA damage response and associated with human disease, whose PrLDs contain or overlap with CCs sequences. Finally, we try to rationalize how these molecular signatures might relate to both their function and involvement in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molood Behbahanipour
- Institut De Biotecnologia I De Biomedicina (Ibb) and Departament De Bioquímica I Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autónoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier García-Pardo
- Institut De Biotecnologia I De Biomedicina (Ibb) and Departament De Bioquímica I Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autónoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Salvador Ventura
- Institut De Biotecnologia I De Biomedicina (Ibb) and Departament De Bioquímica I Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autónoma De Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Mota A, Waxman HK, Hong R, Lagani GD, Niu SY, Bertherat FL, Wolfe L, Malicdan CM, Markello TC, Adams DR, Gahl WA, Cheng CS, Beffert U, Ho A. FOXR1 regulates stress response pathways and is necessary for proper brain development. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009854. [PMID: 34723967 PMCID: PMC8559929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box (Fox) family of transcription factors are highly conserved and play essential roles in a wide range of cellular and developmental processes. We report an individual with severe neurological symptoms including postnatal microcephaly, progressive brain atrophy and global developmental delay associated with a de novo missense variant (M280L) in the FOXR1 gene. At the protein level, M280L impaired FOXR1 expression and induced a nuclear aggregate phenotype due to protein misfolding and proteolysis. RNAseq and pathway analysis showed that FOXR1 acts as a transcriptional activator and repressor with central roles in heat shock response, chaperone cofactor-dependent protein refolding and cellular response to stress pathways. Indeed, FOXR1 expression is increased in response to cellular stress, a process in which it directly controls HSPA6, HSPA1A and DHRS2 transcripts. The M280L mutant compromises FOXR1's ability to respond to stress, in part due to impaired regulation of downstream target genes that are involved in the stress response pathway. Quantitative PCR of mouse embryo tissues show Foxr1 expression in the embryonic brain. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, we found that deletion of mouse Foxr1 leads to a severe survival deficit while surviving newborn Foxr1 knockout mice have reduced body weight. Further examination of newborn Foxr1 knockout brains revealed a decrease in cortical thickness and enlarged ventricles compared to littermate wild-type mice, suggesting that loss of Foxr1 leads to atypical brain development. Combined, these results suggest FOXR1 plays a role in cellular stress response pathways and is necessary for normal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Mota
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Hannah K. Waxman
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rui Hong
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Gavin D. Lagani
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sheng-Yong Niu
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Féodora L. Bertherat
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lynne Wolfe
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, and National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christine May Malicdan
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, and National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Thomas C. Markello
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, and National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David R. Adams
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, and National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William A. Gahl
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, Common Fund, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, and National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Christine S. Cheng
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Uwe Beffert
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Angela Ho
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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11
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Ma X, Wei J, Cui Y, Xia B, Zhang L, Nehme A, Zuo Y, Ferguson D, Levitt P, Qiu S. Disrupted Timing of MET Signaling Derails the Developmental Maturation of Cortical Circuits and Leads to Altered Behavior in Mice. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:1769-1786. [PMID: 34470051 PMCID: PMC9016286 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The molecular regulation of the temporal dynamics of circuit maturation is a key contributor to the emergence of normal structure-function relations. Developmental control of cortical MET receptor tyrosine kinase, expressed early postnatally in subpopulations of excitatory neurons, has a pronounced impact on the timing of glutamatergic synapse maturation and critical period plasticity. Here, we show that using a controllable overexpression (cto-Met) transgenic mouse, extending the duration of MET signaling after endogenous Met is switched off leads to altered molecular constitution of synaptic proteins, persistent activation of small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1, and sustained inhibitory phosphorylation of cofilin. These molecular changes are accompanied by an increase in the density of immature dendritic spines, impaired cortical circuit maturation of prefrontal cortex layer 5 projection neurons, and altered laminar excitatory connectivity. Two photon in vivo imaging of dendritic spines reveals that cto-Met enhances de novo spine formation while inhibiting spine elimination. Extending MET signaling for two weeks in developing cortical circuits leads to pronounced repetitive activity and impaired social interactions in adult mice. Collectively, our data revealed that temporally controlled MET signaling as a critical mechanism for controlling cortical circuit development and emergence of normal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Baomei Xia
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Le Zhang
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Antoine Nehme
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology, University of California at Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Program in Developmental Neuroscience and Developmental Neurogenetics, The Saban Research Institute and Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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12
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den Hoed J, Devaraju K, Fisher SE. Molecular networks of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the brain. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52803. [PMID: 34260143 PMCID: PMC8339667 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the FOXP2 transcription factor, and its implication in a rare severe human speech and language disorder, has led to two decades of empirical studies focused on uncovering its roles in the brain using a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. Here, we discuss what we have learned about the regulation of FOXP2, its downstream effectors, and its modes of action as a transcription factor in brain development and function, providing an integrated overview of what is currently known about the critical molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language SciencesMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karthikeyan Devaraju
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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13
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Desole C, Gallo S, Vitacolonna A, Montarolo F, Bertolotto A, Vivien D, Comoglio P, Crepaldi T. HGF and MET: From Brain Development to Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:683609. [PMID: 34179015 PMCID: PMC8220160 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.683609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its tyrosine kinase receptor, encoded by the MET cellular proto-oncogene, are expressed in the nervous system from pre-natal development to adult life, where they are involved in neuronal growth and survival. In this review, we highlight, beyond the neurotrophic action, novel roles of HGF-MET in synaptogenesis during post-natal brain development and the connection between deregulation of MET expression and developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On the pharmacology side, HGF-induced MET activation exerts beneficial neuroprotective effects also in adulthood, specifically in neurodegenerative disease, and in preclinical models of cerebral ischemia, spinal cord injuries, and neurological pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and multiple sclerosis (MS). HGF is a key factor preventing neuronal death and promoting survival through pro-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulatory mechanisms. Recent evidence suggests that HGF acts on neural stem cells to enhance neuroregeneration. The possible therapeutic application of HGF and HGF mimetics for the treatment of neurological disorders is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Desole
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Simona Gallo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Annapia Vitacolonna
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Montarolo
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy.,Neurobiology Unit, Neurology, CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Bertolotto
- Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Orbassano, Italy.,Neurobiology Unit, Neurology, CReSM (Regional Referring Center of Multiple Sclerosis), San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Denis Vivien
- INSERM U1237, University of Caen, Gyp Cyceron, Caen, France.,Department of Clinical Research, Caen-Normandie University Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Paolo Comoglio
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Tiziana Crepaldi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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14
