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Stagni F, Bartesaghi R. The Challenging Pathway of Treatment for Neurogenesis Impairment in Down Syndrome: Achievements and Perspectives. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:903729. [PMID: 35634470 PMCID: PMC9130961 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.903729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder caused by triplication of Chromosome 21. Gene triplication may compromise different body functions but invariably impairs intellectual abilities starting from infancy. Moreover, after the fourth decade of life people with DS are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Neurogenesis impairment during fetal life stages and dendritic pathology emerging in early infancy are thought to be key determinants of alterations in brain functioning in DS. Although the progressive improvement in medical care has led to a notable increase in life expectancy for people with DS, there are currently no treatments for intellectual disability. Increasing evidence in mouse models of DS reveals that pharmacological interventions in the embryonic and neonatal periods may greatly benefit brain development and cognitive performance. The most striking results have been obtained with pharmacotherapies during embryonic life stages, indicating that it is possible to pharmacologically rescue the severe neurodevelopmental defects linked to the trisomic condition. These findings provide hope that similar benefits may be possible for people with DS. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding (i) the scope and timeline of neurogenesis (and dendritic) alterations in DS, in order to delineate suitable windows for treatment; (ii) the role of triplicated genes that are most likely to be the key determinants of these alterations, in order to highlight possible therapeutic targets; and (iii) prenatal and neonatal treatments that have proved to be effective in mouse models, in order to rationalize the choice of treatment for human application. Based on this body of evidence we will discuss prospects and challenges for fetal therapy in individuals with DS as a potential means of drastically counteracting the deleterious effects of gene triplication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Stagni
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Renata Bartesaghi,
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2
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Llambrich S, Wouters J, Himmelreich U, Dierssen M, Sharpe J, Gsell W, Martínez-Abadías N, Vande Velde G. ViceCT and whiceCT for simultaneous high-resolution visualization of craniofacial, brain and ventricular anatomy from micro-computed tomography. Sci Rep 2020; 10:18772. [PMID: 33128010 PMCID: PMC7599226 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Up to 40% of congenital diseases present disturbances of brain and craniofacial development resulting in simultaneous alterations of both systems. Currently, the best available method to preclinically visualize the brain and the bones simultaneously is to co-register micro-magnetic resonance (µMR) and micro-computed tomography (µCT) scans of the same specimen. However, this requires expertise and access to both imaging techniques, dedicated software and post-processing knowhow. To provide a more affordable, reliable and accessible alternative, recent research has focused on optimizing a contrast-enhanced µCT protocol using iodine as contrast agent that delivers brain and bone images from a single scan. However, the available methods still cannot provide the complete visualization of both the brain and whole craniofacial complex. In this study, we have established an optimized protocol to diffuse the contrast into the brain that allows visualizing the brain parenchyma and the complete craniofacial structure in a single ex vivo µCT scan (whiceCT). In addition, we have developed a new technique that allows visualizing the brain ventricles using a bilateral stereotactic injection of iodine-based contrast (viceCT). Finally, we have tested both techniques in a mouse model of Down syndrome, as it is a neurodevelopmental disorder with craniofacial, brain and ventricle defects. The combined use of viceCT and whiceCT provides a complete visualization of the brain and bones with intact craniofacial structure of an adult mouse ex vivo using a single imaging modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Llambrich
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 O&N1 box 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jens Wouters
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 O&N1 box 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Uwe Himmelreich
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 O&N1 box 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG, The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.,Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - James Sharpe
- EMBL Barcelona, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Barcelona, Spain Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Willy Gsell
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 O&N1 box 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neus Martínez-Abadías
- GREAB-Research Group in Biological Anthropology. Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, BEECA. Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Greetje Vande Velde
- Biomedical Imaging, Department of Imaging and Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 O&N1 box 505, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Molecular Small Animal Imaging Centre (MoSAIC), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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3
