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Liu X, Hua F, Yang D, Lin Y, Zhang L, Ying J, Sheng H, Wang X. Roles of neuroligins in central nervous system development: focus on glial neuroligins and neuron neuroligins. Lab Invest 2022; 20:418. [PMID: 36088343 PMCID: PMC9463862 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03625-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Neuroligins are postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules that are relevant to many neurodevelopmental disorders. They are differentially enriched at the postsynapse and interact with their presynaptic ligands, neurexins, whose differential binding to neuroligins has been shown to regulate synaptogenesis, transmission, and other synaptic properties. The proper functioning of functional networks in the brain depends on the proper connection between neuronal synapses. Impaired synaptogenesis or synaptic transmission results in synaptic dysfunction, and these synaptic pathologies are the basis for many neurodevelopmental disorders. Deletions or mutations in the neuroligins genes have been found in patients with both autism and schizophrenia. It is because of the important role of neuroligins in synaptic connectivity and synaptic dysfunction that studies on neuroligins in the past have mainly focused on their expression in neurons. As studies on the expression of genes specific to various cells of the central nervous system deepened, neuroligins were found to be expressed in non-neuronal cells as well. In the central nervous system, glial cells are the most representative non-neuronal cells, which can also express neuroligins in large amounts, especially astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and they are involved in the regulation of synaptic function, as are neuronal neuroligins. This review examines the mechanisms of neuron neuroligins and non-neuronal neuroligins in the central nervous system and also discusses the important role of neuroligins in the development of the central nervous system and neurodevelopmental disorders from the perspective of neuronal neuroligins and glial neuroligins.
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Abstract
Although autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a strong genetic basis, its etiology is complex, with several genetic factors likely to be involved as well as environmental factors. Immune dysregulation has gained significant attention as a causal mechanism in ASD pathogenesis. ASD has been associated with immune abnormalities in the brain and periphery, including inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity in not only the affected individuals but also their mothers. Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) has been implicated as an environmental risk factor for ASD. In support of this notion, animal models have shown that MIA results in offspring with behavioral, neurological, and immunological abnormalities similar to those observed in ASD. This raises the question of how MIA exposure can lead to ASD in susceptible individuals. Recent evidence points to a potential inflammation pathway linking MIA-associated ASD with the activity of T helper 17 (Th17) lymphocytes and their effector cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A). IL-17A has been implicated from human studies and elevated IL-17A levels in the blood have been found to correlate with phenotypic severity in a subset of ASD individuals. In MIA model mice, elevated IL-17A levels also have been observed. Additionally, antibody blockade to inhibit IL-17A signaling was found to prevent ASD-like behaviors in offspring exposed to MIA. Therefore, IL-17A dysregulation may play a causal role in the development of ASD. The source of increased IL-17A in the MIA mouse model was attributed to maternal Th17 cells because genetic removal of the transcription factor RORγt to selectively inhibit Th17 differentiation in pregnant mice was able to prevent ASD-like behaviors in the offspring. Similar to ASD individuals, the MIA-exposed offspring also displayed cortical dysplasia which could be prevented by inhibition of IL-17A signaling in pregnant mice. This finding reveals one possible cellular mechanism through which ASD-related cognitive and behavioral deficits may emerge following maternal inflammation. IL-17A can exert strong effects on cell survival and differentiation and the activity of signal transduction cascades, which can have important consequences during cortical development on neural function. This review examines IL-17A signaling pathways in the context of both immunity and neural function that may contribute to the development of ASD associated with MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Linda Crnic Institute, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Charles Hoeffer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado-Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado-Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, United States; Linda Crnic Institute, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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Abstract