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Chen P, Li Z, Li Y, Ahmad SS, Kamal MA, Huo X. The Language Development Via FOXP2 in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 26:4789-4795. [PMID: 32912122 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200909141108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increasing number of newborn children in numerous nations are enrolled in early childhood education programs, and instructors, in this way, assume a focal job in invigorating language improvement in these youthful kids. Kids with language issues are found to have a higher risk for future scholarly challenges and learning inabilities. Language advancement among kids is an intricate procedure and vital for correspondence. The shortcomings in the utilization of grammatical structures may lessen the useful utilization of language for verbally expressive kids with autism spectrum disorder and exacerbate troubles with academic and social expertise advancement. RESULTS FOXP2, the single principal gene connected to a speech and language issue, is significant for the right execution of complex motor behaviors used for speech. In any case, changes in FOXP2 lead to a speech/language issue portrayed by childhood apraxia of speech. These days, language learning is fundamentally required for kids who need to move to different nations to pursue the instructive frameworks and be helpful individuals or residents of those nations. CONCLUSION The purpose of this study was to explore the role of FOXP2 in language disorder and its management for children's language and communication development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Chen
- Department of Pediatric, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, 256600, China
| | - Zhongying Li
- Department of Pediatric, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, 256600, China
| | - Yanfei Li
- Department of Pediatric, Binzhou People's Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong Province, 256600, China
| | - Syed S Ahmad
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Integral University, Lucknow, India
| | - Mohammad A Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia.,Enzymoics; Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Xiao Huo
- Department of Pediatrics & Quality Control Office, The Second People Hospital of Dezhou, No. 55 Fangzhi Street, Yunhe Economic Development Zone, Dezhou City, Shandong Province, 253000, China
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15
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Xia B, Wei J, Ma X, Nehme A, Liong K, Cui Y, Chen C, Gallitano A, Ferguson D, Qiu S. Conditional knockout of MET receptor tyrosine kinase in cortical excitatory neurons leads to enhanced learning and memory in young adult mice but early cognitive decline in older adult mice. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2021; 179:107397. [PMID: 33524570 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2021.107397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Human genetic studies established MET gene as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorders. We have previously shown that signaling mediated by MET receptor tyrosine kinase, expressed in early postnatal developing forebrain circuits, controls glutamatergic neuron morphological development, synapse maturation, and cortical critical period plasticity. Here we investigated how MET signaling affects synaptic plasticity, learning and memory behavior, and whether these effects are age-dependent. We found that in young adult (postnatal 2-3 months) Met conditional knockout (Metfx/fx:emx1cre, cKO) mice, the hippocampus exhibits elevated plasticity, measured by increased magnitude of long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) in hippocampal slices. Surprisingly, in older adult cKO mice (10-12 months), LTP and LTD magnitudes were diminished. We further conducted a battery of behavioral tests to assess learning and memory function in cKO mice and littermate controls. Consistent with age-dependent LTP/LTD findings, we observed enhanced spatial memory learning in 2-3 months old young adult mice, assessed by hippocampus-dependent Morris water maze test, but impaired spatial learning in 10-12 months mice. Contextual and cued learning were further assessed using a Pavlovian fear conditioning test, which also revealed enhanced associative fear acquisition and extinction in young adult mice, but impaired fear learning in older adult mice. Lastly, young cKO mice also exhibited enhanced motor learning. Our results suggest that a shift in the window of synaptic plasticity and an age-dependent early cognitive decline may be novel circuit pathophysiology for a well-established autism genetic risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baomei Xia
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Jing Wei
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Antoine Nehme
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Katerina Liong
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Yuehua Cui
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Chang Chen
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Amelia Gallitano
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Deveroux Ferguson
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
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16
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Conti E, Retico A, Palumbo L, Spera G, Bosco P, Biagi L, Fiori S, Tosetti M, Cipriani P, Cioni G, Muratori F, Chilosi A, Calderoni S. Autism Spectrum Disorder and Childhood Apraxia of Speech: Early Language-Related Hallmarks across Structural MRI Study. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E275. [PMID: 33322765 PMCID: PMC7768516 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS) are developmental disorders with distinct diagnostic criteria and different epidemiology. However, a common genetic background as well as overlapping clinical features between ASD and CAS have been recently reported. To date, brain structural language-related abnormalities have been detected in both the conditions, but no study directly compared young children with ASD, CAS and typical development (TD). In the current work, we aim: (i) to test the hypothesis that ASD and CAS display neurostructural differences in comparison with TD through morphometric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)-based measures (ASD vs. TD and CAS vs. TD); (ii) to investigate early possible disease-specific brain structural patterns in the two clinical groups (ASD vs. CAS); (iii) to evaluate predictive power of machine-learning (ML) techniques in differentiating the three samples (ASD, CAS, TD). We retrospectively analyzed the T1-weighted brain MRI scans of 68 children (age range: 34-74 months) grouped into three cohorts: (1) 26 children with ASD (mean age ± standard deviation: 56 ± 11 months); (2) 24 children with CAS (57 ± 10 months); (3) 18 children with TD (55 ± 13 months). Furthermore, a ML analysis based on a linear-kernel Support Vector Machine (SVM) was performed. All but one brain structures displayed significant higher volumes in both ASD and CAS children than TD peers. Specifically, ASD alterations involved fronto-temporal regions together with basal ganglia and cerebellum, while CAS alterations are more focused and shifted to frontal regions, suggesting a possible speech-related anomalies distribution. Caudate, superior temporal and hippocampus volumes directly distinguished the two conditions in terms of greater values in ASD compared to CAS. The ML analysis identified significant differences in brain features between ASD and TD children, whereas only some trends in the ML classification capability were detected in CAS as compared to TD peers. Similarly, the MRI structural underpinnings of two clinical groups were not significantly different when evaluated with linear-kernel SVM. Our results may represent the first step towards understanding shared and specific neural substrate in ASD and CAS conditions, which subsequently may contribute to early differential diagnosis and tailoring specific early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Conti
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Alessandra Retico
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Pisa Division, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.R.); (L.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Letizia Palumbo
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Pisa Division, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.R.); (L.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Giovanna Spera
- National Institute for Nuclear Physics (INFN), Pisa Division, 56127 Pisa, Italy; (A.R.); (L.P.); (G.S.)
| | - Paolo Bosco
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura Biagi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Simona Fiori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Michela Tosetti
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Paola Cipriani
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Anna Chilosi
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (P.B.); (L.B.); (S.F.); (M.T.); (P.C.); (G.C.); (F.M.); (A.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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17
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Nuclear receptor corepressors in intellectual disability and autism. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2220-2236. [PMID: 32034290 PMCID: PMC7842082 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0667-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by neurocognitive dysfunctions, such as impaired social interaction and language learning. Gene-environment interactions have a pivotal role in ASD pathogenesis. Nuclear receptor corepressors (NCORs) are transcription co-regulators physically associated with histone deacetylases (HDACs) and many known players in ASD etiology such as transducin β-like 1 X-linked receptor 1 and methyl-CpG binding protein 2. The epigenome-modifying NCOR complex is sensitive to many ASD risk factors, including HDAC inhibitor valproic acid and a variety of endocrine factors, xenobiotic chemicals, or metabolites that can directly bind to multiple nuclear receptors. Here, we review recent studies of NCORs in neurocognition using animal models and human genetics approaches. We discuss functional interplays between NCORs and other known players in ASD etiology. It is conceivable that the NCOR complex may bridge the in utero environmental risk factors of ASD with epigenetic remodeling and can serve as a converging point for many gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of ASD and intellectual disability.