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Ma D, Cardoso MJ, Zuluaga MA, Modat M, Powell NM, Wiseman FK, Cleary JO, Sinclair B, Harrison IF, Siow B, Popuri K, Lee S, Matsubara JA, Sarunic MV, Beg MF, Tybulewicz VLJ, Fisher EMC, Lythgoe MF, Ourselin S. Substantially thinner internal granular layer and reduced molecular layer surface in the cerebellar cortex of the Tc1 mouse model of down syndrome - a comprehensive morphometric analysis with active staining contrast-enhanced MRI. Neuroimage 2020; 223:117271. [PMID: 32835824 PMCID: PMC8417772 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.117271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder that affects the development of cerebellar cortical lobules. Impaired neurogenesis in the cerebellum varies among different types of neuronal cells and neuronal layers. In this study, we developed an imaging analysis framework that utilizes gadolinium-enhanced ex vivo mouse brain MRI. We extracted the middle Purkinje layer of the mouse cerebellar cortex, enabling the estimation of the volume, thickness, and surface area of the entire cerebellar cortex, the internal granular layer, and the molecular layer in the Tc1 mouse model of Down Syndrome. The morphometric analysis of our method revealed that a larger proportion of the cerebellar thinning in this model of Down Syndrome resided in the inner granule cell layer, while a larger proportion of the surface area shrinkage was in the molecular layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Ma
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom; School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada.
| | - Manuel J Cardoso
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria A Zuluaga
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; Data Science Department, EURECOM, France
| | - Marc Modat
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
| | - Nick M Powell
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Frances K Wiseman
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, UK London; Down Syndrome Consortium (LonDownS), London, United Kingdom
| | - Jon O Cleary
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom; Department of Radiology, Guy´s and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom; Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit, Department of Medicine and Radiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Benjamin Sinclair
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian F Harrison
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Bernard Siow
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom; The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karteek Popuri
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Sieun Lee
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Joanne A Matsubara
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Marinko V Sarunic
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Mirza Faisal Beg
- School of Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mark F Lythgoe
- Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Sebastien Ourselin
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, United Kingdom; School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom
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4
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Aziz NM, Klein JA, Brady MR, Olmos-Serrano JL, Gallo V, Haydar TF. Spatiotemporal development of spinal neuronal and glial populations in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2019; 11:35. [PMID: 31839007 PMCID: PMC6913030 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-019-9294-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Down syndrome (DS), caused by the triplication of chromosome 21, results in a constellation of clinical features including changes in intellectual and motor function. Although altered neural development and function have been well described in people with DS, few studies have investigated the etiology underlying the observed motor phenotypes. Here, we examine the development, patterning, and organization of the spinal cord throughout life in the Ts65Dn mouse, a model that recapitulates many of the motor changes observed in people with DS. METHODS Spinal cords from embryonic to adult animals were processed for gene and protein expression (immunofluorescence) to track the spatiotemporal development of excitatory and inhibitory neurons and oligodendroglia. Postnatal analyses were focused on the lumbar region due to the reflex and gait abnormalities found in Ts65Dn mice and locomotive alterations seen in people with DS. RESULTS Between embryonic days E10.5 and E14.5, we found a larger motor neuron progenitor domain in Ts65Dn animals containing more OLIG2-expressing progenitor cells. These disturbed progenitors are delayed in motor neuron production but eventually generate a large number of ISL1+ migrating motor neurons. We found that higher numbers of PAX6+ and NKX2.2+ interneurons (INs) are also produced during this time frame. In the adult lumbar spinal cord, we found an increased level of Hb9 and a decreased level of Irx3 gene expression in trisomic animals. This was accompanied by an increase in Calretinin+ INs, but no changes in other neuronal populations. In aged Ts65Dn animals, both Calbindin+ and ChAT+ neurons were decreased compared to euploid controls. Additionally, in the dorsal corticospinal white matter tract, there were significantly fewer CC1+ mature OLs in 30- and 60-day old trisomic animals and this normalized to euploid levels at 10-11 months. In contrast, the mature OL population was increased in the lateral funiculus, an ascending white matter tract carrying sensory information. In 30-day old animals, we also found a decrease in the number of nodes of Ranvier in both tracts. This decrease normalized both in 60-day old and aged animals. CONCLUSIONS We show marked changes in both spinal white matter and neuronal composition that change regionally over the life span. In the embryonic Ts65Dn spinal cord, we observe alterations in motor neuron production and migration. In the adult spinal cord, we observe changes in oligodendrocyte maturation and motor neuron loss, the latter of which has also been observed in human spinal cord tissue samples. This work uncovers multiple cellular perturbations during Ts65Dn development and aging, many of which may underlie the motor deficits found in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine M. Aziz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Jenny A. Klein