A systematic review was carried out to investigate what themes current academic journal publications discuss in relation to the integration of neuroscience into counseling psychology. After initial database searches, a thematic analysis was performed on the available literature, determining the key themes and subjects of discussion across the data. A total of 21 publications were carried through to synthesis, with four main themes emerging: Biopsychosocial Topics of Discussion, Neuroscience Education, Integrating Neuropsychology, and Implications of Integration. Further subthemes are discussed, providing a richer description of the publication content focus. There is currently a small body of literature associated with this paradigm. However, the literature available provides evidence of a number of topic areas in which neuroscience can be integrated into counseling psychology. Recent publications may signal a reawakening of an earlier interest in the paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Goss
- School of Psychology, Sport and Exercise, Faculty of Health Sciences, Staffordshire University, UK
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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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McBride SMJ, Holloway SL, Jongens TA. Using Drosophila as a tool to identify pharmacological therapies for fragile X syndrome. DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY. TECHNOLOGIES 2014; 10:e129-36. [PMID: 24050241 DOI: 10.1016/j.ddtec.2012.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite obvious differences such as the ability to fly, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is similar to humans at many different levels of complexity. Studies of development, cell growth and division, metabolism and even cognition, have borne out these similarities. For example, Drosophila bearing mutations in the fly gene homologue of the known human disease fragile X are affected in fundamentally similar ways as affected humans. The ramification of this degree of similarity is that Drosophila, as a model organism, is a rich resource for learning about human cells, development and even human cognition and behavior. Drosophila has a short generation time of ten days, is cheap to propagate and maintain and has a vast array of genetic tools available to it; making Drosophila an extremely attractive organism for the study of human disease. Here, we summarize research from our lab and others using Drosophila to understand the human neurological disease, called fragile X. We focus on the Drosophila model of fragile X, its characterization, and use as a tool to identify potential drugs for the treatment of fragile X. Several clinical trials are in progress now that were motivated by this research.
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Banerjee S, Riordan M, Bhat MA. Genetic aspects of autism spectrum disorders: insights from animal models. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:58. [PMID: 24605088 PMCID: PMC3932417 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that display a triad of core behavioral deficits including restricted interests, often accompanied by repetitive behavior, deficits in language and communication, and an inability to engage in reciprocal social interactions. ASD is among the most heritable disorders but is not a simple disorder with a singular pathology and has a rather complex etiology. It is interesting to note that perturbations in synaptic growth, development, and stability underlie a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and intellectual disability. Biological characterization of an increasing repertoire of synaptic mutants in various model organisms indicates synaptic dysfunction as causal in the pathophysiology of ASD. Our understanding of the genes and genetic pathways that contribute toward the formation, stabilization, and maintenance of functional synapses coupled with an in-depth phenotypic analysis of the cellular and behavioral characteristics is therefore essential to unraveling the pathogenesis of these disorders. In this review, we discuss the genetic aspects of ASD emphasizing on the well conserved set of genes and genetic pathways implicated in this disorder, many of which contribute to synapse assembly and maintenance across species. We also review how fundamental research using animal models is providing key insights into the various facets of human ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Banerjee
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Maeveen Riordan
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Manzoor A Bhat
- Department of Physiology, Center for Biomedical Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, TX, USA
