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Moreau M, Dard R, Madani A, Kandiah J, Kassis N, Ziga J, Castiglione H, Day S, Bourgeois T, Matrot B, Vialard F, Janel N. Prenatal treatment with preimplantation factor improves early postnatal neurogenesis and cognitive impairments in a mouse model of Down syndrome. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:215. [PMID: 38739166 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05245-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic disease characterized by a supernumerary chromosome 21. Intellectual deficiency (ID) is one of the most prominent features of DS. Central nervous system defects lead to learning disabilities, motor and language delays, and memory impairments. At present, a prenatal treatment for the ID in DS is lacking. Subcutaneous administration of synthetic preimplantation factor (sPIF, a peptide with a range of biological functions) in a model of severe brain damage has shown neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties by directly targeting neurons and microglia. Here, we evaluated the effect of PIF administration during gestation and until weaning on Dp(16)1Yey mice (a mouse model of DS). Possible effects at the juvenile stage were assessed using behavioral tests and molecular and histological analyses of the brain. To test the influence of perinatal sPIF treatment at the adult stage, hippocampus-dependent memory was evaluated on postnatal day 90. Dp(16)1Yey pups showed significant behavioral impairment, with impaired neurogenesis, microglial cell activation and a low microglial cell count, and the deregulated expression of genes linked to neuroinflammation and cell cycle regulation. Treatment with sPIF restored early postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis, with beneficial effects on astrocytes, microglia, inflammation, and cell cycle markers. Moreover, treatment with sPIF restored the level of DYRK1A, a protein that is involved in cognitive impairments in DS. In line with the beneficial effects on neurogenesis, perinatal treatment with sPIF was associated with an improvement in working memory in adult Dp(16)1Yey mice. Perinatal treatment with sPIF might be an option for mitigating cognitive impairments in people with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Moreau
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Rodolphe Dard
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, 78300, France
| | - Amélia Madani
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75019, France
| | - Janany Kandiah
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Nadim Kassis
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Jessica Ziga
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | | | - Solenn Day
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeois
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75019, France
| | - Boris Matrot
- NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Université Paris Cité, Paris, F-75019, France
| | - François Vialard
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INRAE, ENVA, BREED, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
- Département de Génétique, CHI de Poissy St Germain en Laye, Poissy, 78300, France
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Université Paris Cité, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, Paris, F-75013, France.
- Laboratoire BFA, Université Paris Cité, 3 rue Marie-Andrée Lagroua Weill Hallé, Case, Paris cedex 13, 7104, F-75205, France.
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Zhang T, Wang X, Jester HM, Zhou X, Ma T. Characterization of Apathy-Like Behaviors in Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 101:1217-1226. [PMID: 39302375 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Apathy is a state of decreased interest, lack of initiative, reduced goal-directed activity and blunted emotional responses. Apathy is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is also relatively omnipresent in individuals with Down syndrome (DS). Little is known about the apathy-like behaviors in rodent models of AD and DS. Objective This study aimed to characterize apathy-like behaviors with aging in two established DS mouse models: Ts65Dn and Dp16. Methods A battery of behavioral tests including nestlet shredding, marble burying, nest building, and burrowing were performed to examine apathy-like behaviors. Individual z-scores for each mouse for each test, and a composite z-score of apathy-like behavior were analyzed for all mice from these behavioral tests. Results Analysis of individual test results and composite z-score revealed significant apathy-like behaviors in Ts65Dn mice compared to WT controls. In contrast, Dp16 mice did not exhibit significant apathy-like behaviors. Conclusions Our study is the first to characterize apathy-like behaviors in mouse models of DS with aging and highlights the difference between Ts65Dn and Dp16 DS model mice regarding apathy-like manifestations with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Hannah M Jester
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Xueyan Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Tao Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine-Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
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Hawley LE, Stringer M, Deal AJ, Folz A, Goodlett CR, Roper RJ. Sex-specific developmental alterations in DYRK1A expression in the brain of a Down syndrome mouse model. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 190:106359. [PMID: 37992782 PMCID: PMC10843801 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant neurodevelopment in Down syndrome (DS)-caused by triplication of human chromosome 21-is commonly attributed to gene dosage imbalance, linking overexpression of trisomic genes with disrupted developmental processes, with DYRK1A particularly implicated. We hypothesized that regional brain DYRK1A protein overexpression in trisomic mice varies over development in sex-specific patterns that may be distinct from Dyrk1a transcription, and reduction of Dyrk1a copy number from 3 to 2 in otherwise trisomic mice reduces DYRK1A, independent of other trisomic genes. DYRK1A overexpression varied with age, sex, and brain region, with peak overexpression on postnatal day (P) 6 in both sexes. Sex-dependent differences were also evident from P15-P24. Reducing Dyrk1a copy number confirmed that these differences depended on Dyrk1a gene dosage and not other trisomic genes. Trisomic Dyrk1a mRNA and protein expression were not highly correlated. Sex-specific patterns of DYRK1A overexpression during trisomic neurodevelopment may provide mechanistic targets for therapeutic intervention in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Hawley
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Megan Stringer
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford Street, LD124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Abigail J Deal
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Andrew Folz
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Charles R Goodlett
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 402 N. Blackford Street, LD124, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Randall J Roper