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18
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Kast RJ, Wu HH, Levitt P. Developmental Connectivity and Molecular Phenotypes of Unique Cortical Projection Neurons that Express a Synapse-Associated Receptor Tyrosine Kinase. Cereb Cortex 2020; 29:189-201. [PMID: 29190358 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The complex circuitry and cell-type diversity of the cerebral cortex are required for its high-level functions. The mechanisms underlying the diversification of cortical neurons during prenatal development have received substantial attention, but understanding of neuronal heterogeneity is more limited during later periods of cortical circuit maturation. To address this knowledge gap, connectivity analysis and molecular phenotyping of cortical neuron subtypes that express the developing synapse-enriched MET receptor tyrosine kinase were performed. Experiments used a MetGFP transgenic mouse line, combined with coexpression analysis of class-specific molecular markers and retrograde connectivity mapping. The results reveal that MET is expressed by a minor subset of subcerebral and a larger number of intratelencephalic projection neurons. Remarkably, MET is excluded from most layer 6 corticothalamic neurons. These findings are particularly relevant for understanding the maturation of discrete cortical circuits, given converging evidence that MET influences dendritic elaboration and glutamatergic synapse maturation. The data suggest that classically defined cortical projection classes can be further subdivided based on molecular characteristics that likely influence synaptic maturation and circuit wiring. Additionally, given that MET is classified as a high confidence autism risk gene, the data suggest that projection neuron subpopulations may be differentially vulnerable to disorder-associated genetic variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Kast
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hsiao-Huei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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19
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Kong XZ, Tzourio-Mazoyer N, Joliot M, Fedorenko E, Liu J, Fisher SE, Francks C. Gene Expression Correlates of the Cortical Network Underlying Sentence Processing. NEUROBIOLOGY OF LANGUAGE (CAMBRIDGE, MASS.) 2020; 1:77-103. [PMID: 36794006 PMCID: PMC9923707 DOI: 10.1162/nol_a_00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
A pivotal question in modern neuroscience is which genes regulate brain circuits that underlie cognitive functions. However, the field is still in its infancy. Here we report an integrated investigation of the high-level language network (i.e., sentence-processing network) in the human cerebral cortex, combining regional gene expression profiles, task fMRI, large-scale neuroimaging meta-analysis, and resting-state functional network approaches. We revealed reliable gene expression-functional network correlations using three different network definition strategies, and identified a consensus set of genes related to connectivity within the sentence-processing network. The genes involved showed enrichment for neural development and actin-related functions, as well as association signals with autism, which can involve disrupted language functioning. Our findings help elucidate the molecular basis of the brain's infrastructure for language. The integrative approach described here will be useful for studying other complex cognitive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie Tzourio-Mazoyer
- University of Bordeaux, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CEA, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Joliot
- University of Bordeaux, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CNRS, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
- CEA, GIN, IMN, UMR 5293, Bordeaux, France
| | - Evelina Fedorenko
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Jia Liu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Simon E. Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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20
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Li W, Pozzo-Miller L. Dysfunction of the corticostriatal pathway in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:2130-2147. [PMID: 31758607 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The corticostriatal pathway that carries sensory, motor, and limbic information to the striatum plays a critical role in motor control, action selection, and reward. Dysfunction of this pathway is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Corticostriatal synapses have unique features in their cortical origins and striatal targets. In this review, we first describe axonal growth and synaptogenesis in the corticostriatal pathway during development, and then summarize the current understanding of the molecular bases of synaptic transmission and plasticity at mature corticostriatal synapses. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been implicated in axonal growth abnormalities, imbalance of the synaptic excitation/inhibition ratio, and altered long-term synaptic plasticity in the corticostriatal pathway. Here, we review a number of ASD-associated high-confidence genes, including FMR1, KMT2A, GRIN2B, SCN2A, NLGN1, NLGN3, MET, CNTNAP2, FOXP2, TSHZ3, SHANK3, PTEN, CHD8, MECP2, DYRK1A, RELN, FOXP1, SYNGAP1, and NRXN, and discuss their relevance to proper corticostriatal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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21
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Ma X, Qiu S. Control of cortical synapse development and plasticity by MET receptor tyrosine kinase, a genetic risk factor for autism. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:2115-2129. [PMID: 31746037 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The key developmental milestone events of the human brain, such as neurogenesis, synapse formation, maturation, and plasticity, are determined by a myriad of molecular signaling events, including those mediated by a number of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and their cognate ligands. Aberrant or mistimed brain development and plasticity can lead to maladaptive changes, such as dysregulated synaptic connectivity and breakdown of circuit functions necessary for cognition and adaptive behaviors, which are hypothesized pathophysiologies of many neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here we review recent literature that supports autism spectrum disorder as a likely result of aberrant synapse development due to mistimed maturation and plasticity. We focus on MET RTK, a prominent genetic risk factor for autism, and discuss how a pleiotropic molecular signaling system engaged by MET exemplifies a genetic program that controls cortical circuit development and plasticity by modulating the anatomical and functional connectivity of cortical circuits, thus conferring genetic risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokuang Ma
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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22
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Association of genes with phenotype in autism spectrum disorder. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10742-10770. [PMID: 31744938 PMCID: PMC6914398 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetic heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and speech development and is accompanied by stereotypical behaviors such as body rocking, hand flapping, spinning objects, sniffing and restricted behaviors. The considerable significance of the genetics associated with autism has led to the identification of many risk genes for ASD used for the probing of ASD specificity and shared cognitive features over the past few decades. Identification of ASD risk genes helps to unravel various genetic variants and signaling pathways which are involved in ASD. This review highlights the role of ASD risk genes in gene transcription and translation regulation processes, as well as neuronal activity modulation, synaptic plasticity, disrupted key biological signaling pathways, and the novel candidate genes that play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD. The current emphasis on autism spectrum disorders has generated new opportunities in the field of neuroscience, and further advancements in the identification of different biomarkers, risk genes, and genetic pathways can help in the early diagnosis and development of new clinical and pharmacological treatments for ASD.
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23
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Song J, Yang X, Zhou Y, Chen L, Zhang X, Liu Z, Niu W, Zhan N, Fan X, Khan AA, Kuang Y, Song L, He G, Li W. Dysregulation of neuron differentiation in an autistic savant with exceptional memory. Mol Brain 2019; 12:91. [PMID: 31699123 PMCID: PMC6836402 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0507-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders without a unique or definite underlying pathogenesis. Although savant syndrome is common in ASD, few models are available for studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms of this syndrome. In this study, we generated urinary induced pluripotent stem cells (UiPSCs) from a 13-year-old male autistic savant with exceptional memory. The UiPSC-derived neurons of the autistic savant exhibited upregulated expression levels of ASD genes/learning difficulty-related genes, namely PAX6, TBR1 and FOXP2, accompanied by hypertrophic neural somas, enlarged spines, reduced spine density, and an increased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents. Although this study involved only a single patient and a single control because of the rarity of such cases, it provides the first autistic savant UiPSC model that elucidates the potential cellular mechanisms underlying the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjing Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xiujuan Yang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Lei Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xu Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Zhuxi Liu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weibo Niu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Xin Hua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Nengpeng Zhan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xuelian Fan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Abdul Aziz Khan
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yifang Kuang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Lulu Song
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Guang He
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Development and Neuropsychiatric Disorders (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, and Brain Science and Technology Research Center, Institute of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China.