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Gama CS, Canever L, Panizzutti B, Gubert C, Stertz L, Massuda R, Pedrini M, de Lucena DF, Luca RD, Fraga DB, Heylmann AS, Deroza PF, Zugno AI. Effects of omega-3 dietary supplement in prevention of positive, negative and cognitive symptoms: a study in adolescent rats with ketamine-induced model of schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2012; 141:162-7. [PMID: 22954755 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2012.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Omega-3 has shown efficacy to prevent schizophrenia conversion in ultra-high risk population. We evaluated the efficacy of omega-3 in preventing ketamine-induced effects in an animal model of schizophrenia and its effect on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Omega-3 or vehicle was administered in Wistar male rats, both groups at the 30th day of life for 15days. Each group was split in two to receive along the following 7days ketamine or saline. Locomotor and exploratory activities, memory test and social interaction between pairs were evaluated at the 52nd day of life. Prefrontal-cortex, hippocampus and striatum tissues were extracted right after behavioral tasks for mRNA BDNF expression analysis. Bloods for serum BDNF were withdrawn 24h after the end of behavioral tasks. Locomotive was increased in ketamine-treated group compared to control, omega-3 and ketamine plus omega-3 groups. Ketamine group had fewer contacts and interaction compared to other groups. Working memory and short and long-term memories were significantly impaired in ketamine group compared to others. Serum BDNF levels were significantly higher in ketamine plus omega-3 group. There was no difference between groups in prefrontal-cortex, hippocampus and striatum for mRNA BDNF expression. Administration of omega-3 in adolescent rats prevents positive, negative and cognitive symptoms in a ketamine animal model of schizophrenia. Whether these findings are consequence of BDNF increase it is unclear. However, this study gives compelling evidence for larger clinical trials to confirm the use of omega-3 to prevent schizophrenia and for studies to reinforce the beneficial role of omega-3 in brain protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa S Gama
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, INCT for Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Roberts JE, Hatton DD, Long ACJ, Anello V, Colombo J. Visual attention and autistic behavior in infants with fragile X syndrome. J Autism Dev Disord 2012; 42:937-46. [PMID: 21720726 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant attention is a core feature of fragile X syndrome (FXS), however, little is known regarding the developmental trajectory and underlying physiological processes of attention deficits in FXS. Atypical visual attention is an early emerging and robust indictor of autism in idiopathic (non-FXS) autism. Using a biobehavioral approach with gaze direction and heart activity, we examined visual attention in infants with FXS at 9, 12, and 18 months of age with a cross-sectional comparison to 12-month-old typically developing infants. Analyses revealed lower HR variability, shallower HR decelerations, and prolonged look durations in 12-month old infants with FXS compared to typical controls. Look duration and increased latency to disengage attention were correlated with severity of autistic behavior but not mental age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Roberts
- FPG Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA.
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Abstract
This chapter will briefly tie together a captivating string of scientific discoveries that began in the 1800s and catapulted us into the current state of the field where trials are under way in humans that have arisen directly from the discoveries made in model organisms such as Drosophila (fruit flies) and mice. The hope is that research efforts in the field of fragile X currently represent a roadmap that demonstrates the utility of identifying a mutant gene responsible for human disease, tracking down the molecular underpinnings of pathogenic phenotypes, and utilizing model organisms to identify and validate potential pharmacologic targets for testing in afflicted humans. Indeed, in fragile X this roadmap has already yielded successful trials in humans (J. Med. Genetic 46(4) 266-271; Jacquemont et al. Sci Transl Med 3(64):64ra61), although the work in studying these interventions in humans is just getting underway as the work in model organisms continues to generate new potential therapeutic targets.
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Brain plasticity and disease: a matter of inhibition. Neural Plast 2011; 2011:286073. [PMID: 21766040 PMCID: PMC3134991 DOI: 10.1155/2011/286073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 05/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One major goal in Neuroscience is the development of strategies promoting neural plasticity in the adult central nervous system, when functional recovery from brain disease and injury is limited. New evidence has underscored a pivotal role for cortical inhibitory circuitries in regulating plasticity both during development and in adulthood. This paper summarizes recent findings showing that the inhibition-excitation balance controls adult brain plasticity and is at the core of the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders like autism, Down syndrome, and Rett syndrome.