- Department of Biology, Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 W. Michigan Street, SL306, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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Kurabayashi N, Fujii K, Otobe Y, Hiroki S, Hiratsuka M, Yoshitane H, Kazuki Y, Takao K. Neocortical neuronal production and maturation defects in the TcMAC21 mouse model of Down syndrome. iScience 2023; 26:108379. [PMID: 38025769 PMCID: PMC10679816 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) results from trisomy of human chromosome 21 (HSA21), and DS research has been conducted by the use of mouse models. We previously generated a humanized mouse model of DS, TcMAC21, which carries the long arm of HSA21. These mice exhibit learning and memory deficits, and may reproduce neurodevelopmental alterations observed in humans with DS. Here, we performed histologic studies of the TcMAC21 forebrain from embryonic to adult stages. The TcMAC21 neocortex showed reduced proliferation of neural progenitors and delayed neurogenesis. These abnormalities were associated with a smaller number of projection neurons and interneurons. Further, (phospho-)proteomic analysis of adult TcMAC21 cortex revealed alterations in the phosphorylation levels of a series of synaptic proteins. The TcMAC21 mouse model shows similar brain development abnormalities as DS, and will be a valuable model to investigate prenatal and postnatal causes of intellectual disability in humans with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiro Kurabayashi
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fujii
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuta Otobe
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shingo Hiroki
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Masaharu Hiratsuka
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
| | - Hikari Yoshitane
- Circadian Clock Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa 2-1-6, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Tokyo, Hongo 7-3-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Department of Chromosome Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Center, Tottori University, 86 Nishi-cho, Yonago, Tottori 683-8503, Japan
- Chromosome Engineering Research Group, The Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Keizo Takao
- Department of Behavioral Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
- Research Center for Idling Brain Science, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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5
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Glass TJ, Lenell C, Fisher EH, Yang Q, Connor NP. Ultrasonic vocalization phenotypes in the Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey mouse models of Down syndrome. Physiol Behav 2023; 271:114323. [PMID: 37573959 PMCID: PMC10592033 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is a developmental disorder associated with a high incidence of challenges in vocal communication. DS can involve medical co-morbidities and structural social factors that may impact communication outcomes, which can present difficulties for the study of vocal communication challenges. Mouse models of DS may be used to study vocal communication differences associated with this syndrome and allow for greater control and consistency of environmental factors. Prior work has demonstrated differences in ultrasonic vocalization (USV) of the Ts65Dn mouse model of DS at a young adult age, however it is not known how USV characteristics are manifested at mature ages. Given that the aging process and age-related co-morbidities may also impact communication in DS, addressing this gap in knowledge may be of value for efforts to understand communication difficulties in DS across the lifespan. The current study hypothesized that the Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey mouse models of DS would demonstrate differences in multiple measures of USV communication at a mature adult age of 5 months. METHODS Ts65Dn mice (n = 16) and euploid controls (n = 19), as well as Dp(16)1Yey mice (n = 20) and wild-type controls (n = 22), were evaluated at 5 months of age for USV production using a mating paradigm. Video footage of USV sessions were analyzed to quantify social behaviors of male mice during USV testing sessions. USV recordings were analyzed using Deepsqueak software to identify 10 vocalization types, which were quantified for 11 acoustic measures. RESULTS Ts65Dn, but not Dp(16)1Yey, showed significantly lower proportions of USVs classified as Step Up, Short, and Frequency Steps, and significantly higher proportions of USVs classified as Inverted U, than euploid controls. Both Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey groups had significantly greater values for power and tonality for USVs than respective control groups. While Ts65Dn showed lower frequencies than controls, Dp(16)1Yey showed higher frequencies than controls. Finally, Ts65Dn showed reductions in a measure of complexity for some call types. No significant differences between genotype groups were identified in analysis of behaviors during testing sessions. CONCLUSION While both Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey show significant differences in USV measures at 5 months of age, of the two models, Ts65Dn shows a relatively greater numbers of differences. Characterization of communication phenotypes in mouse models of DS may be helpful in laying the foundation for future translational advances in the area of communication difficulties associated with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Glass
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Charles Lenell
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO, USA
| | - Erin H Fisher
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Qiuyu Yang
- Department of Surgery, Statistical Analysis and Research Programming Core, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nadine P Connor
- Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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6
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Xing Z, Li Y, Cortes-Gomez E, Jiang X, Gao S, Pao A, Shan J, Song Y, Perez A, Yu T, Highsmith MR, Boadu F, Conroy JM, Singh PK, Bakin AV, Cheng J, Duan Z, Wang J, Liu S, Tycko B, Yu YE. Dissection of a Down syndrome-associated trisomy to separate the gene dosage-dependent and -independent effects of an extra chromosome. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:2205-2218. [PMID: 37014740 PMCID: PMC10281752 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddad056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
As an aneuploidy, trisomy is associated with mammalian embryonic and postnatal abnormalities. Understanding the underlying mechanisms involved in mutant phenotypes is broadly important and may lead to new strategies to treat clinical manifestations in individuals with trisomies, such as trisomy 21 [Down syndrome (DS)]. Although increased gene dosage effects because of a trisomy may account for the mutant phenotypes, there is also the possibility that phenotypic consequences of a trisomy can arise because of the presence of a freely segregating extra chromosome with its own centromere, i.e. a 'free trisomy' independent of gene dosage effects. Presently, there are no reports of attempts to functionally separate these two types of effects in mammals. To fill this gap, here we describe a strategy that employed two new mouse models of DS, Ts65Dn;Df(17)2Yey/+ and Dp(16)1Yey/Df(16)8Yey. Both models carry triplications of the same 103 human chromosome 21 gene orthologs; however, only Ts65Dn;Df(17)2Yey/+ mice carry a free trisomy. Comparison of these models revealed the gene dosage-independent impacts of an extra chromosome at the phenotypic and molecular levels for the first time. They are reflected by impairments of Ts65Dn;Df(17)2Yey/+ males in T-maze tests when compared with Dp(16)1Yey/Df(16)8Yey males. Results from the transcriptomic analysis suggest the extra chromosome plays a major role in trisomy-associated expression alterations of disomic genes beyond gene dosage effects. This model system can now be used to deepen our mechanistic understanding of this common human aneuploidy and obtain new insights into the effects of free trisomies in other human diseases such as cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Xing