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Morgan R. Brady
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Jose Luis Olmos-Serrano
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Vittorio Gallo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
| | - Tarik F. Haydar
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118 USA
- Center for Neuroscience Research and District of Columbia Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010 USA
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5
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Schill EM, Wright CM, Jamil A, LaCombe JM, Roper RJ, Heuckeroth RO. Down syndrome mouse models have an abnormal enteric nervous system. JCI Insight 2019; 5:124510. [PMID: 30998504 PMCID: PMC6629165 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome [DS]) have a 130-fold increased incidence of Hirschsprung Disease (HSCR), a developmental defect where the enteric nervous system (ENS) is missing from distal bowel (i.e., distal bowel is aganglionic). Treatment for HSCR is surgical resection of aganglionic bowel, but many children have bowel problems after surgery. Post-surgical problems like enterocolitis and soiling are especially common in children with DS. To determine how trisomy 21 affects ENS development, we evaluated the ENS in two DS mouse models, Ts65Dn and Tc1. These mice are trisomic for many chromosome 21 homologous genes, including Dscam and Dyrk1a, which are hypothesized to contribute to HSCR risk. Ts65Dn and Tc1 mice have normal ENS precursor migration at E12.5 and almost normal myenteric plexus structure as adults. However, Ts65Dn and Tc1 mice have markedly reduced submucosal plexus neuron density throughout the bowel. Surprisingly, the submucosal neuron defect in Ts65Dn mice is not due to excess Dscam or Dyrk1a, since normalizing copy number for these genes does not rescue the defect. These findings suggest the possibility that the high frequency of bowel problems in children with DS and HSCR may occur because of additional unrecognized problems with ENS structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen M. Schill
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Christina M. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alisha Jamil
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan M. LaCombe
- Department of Biology, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Randall J. Roper
- Department of Biology, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute and Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Abramson Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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6
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Herault Y, Delabar JM, Fisher EMC, Tybulewicz VLJ, Yu E, Brault V. Rodent models in Down syndrome research: impact and future opportunities. Dis Model Mech 2018; 10:1165-1186. [PMID: 28993310 PMCID: PMC5665454 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. To date, a multiplicity of mouse models with Down-syndrome-related features has been developed to understand this complex human chromosomal disorder. These mouse models have been important for determining genotype-phenotype relationships and identification of dosage-sensitive genes involved in the pathophysiology of the condition, and in exploring the impact of the additional chromosome on the whole genome. Mouse models of Down syndrome have also been used to test therapeutic strategies. Here, we provide an overview of research in the last 15 years dedicated to the development and application of rodent models for Down syndrome. We also speculate on possible and probable future directions of research in this fast-moving field. As our understanding of the syndrome improves and genome engineering technologies evolve, it is necessary to coordinate efforts to make all Down syndrome models available to the community, to test therapeutics in models that replicate the whole trisomy and design new animal models to promote further discovery of potential therapeutic targets. Summary: Mouse models have boosted therapeutic options for Down syndrome, and improved models are being developed to better understand the pathophysiology of this genetic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Herault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France .,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France.,T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris
| | - Jean M Delabar
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, 75205 Paris, France.,INSERM U 1127, CNRS UMR 7225, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06 UMR S 1127, Institut du Cerveau et la Moelle épinière, ICM, 75013 Paris, France.,Brain and Spine Institute (ICM) CNRS UMR7225, INSERM UMRS 975, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Elizabeth M C Fisher
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, WC1N 3BG, UK.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK
| | - Victor L J Tybulewicz
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,LonDownS Consortium, London, W1T 7NF UK.,The Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London, NW1 1AT, UK.,Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Eugene Yu
- T21 Research Society, Brain and Spine Institute (ICM), 75013 Paris.,The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genetics Program, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Roswell Park Division of Graduate School, Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Veronique Brault