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24
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Kuo HY, Liu FC. Synaptic Wiring of Corticostriatal Circuits in Basal Ganglia: Insights into the Pathogenesis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0076-19.2019. [PMID: 31097624 PMCID: PMC6553570 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0076-19.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The striatum is a key hub in the basal ganglia for processing neural information from the sensory, motor, and limbic cortices. The massive and diverse cortical inputs entering the striatum allow the basal ganglia to perform a repertoire of neurological functions ranging from basic level of motor control to high level of cognition. The heterogeneity of the corticostriatal circuits, however, also renders the system susceptible to a repertoire of neurological diseases. Clinical and animal model studies have indicated that defective development of the corticostriatal circuits is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and schizophrenia. Importantly, many neuropsychiatric disease-risk genes have been found to form the molecular building blocks of the circuit wiring at the synaptic level. It is therefore imperative to understand how corticostriatal connectivity is established during development. Here, we review the construction during development of these corticostriatal circuits at the synaptic level, which should provide important insights into the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders related to the basal ganglia and help the development of appropriate therapies for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
- Brain Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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25
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Kast RJ, Lanjewar AL, Smith CD, Levitt P. FOXP2 exhibits projection neuron class specific expression, but is not required for multiple aspects of cortical histogenesis. eLife 2019; 8:e42012. [PMID: 31099752 PMCID: PMC6561705 DOI: 10.7554/elife.42012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression patterns of the transcription factor FOXP2 in the developing mammalian forebrain have been described, and some studies have tested the role of this protein in the development and function of specific forebrain circuits by diverse methods and in multiple species. Clinically, mutations in FOXP2 are associated with severe developmental speech disturbances, and molecular studies indicate that impairment of Foxp2 may lead to dysregulation of genes involved in forebrain histogenesis. Here, anatomical and molecular phenotypes of the cortical neuron populations that express FOXP2 were characterized in mice. Additionally, Foxp2 was removed from the developing mouse cortex at different prenatal ages using two Cre-recombinase driver lines. Detailed molecular and circuit analyses were undertaken to identify potential disruptions of development. Surprisingly, the results demonstrate that Foxp2 function is not required for many functions that it has been proposed to regulate, and therefore plays a more limited role in cortical development than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Kast
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and NeurogeneticsThe Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Alexandra L Lanjewar
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and NeurogeneticsThe Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Colton D Smith
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and NeurogeneticsThe Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics and Program in Developmental Neuroscience and NeurogeneticsThe Saban Research Institute, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesUnited States
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26
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Hickey SL, Berto S, Konopka G. Chromatin Decondensation by FOXP2 Promotes Human Neuron Maturation and Expression of Neurodevelopmental Disease Genes. Cell Rep 2019; 27:1699-1711.e9. [PMID: 31067457 PMCID: PMC6794152 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) is a transcription factor expressed in the human brain that peaks during fetal development, and disruption in its ability to regulate downstream target genes leads to vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the mechanisms by which FOXP2 exerts regulatory control over targets during neuronal maturation have not been fully elucidated. Here, we use genome-wide chromatin accessibility assays and transcriptome-wide expression analyses in differentiating human neurons to show that FOXP2 represses proliferation-promoting genes in a DNA-binding-dependent manner. In contrast, FOXP2 and its cofactors, NFIA and NFIB, activate neuronal maturation genes in a manner that does not require FOXP2 to interact with DNA directly. Moreover, comparisons with expression data from the developing human brain suggest that FOXP2 and NFIA- or NFIB-dependent chromatin alterations drive maturation of excitatory cortical neurons. Thus, FOXP2 and its NFI cofactors may be specifically important for the development of cortical circuits underlying neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Hickey
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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27
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Ma X, Chen K, Lu Z, Piechowicz M, Liu Q, Wu J, Qiu S. Disruption of MET Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, an Autism Risk Factor, Impairs Developmental Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus. Dev Neurobiol 2019; 79:36-50. [PMID: 30304576 PMCID: PMC6397659 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
As more genes conferring risks to neurodevelopmental disorders are identified, translating these genetic risk factors into biological mechanisms that impact the trajectory of the developing brain is a critical next step. Here, we report that disrupted signaling mediated MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), an established risk factor for autism spectrum disorders, in the developing hippocampus glutamatergic circuit leads to profound deficits in neural development, synaptic transmission, and plasticity. In cultured hippocampus slices prepared from neonatal mice, pharmacological inhibition of MET kinase activity suppresses dendritic arborization and disrupts normal dendritic spine development. In addition, single-neuron knockdown (RNAi) or overexpression of Met in the developing hippocampal CA1 neurons leads to alterations, opposite in nature, in basal synaptic transmission and long-term plasticity. In forebrain-specific Met conditional knockout mice (Metfx/fx ;emx1cre ), an enhanced long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) were observed at early developmental stages (P12-14) at the Schaffer collateral to CA1 synapses compared with wild-type littermates. In contrast, LTP and LTD were markedly reduced at young adult stage (P56-70) during which wild-type mice show robust LTP and LTD. The altered trajectory of synaptic plasticity revealed by this study indicate that temporally regulated MET signaling as an intrinsic, cell autonomous, and pleiotropic mechanism not only critical for neuronal growth and functional maturation, but also for the timing of synaptic plasticity during forebrain glutamatergic circuits development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaokuang Ma
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
- MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Sciences Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610054, China
| | - Zhongming Lu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
| | - Mariel Piechowicz
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
| | - Qiang Liu
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013
| | - Jie Wu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Hospital Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, 85013
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, China
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 85004
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28
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Soteros BM, Cong Q, Palmer CR, Sia GM. Sociability and synapse subtype-specific defects in mice lacking SRPX2, a language-associated gene. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199399. [PMID: 29920554 PMCID: PMC6007900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The FoxP2 transcription factor and its target genes have been implicated in developmental brain diseases with a prominent language component, such as developmental verbal dyspraxia and specific language impairment. How FoxP2 affects neural circuitry development remains poorly understood. The sushi domain protein SRPX2 is a target of FoxP2, and mutations in SRPX2 are associated with language defects in humans. We have previously shown that SRPX2 is a synaptogenic protein that increases excitatory synapse density. Here we provide the first characterization of mice lacking the SRPX2 gene, and show that these mice exhibit defects in both neural circuitry and communication and social behaviors. Specifically, we show that mice lacking SRPX2 show a specific reduction in excitatory VGlut2 synapses in the cerebral cortex, while VGlut1 and inhibitory synapses were largely unaffected. SRPX2 KO mice also exhibit an abnormal ultrasonic vocalization ontogenetic profile in neonatal pups, and reduced preference for social novelty. These data demonstrate a functional role for SRPX2 during brain development, and further implicate FoxP2 and its targets in regulating the development of vocalization and social circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breeanne M. Soteros
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Qifei Cong
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
| | - Christian R. Palmer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Gek-Ming Sia
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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29