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yichen Li
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Eduardo Cortes-Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoling Jiang
- The Children’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Gao
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Bioinformatics, OmniSeq Inc., Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Annie Pao
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jidong Shan
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Yinghui Song
- Molecular Cytogenetics Core, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Amanda Perez
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Tao Yu
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Max R Highsmith
- Department of Electric Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Frimpong Boadu
- Department of Electric Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Conroy
- Research and Development, OmniSeq Inc., Buffalo, NY, USA
- Research Support Services, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Andrei V Bakin
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jianlin Cheng
- Department of Electric Engineering and Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Zhijun Duan
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jianmin Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack-Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ, USA
- John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
- Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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7
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Waugh KA, Minter R, Baxter J, Chi C, Galbraith MD, Tuttle KD, Eduthan NP, Kinning KT, Andrysik Z, Araya P, Dougherty H, Dunn LN, Ludwig M, Schade KA, Tracy D, Smith KP, Granrath RE, Busquet N, Khanal S, Anderson RD, Cox LL, Estrada BE, Rachubinski AL, Lyford HR, Britton EC, Fantauzzo KA, Orlicky DJ, Matsuda JL, Song K, Cox TC, Sullivan KD, Espinosa JM. Triplication of the interferon receptor locus contributes to hallmarks of Down syndrome in a mouse model. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1034-1047. [PMID: 37277650 PMCID: PMC10260402 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01399-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), the genetic condition caused by trisomy 21, is characterized by variable cognitive impairment, immune dysregulation, dysmorphogenesis and increased prevalence of diverse co-occurring conditions. The mechanisms by which trisomy 21 causes these effects remain largely unknown. We demonstrate that triplication of the interferon receptor (IFNR) gene cluster on chromosome 21 is necessary for multiple phenotypes in a mouse model of DS. Whole-blood transcriptome analysis demonstrated that IFNR overexpression associates with chronic interferon hyperactivity and inflammation in people with DS. To define the contribution of this locus to DS phenotypes, we used genome editing to correct its copy number in a mouse model of DS, which normalized antiviral responses, prevented heart malformations, ameliorated developmental delays, improved cognition and attenuated craniofacial anomalies. Triplication of the Ifnr locus modulates hallmarks of DS in mice, suggesting that trisomy 21 elicits an interferonopathy potentially amenable to therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Waugh
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ross Minter
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jessica Baxter
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Congwu Chi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- The Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Matthew D Galbraith
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kathryn D Tuttle
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Neetha P Eduthan
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kohl T Kinning
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Zdenek Andrysik
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Paula Araya
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hannah Dougherty
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Lauren N Dunn
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Michael Ludwig
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kyndal A Schade
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dayna Tracy
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Keith P Smith
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ross E Granrath
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Animal Behavior Core, NeuroTechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Santosh Khanal
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ryan D Anderson
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Liza L Cox
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Belinda Enriquez Estrada
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Angela L Rachubinski
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hannah R Lyford
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Eleanor C Britton
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katherine A Fantauzzo
- Department of Craniofacial Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - David J Orlicky
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer L Matsuda
- Department of Immunology and Genomic Medicine, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Kunhua Song
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- The Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Timothy C Cox
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Kelly D Sullivan
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Joaquin M Espinosa
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Sarver DC, Xu C, Velez LM, Aja S, Jaffe AE, Seldin MM, Reeves RH, Wong GW. Dysregulated systemic metabolism in a Down syndrome mouse model. Mol Metab 2023; 68:101666. [PMID: 36587842 PMCID: PMC9841171 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Trisomy 21 is one of the most complex genetic perturbations compatible with postnatal survival. Dosage imbalance arising from the triplication of genes on human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) affects multiple organ systems. Much of Down syndrome (DS) research, however, has focused on addressing how aneuploidy dysregulates CNS function leading to cognitive deficit. Although obesity, diabetes, and associated sequelae such as fatty liver and dyslipidemia are well documented in the DS population, only limited studies have been conducted to determine how gene dosage imbalance affects whole-body metabolism. Here, we conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key metabolic parameters across different physiological states in the Ts65Dn trisomic mouse model of DS. METHODS Ts65Dn mice and euploid littermates were subjected to comprehensive metabolic phenotyping under basal (chow-fed) state and the pathophysiological state of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). RNA sequencing of liver, skeletal muscle, and two major fat depots were conducted to determine the impact of aneuploidy on tissue transcriptome. Pathway enrichments, gene-centrality, and key driver estimates were performed to provide insights into tissue autonomous and non-autonomous mechanisms contributing to the dysregulation of systemic metabolism. RESULTS Under the basal state, chow-fed Ts65Dn mice of both sexes had elevated locomotor activity and energy expenditure, reduced fasting serum cholesterol levels, and mild glucose intolerance. Sexually dimorphic deterioration in metabolic homeostasis became apparent when mice were challenged with a high-fat diet. While obese Ts65Dn mice of both sexes exhibited dyslipidemia, male mice also showed impaired systemic insulin sensitivity, reduced mitochondrial activity, and elevated fibrotic and inflammatory gene signatures in the liver and adipose tissue. Systems-level analysis highlighted conserved pathways and potential endocrine drivers of adipose-liver crosstalk that contribute to dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS A combined alteration in the expression of trisomic and disomic genes in peripheral tissues contribute to metabolic dysregulations in Ts65Dn mice. These data lay the groundwork for understanding the impact of aneuploidy on in vivo metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan C Sarver