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France.,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR7104, Illkirch, France.,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U964, Illkirch, France.,Université de Strasbourg, 67404 Illkirch, France
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7
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Fish EW, Parnell SE, Sulik KK, Baker LK, Murdaugh LB, Lamson D, Williams KP. Preaxial polydactyly following early gestational exposure to the smoothened agonist, SAG, in C57BL/6J mice. Birth Defects Res 2018; 109:49-54. [PMID: 27801979 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.23571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While pharmacological activation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway may have therapeutic benefits for developmental and adult diseases, its teratogenic potential is of concern. The membrane molecule Smoothened (SMO) transduces HH signaling and can be acutely modulated by antagonists and agonists. The objective of the current experiments was to determine how maternal treatment with the Smo agonist, SAG, affects the developing limb. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6J mice received a single injection of SAG (15, 17, or 20 mg/kg, i.p.) or its vehicle on gestational day (GD) 9.25, the time of limb bud induction. Embryos were examined on GD 15 for gross dysmorphology and skeletal staining was performed to visualize the number and type of digits on the fore- and hindlimbs. Additionally, in situ hybridization was performed 4 hr after GD 9.25 SAG administration to determine SAG's effects on Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA expression. RESULTS The most prevalent effect of SAG was the dose-dependent induction of pre-axial polydactyly; defects ranged from a broad thumb to the duplication of two finger-like digits on the preaxial side of the thumb. The highest SAG dose was effective in ca. 80% of the embryos and increased Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA expression in the limb bud, with Gli1 mRNA being the most upregulated. CONCLUSION Preaxial polydactyly can be caused in the developing embryo by acute maternal administration of a Smo agonist that activates HH signaling. These results are consistent with the preaxial polydactyly induced in developmental disorders associated with mutations in HH signaling genes.Birth Defects Research 109:49-54, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric W Fish
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Scott E Parnell
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Kathleen K Sulik
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lorinda K Baker
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Laura B Murdaugh
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David Lamson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BRITE Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kevin P Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, BRITE Institute, North Carolina Central University, Durham, North Carolina
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8
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García-Cerro S, Vidal V, Lantigua S, Berciano MT, Lafarga M, Ramos-Cabrer P, Padro D, Rueda N, Martínez-Cué C. Cerebellar alterations in a model of Down syndrome: The role of the Dyrk1A gene. Neurobiol Dis 2018; 110:206-217. [PMID: 29221819 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by a marked reduction in the size of the brain and cerebellum. These changes play an important role in the motor alterations and cognitive disabilities observed in this condition. The Ts65Dn (TS) mouse, the most commonly used model of DS, reflects many DS phenotypes, including alterations in cerebellar morphology. One of the genes that is overexpressed in both individuals with DS and TS mice is DYRK1A/Dyrk1A (dual-specificity tyrosine-(Y)-phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A), which has been implicated in the altered cerebellar structural and functional phenotypes observed in both populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dyrk1A on different alterations observed in the cerebellum of TS animals. TS mice were crossed with Dyrk1A +/- KO mice to obtain mice with a triplicate segment of Mmu16 that included Dyrk1A (TS +/+/+), mice with triplicate copies of the same genes that carried only two copies of Dyrk1A (TS +/+/-), euploid mice that expressed a normal dose of Dyrk1A (CO +/+) and CO animals with a single copy of Dyrk1A (CO +/-). Male mice were used for all experiments. The normalization of the Dyrk1A gene dosage did not rescue the reduced cerebellar volume. However, it increased the size of the granular and molecular layers, the densities of granular and Purkinje cells, and dendritic arborization. Furthermore, it improved the excitatory/inhibitory balance and walking pattern of TS +/+/- mice. These results support the hypothesis that Dyrk1A is involved in some of the structural and functional cerebellar phenotypes observed in the TS mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana García-Cerro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Verónica Vidal
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Sara Lantigua
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Berciano
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and CIBERNED, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Miguel Lafarga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology and CIBERNED, University of Cantabria-IDIVAL, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Pedro Ramos-Cabrer
- Molecular Imaging Unit, CIC BiomaGUNE, Donostia-San Sebastian 20009, Spain; Ikerbasque, The Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao 48013, Spain
| | - Daniel Padro
- Molecular Imaging Unit, CIC BiomaGUNE, Donostia-San Sebastian 20009, Spain
| | - Noemí Rueda
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain
| | - Carmen Martínez-Cué
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander 39011, Spain.
