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Romero LO, Caires R, Kaitlyn Victor A, Ramirez J, Sierra-Valdez FJ, Walsh P, Truong V, Lee J, Mayor U, Reiter LT, Vásquez V, Cordero-Morales JF. Linoleic acid improves PIEZO2 dysfunction in a mouse model of Angelman Syndrome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1167. [PMID: 36859399 PMCID: PMC9977963 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36818-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability and atypical behaviors. AS results from loss of expression of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase UBE3A from the maternal allele in neurons. Individuals with AS display impaired coordination, poor balance, and gait ataxia. PIEZO2 is a mechanosensitive ion channel essential for coordination and balance. Here, we report that PIEZO2 activity is reduced in Ube3a deficient male and female mouse sensory neurons, a human Merkel cell carcinoma cell line and female human iPSC-derived sensory neurons with UBE3A knock-down, and de-identified stem cell-derived neurons from individuals with AS. We find that loss of UBE3A decreases actin filaments and reduces PIEZO2 expression and function. A linoleic acid (LA)-enriched diet increases PIEZO2 activity, mechano-excitability, and improves gait in male AS mice. Finally, LA supplementation increases PIEZO2 function in stem cell-derived neurons from individuals with AS. We propose a mechanism whereby loss of UBE3A expression reduces PIEZO2 function and identified a fatty acid that enhances channel activity and ameliorates AS-associated mechano-sensory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis O Romero
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Graduate Health Sciences, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Rebeca Caires
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - A Kaitlyn Victor
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Juanma Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Francisco J Sierra-Valdez
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Ave. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, 64849, Mexico
| | | | | | - Jungsoo Lee
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
| | - Ugo Mayor
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38104, USA
| | - Valeria Vásquez
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
| | - Julio F Cordero-Morales
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38103, USA.
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Imado E, Sun S, Abawa AR, Tahara T, Kochi T, Huynh TNB, Asano S, Hasebe S, Nakamura Y, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Kotake Y, Irifune M, Tsuga K, Takuma K, Morioka N, Kiguchi N, Ago Y. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid causes allodynia associated with spinal microglial activation. Neurochem Int 2022; 160:105415. [PMID: 36027995 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction and the presence of restricted, repetitive behaviors. Additionally, difficulties in sensory processing commonly occur in ASD. Sensory abnormalities include heightened or reduced sensitivity to pain, but the mechanism underlying sensory phenotypes in ASD remain unknown. Emerging evidence suggests that microglia play an important role in forming and refining neuronal circuitry, and thus contribute to neuronal plasticity and nociceptive signaling. In the present study, we investigated the age-dependent tactile sensitivity in an animal model of ASD induced by prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) and subsequently assessed the involvement of microglia in the spinal cord in pain processing. Pregnant ICR (CD1) mice were intraperitoneally injected with either saline or VPA (500 mg/kg) on embryonic day 12.5. Male offspring of VPA-treated mothers showed mechanical allodynia at both 4 and 8 weeks of age. In the spinal cord dorsal horn in prenatally VPA-treated mice, the numbers and staining intensities of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells were increased and the cell bodies became enlarged, indicating microglial activation. Treatment with PLX3397, a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, for 10 days resulted in a decreased number of spinal microglia and attenuated mechanical allodynia in adult mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, intrathecal injection of Mac-1-saporin, a saporin-conjugated anti-CD11b antibody to deplete microglia, abolished mechanical allodynia. These findings suggest that prenatal VPA treatment causes allodynia and that spinal microglia contribute to the increased nociceptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Imado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Samnang Sun
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, University of Health Sciences, #73, Monivong Blvd., Sangkat Sras Chak, Khan Daun Penh, Phnom Penh, 12201, Cambodia
| | - Abrar Rizal Abawa
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Dental Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Jl. Mayjen Prof. Dr. Moestopo No. 47, Surabaya, East Java, 60132, Indonesia
| | - Takeru Tahara
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Takahiro Kochi
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Tran Ngoc Bao Huynh
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Faculty of Odonto-Stomatology, Hong Bang International University, 215 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 15, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Satoshi Asano