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Jhang CL, Huang TN, Hsueh YP, Liao W. Mice lacking cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 manifest autistic and ADHD-like behaviors. Hum Mol Genet 2018; 26:3922-3934. [PMID: 29016850 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders frequently share common clinical features and appear high rate of comorbidity, such as those present in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). While characterizing behavioral phenotypes in the mouse model of cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by mutations in the X-linked gene encoding CDKL5, we found that these mice manifested behavioral phenotypes mimicking multiple key features of ASD, such as impaired social interaction and communication, as well as increased stereotypic digging behaviors. These mice also displayed hyper-locomotion, increased aggressiveness and impulsivity, plus deficits in motor and associative learning, resembling primary symptoms of ADHD. Through brain region-specific biochemical analysis, we uncovered that loss of CDKL5 disrupts dopamine synthesis and the expression of social communication-related key genes, such as forkhead-box P2 and mu-opioid receptor, in the corticostriatal circuit. Together, our findings support that CDKL5 plays a role in the comorbid features of autism and ADHD, and mice lacking CDKL5 may serve as an animal model to study the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying autism-ADHD comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian-Ling Jhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
| | - Tzyy-Nan Huang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ping Hsueh
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Wenlin Liao
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan.,Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Cheng-Chi University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
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30
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López-González I, Palmeira A, Aso E, Carmona M, Fernandez L, Ferrer I. FOXP2 Expression in Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-Tau. J Alzheimers Dis 2018; 54:471-5. [PMID: 27497476 DOI: 10.3233/jad-160274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
FOXP2 is altered in a variety of language disorders. We found reduced mRNA and protein expression of FOXP2 in frontal cortex area 8 in Pick's disease, and frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau linked to P301L mutation presenting with language impairment in comparison with age-matched controls and cases with parkinsonian variant progressive supranuclear palsy. Foxp2 mRNA and protein are also reduced with disease progression in the somatosensory cortex in transgenic mice bearing the P301S mutation in MAPT when compared with wild-type littermates. Our findings support the presence of FOXP2 expression abnormalities in sporadic and familial frontotemporal degeneration tauopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene López-González
- Institute of Neuropathology, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andre Palmeira
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ester Aso
- Institute of Neuropathology, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Margarita Carmona
- Institute of Neuropathology, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liana Fernandez
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Isidro Ferrer
- Institute of Neuropathology, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,University of Barcelona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.,CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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31
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Abstract
Examining sex differences in the brain has been historically contentious but is nonetheless important for advancing mental health for both girls and boys. Unfortunately, females in biomedical research remain underrepresented in most mental health conditions including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), even though equal inclusion of females would improve treatment for girls and yield benefits to boys. This review examines sex differences in the relationship between neuroanatomy and neurogenetics of ASD. Recent findings reveal that girls diagnosed with ASD exhibit more intellectual and behavioral problems compared to their male counterparts, suggesting that girls may be less likely diagnosed in the absence of such problems or that they require a higher mutational load to meet the diagnostic criteria. Thus far, the female biased effect of chromosome 4, 5p15.33, 8p, 9p24.1, 11p12-13, 15q, and Xp22.3 and the male biased effect of 1p31.3, 5q12.3, 7q, 9q33.3, 11q13.4, 13q33.3, 16p11.2, 17q11-21, Xp22.33/Yp11.31, DRD1, NLGN3, MAOA, and SHANK1 deletion have been discovered in ASD. The SNPs of genes such as RYR2, UPP2, and the androgen receptor gene have been shown to have sex-biasing factors in both girls and boys diagnosed with ASD. These sex-related genetic factors may drive sex differences in the neuroanatomy of these girls and boys, including abnormal enlargement in temporal gray and white matter volumes, and atypical reduction in cerebellar gray matter volumes and corpus callosum fibers projecting to the anterior frontal cortex in ASD girls relative to boys. Such factors may also be responsible for the attenuation of brain sexual differentiation in adult men and women with ASD; however, much remains to be uncovered or replicated. Future research should leverage further the association between neuroanatomy and genetics in girls for an integrated and interdisciplinary understanding of ASD.
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32
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Akahoshi K, Yamamoto T. Interstitial deletion within 7q31.1q31.3 in a woman with mild intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1773-1778. [PMID: 30013349 PMCID: PMC6038873 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s168469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a Japanese woman with an interstitial deletion within the 7q31.1q31.3 region, she presented with mild intellectual disability since infancy, and later developed characteristic psychiatric manifestations, including abnormal behavior, delusions, and hallucinations. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision). Array comparative genomic hybridization examination revealed the deletion involving several important genes for neurodevelopment. Particularly, FOXP2, DOCK4, MET, and WNT2 in this region are suggested to be related to language impairment, autistic disorders, and cognitive disorders, via the WNT pathway. In addition, the WNT signal pathway has been suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there is no case report regarding schizophrenia associated with a 7q31 microdeletion. We suspect that the disruptions of these one or plural genes among the interstitial deletion of 7q31.1q31.3 may be involved in the development of schizophrenia in this woman. This is the first report on schizophrenia associated with a 7q31 microdeletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Akahoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, Tokyo, Japan,
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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33
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Herrero MJ, Gitton Y. The untold stories of the speech gene, the FOXP2 cancer gene. Genes Cancer 2018; 9:11-38. [PMID: 29725501 PMCID: PMC5931254 DOI: 10.18632/genesandcancer.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 encodes a transcription factor involved in speech and language acquisition. Growing evidence now suggests that dysregulated FOXP2 activity may also be instrumental in human oncogenesis, along the lines of other cardinal developmental transcription factors such as DLX5 and DLX6 [1-4]. Several FOXP familymembers are directly involved during cancer initiation, maintenance and progression in the adult [5-8]. This may comprise either a pro-oncogenic activity or a deficient tumor-suppressor role, depending upon cell types and associated signaling pathways. While FOXP2 is expressed in numerous cell types, its expression has been found to be down-regulated in breast cancer [9], hepatocellular carcinoma [8] and gastric cancer biopsies [10]. Conversely, overexpressed FOXP2 has been reported in multiple myelomas, MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance), several subtypes of lymphomas [5,11], as well as in neuroblastomas [12] and ERG fusion-negative prostate cancers [13]. According to functional evidences reported in breast cancer [9] and survey of recent transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of different tumor biopsies, we postulate that FOXP2 dysregulation may play a main role throughout cancer initiation and progression. In some cancer conditions, FOXP2 levels are now considered as a critical diagnostic marker of neoplastic cells, and in many situations, they even bear strong prognostic value [5]. Whether FOXP2 may further become a therapeutic target is an actively explored lead. Knowledge reviewed here may help improve our understanding of FOXP2 roles during oncogenesis and provide cues for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jesus Herrero
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Medical Center, NW, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Yorick Gitton
- Sorbonne University, INSERM, CNRS, Vision Institute Research Center, Paris, France
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34
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Fontenot MR, Berto S, Liu Y, Werthmann G, Douglas C, Usui N, Gleason K, Tamminga CA, Takahashi JS, Konopka G. Novel transcriptional networks regulated by CLOCK in human neurons. Genes Dev 2017; 31:2121-2135. [PMID: 29196536 PMCID: PMC5749161 DOI: 10.1101/gad.305813.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fontenot et al. show that CLOCK regulates the expression of genes involved in neuronal migration. Dysregulation of CLOCK disrupts coexpressed networks of genes implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, and the expression of these networks is driven by hub genes with human-specific patterns of expression. The molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution are not fully understood; however, previous work suggested that expression of the transcription factor CLOCK in the human cortex might be relevant to human cognition and disease. In this study, we investigated this novel transcriptional role for CLOCK in human neurons by performing chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing for endogenous CLOCK in adult neocortices and RNA sequencing following CLOCK knockdown in differentiated human neurons in vitro. These data suggested that CLOCK regulates the expression of genes involved in neuronal migration, and a functional assay showed that CLOCK knockdown increased neuronal migratory distance. Furthermore, dysregulation of CLOCK disrupts coexpressed networks of genes implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, and the expression of these networks is driven by hub genes with human-specific patterns of expression. These data support a role for CLOCK-regulated transcriptional cascades involved in human brain evolution and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miles R Fontenot