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9
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Wiegering A, Rüther U, Gerhardt C. The Role of Hedgehog Signalling in the Formation of the Ventricular Septum. J Dev Biol 2017; 5:E17. [PMID: 29615572 PMCID: PMC5831794 DOI: 10.3390/jdb5040017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An incomplete septation of the ventricles in the vertebrate heart that disturbes the strict separation between the contents of the two ventricles is termed a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Together with bicuspid aortic valves, it is the most frequent congenital heart disease in humans. Until now, life-threatening VSDs are usually treated surgically. To avoid surgery and to develop an alternative therapy (e.g., a small molecule therapy), it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying ventricular septum (VS) development. Consequently, various studies focus on the investigation of signalling pathways, which play essential roles in the formation of the VS. In the past decade, several reports found evidence for an involvement of Hedgehog (HH) signalling in VS development. In this review article, we will summarise the current knowledge about the association between HH signalling and VS formation and discuss the use of such knowledge to design treatment strategies against the development of VSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Wiegering
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Rüther
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Christoph Gerhardt
- Institute for Animal Developmental and Molecular Biology, Heinrich-Heine University Düsseldorf, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Kleschevnikov AM, Yu J, Kim J, Lysenko LV, Zeng Z, Yu YE, Mobley WC. Evidence that increased Kcnj6 gene dose is necessary for deficits in behavior and dentate gyrus synaptic plasticity in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 103:1-10. [PMID: 28342823 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21, is caused by increased dose of genes present on human chromosome 21 (HSA21). The gene-dose hypothesis argues that a change in the dose of individual genes or regulatory sequences on HSA21 is necessary for creating DS-related phenotypes, including cognitive impairment. We focused on a possible role for Kcnj6, the gene encoding Kir3.2 (Girk2) subunits of a G-protein-coupled inwardly-rectifying potassium channel. This gene resides on a segment of mouse Chromosome 16 that is present in one extra copy in the genome of the Ts65Dn mouse, a well-studied genetic model of DS. Kir3.2 subunit-containing potassium channels serve as effectors for a number of postsynaptic metabotropic receptors including GABAB receptors. Several studies raise the possibility that increased Kcnj6 dose contributes to synaptic and cognitive abnormalities in DS. To assess directly a role for Kcnj6 gene dose in cognitive deficits in DS, we produced Ts65Dn mice that harbor only 2 copies of Kcnj6 (Ts65Dn:Kcnj6++- mice). The reduction in Kcnj6 gene dose restored to normal the hippocampal level of Kir3.2. Long-term memory, examined in the novel object recognition test with the retention period of 24h, was improved to the level observed in the normosomic littermate control mice (2N:Kcnj6++). Significantly, both short-term and long-term potentiation (STP and LTP) was improved to control levels in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the Ts65Dn:Kcnj6++- mouse. In view of the ability of fluoxetine to suppress Kir3.2 channels, we asked if fluoxetine-treated DG slices of Ts65Dn:Kcnj6+++ mice would rescue synaptic plasticity. Fluoxetine increased STP and LTP to control levels. These results are evidence that increased Kcnj6 gene dose is necessary for synaptic and cognitive dysfunction in the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS. Strategies aimed at pharmacologically reducing channel function should be explored for enhancing cognition in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M Kleschevnikov
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Jessica Yu
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Jeesun Kim
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Larisa V Lysenko
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Academy of Biology and Biotechnology of Southern Federal University, 194/1 Stachki Str, Rostov-na-Donu 344090, Russian Federation
| | - Zheng Zeng
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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11