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Shigeru Hasebe
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Yaichiro Kotake
- Department of Neurochemistry and Environmental Health Sciences, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Masahiro Irifune
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Tsuga
- School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Department of Advanced Prosthodontics, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Takuma
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Molecular Research Center for Children's Mental Development, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan
| | - Norikazu Kiguchi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Wakayama, 640-8156, Japan
| | - Yukio Ago
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; School of Dentistry, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima, Hiroshima, 734-8553, Japan; Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan; Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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Neklyudova A, Smirnov K, Rebreikina A, Martynova O, Sysoeva O. Electrophysiological and Behavioral Evidence for Hyper- and Hyposensitivity in Rare Genetic Syndromes Associated with Autism. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:671. [PMID: 35456477 PMCID: PMC9027402 DOI: 10.3390/genes13040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study reviewed abnormalities in spontaneous, as well as event-related, brain activity in syndromes with a known genetic underpinning that are associated with autistic symptomatology. Based on behavioral and neurophysiological evidence, we tentatively subdivided the syndromes on primarily hyper-sensitive (Fragile X, Angelman) and hypo-sensitive (Phelan-McDermid, Rett, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis 1), pointing to the way of segregation of heterogeneous idiopathic ASD, that includes both hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive individuals. This segmentation links abnormalities in different genes, such as FMR1, UBE3A, GABRB3, GABRA5, GABRG3, SHANK3, MECP2, TSC1, TSC2, and NF1, that are causative to the above-mentioned syndromes and associated with synaptic transmission and cell growth, as well as with translational and transcriptional regulation and with sensory sensitivity. Excitation/inhibition imbalance related to GABAergic signaling, and the interplay of tonic and phasic inhibition in different brain regions might underlie this relationship. However, more research is needed. As most genetic syndromes are very rare, future investigations in this field will benefit from multi-site collaboration with a common protocol for electrophysiological and event-related potential (EEG/ERP) research that should include an investigation into all modalities and stages of sensory processing, as well as potential biomarkers of GABAergic signaling (such as 40-Hz ASSR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Neklyudova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Kirill Smirnov
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Anna Rebreikina
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
- Sirius Center for Cognitive Research, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Olga Martynova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
| | - Olga Sysoeva
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Science, 117485 Moscow, Russia; (A.N.); (K.S.); (A.R.); (O.M.)
- Sirius Center for Cognitive Research, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 354340 Sochi, Russia
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Riemersma IW, Havekes R, Kas MJH. Spatial and Temporal Gene Function Studies in Rodents: Towards Gene-Based Therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Genes (Basel) 2021; 13:28. [PMID: 35052369 PMCID: PMC8774890 DOI: 10.3390/genes13010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by differences in social interaction, repetitive behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory differences beginning early in life. Especially sensory symptoms are highly correlated with the severity of other behavioral differences. ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition on multiple levels, including clinical presentation, genetics, and developmental trajectories. Over a thousand genes have been implicated in ASD. This has facilitated the generation of more than two hundred genetic mouse models that are contributing to understanding the biological underpinnings of ASD. Since the first symptoms already arise during early life, it is especially important to identify both spatial and temporal gene functions in relation to the ASD phenotype. To further decompose the heterogeneity, ASD-related genes can be divided into different subgroups based on common functions, such as genes involved in synaptic function. Furthermore, finding common biological processes that are modulated by this subgroup of genes is essential for possible patient stratification and the development of personalized early treatments. Here, we review the current knowledge on behavioral rodent models of synaptic dysfunction by focusing on behavioral phenotypes, spatial and temporal gene function, and molecular targets that could lead to new targeted gene-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martien J. H. Kas
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, Neurobiology, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands; (I.W.R.); (R.H.)