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cheng Xu
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leandro M Velez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Susan Aja
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Andrew E Jaffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; The Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Computational Biology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcus M Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Roger H Reeves
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - G William Wong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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9
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Duchon A, del Mar Muñiz Moreno M, Chevalier C, Nalesso V, Andre P, Fructuoso-Castellar M, Mondino M, Po C, Noblet V, Birling MC, Potier MC, Herault Y. Ts66Yah, a mouse model of Down syndrome with improved construct and face validity. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:282398. [PMID: 36374158 PMCID: PMC9789398 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). The understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships, the identification of driver genes and various proofs of concept for therapeutics have benefited from mouse models. The premier model, named Ts(1716)65Dn/J (Ts65Dn), displayed phenotypes related to human DS features. It carries an additional minichromosome with the Mir155 to Zbtb21 region of mouse chromosome 16, homologous to Hsa21, encompassing around 90 genes, fused to the centromeric part of mouse chromosome 17 from Pisd-ps2/Scaf8 to Pde10a, containing 46 genes not related to Hsa21. Here, we report the investigation of a new model, Ts66Yah, generated by CRISPR/Cas9 without the genomic region unrelated to Hsa21 on the minichromosome. As expected, Ts66Yah replicated DS cognitive features. However, certain phenotypes related to increased activity, spatial learning and molecular signatures were changed, suggesting genetic interactions between the Mir155-Zbtb21 and Scaf8-Pde10a intervals. Thus, Ts66Yah mice have stronger construct and face validity than Ts65Dn mice for mimicking consequences of DS genetic overdosage. Furthermore, this study is the first to demonstrate genetic interactions between triplicated regions homologous to Hsa21 and others unrelated to Hsa21. This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Duchon
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Maria del Mar Muñiz Moreno
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Claire Chevalier
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Valérie Nalesso
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Philippe Andre
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marta Fructuoso-Castellar
- Paris Brain Institute ICM, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1127, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7225, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Mary Mondino
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chrystelle Po
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Vincent Noblet
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS UMR 7357, ICube, FMTS, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France
| | - Marie-Claude Potier
- Paris Brain Institute ICM, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, U1127, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, UMR 7225, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France,Sorbonne Université, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Department of Translational Medicine and Neurogenetics, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France,Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, CELPHEDIA, PHENOMIN-Institut Clinique de la Souris (ICS), 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404 Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France,Author for correspondence ()
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10
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Sherman KM, Williams DK, Welsh CA, Cooper AM, Falck A, Huggins S, Bokhari RS, Gaddy D, McKelvey KD, Dawson LA, Suva LJ. Low bone mass and impaired fracture healing in mouse models of Trisomy21 (Down syndrome). Bone 2022; 162:116471. [PMID: 35716916 PMCID: PMC9356441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2022.116471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS), the result of trisomy of human chromosome Hsa21 (Ts21), present with an array of skeletal abnormalities typified by altered craniofacial features, short stature and low bone mineral density (BMD). While bone deficits progress with age in both sexes, low bone mass is more pronounced in DS men than women and osteopenia appears earlier. In the current study, the reproductive hormone status (FSH, LH, testosterone) of 17 DS patients (males, ages range 19-52 years) was measured. Although testosterone was consistently low, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis was intact with corresponding rises in FSH and LH. To provide further insight into the heterogeneity of the bone mass in DS, the skeletal phenotypes of three of the most used murine DS models, Ts65Dn (Ts65), TC1, and Dp16(Yey1) (Dp16) were characterized and contrasted. Evaluation of the bone phenotype of both male and female 3-month-old Dp16 mice demonstrated sexual dimorphism, with low bone mass apparent in males, as it is in Ts65, but not in female Dp16. In contrast, male TC1 mice had no apparent bone phenotype. To determine whether low bone mass in DS impacted fracture healing, fractures of the middle phalanx (P2) digits were generated in both male and female Dp16 mice at 15 weeks of age, an age where the sexually dimorphic low BMD persisted. Fracture healing was assessed via in vivo microCT over (13 weeks) 93 days post fracture (DPF). At 93 DPF, 0 % of DS male (n = 12) or female (n = 8) fractures healed, compared to 50 % of the male (n = 28) or female (n = 8) WT littermate fractures. MicroCT revealed periosteal unbridged mineralized callus formation across the fracture gap in Dp16 mice, which was confirmed by subsequent histology. These studies provide the first direct evidence of significantly impaired fracture healing in the setting of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirby M Sherman
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Diarra K Williams
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Casey A Welsh
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Alexis M Cooper
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Alyssa Falck
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Shannon Huggins
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Rihana S Bokhari
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Dana Gaddy
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Kent D McKelvey
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States of America; Department of Medical Genetics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States of America
| | - Lindsay A Dawson
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America
| | - Larry J Suva
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, United States of America.