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Patel SS, Tomar S, Sharma D, Mahindroo N, Udayabanu M. Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling in neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:76-97. [PMID: 28088536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling influences neurogenesis and neural patterning during the development of central nervous system. Dysregulation of Shh signaling in brain leads to neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder, depression, dementia, stroke, Parkinson's diseases, Huntington's disease, locomotor deficit, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, neuropathies as well as brain tumors. The synthesis, processing and transport of Shh ligand as well as the localization of its receptors and signal transduction in the central nervous system has been carefully reviewed. Further, we summarize the regulation of small molecule modulators of Shh pathway with potential in neurological disorders. In conclusion, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the potential of positive and negative regulators of the Shh pathway in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sharan Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sunil Tomar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neeraj Mahindroo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Malairaman Udayabanu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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12
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Yao PJ, Petralia RS, Mattson MP. Sonic Hedgehog Signaling and Hippocampal Neuroplasticity. Trends Neurosci 2016; 39:840-850. [PMID: 27865563 PMCID: PMC5148655 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a secreted protein that controls the patterning of neural progenitor cells, and their neuronal and glial progeny, during development. Emerging findings suggest that Shh also has important roles in the formation and plasticity of neuronal circuits in the hippocampus, a brain region of fundamental importance in learning and memory. Shh mediates activity-dependent and injury-induced hippocampal neurogenesis. Activation of Shh receptors in the dendrites of hippocampal neurons engages a trans-neuronal signaling pathway that accelerates axon outgrowth and enhances glutamate release from presynaptic terminals. Impaired Shh signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of several developmental and adult-onset neurological disorders that affect the hippocampus, suggesting a potential for therapeutic interventions that target Shh pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela J Yao
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Ronald S Petralia
- Advanced Imaging Core, NIDCD, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mark P Mattson
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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13
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Créau N, Cabet E, Daubigney F, Souchet B, Bennaï S, Delabar J. Specific age-related molecular alterations in the cerebellum of Down syndrome mouse models. Brain Res 2016; 1646:342-353. [PMID: 27297494 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome, or trisomy 21, has been modeled with various trisomic and transgenic mice to help understand the consequences of an altered gene dosage in brain development and function. Though Down syndrome has been associated with premature aging, little is known about the molecular and cellular alterations that target brain function. To help identify alterations at specific ages, we analyzed the cerebellum of Ts1Cje mice, trisomic for 77 HSA21 orthologs, at three ages-young (4 months), middle-age (12 months), and old (17 months)-compared to age-matched controls. Quantification of neuronal and glial markers (n=11) revealed increases in GFAP, with an age effect, and S100B, with age and genotype effects. The genotype effect on S100B with age was unexpected as Ts1Cje has only two copies of the S100b gene. Interestingly, the different increase in GFAP observed between Ts1Cje (trisomic segment includes Pcp4 gene) and controls was magnified in TgPCP4 mice (1 extra copy of the human PCP4 gene) at the same age. S100B increase was not found in the TgPCP4 confirming a difference of regulation with aging for GFAP and S100B and excluding the calcium signaling regulator, Pcp4, as a potential candidate for increase of S100B in the Ts1Cje. To understand these differences, comparison of GFAP and S100B immunostainings at young and middle-age were performed. Immunohistochemical detection of differences in GFAP and S100B localization with aging implicate S100B+ oligodendrocytes as a new phenotypic target in this specific aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Créau
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France.