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Martin LJ, Poulson SJ, Mannan E, Sivaselvachandran S, Cho M, Setak F, Chan C. Altered nociceptive behavior and emotional contagion of pain in mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 21:e12778. [PMID: 34812576 PMCID: PMC9744566 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have altered sensory processing but may ineffectively communicate their experiences. Here, we used a battery of nociceptive behavioral tests to assess sensory alterations in two commonly used mouse models of ASD, BTBR T+ Itpr3tf /J (BTBR), and fragile-X mental retardation-1 knockout (Fmr1-KO) mice. We also asked whether emotional contagion, a primitive form of empathy, was altered in BTBR and Fmr1 KO mice when experiencing pain with a social partner. BTBR mice demonstrated mixed nociceptive responses with hyporesponsivity to mechanical/thermal stimuli and intraplantar injections of formalin and capsaicin while displaying hypersensitivity on the acetic acid test. Fmr1-KO mice were hyposensitive to mechanical stimuli and intraplantar injections of capsaicin and formalin. BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice developed significantly less mechanical allodynia following intraplantar injections of complete Freund's adjuvant, while BTBR mice developed slightly more thermal hyperalgesia. Finally, as measured by the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests, BTBR and Fmr1-KO mice did not show emotional contagion of pain. In sum, our findings indicate that depending on the sensation, pain responses may be mixed, which reflects findings in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren J. Martin
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada,Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra J. Poulson
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Emma Mannan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
| | | | - Moonjeong Cho
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Fatima Setak
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of Toronto MississaugaMississaugaOntarioCanada
| | - Claire Chan
- Cell and Systems BiologyUniversity of TorontoTorontoOntarioCanada
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Perrino PA, Chamberlain SJ, Eigsti IM, Fitch RH. Communication-related assessments in an Angelman syndrome mouse model. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e01937. [PMID: 33151040 PMCID: PMC7821623 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Angelman syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor deficits, seizures, some autistic-like behaviors, and severe impairment of speech. A dysfunction of the maternally imprinted UBE3A gene, coupled with a functional yet silenced paternal copy, results in AS. Although studies of transgenic mouse models have revealed a great deal about neural populations and rescue timeframes for specific features of AS, these studies have largely failed to examine intermediate phenotypes that contribute to the profound communicative disabilities associated with AS. METHODS Here, we use a variety of tasks, including assessments of rapid auditory processing and social communication. Expressive vocalizations were directly assessed and correlated against other core behavioral measures (motor, social, acoustic perception) to model putative influences on communication. RESULTS AS mice displayed the characteristic phenotypes associated with Angelman syndrome (i.e., social and motor deficits), as well as marginal enhancements in rapid auditory processing ability. Our characterization of adult ultrasonic vocalizations further showed that AS mice produce fewer vocalizations and vocalized for a shorter amount of time when compared to controls. Additionally, a strong correlation between motor indices and ultrasonic vocalization output was shown, suggesting that the motor impairments in AS may contribute heavily to communication impairments. CONCLUSION In summary, the combination of motor deficits, social impairment, marginal rapid auditory enhancements, and altered ultrasonic vocalizations reported in a mouse model of AS clearly parallel the human symptoms of the disorder. This mouse model offers a novel route to interrogate the underlying genetic, physiologic, and behavioral influences on the under-studied topic of impaired communication in AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Perrino
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Inge-Marie Eigsti
- Department of Psychological Science/Clinical Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Roslyn Holly Fitch
- Department of Psychological Science/Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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Arakawa H. From Multisensory Assessment to Functional Interpretation of Social Behavioral Phenotype in Transgenic Mouse Models for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:592408. [PMID: 33329141 PMCID: PMC7717939 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.592408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common heterogeneous disorder, defined solely by the core behavioral characteristics, including impaired social interaction and restricted and repeated behavior. Although an increasing number of studies have been performed extensively, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the core symptoms of ASD remain largely unknown. Transgenic mouse models provide a useful tool for evaluating genetic and neuronal mechanisms underlying ASD pathology, which are prerequisites for validating behavioral phenotypes that mimic the core symptoms of human ASD. The purpose of this review is to propose a better strategy for analyzing and interpreting social investigatory behaviors in transgenic mouse models of ASD. Mice are nocturnal, and employ multimodal processing mechanisms for social communicative behaviors, including those that involve olfactory and tactile senses. Most behavioral paradigms that have been developed for measuring a particular ASD-like behavior in mouse models, such as social recognition, preference, and discrimination tests, are based on the evaluation of distance-based investigatory behavior in response to social stimuli. This investigatory behavior in mice is regulated by multimodal processing involving with two different motives: first, an olfactory-based novelty assessment, and second, tactile-based social contact, in a temporally sequential manner. Accurate interpretation of investigatory behavior exhibited by test mice can be achieved by functional analysis of these multimodal, sequential behaviors, which will lead to a better understanding of the specific features of social deficits associated with ASD in transgenic mouse models, at high temporal and spatial resolutions.