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Yun SH, Trommer BL. Fragile X mice: reduced long-term potentiation and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor-mediated neurotransmission in dentate gyrus. J Neurosci Res 2010; 89:176-82. [PMID: 21162125 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 10/08/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a monogenic mental retardation syndrome that frequently includes autism. The Fmr1-knockout (Fmr1-KO) mouse, like FXS-affected individuals, lacks the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and models autism as well as FXS. Limited human data and several mouse models have implicated the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in autism. We therefore investigated whether the Fmr1-KO mouse exhibited functional changes in DG. We found diminished medial perforant path-granule cell long-term potentiation (LTP), complementing previous investigations of synaptic plasticity in Fmr1-KO demonstrating impaired LTP in CA1, neocortex, and amygdala and exaggerated long-term depression in CA1. We also found that peak amplitude of NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) was smaller in Fmr1-KO than control. AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs were comparable in the two strains, yielding a lower NMDA/AMPA ratio in Fmr1-KO mice and suggesting one mechanism by which absent FMRP might contribute to diminished LTP. The clinical hallmarks of autism include both excessive adherence to patterns and impaired detection of socially important patterns. The DG has a putative role in pattern separation (for time, space, and features) that has been attributed to granule cell number, firing rates, adult neurogenesis, and even perforant path LTP. DG also contributes to pattern completion in CA3 via its mossy fiber efferents, whose terminals include abundant FMRP in "fragile X granules." Together with the present data, these observations suggest that DG is a candidate region for further investigation in autism and that the Fmr1-KO model may be particularly apt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Hwan Yun
- Department of Pediatrics, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York 11219, USA
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Canever L, Oliveira L, D'Altoé de Luca R, Correa PTF, de B Fraga D, Matos MP, Scaini G, Quevedo J, Streck EL, Zugno AI. A rodent model of schizophrenia reveals increase in creatine kinase activity with associated behavior changes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2010; 3:421-7. [PMID: 21270541 PMCID: PMC3154043 DOI: 10.4161/oxim.3.6.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder characterized by positive (delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech) and negative (affective flattering, avolition and social withdrawal) symptoms as well as cognitive deficits. The frequency, severity and topography characterize the disorder as heterogeneous, the pathophysiology of schizophrenia is poorly understood. Sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine produce hyperactivity, stereotypy and abnormal social interaction and it is used as a model of schizophrenia. In this study, we induced an animal model by acute sub-anesthetic doses of ketamine and tested different behavioral parameters. We also evaluated the activity of creatine kinase (CK) in brain of rats treated with ketamine. Our results demonstrated that administration of 10, 25 and 50 mg/kg of ketamine induced an increase of covered distance in habituated and non-habituated rats to the behavioral apparatus. Ketamine administration induced significant social deficits and stereotypic behavioral in all doses tested. Finally we evaluated the effect of different doses of ketamine on creatinine kinase (CK) activity and we observed that CK activity is increased inspecific regions of the brain. Our study suggests that our animal model may be used as a model of schizophrenia and that cerebral energy metabolism might be altered in the brain of schizophrenic patients, probably leading to alterations that might be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Canever
- Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil
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Hoeffer CA, Klann E. mTOR signaling: at the crossroads of plasticity, memory and disease. Trends Neurosci 2009; 33:67-75. [PMID: 19963289 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2009.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 833] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2009] [Revised: 10/22/2009] [Accepted: 11/06/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase involved in translation control and long-lasting synaptic plasticity. mTOR functions as the central component of two multi-protein signaling complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which can be distinguished from each other based on their unique compositions and substrates. Although the majority of evidence linking mTOR function to synaptic plasticity comes from studies utilizing rapamycin, studies in genetically modified mice also suggest that mTOR couples receptors to the translation machinery for establishing long-lasting synaptic changes that are the basis for higher order brain function, including long-term memory. Finally, perturbation of the mTOR signaling cascade appears to be a common pathophysiological feature of human neurological disorders, including mental retardation syndromes and autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Hoeffer
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, 4 Washington Place, New York, NY 10003, USA