| | - Eva Cabet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice Daubigney
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Benoit Souchet
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Soumia Bennaï
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Jean Delabar
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, UMR8251, CNRS, Paris, France
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14
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Widespread cerebellar transcriptome changes in Ts65Dn Down syndrome mouse model after lifelong running. Behav Brain Res 2016; 296:35-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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15
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Stagni F, Giacomini A, Guidi S, Ciani E, Bartesaghi R. Timing of therapies for Down syndrome: the sooner, the better. Front Behav Neurosci 2015; 9:265. [PMID: 26500515 PMCID: PMC4594009 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2015.00265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID) is the unavoidable hallmark of Down syndrome (DS), with a heavy impact on public health. Accumulating evidence shows that DS is characterized by numerous neurodevelopmental alterations among which the reduction of neurogenesis, dendritic hypotrophy and connectivity alterations appear to play a particularly prominent role. Although the mechanisms whereby gene triplication impairs brain development in DS have not been fully clarified, it is theoretically possible to correct trisomy-dependent defects with targeted pharmacotherapies. This review summarizes what we know about the effects of pharmacotherapies during different life stages in mouse models of DS. Since brain alterations in DS start to be present prenatally, the prenatal period represents an optimum window of opportunity for therapeutic interventions. Importantly, recent studies clearly show that treatment during the prenatal period can rescue overall brain development and behavior and that this effect outlasts treatment cessation. Although late therapies are unlikely to exert drastic changes in the brain, they may have an impact on the hippocampus, a brain region where neurogenesis continues throughout life. Indeed, treatment at adult life stages improves or even rescues hippocampal neurogenesis and connectivity and hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, although the duration of these effects still remains, in the majority of cases, a matter of investigation. The exciting discovery that trisomy-linked brain abnormalities can be prevented with early interventions gives us reason to believe that treatments during pregnancy may rescue brain development in fetuses with DS. For this reason we deem it extremely important to expedite the discovery of additional therapies practicable in humans in order to identify the best treatment/s in terms of efficacy and paucity of side effects. Prompt achievement of this goal is the big challenge for the scientific community of researchers interested in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of BolognaBologna, Italy
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16
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Meredith R. Sensitive and critical periods during neurotypical and aberrant neurodevelopment: A framework for neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 50:180-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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17
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Dutka T, Hallberg D, Reeves RH. Chronic up-regulation of the SHH pathway normalizes some developmental effects of trisomy in Ts65Dn mice. Mech Dev 2015; 135:68-80. [PMID: 25511459 PMCID: PMC4297701 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2014.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) is a highly complex developmental genetic disorder caused by trisomy for human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). All individuals with DS exhibit some degree of brain structural changes and cognitive impairment; mouse models such as Ts65Dn have been instrumental in understanding the underlying mechanisms. Several phenotypes of DS might arise from a reduced response of trisomic cells to the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) growth factor. If all trisomic cells show a similar reduced response to SHH, then up-regulation of the pathway in trisomic cells might ameliorate multiple DS phenotypes. We crossed Ptch1tm1Mps/+ mice, in which the canonical SHH pathway is expected to be up-regulated in every SHH-responsive cell due to the loss of function of one allele of the pathway suppressor, Ptch1, to the Ts65Dn DS model and assessed the progeny for possible rescue of multiple DS-related phenotypes. Down-regulation of Ptch produced several previously unreported effects on development by itself, complicating interpretation of some phenotypes, and a number of structural or behavioral effects of trisomy were not compensated by SHH signaling. However, a deficit in a nest-building task was partially restored in Ts;Ptch+/- mice, as were the structural anomalies of the cerebellum seen in Ts65Dn mice. These results extend the body of evidence indicating that reduced response to SHH in trisomic cells and tissues contributes to various aspects of the trisomic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Dutka
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dorothy Hallberg