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Mitake M, Hirano S, Kishino T. Imprinting analysis by droplet digital PCR coupled with locked nucleic acid TaqMan probes. Epigenetics 2020; 16:729-740. [PMID: 32970510 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1823160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes are differentially expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner. Parental origin of the alleles is discriminated by intragenic DNA polymorphisms. Comparisons of parental allelic expression have been analysed by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Here, we developed a novel quantitative method for allelic expression of the imprinted gene Ube3a, which inactivation and mutations cause Angelman syndrome and predominantly expressed by the maternal allele in neuronal tissues. In this method, cDNA was amplified by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) coupled with allele-specific locked nucleic acid (LNA) TaqMan probes, which labelled by FAM and HEX were designed to detect the SNPs in the target regions. ddPCR assay demonstrated that the sense transcript of Ube3a was equally expressed from both parental alleles in adult tissues except neuronal tissues, where Ube3a expression from the paternal allele was about 10 to 14% of total Ube3a expression in adult brain, and 20% in spinal cord. The antisense transcript of Ube3a was expressed at 60% to 70% of the sense transcript of Ube3a in adult brain. Changes in the Ube3a transcripts during postnatal brain development were also evaluated by ddPCR. The ddPCR method is far more reliable and simpler to use than semiquantitative PCR to analyse skewed or faint allelic expression of imprinted genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maiko Mitake
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shiori Hirano
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kishino
- Division of Functional Genomics, Centre for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Schaffler MD, Middleton LJ, Abdus-Saboor I. Mechanisms of Tactile Sensory Phenotypes in Autism: Current Understanding and Future Directions for Research. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:134. [PMID: 31807945 PMCID: PMC6900204 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1122-0] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to summarize the current body of behavioral, physiological, and molecular knowledge concerning tactile sensitivity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a focus on recent studies utilizing rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS Mice with mutations in the ASD-related genes, Shank3, Fmr1, UBE3A, and Mecp2, display tactile abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities appear to be caused by mutation-related changes in the PNS, as opposed to changes in the processing of touch stimuli in the CNS, as previously thought. There is also growing evidence suggesting that peripheral mechanisms may contribute to some of the core symptoms and common comorbidities of ASD. Researchers are therefore beginning to assess the therapeutic potential of targeting the PNS in treating some of the core symptoms of ASD. Sensory abnormalities are common in rodent models of ASD. There is growing evidence that sensory hypersensitivity, especially tactile sensitivity, may contribute to social deficits and other autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie D Schaffler
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leah J Middleton
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ishmail Abdus-Saboor
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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Sex-Dependent Sensory Phenotypes and Related Transcriptomic Expression Profiles Are Differentially Affected by Angelman Syndrome. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:5998-6016. [PMID: 30706369 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1503-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Angelman syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder which entails autism, intellectual disability, lack of speech, motor deficits, and seizure susceptibility. It is caused by the lack of UBE3A protein expression, which is an E3-ubiquitin ligase. Despite AS equal prevalence in males and females, not much data on how sex affects the syndrome was reported. In the herein study, we thoroughly characterized many behavioral phenotypes of AS mice. The behavioral data acquired was analyzed with respect to sex. In addition, we generated a new mRNA sequencing dataset. We analyzed the coding transcriptome expression profiles with respect to the effects of genotype and sex observed in the behavioral phenotypes. We identified several neurobehavioral aspects, especially sensory perception, where AS mice either lack the male-to-female differences observed in wild-type littermates or even show opposed differences. However, motor phenotypes did not show male-to-female variation between wild-type (WT) and AS mice. In addition, by utilizing the mRNA sequencing, we identified genes and isoforms with expression profiles that mirror the sensory perception results. These genes are differentially regulated in the two sexes with inverse expression profiles in AS mice compared to WT littermates. Some of these are known pain-related and estrogen-dependent genes. The observed differences in sex-dependent neurobehavioral phenotypes and the differential transcriptome expression profiles in AS mice strengthen the evidence for molecular cross talk between Ube3a protein and sex hormone receptors or their elicited pathways. These interactions are essential for understanding Ube3a deletion effects, beyond its E3-ligase activity.
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