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11
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Klein JA, Haydar TF. Neurodevelopment in Down syndrome: Concordance in humans and models. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:941855. [PMID: 35910249 PMCID: PMC9334873 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.941855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Great strides have been made over the past 30 years in understanding the neurodevelopmental changes underlying the intellectual disability (ID) in Down syndrome (DS). Detailed studies of human tissue coupled with findings from rodent and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) model systems have uncovered the changes in neurogenesis, synaptic connectivity, and myelination that drive the anatomical and physiological changes resulting in the disability. However, there remain significant conflicting data between human studies and the models. To fully understand the development of ID in DS, these inconsistencies need to be reconciled. Here, we review the well documented neurodevelopmental phenotypes found in individuals with DS and examine the degree to which widely used models recapitulate these phenotypes. Resolving these areas of discord will further research on the molecular underpinnings and identify potential treatments to improve the independence and quality of life of people with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny A. Klein
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tarik F. Haydar
- Children’s National Hospital, Center for Neuroscience Research, Washington, DC, United States
- Departments of Pediatrics, Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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12
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Ahmed MM, Wang ACJ, Elos M, Chial HJ, Sillau S, Solano DA, Coughlan C, Aghili L, Anton P, Markham N, Adame V, Gardiner KJ, Boyd TD, Potter H. The innate immune system stimulating cytokine GM-CSF improves learning/memory and interneuron and astrocyte brain pathology in Dp16 Down syndrome mice and improves learning/memory in wild-type mice. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 168:105694. [PMID: 35307513 PMCID: PMC9045510 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by chronic neuroinflammation, peripheral inflammation, astrogliosis, imbalanced excitatory/inhibitory neuronal function, and cognitive deficits in both humans and mouse models. Suppression of inflammation has been proposed as a therapeutic approach to treating DS co-morbidities, including intellectual disability (DS/ID). Conversely, we discovered previously that treatment with the innate immune system stimulating cytokine granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), which has both pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, improved cognition and reduced brain pathology in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), another inflammatory disorder, and improved cognition and reduced biomarkers of brain pathology in a phase II trial of humans with mild-to-moderate AD. To investigate the effects of GM-CSF treatment on DS/ID in the absence of AD, we assessed behavior and brain pathology in 12-14 month-old DS mice (Dp[16]1Yey) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, neither of which develop amyloid, and found that subcutaneous GM-CSF treatment (5 μg/day, five days/week, for five weeks) improved performance in the radial arm water maze in both Dp16 and WT mice compared to placebo. Dp16 mice also showed abnormal astrocyte morphology, increased percent area of GFAP staining in the hippocampus, clustering of astrocytes in the hippocampus, and reduced numbers of calretinin-positive interneurons in the entorhinal cortex and subiculum, and all of these brain pathologies were improved by GM-CSF treatment. These findings suggest that stimulating and/or modulating inflammation and the innate immune system with GM-CSF treatment may enhance cognition in both people with DS/ID and in the typical aging population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Athena Ching-Jung Wang
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mihret Elos
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Heidi J Chial
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stefan Sillau
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - D Adriana Solano
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Leila Aghili
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Paige Anton
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neil Markham
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Vanesa Adame
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katheleen J Gardiner
- Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Timothy D Boyd
- University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Huntington Potter
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; University of Colorado Alzheimer's and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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13
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Sawa M, Overk C, Becker A, Derse D, Albay R, Weldy K, Salehi A, Beach TG, Doran E, Head E, Yu YE, Mobley WC. Impact of increased APP gene dose in Down syndrome and the Dp16 mouse model. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:1203-1234. [PMID: 34757693 PMCID: PMC9085977 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with Down syndrome (DS) are predisposed to Alzheimer's disease (AD). The amyloid hypothesis informs studies of AD. In AD-DS, but not sporadic AD, increased APP copy number is necessary, defining the APP gene dose hypothesis. Which amyloid precursor protein (APP) products contribute needs to be determined. METHODS Brain levels of full-length protein (fl-hAPP), C-terminal fragments (hCTFs), and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides were measured in DS, AD-DS, non-demented controls (ND), and sporadic AD cases. The APP gene-dose hypothesis was evaluated in the Dp16 model. RESULTS DS and AD-DS differed from ND and AD for all APP products. In AD-DS, Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels exceeded AD. APP products were increased in the Dp16 model; increased APP gene dose was necessary for loss of vulnerable neurons, tau pathology, and activation of astrocytes and microglia. DISCUSSION Increases in APP products other than Aβ distinguished AD-DS from AD. Deciphering AD-DS pathogenesis necessitates deciphering which APP products contribute and how.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariko Sawa
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Cassia Overk
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ann Becker
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Dominique Derse
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ricardo Albay
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Kim Weldy
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624
| | - Ahmad Salehi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305
| | - Thomas G. Beach
- Brain and Body Donation Program, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ 85351
| | - Eric Doran
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Y. Eugene Yu
- The Children’s Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263
| | - William C Mobley
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0624,Correspondence to: William Mobley M.D., Department of Neurosciences, UCSD School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, GPL 355, La Jolla, CA 92093-0624;
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14
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Genes Associated with Disturbed Cerebral Neurogenesis in the Embryonic Brain of Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101598. [PMID: 34680993 PMCID: PMC8535956 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), also known as trisomy 21, is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability. Although the mechanism remains unknown, delayed brain development is assumed to be involved in DS intellectual disability. Analyses with human with DS and mouse models have shown that defects in embryonic cortical neurogenesis may lead to delayed brain development. Cre-loxP-mediated chromosomal engineering has allowed the generation of a variety of mouse models carrying various partial Mmu16 segments. These mouse models are useful for determining genotype–phenotype correlations and identifying dosage-sensitive genes involved in the impaired neurogenesis. In this review, we summarize several candidate genes and pathways that have been linked to defective cortical neurogenesis in DS.