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Department of Physiology and Institute for Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Down syndrome affects more than 5 million people globally. During the last 10 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the research efforts focused on therapeutic interventions to improve learning and memory in Down syndrome. RECENT FINDINGS This review summarizes the different functional abnormalities targeted by researchers in mouse models of Down syndrome. Three main strategies have been used: neural stem cell implantation; environmental enrichment and physical exercise; and pharmacotherapy. Pharmacological targets include the choline pathway, GABA and NMDA receptors, DYRK1A protein, oxidative stress and pathways involved in development and neurogenesis. Many strategies have improved learning and memory as well as electrophysiological and molecular alterations in affected animals. To date, eight molecules have been tested in human adult clinical trials. No studies have yet been performed on infants. However, compelling studies reveal that permanent brain alterations originate during fetal life in Down syndrome. Early prenatal diagnosis offers a 28 weeks window to positively impact brain development and improve postnatal cognitive outcome in affected individuals. Only a few approaches (Epigallocatechine gallate, NAP/SAL, fluoxetine, and apigenin) have been used to treat mice in utero; these showed therapeutic effects that persisted to adulthood. SUMMARY In this article, we discuss the challenges, recent progress, and lessons learned that pave the way for new therapeutic approaches in Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fayçal Guedj
- aMother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA bUniv Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8251, Adaptive Functional Biology, Paris, France
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19
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Mouton-Liger F, Sahún I, Collin T, Lopes Pereira P, Masini D, Thomas S, Paly E, Luilier S, Même S, Jouhault Q, Bennaï S, Beloeil JC, Bizot JC, Hérault Y, Dierssen M, Créau N. Developmental molecular and functional cerebellar alterations induced by PCP4/PEP19 overexpression: implications for Down syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 63:92-106. [PMID: 24291518 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2013.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 11/05/2013] [Accepted: 11/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PCP4/PEP19 is a modulator of Ca(2+)-CaM signaling. In the brain, it is expressed in a very specific pattern in postmitotic neurons. In particular, Pcp4 is highly expressed in the Purkinje cell, the sole output neuron of the cerebellum. PCP4, located on human chromosome 21, is present in three copies in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). In a previous study using a transgenic mouse model (TgPCP4) to evaluate the consequences of 3 copies of this gene, we found that PCP4 overexpression induces precocious neuronal differentiation during mouse embryogenesis. Here, we report combined analyses of the cerebellum at postnatal stages (P14 and adult) in which we identified age-related molecular, electrophysiological, and behavioral alterations in the TgPCP4 mouse. While Pcp4 overexpression at P14 induces an earlier neuronal maturation, at adult stage it induces increase in cerebellar CaMK2alpha and in cerebellar LTD, as well as learning impairments. We therefore propose that PCP4 contributes significantly to the development of Down syndrome phenotypes through molecular and functional changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Mouton-Liger
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Ignasi Sahún
- Cellular and Systems Biology, Systems Biology Programme, Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG); Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER): Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thibault Collin
- CNRS UMR8118, Brain Physiology Laboratory, Universite Paris-Descartes, Centre universitaire des Saints-Pères, 45 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 06, France
| | - Patricia Lopes Pereira
- Transgenese et Archivage Animaux Modèles, TAAM, CNRS, UPS44, 3B rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans, France
| | - Debora Masini
- Cellular and Systems Biology, Systems Biology Programme, Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG); Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER): Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sophie Thomas
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Evelyne Paly
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Sabrina Luilier
- Key-Obs SAS, 13 avenue Buffon, 45071 Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Sandra Même
- Centre de Biophysique Moléculaire, CNRS UPR 4301, Orléans, France
| | - Quentin Jouhault
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Soumia Bennaï
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Yann Hérault
- Transgenese et Archivage Animaux Modèles, TAAM, CNRS, UPS44, 3B rue de la Férollerie, 45071 Orléans, France; Institut Clinique de la Souris, ICS, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France; Institut de Génétique Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Translational medicine and Neuroscience program, IGBMC, CNRS, INSERM, Université de Strasbourg, UMR7104, UMR964, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch, France
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Cellular and Systems Biology, Systems Biology Programme, Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG); Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF); Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER): Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nicole Créau
- Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Unité de Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative, EAC4413 CNRS, Paris, France.
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