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El-Ansary A, Al-Daihan S, Al-Dbass A, Al-Ayadhi L. Measurement of selected ions related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism in Saudi autistic children. Clin Biochem 2009; 43:63-70. [PMID: 19781542 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2009] [Revised: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Autism is a developmental disorder characterized by social and emotional deficits, language impairments and stereotyped behaviors that manifest in early postnatal life. This study aims to clarify the role of selected ions related to energy metabolism as a consequence of oxidative stress in the deterioration accompanied autism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Malonaldehyde as measure of lipid peroxidation, Na(+)/K(+) ion pump (ATPase), together with the concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Mg(2+), Ca(2+) and Pb(2+) were determined in plasma of 30 Saudi autistic patients and compared to 30 age-matching control samples. RESULTS The obtained data recorded that Saudi autistic patients have a remarkable higher activities of Na(+)/K(+) ATPase and high levels of lipid peroxidation compared to control. In addition, they have significantly elevated levels of K(+) and Pb(2+) while Ca(2+) recorded a significantly lower level compared to age-matching control subjects. On the other hand both Mg(2+) and Na(+) were non-significantly changed in autistic patients. CONCLUSION Alteration of the selected measured ions confirms that oxidative stress and defective mitochondrial energy production could represent the primary causative factor in the pathogenesis of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Biochemistry Department, Science College, King Saud University, PO Box 22452, Zip code 11495, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Tabarés-Seisdedos R, Rubenstein JLR. Chromosome 8p as a potential hub for developmental neuropsychiatric disorders: implications for schizophrenia, autism and cancer. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:563-89. [PMID: 19204725 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2009.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Defects in genetic and developmental processes are thought to contribute susceptibility to autism and schizophrenia. Presumably, owing to etiological complexity identifying susceptibility genes and abnormalities in the development has been difficult. However, the importance of genes within chromosomal 8p region for neuropsychiatric disorders and cancer is well established. There are 484 annotated genes located on 8p; many are most likely oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes. Molecular genetics and developmental studies have identified 21 genes in this region (ADRA1A, ARHGEF10, CHRNA2, CHRNA6, CHRNB3, DKK4, DPYSL2, EGR3, FGF17, FGF20, FGFR1, FZD3, LDL, NAT2, NEF3, NRG1, PCM1, PLAT, PPP3CC, SFRP1 and VMAT1/SLC18A1) that are most likely to contribute to neuropsychiatric disorders (schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder and depression), neurodegenerative disorders (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease) and cancer. Furthermore, at least seven nonprotein-coding RNAs (microRNAs) are located at 8p. Structural variants on 8p, such as copy number variants, microdeletions or microduplications, might also contribute to autism, schizophrenia and other human diseases including cancer. In this review, we consider the current state of evidence from cytogenetic, linkage, association, gene expression and endophenotyping studies for the role of these 8p genes in neuropsychiatric disease. We also describe how a mutation in an 8p gene (Fgf17) results in a mouse with deficits in specific components of social behavior and a reduction in its dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. We finish by discussing the biological connections of 8p with respect to neuropsychiatric disorders and cancer, despite the shortcomings of this evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tabarés-Seisdedos
- Teaching Unit of Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Department of Medicine, CIBER-SAM, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
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Hoeffer CA, Tang W, Wong H, Santillan A, Patterson RJ, Martinez LA, Tejada-Simon MV, Paylor R, Hamilton SL, Klann E. Removal of FKBP12 enhances mTOR-Raptor interactions, LTP, memory, and perseverative/repetitive behavior. Neuron 2009; 60:832-45. [PMID: 19081378 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2008.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2007] [Revised: 07/30/2008] [Accepted: 09/18/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
FK506-binding protein 12 (FKBP12) binds the immunosuppressant drugs FK506 and rapamycin and regulates several signaling pathways, including mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. We determined whether the brain-specific disruption of the FKBP12 gene in mice altered mTOR signaling, synaptic plasticity, and memory. Biochemically, the FKBP12-deficient mice displayed increases in basal mTOR phosphorylation, mTOR-Raptor interactions, and p70 S6 kinase (S6K) phosphorylation. Electrophysiological experiments revealed that FKBP12 deficiency was associated with an enhancement in long-lasting hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP). The LTP enhancement was resistant to rapamycin, but not anisomycin, suggesting that altered translation control is involved in the enhanced synaptic plasticity. Behaviorally, FKBP12 conditional knockout (cKO) mice displayed enhanced contextual fear memory and autistic/obsessive-compulsive-like perseveration in several assays including the water maze, Y-maze reversal task, and the novel object recognition test. Our results indicate that FKBP12 plays a critical role in the regulation of mTOR-Raptor interactions, LTP, memory, and perseverative behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles A Hoeffer