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15
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Ahmed MM, Block A, Busquet N, Gardiner KJ. Context Fear Conditioning in Down Syndrome Mouse Models: Effects of Trisomic Gene Content, Age, Sex and Genetic Background. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12101528. [PMID: 34680922 PMCID: PMC8535510 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of the long arm of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability (ID). Currently, there are no effective pharmacotherapies. The success of clinical trials to improve cognition depends in part on the design of preclinical evaluations in mouse models. To broaden understanding of the common limitations of experiments in learning and memory, we report performance in context fear conditioning (CFC) in three mouse models of DS, the Dp(16)1Yey, Dp(17)1Yey and Dp(10)1Yey (abbreviated Dp16, Dp17 and Dp10), separately trisomic for the human Hsa21 orthologs mapping to mouse chromosomes 16, 17 and 10, respectively. We examined female and male mice of the three lines on the standard C57BL/6J background at 3 months of age and Dp17 and Dp10 at 18 months of age. We also examined female and male mice of Dp17 and Dp10 at 3 months of age as F1 hybrids obtained from a cross with the DBA/2J background. Results indicate that genotype, sex, age and genetic background affect CFC performance. These data support the need to use both female and male mice, trisomy of sets of all Hsa21 orthologs, and additional ages and genetic backgrounds to improve the reliability of preclinical evaluations of drugs for ID in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md. Mahiuddin Ahmed
- Department of Neurology, Linda Crnic Institute for Down Syndrome, University of Colorado Alzheimer’s and Cognition Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Aaron Block
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Nicolas Busquet
- Department of Neurology, Animal Behavior and In Vivo Neurophysiology Core, NeuroTechnology Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Katheleen J. Gardiner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Adams AD, Hoffmann V, Koehly L, Guedj F, Bianchi DW. Novel insights from fetal and placental phenotyping in 3 mouse models of Down syndrome. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2021; 225:296.e1-296.e13. [PMID: 33766516 PMCID: PMC8429205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human fetuses with Down syndrome, placental pathology, structural anomalies and growth restriction are present. There is currently a significant lack of information regarding the early life span in mouse models of Down syndrome. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to examine embryonic day 18.5 and placental phenotype in the 3 most common mouse models of Down syndrome (Ts65Dn, Dp(16)1/Yey, Ts1Cje). Based on prenatal and placental phenotyping in 3 mouse models of Down syndrome, we hypothesized that one or more of them would have a similar phenotype to human fetuses with trisomy 21, which would make it the most suitable for in utero treatment studies. STUDY DESIGN Here, C57BL6J/6 female mice were mated to Dp(16)1/Yey and Ts1Cje male mice and Ts65Dn female mice to C57BL/B6Eic3Sn.BLiAF1/J male mice. At embryonic day 18.5, dams were euthanized. Embryos and placentas were examined blindly for weight and size. Embryos were characterized as euploid or trisomic, male or female by polymerase chain reaction. A subset of embryos (34 euploid and 34 trisomic) were examined for malformations. RESULTS The Ts65Dn mouse model showed the largest differences in fetal growth, brain development, and placental development when comparing euploid and trisomic embryos. For the Dp(16)1/Yey mouse model, genotype did not impact fetal growth, but there were differences in brain and placental development. For the Ts1Cje mouse model, no significant association was found between genotype and fetal growth, brain development, or placental development. Euploid mouse embryos had no congenital anomalies; however, 1 mouse embryo died. Hepatic necrosis was seen in 6 of 12 Dp(16)1/Yey (50%) and 1 of 12 Ts1Cje (8%) mouse embryos; hepatic congestion or inflammation was observed in 3 of 10 Ts65Dn mouse embryos (30%). Renal pelvis dilation was seen in 5 of 12 Dp(16)1/Yey (42%), 5 of 10 Ts65Dn (50%), and 3 of 12 Ts1Cje (25%) mouse embryos. In addition, 1 Ts65Dn mouse embryo and 1 Dp(16)1/Yey mouse embryo had an aortic outflow abnormality. Furthermore, 2 Ts1Cje mouse embryos had ventricular septal defects. Ts65Dn mouse placentas had increased spongiotrophoblast necrosis. CONCLUSION Fetal and placental growth showed varying trends across strains. Congenital anomalies were primarily seen in trisomic embryos. The presence of liver abnormalities in all 3 mouse models of Down syndrome (10 of 34 cases) is a novel finding. Renal pelvis dilation was also common (13 of 34 cases). Future research will examine human autopsy material to determine if these findings are relevant to infants with Down syndrome. Differences in placental histology were also observed among strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- April D Adams
- Section on Prenatal Genomics and Fetal Therapy, Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Victoria Hoffmann
- Division of Veterinary Resources, Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Laura Koehly
- Social Network Methods Section, Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Faycal Guedj
- Section on Prenatal Genomics and Fetal Therapy, Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Section on Prenatal Genomics and Fetal Therapy, Center for Precision Health Research, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Ishihara K. [Is Neuron-Vascular Communication Disturbed in the Delayed Prenatal Brain Development of a Mouse Model of Down Syndrome?]. YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 2021; 141:369-373. [PMID: 33642505 DOI: 10.1248/yakushi.20-00198-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Developmental retardation of the brain with reduced cortical neurogenesis is observed in Ts1Cje mice, a model of Down syndrome (DS) as it is in people with DS; however, the mechanisms and the responsible gene(s) remain unknown. The goal of the present study is to establish a therapeutic approach for treating the delayed brain development in DS. To achieve this, we have utilized multiple OMICS analyses, including proteomics and transcriptomics, to uncover the molecular alterations in the brains of DS model mice. Furthermore, we have elucidated that a transcriptional factor, the Erg gene, which is coded in the trisomic region, contributed to reduced cortical neurogenesis in the embryo of a DS mouse model by a molecular genetic technique, the "in vivo gene subtraction method". In the current review, I will introduce our recent work, the identification of the gene responsible for delayed brain development in the DS mouse model and will discuss the possibility that blood vessel dysfunction may be associated with reduced embryonic neurogenesis in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Ishihara
- Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University
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18