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Gordon Werthmann
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Connor Douglas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kelly Gleason
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Carol A Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Joseph S Takahashi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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35
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Deriziotis P, Fisher SE. Speech and Language: Translating the Genome. Trends Genet 2017; 33:642-656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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36
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Adam I, Mendoza E, Kobalz U, Wohlgemuth S, Scharff C. CNTNAP2 is a direct FoxP2 target in vitro and in vivo in zebra finches: complex regulation by age and activity. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 16:635-642. [PMID: 28488276 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Mutations of FOXP2 are associated with altered brain structure, including the striatal part of the basal ganglia, and cause a severe speech and language disorder. Songbirds serve as a tractable neurobiological model for speech and language research. Experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in zebra finch Area X, a nucleus of the striatal song control circuitry, affects synaptic transmission and spine densities. It also renders song learning and production inaccurate and imprecise, similar to the speech impairment of patients carrying FOXP2 mutations. Here we show that experimental downregulation of FoxP2 in Area X using lentiviral vectors leads to reduced expression of CNTNAP2, a FOXP2 target gene in humans. In addition, natural downregulation of FoxP2 by age or by singing also downregulated CNTNAP2 expression. Furthermore, we report that FoxP2 binds to and activates the avian CNTNAP2 promoter in vitro. Taken together these data establish CNTNAP2 as a direct FoxP2 target gene in songbirds, likely affecting synaptic function relevant for song learning and song maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Adam
- Department for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - E Mendoza
- Department for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - U Kobalz
- Department for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Wohlgemuth
- Department for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Scharff
- Department for Animal Behavior, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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37
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Eagleson KL, Xie Z, Levitt P. The Pleiotropic MET Receptor Network: Circuit Development and the Neural-Medical Interface of Autism. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 81:424-433. [PMID: 27837921 PMCID: PMC5285483 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2016] [Revised: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
People with autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are behaviorally and medically heterogeneous. The combination of polygenicity and gene pleiotropy-the influence of one gene on distinct phenotypes-raises questions of how specific genes and their protein products interact to contribute to NDDs. A preponderance of evidence supports developmental and pathophysiological roles for the MET receptor tyrosine kinase, a multifunctional receptor that mediates distinct biological responses depending upon cell context. MET influences neuron architecture and synapse maturation in the forebrain and regulates homeostasis in gastrointestinal and immune systems, both commonly disrupted in NDDs. Peak expression of synapse-enriched MET is conserved across rodent and primate forebrain, yet regional differences in primate neocortex are pronounced, with enrichment in circuits that participate in social information processing. A functional risk allele in the MET promoter, enriched in subgroups of children with autism spectrum disorder, reduces transcription and disrupts socially relevant neural circuits structurally and functionally. In mice, circuit-specific deletion of Met causes distinct atypical behaviors. MET activation increases dendritic complexity and nascent synapse number, but synapse maturation requires reductions in MET. MET mediates its specific biological effects through different intracellular signaling pathways and has a complex protein interactome that is enriched in autism spectrum disorder and other NDD candidates. The interactome is coregulated in developing human neocortex. We suggest that a gene as pleiotropic and highly regulated as MET, together with its interactome, is biologically relevant in normal and pathophysiological contexts, affecting central and peripheral phenotypes that contribute to NDD risk and clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathie L Eagleson
- Program in Developmental Neurogenetics, Institute for the Developing Mind Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhihui Xie
- Program in Developmental Neurogenetics, Institute for the Developing Mind Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Program in Developmental Neurogenetics, Institute for the Developing Mind Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CA; Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA.
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38
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Xie Z, Li J, Baker J, Eagleson KL, Coba MP, Levitt P. Receptor Tyrosine Kinase MET Interactome and Neurodevelopmental Disorder Partners at the Developing Synapse. Biol Psychiatry 2016; 80:933-942. [PMID: 27086544 PMCID: PMC5001930 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2016.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical synapse development and plasticity are implicated in many neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). NDD-associated, high-confidence risk genes have been identified, yet little is known about functional relationships at the level of protein-protein interactions, which are the dominant molecular bases responsible for mediating circuit development. METHODS Proteomics in three independent developing neocortical synaptosomal preparations identified putative interacting proteins of the ligand-activated MET receptor tyrosine kinase, an autism risk gene that mediates synapse development. The candidates were translated into interactome networks and analyzed bioinformatically. Additionally, three independent quantitative proximity ligation assays in cultured neurons and four independent immunoprecipitation analyses of synaptosomes validated protein interactions. RESULTS Approximately 11% (8/72) of MET-interacting proteins, including SHANK3, SYNGAP1, and GRIN2B, are associated with NDDs. Proteins in the MET interactome were translated into a novel MET interactome network based on human protein-protein interaction databases. High-confidence genes from different NDD datasets that encode synaptosomal proteins were analyzed for being enriched in MET interactome proteins. This was found for autism but not schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. There is correlated gene expression between MET and its interactive partners in developing human temporal and visual neocortices but not with highly expressed genes that are not in the interactome. Proximity ligation assays and biochemical analyses demonstrate that MET-protein partner interactions are dynamically regulated by receptor activation. CONCLUSIONS The results provide a novel molecular framework for deciphering the functional relations of key regulators of synaptogenesis that contribute to both typical cortical development and to NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihui Xie
- Department of Pediatrics and The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jing Li
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jonathan Baker
- College of Science, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana
| | - Kathie L Eagleson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California
| | - Marcelo P Coba
- Zilkha Neurogenetic Institute, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Los Angeles, California; Program in Developmental Neurogenetics, Institute for the Developing Mind and The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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39
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Chen YC, Kuo HY, Bornschein U, Takahashi H, Chen SY, Lu KM, Yang HY, Chen GM, Lin JR, Lee YH, Chou YC, Cheng SJ, Chien CT, Enard W, Hevers W, Pääbo S, Graybiel AM, Liu FC. Foxp2 controls synaptic wiring of corticostriatal circuits and vocal communication by opposing Mef2c. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:1513-1522. [PMID: 27595386 PMCID: PMC5083203 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cortico-basal ganglia circuits are critical for speech and language and are implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in which language function can be severely affected. We demonstrate that in the striatum, the gene, Foxp2, negatively interacts with the synapse suppressor, Mef2C. We present causal evidence that Mef2C inhibition by Foxp2 in neonatal mouse striatum controls synaptogenesis of corticostriatal inputs and vocalization in neonates. Mef2C suppresses corticostriatal synapse formation and striatal spinogenesis, but can, itself, be repressed by Foxp2 through direct DNA binding. Foxp2 deletion de-represses Mef2C, and both intrastriatal and global decrease of Mef2C rescue vocalization and striatal spinogenesis defects of Foxp2-deletion mutants. These findings suggest that Foxp2-Mef2C signaling is critical to corticostriatal circuit formation. If found in humans, such signaling defects could contribute to a range of neurologic and neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Chuan Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Ying Kuo
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ulrich Bornschein
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Takahashi
- Department of Neurology, National Hospital Organization, Tottori Medical Center, Tottori, Japan