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Ijichi S, Ijichi N, Ijichi Y, Kawamura Y, Hashiguchi T, Morioka H. For others: Epistasis and the evolutionary survival of an extreme tail of the quantitative distribution of autistic assets. Med Hypotheses 2008; 70:515-21. [PMID: 17765402 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2007] [Accepted: 07/10/2007] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing paradigm shift from the traditional qualitative dichotomy concept to the quantitative framework increases the necessity of an evolutionary implication and interpretation of the presence of a hypo-reproductive behavioral extreme (autism) with strong genetic contribution. As a theoretical challenge to explain the survival of the dimensional distribution of autistic traits, an epistasis-associated oscillation of fitness outcomes is proposed. In this hypothesis, an allele could contribute to the existence of both phenotypic extreme tails and the hypothesized genetic machinery (quantitative trait loci) for autism would necessarily be common in the entire human population. The postulated autism genes would allow autistics to enjoy autistic traits and assets and all of the residual non-autistic individuals could owe their social skills and reproductive advantages to the same autism genes. Importantly, the reported modest correlations between core autistic dimensions can be illustrated using unsynchronized epistatic pleiotropy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Ijichi
- Health Service Center, Kagoshima University, 1-21-24 Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-8580, Japan.
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Abstract
Until recently, autism, along with the other developmental disabilities, was largely ignored by the medical and research community. At this early point in our understanding of the syndrome, neurobiologists and especially those who work with human brain tissue have a great deal to offer. A thorough understanding of the clinically defined syndrome is essential. Along with the other psychiatric diseases listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), autism is defined by gross behavioral macros that, in all probability, are only indirectly related to basic biological systems. The diagnostic schema is not etiologically based. The diagnostic triad of symptoms that defines autism--impaired communication, impaired social interaction, and restricted and repetitive interests and activities--has been found to be present in the general population with no clear demarcation between pathological severity and being a common trait. In addition, the three basic symptoms of autism appear not to associate highly, thus leaving undetermined the validity of studying autism in its currently defined triad of symptoms. It is proposed that a close working relationship between neurobiologists and clinicians is necessary in order to identify etiologically based diagnostic schemas that would complement, rather than replace, the clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric London
- Department of Psychology, Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA.
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19
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Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are not rare; many primary care pediatricians care for several children with autism spectrum disorders. Pediatricians play an important role in early recognition of autism spectrum disorders, because they usually are the first point of contact for parents. Parents are now much more aware of the early signs of autism spectrum disorders because of frequent coverage in the media; if their child demonstrates any of the published signs, they will most likely raise their concerns to their child's pediatrician. It is important that pediatricians be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of autism spectrum disorders and have a strategy for assessing them systematically. Pediatricians also must be aware of local resources that can assist in making a definitive diagnosis of, and in managing, autism spectrum disorders. The pediatrician must be familiar with developmental, educational, and community resources as well as medical subspecialty clinics. This clinical report is 1 of 2 documents that replace the original American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement and technical report published in 2001. This report addresses background information, including definition, history, epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, early signs, neuropathologic aspects, and etiologic possibilities in autism spectrum disorders. In addition, this report provides an algorithm to help the pediatrician develop a strategy for early identification of children with autism spectrum disorders. The accompanying clinical report addresses the management of children with autism spectrum disorders and follows this report on page 1162 [available at www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/120/5/1162]. Both clinical reports are complemented by the toolkit titled "Autism: Caring for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Resource Toolkit for Clinicians," which contains screening and surveillance tools, practical forms, tables, and parent handouts to assist the pediatrician in the identification, evaluation, and management of autism spectrum disorders in children.