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Chen XQ, Das U, Park G, Mobley WC. Normal levels of KIF5 but reduced KLC1 levels in both Alzheimer disease and Alzheimer disease in Down syndrome: evidence suggesting defects in anterograde transport. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:59. [PMID: 33691783 PMCID: PMC7945332 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00796-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired axonal transport may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Down syndrome (DS). Axonal transport is a complex process in which specific motor proteins move cargoes to and from neuronal cell bodies and their processes. Inconsistent reports point to the changes in AD in the levels of the classical anterograde motor protein kinesin family member 5 (KIF5) and the primary neuronal KIF regulator kinesin light chain 1 (KLC1), raising the possibility that anterograde transport is compromised in AD. METHODS AND MATERIALS To address inconsistencies and determine if the shared pathologies in AD and elderly DS subjects with dementia (AD in DS; AD-DS) extend to the changes in KIF5 and KLC1, we measured the levels of all the three KIF5 family members and KLC1 in the AD and AD-DS frontal cortex and AD temporal cortex and cerebellum in samples taken with a short postmortem interval. To support future studies to explore the cell biological basis for any changes detected, we also examined the levels of these proteins in the brains of young and aged adult mice in the Dp (16)1Yey/+ (Dp16) mouse model of DS and J20 mouse model of AD. RESULTS There were no changes in comparison with controls in KIF5 family members in either the AD or AD-DS samples when normalized to either β-actin or glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). Interestingly, however, samples from control brains as well as from AD and AD-DS demonstrated strong positive correlations between the levels of KIF5 family members, suggesting positive co-regulated expression. Importantly, while earlier reports pointed to a negative correlation between the levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and KIF5A levels, we found the opposite to be true in AD-DS; this was especially striking given triplication of the APP gene, with increased APP protein levels. AD and control samples showed positive correlations between fl-hAPP and KIF5 members, but they were less consistent. In contrast to the findings for KIF5, the levels of KLC1 were downregulated in the frontal cortex of both AD and AD-DS brains; interestingly, this change was not seen in the AD temporal cortex or cerebellum. As postmortem interval has a negative effect on the levels of KLC1, but not KIF5 members, we analyzed a subset of samples with a very short postmortem interval (PMI) (≤ 6 h), a PMI that was not significantly correlated with the levels of KLC1 in either AD or AD-DS samples; we confirmed the presence of a statistically significant reduction of KLC1 in AD and AD-DS brains as compared with control brains. Studies comparing Dp16 to its euploid control recapitulated human studies in demonstrating no change in KIF5 levels and a positive correlation between the levels of KIF5 family members. J20 mice also showed normal KIF5 levels. However, unlike the AD and AD-DS frontal cortex, KLC1 levels were not reduced in the brains of Dp16 or J20 mice. CONCLUSION These data point to significant reductions in KLC1 in AD and AD-DS. In so doing, they raise the possibility of compromised KLC1-mediated axonal transport in these conditions, a posit that can now be pursued in model systems in which KLC1 expression is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Qiao Chen
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Utpal Das
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - Gooho Park
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
| | - William C. Mobley
- grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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19
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Shaw PR, Haydar TF. Mitigating Cognitive Deficits in Down Syndrome by Managing Microglia Activation. Neuron 2021; 108:799-800. [PMID: 33301721 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In this issue of Neuron, the comprehensive and multidisciplinary results from Pinto et al. (2020) point to novel and widespread microglial dysfunction in Down syndrome that results in impaired cognitive ability. A common pharmaceutical (acetaminophen) is shown to offset these effects in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia R Shaw
- Graduate Program for Neuroscience, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118
| | - Tarik F Haydar
- Center for Neuroscience Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC 20010.
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20
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Pinto B, Morelli G, Rastogi M, Savardi A, Fumagalli A, Petretto A, Bartolucci M, Varea E, Catelani T, Contestabile A, Perlini LE, Cancedda L. Rescuing Over-activated Microglia Restores Cognitive Performance in Juvenile Animals of the Dp(16) Mouse Model of Down Syndrome. Neuron 2020; 108:887-904.e12. [PMID: 33027640 PMCID: PMC7736620 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Microglia are brain-resident immune cells and regulate mechanisms essential for cognitive functions. Down syndrome (DS), the most frequent cause of genetic intellectual disability, is caused by a supernumerary chromosome 21, containing also genes related to the immune system. In the hippocampus of the Dp(16) mouse model of DS and DS individuals, we found activated microglia, as assessed by their morphology; activation markers; and, for DS mice, electrophysiological profile. Accordingly, we found increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and altered interferon signaling in Dp(16) hippocampi. DS mice also showed decreased spine density and activity of hippocampal neurons and hippocampus-dependent cognitive behavioral deficits. Depletion of defective microglia or treatment with a commonly used anti-inflammatory drug rescued the neuronal spine and activity impairments and cognitive deficits in juvenile Dp(16) mice. Our results suggest an involvement of microglia in Dp(16)-mouse cognitive deficits and identify a new potential therapeutic approach for cognitive disabilities in DS individuals. DS mice display microglia alterations and cognitive impairment Depletion of microglia rescues cognitive impairment in DS mice Acetaminophen treatment rescues microglia and cognitive impairments in DS mice Brain samples of DS people recapitulate microglia alterations observed in DS mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Pinto
- BIO@SNS, Scuola Normale Superiore, Piazza dei Cavalieri 7, 56126 Pisa, Italy; Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Morelli
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Mohit Rastogi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Savardi
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Amos Fumagalli
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Bartolucci
- Core Facilities - Clinical Proteomics and Metabolomics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emilio Varea
- Cellular Biology Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Tiziano Catelani
- Electron Microscopy Facility, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura E Perlini
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Brain Development and Disease Laboratory, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy; Dulbecco Telethon Institute, Rome, Italy.