| | - Shih-Yun Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Ming Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yu Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gui-May Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Ruei Lin
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsin Lee
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Chia Chou
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Jhong Cheng
- Neuroscience Program in Academia Sincia, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ting Chien
- Neuroscience Program in Academia Sincia, Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wolfgang Enard
- Anthropology and Human Genomics, Department Biology II, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Wulf Hevers
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Svante Pääbo
- Department of Evolutionary Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ann M Graybiel
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research and Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fu-Chin Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Murphy E, Benítez-Burraco A. Language deficits in schizophrenia and autism as related oscillatory connectomopathies: An evolutionary account. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 83:742-764. [PMID: 27475632 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by marked language deficits, but it is not clear how these arise from gene mutations associated with the disorders. Our goal is to narrow the gap between SZ and ASD and, ultimately, give support to the view that they represent abnormal (but related) ontogenetic itineraries for the human faculty of language. We will focus on the distinctive oscillatory profiles of the SZ and ASD brains, in turn using these insights to refine our understanding of how the brain implements linguistic computations by exploring a novel model of linguistic feature-set composition. We will argue that brain rhythms constitute the best route to interpreting language deficits in both conditions and mapping them to neural dysfunction and risk alleles of the genes. Importantly, candidate genes for SZ and ASD are overrepresented among the gene sets believed to be important for language evolution. This translational effort may help develop an understanding of the aetiology of SZ and ASD and their high prevalence among modern populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot Murphy
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Perez-Pouchoulen M, Miquel M, Saft P, Brug B, Toledo R, Hernandez ME, Manzo J. Prenatal exposure to sodium valproate alters androgen receptor expression in the developing cerebellum in a region and age specific manner in male and female rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2016; 53:46-52. [PMID: 27423376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti-epileptic drug with teratogenicity activity that has been related to autism. In rodents, exposure to VPA in utero leads to brain abnormalities similar than those reported in the autistic brain. Particularly, VPA reduces the number of Purkinje neurons in the rat cerebellum parallel to cerebellar abnormalities found in autism. Thus, we injected pregnant females on embryonic day 12 either with VPA (600mg/kg, i.p.) or 0.9% saline solution and obtained the cerebellum from their offspring at different postnatal time points. Testosterone has been linked to autism and plays an important role during brain development. Therefore, we identified and analyzed the androgen receptor (AR) by immunohistochemistry and densitometry, respectively. We found VPA decreases AR density in the superficial Purkinje layer only in cerebellar lobule 8 at PN7, but increased it at PN14 compared to control in males. In females, VPA decreased AR density in the superficial Purkinje layer in cerebellar lobule 6 at PN14, but increased it in lobule 9 at the same time point. No differences were found in the deep Purkinje layer of any cerebellar lobule in terms of AR density neither in males nor females. We additionally found a particular AR density decreasing in both superficial and deep regions across development in the majority of cerebellar lobules in males, but in all cerebellar lobules in females. Thus, our results indicate that VPA disrupts the AR ontogeny in the developing cerebellum in an age and region specific manner in male and female rats. Future epigenetic studies including the evaluation of histone deacetylases (HDAC's) might shed light these results as HDAC's are expressed by Purkinje neurons, interact with the AR and are VPA targets. This work contributes to the understanding of the cerebellar development and it might help to understand the role of the cerebellum in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marta Miquel
- Area de Psicobiologia, Universidad Jaume I, Castellon de la Plana, Spain.
| | - Paul Saft
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico.
| | - Brenda Brug
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico.
| | - Rebeca Toledo
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico.
| | | | - Jorge Manzo
- Centro de Investigaciones Cerebrales, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Ver, Mexico.
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Nakagawa Y, Chiba K. Involvement of Neuroinflammation during Brain Development in Social Cognitive Deficits in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Schizophrenia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 358:504-15. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.234476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Peng Y, Lu Z, Li G, Piechowicz M, Anderson M, Uddin Y, Wu J, Qiu S. The autism-associated MET receptor tyrosine kinase engages early neuronal growth mechanism and controls glutamatergic circuits development in the forebrain. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:925-35. [PMID: 26728565 PMCID: PMC4914424 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The human MET gene imparts a replicated risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and is implicated in the structural and functional integrity of brain. MET encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase, MET, which has a pleiotropic role in embryogenesis and modifies a large number of neurodevelopmental events. Very little is known, however, on how MET signaling engages distinct cellular events to collectively affect brain development in ASD-relevant disease domains. Here, we show that MET protein expression is dynamically regulated and compartmentalized in developing neurons. MET is heavily expressed in neuronal growth cones at early developmental stages and its activation engages small GTPase Cdc42 to promote neuronal growth, dendritic arborization and spine formation. Genetic ablation of MET signaling in mouse dorsal pallium leads to altered neuronal morphology indicative of early functional maturation. In contrast, prolonged activation of MET represses the formation and functional maturation of glutamatergic synapses. Moreover, manipulating MET signaling levels in vivo in the developing prefrontal projection neurons disrupts the local circuit connectivity made onto these neurons. Therefore, normal time-delimited MET signaling is critical in regulating the timing of neuronal growth, glutamatergic synapse maturation and cortical circuit function. Dysregulated MET signaling may lead to pathological changes in forebrain maturation and connectivity, and thus contribute to the emergence of neurological symptoms associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Peng
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Zhongming Lu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004,Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China, 210009
| | - Guohui Li
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, School of Life Science, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ 85287
| | - Mariel Piechowicz
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Miranda Anderson
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Yasin Uddin
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004
| | - Jie Wu
- Division of Neurology, Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013
| | - Shenfeng Qiu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85004,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, School of Life Science, Arizona State University. Tempe, AZ 85287
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Eagleson KL, Lane CJ, McFadyen-Ketchum L, Solak S, Wu HH, Levitt P. Distinct intracellular signaling mediates C-MET regulation of dendritic growth and synaptogenesis. Dev Neurobiol 2016; 76:1160-81. [PMID: 26818605 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) activation of the MET receptor tyrosine kinase influences multiple neurodevelopmental processes. Evidence from human imaging and mouse models shows that, in the forebrain, disruptions in MET signaling alter circuit formation and function. One likely means of modulation is by controlling neuron maturation. Here, we examined the signaling mechanisms through which MET exerts developmental effects in the neocortex. In situ hybridization revealed that hgf is located near MET-expressing neurons, including deep neocortical layers and periventricular zones. Western blot analyses of neocortical crude membranes demonstrated that HGF-induced MET autophosphorylation peaks during synaptogenesis, with a striking reduction in activation between P14 and P17 just before pruning. In vitro analysis of postnatal neocortical neurons assessed the roles of intracellular signaling following MET activation. There is rapid, HGF-induced phosphorylation of MET, ERK1/2, and Akt that is accompanied by two major morphological changes: increases in total dendritic growth and synapse density. Selective inhibition of each signaling pathway altered only one of the two distinct events. MAPK/ERK pathway inhibition significantly reduced the HGF-induced increase in dendritic length, but had no effect on synapse density. In contrast, inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway reduced HGF-induced increases in synapse density, with no effect on dendritic length. The data reveal a key role for MET activation during the period of neocortical neuron growth and synaptogenesis, with distinct biological outcomes mediated via discrete MET-linked intracellular signaling pathways in the same neurons. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 1160-1181, 2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathie L Eagleson