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Tabuchi K, Blundell J, Etherton MR, Hammer RE, Liu X, Powell CM, Südhof TC. A neuroligin-3 mutation implicated in autism increases inhibitory synaptic transmission in mice. Science 2007; 318:71-6. [PMID: 17823315 PMCID: PMC3235367 DOI: 10.1126/science.1146221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 715] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are characterized by impairments in social behaviors that are sometimes coupled to specialized cognitive abilities. A small percentage of ASD patients carry mutations in genes encoding neuroligins, which are postsynaptic cell-adhesion molecules. We introduced one of these mutations into mice: the Arg451-->Cys451 (R451C) substitution in neuroligin-3. R451C mutant mice showed impaired social interactions but enhanced spatial learning abilities. Unexpectedly, these behavioral changes were accompanied by an increase in inhibitory synaptic transmission with no apparent effect on excitatory synapses. Deletion of neuroligin-3, in contrast, did not cause such changes, indicating that the R451C substitution represents a gain-of-function mutation. These data suggest that increased inhibitory synaptic transmission may contribute to human ASDs and that the R451C knockin mice may be a useful model for studying autism-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhiko Tabuchi
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Jacqueline Blundell
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Mark R. Etherton
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Robert E. Hammer
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Xinran Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Craig M. Powell
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
| | - Thomas C. Südhof
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA
- To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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Abstract
Varieties of neuropathological disorders are caused by a perturbation of normal developmental processes, resulting from insults by heterogeneous etiologic factors. These factors trigger the sequence of molecular, biochemical, and morphologic alterations of the brain, resulting morphologically and/or functionally abnormal brain. The resulting brain contains basic components of the normal brain but is assembled in an abnormal way. The developmental stage when the insults occur appears to largely dictate the outcome of the pathological processes. Depending on the developmental stage involved, the morphology of the brain may be grossly abnormal or is apparently normal but functionally abnormal. The brain development progresses in an orderly fashion and can be divided into several major developmental stages; the neurulation (neural tube formation), ventral induction (formation of prosencephalon), neuroepithelial cell proliferation and migration, neuroglial differentiation and establishment of neuronal circuits. The perturbation of these developmental stages results in uniquely specific pathological outcome, regardless of the etiologic factors/agents. In this review, I will briefly discuss the normal pattern of brain development and neuropathology of the representative disorders resulting from the deviation of normal developmental processes in the individual developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinuko Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27278, USA.
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Presti-Torres J, de Lima MN, Scalco FS, Caldana F, Garcia VA, Guimarães MR, Schwartsmann G, Roesler R, Schröder N. Impairments of social behavior and memory after neonatal gastrin-releasing peptide receptor blockade in rats: Implications for an animal model of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2007; 52:724-32. [PMID: 17097693 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2006.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2006] [Revised: 09/04/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRPR) has been implicated in central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including neurodevelopmental disorders associated with autism. In the present study we examined the effects of GRPR blockade during the neonatal period on behavioral measures relevant to animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Male Wistar rats were given an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of either saline (SAL) or the GRPR antagonist [D-Tpi(6), Leu(13) psi(CH(2)NH)-Leu(14)] bombesin (6-14) (RC-3095; 1 or 10mg/kg) twice daily for 10days from postnatal days (PN) 1 to 10. Animals treated with RC-3095 showed pronounced deficits in social interaction when tested at PN 30-35 and impaired 24-h retention of memory for both novel object recognition (NOR) and inhibitory avoidance (IA) tasks tested at PN 60-71. Neither short-term memory tested 1.5h posttraining nor open field behavior were affected by neonatal GRPR blockade. The implications of the findings for animal models of neurodevelopmental disorders are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Presti-Torres
- Neurobiology and Developmental Biology Laboratory and Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biosciences, Pontifical Catholic University, 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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23
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MORE ABOUT AUTISM: Author's response. J Am Dent Assoc 2007. [DOI: 10.14219/jada.archive.2007.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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