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christianne J Lane
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lisa McFadyen-Ketchum
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sara Solak
- Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Hsiao-Huei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Pat Levitt
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Institute for the Developing Mind, The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
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45
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Thompson BL, Levitt P. Complete or partial reduction of the Met receptor tyrosine kinase in distinct circuits differentially impacts mouse behavior. J Neurodev Disord 2015; 7:35. [PMID: 26523156 PMCID: PMC4628780 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-015-9131-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our laboratory discovered that the gene encoding the receptor tyrosine kinase, MET, contributes to autism risk. Expression of MET is reduced in human postmortem temporal lobe in autism and Rett Syndrome. Subsequent studies revealed a role for MET in human and mouse functional and structural cortical connectivity. To further understand the contribution of Met to brain development and its impact on behavior, we generated two conditional mouse lines in which Met is deleted from select populations of central nervous system neurons. Mice were then tested to determine the consequences of disrupting Met expression. METHODS Mating of Emx1 (cre) and Met (fx/fx) mice eliminates receptor signaling from all cells arising from the dorsal pallium. Met (fx/fx) and Nestin (cre) crosses result in receptor signaling elimination from all neural cells. Behavioral tests were performed to assess cognitive, emotional, and social impairments that are observed in multiple neurodevelopmental disorders and that are in part subserved by circuits that express Met. RESULTS Met (fx/fx) /Emx1 (cre) null mice displayed significant hypoactivity in the activity chamber and in the T-maze despite superior performance on the rotarod. Additionally, these animals showed a deficit in spontaneous alternation. Surprisingly, Met (fx/fx; fx/+) /Nestin (cre) null and heterozygous mice exhibited deficits in contextual fear conditioning, and Met (fx/+) /Nestin (cre) heterozygous mice spent less time in the closed arms of the elevated plus maze. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a complex contribution of Met in the development of circuits mediating social, emotional, and cognitive behavior. The impact of disrupting developmental Met expression is dependent upon circuit-specific deletion patterns and levels of receptor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara L Thompson
- Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089 USA ; Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Institute for the Developing Mind, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA ; Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
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Benítez-Burraco A, Boeckx C. Possible functional links among brain- and skull-related genes selected in modern humans. Front Psychol 2015; 6:794. [PMID: 26136701 PMCID: PMC4468360 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The sequencing of the genomes from extinct hominins has revealed that changes in some brain-related genes have been selected after the split between anatomically-modern humans and Neanderthals/Denisovans. To date, no coherent view of these changes has been provided. Following a line of research we initiated in Boeckx and Benítez-Burraco (2014a), we hypothesize functional links among most of these genes and their products, based on the existing literature for each of the gene discussed. The genes we focus on are found mutated in different cognitive disorders affecting modern populations and their products are involved in skull and brain morphology, and neural connectivity. If our hypothesis turns out to be on the right track, it means that the changes affecting most of these proteins resulted in a more globular brain and ultimately brought about modern cognition, with its characteristic generativity and capacity to form and exploit cross-modular concepts, properties most clearly manifested in language.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies , Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Linguistics, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona, Spain
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47
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MET receptor tyrosine kinase controls dendritic complexity, spine morphogenesis, and glutamatergic synapse maturation in the hippocampus. J Neurosci 2015; 34:16166-79. [PMID: 25471559 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2580-14.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The MET receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK), implicated in risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and in functional and structural circuit integrity in humans, is a temporally and spatially regulated receptor enriched in dorsal pallial-derived structures during mouse forebrain development. Here we report that loss or gain of function of MET in vitro or in vivo leads to changes, opposite in nature, in dendritic complexity, spine morphogenesis, and the timing of glutamatergic synapse maturation onto hippocampus CA1 neurons. Consistent with the morphological and biochemical changes, deletion of Met in mutant mice results in precocious maturation of excitatory synapse, as indicated by a reduction of the proportion of silent synapses, a faster GluN2A subunit switch, and an enhanced acquisition of AMPA receptors at synaptic sites. Thus, MET-mediated signaling appears to serve as a mechanism for controlling the timing of neuronal growth and functional maturation. These studies suggest that mistimed maturation of glutamatergic synapses leads to the aberrant neural circuits that may be associated with ASD risk.
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48
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The sound of one hand clapping: overdetermination and the pansensory nature of communication. Behav Brain Sci 2014; 37:546-7; discussion 577-604. [PMID: 25514936 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x13003944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Two substantive issues are relevant to discussions of the evolution of acoustic communication and merit further consideration here. The first is the importance of communicative ontogeny and the impact of the proximal social environment on the early development of communication and language. The second is the emerging evidence for a number of non-linguistic roles of FOXP2 and its orthologs.
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Bowers JM, Perez-Pouchoulen M, Roby CR, Ryan TE, McCarthy MM. Androgen modulation of Foxp1 and Foxp2 in the developing rat brain: impact on sex specific vocalization. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4881-94. [PMID: 25247470 PMCID: PMC4239422 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in vocal communication are prevalent in both the animals and humans. The mechanism(s) mediating gender differences in human language are unknown, although, sex hormones, principally androgens, play a central role in the development of vocalizations in a wide variety of animal species. The discovery of FOXP2 has added an additional avenue for exploring the origins of language and animal communication. The FOXP2 gene is a member of the forkhead box P (FOXP) family of transcription factors. Prior to the prenatal androgen surge in male fetuses, we observed no sex difference for Foxp2 protein levels in cultured cells. In contrast, 24 hours after the onset of the androgen surge, we found a sex difference for Foxp2 protein levels in cultured cortical cells with males having higher levels than females. Furthermore, we observed the potent nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone altered not only Foxp2 mRNA and protein levels but also Foxp1. Androgen effects on both Foxp2 and Foxp1 were found to occur in the striatum, cerebellar vermis, and cortex. Immunofluorescence microscopy and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrate Foxp2 and the androgen receptor protein interact. Databases for transcription factor binding sites predict a consensus binding motif for androgen receptor on the Foxp2 promoter regions. We also observed a sex difference in rat pup vocalization with males vocalizing more than females and treatment of females with dihydrotestosterone eliminated the sex difference. We propose that androgens might be an upstream regulator of both Foxp2 and Foxp1 expression and signaling. This has important implications for language and communication as well as neuropsychiatric developmental disorders involving impairments in communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Michael Bowers
- Department of Pharmacology (J.M.B., M.P.-P., C.R.R., M.M.M.), University of Maryland School of Medicine and Programs in Neuroscience (M.M.M.) and Medicine (T.E.R.), University of Maryland School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
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50
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Usui N, Co M, Konopka G. Decoding the molecular evolution of human cognition using comparative genomics. BRAIN, BEHAVIOR AND EVOLUTION 2014; 84:103-16. [PMID: 25247723 DOI: 10.1159/000365182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Identification of genetic and molecular factors responsible for the specialized cognitive abilities of humans is expected to provide important insights into the mechanisms responsible for disorders of cognition such as autism, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Here, we discuss the use of comparative genomics for identifying salient genes and gene networks that may underlie cognition. We focus on the comparison of human and non-human primate brain gene expression and the utility of building gene coexpression networks for prioritizing hundreds of genes that differ in expression among the species queried. We also discuss the importance of and methods for functional studies of the individual genes identified. Together, this integration of comparative genomics with cellular and animal models should provide improved systems for developing effective therapeutics for disorders of cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Tex., USA
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