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21
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Victorino DB, Scott-McKean JJ, Johnson MW, Costa ACS. Quantitative Analysis of Retinal Structure and Function in Two Chromosomally Altered Mouse Models of Down Syndrome. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:25. [PMID: 32416604 PMCID: PMC7405684 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.5.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Ophthalmic disorders are among the most prevalent Down syndrome (DS) comorbidities. Therefore, when studying mouse models of DS, ignoring how vision is affected can lead to misinterpretation of results from assessments dependent on the integrity of the visual system. Here, we used imaging and electroretinography (ERG) to study eye structure and function in two important mouse models of DS: Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey/+. Methods Cornea and anterior segment were examined with a slit-lamp. Thickness of retinal layers was quantified by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Eye and lens dimensions were measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Retinal vasculature parameters were assessed by bright field and fluorescent imaging, and by retinal flat-mount preparations. Ganzfeld ERG responses to flash stimuli were used to assess retinal function in adult mice. Results Total retinal thickness is significantly increased in Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey/+ compared with control mice, because of increased thickness of inner retinal layers, including the inner nuclear layer (INL). Increased retinal vessel caliber was found in both chromosomally altered mice when compared with controls. ERG responses in Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey/+ mice showed subtle alterations compared with controls. These, however, seemed to be unrelated to the thickness of the INL, but instead dependent on the anesthetic agent used (ketamine, tribromoethanol, or urethane). Conclusions We provide evidence of retinal alterations in Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey/+ mice that are similar to those reported in persons with DS. Our ERG results are also a reminder that consideration should be given to the choice of anesthetic agents in such experiments.
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22
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Suzuki T, Suzuki T, Raveau M, Miyake N, Sudo G, Tsurusaki Y, Watanabe T, Sugaya Y, Tatsukawa T, Mazaki E, Shimohata A, Kushima I, Aleksic B, Shiino T, Toyota T, Iwayama Y, Nakaoka K, Ohmori I, Sasaki A, Watanabe K, Hirose S, Kaneko S, Inoue Y, Yoshikawa T, Ozaki N, Kano M, Shimoji T, Matsumoto N, Yamakawa K. A recurrent PJA1 variant in trigonocephaly and neurodevelopmental disorders. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2020; 7:1117-1131. [PMID: 32530565 PMCID: PMC7359110 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often associate with epilepsy or craniofacial malformations. Recent large-scale DNA analyses identified hundreds of candidate genes for NDDs, but a large portion of the cases still remain unexplained. We aimed to identify novel candidate genes for NDDs. METHODS We performed exome sequencing of 95 patients with NDDs including 51 with trigonocephaly and subsequent targeted sequencing of additional 463 NDD patients, functional analyses of variant in vitro, and evaluations of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like phenotypes and seizure-related phenotypes in vivo. RESULTS We identified de novo truncation variants in nine novel genes; CYP1A1, C14orf119, FLI1, CYB5R4, SEL1L2, RAB11FIP2, ZMYND8, ZNF143, and MSX2. MSX2 variants have been described in patients with cranial malformations, and our present patient with the MSX2 de novo truncation variant showed cranial meningocele and partial epilepsy. MSX2 protein is known to be ubiquitinated by an E3 ubiquitin ligase PJA1, and interestingly we found a PJA1 hemizygous p.Arg376Cys variant recurrently in seven Japanese NDD patients; five with trigonocephaly and one with partial epilepsy, and the variant was absent in 886 Japanese control individuals. Pja1 knock-in mice carrying p.Arg365Cys, which is equivalent to p.Arg376Cys in human, showed a significant decrease in PJA1 protein amount, suggesting a loss-of-function effect of the variant. Pja1 knockout mice displayed moderate deficits in isolation-induced ultrasonic vocalizations and increased seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole. INTERPRETATION These findings propose novel candidate genes including PJA1 and MSX2 for NDDs associated with craniofacial abnormalities and/or epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshimitsu Suzuki
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan.,Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Toshifumi Suzuki
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Matthieu Raveau
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Noriko Miyake
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Genki Sudo
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Tsurusaki
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan.,Faculty of Nutritional Science, Sagami Women's University, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0383, Japan
| | - Takaki Watanabe
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Yuki Sugaya
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Tatsukawa
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Emi Mazaki
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shimohata
- Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Itaru Kushima
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan.,Medical Genomics Center, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8560, Japan
| | - Branko Aleksic
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shiino
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoko Toyota
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Iwayama
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Kentaro Nakaoka
- National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Iori Ohmori
- Department of Special Needs Education, Okayama University Graduate School of Education, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Aya Sasaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan
| | - Ken Watanabe
- Section of Bone Function, Department of Bone and Joint Diseases, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG), Obu, Aichi, 474-8511, Japan
| | - Shinichi Hirose
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Research Institute for the Molecular Pathomechanisms of Epilepsy, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Sunao Kaneko
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori, 036-8562, Japan.,North Tohoku Epilepsy Center, Minato Hospital, Hachinohe, 031-0813, Japan
| | - Yushi Inoue
- National Epilepsy Center, NHO Shizuoka Institute of Epilepsy and Neurological Disorders, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka, 420-8688, Japan
| | - Takeo Yoshikawa
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Department of Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Masanobu Kano
- Department of Neurophysiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Takeyoshi Shimoji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Okinawa Pref. Nanbu Medical Center and Children's Medical Center, Arakawa Haebaru, Okinawa, 901-1193, Japan
| | - Naomichi Matsumoto
- Department of Human Genetics, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Yamakawa
- Department of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Genetics, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Science, Nagoya, Aichi, 467-8601, Japan.,Laboratory for Neurogenetics, RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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Martínez de Lagrán M. Mapping behavioral landscapes in Down syndrome animal models. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2020; 251:145-179. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2020.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Edlow AG, Guedj F, Sverdlov D, Pennings JLA, Bianchi DW. Significant Effects of Maternal Diet During Pregnancy on the Murine Fetal Brain Transcriptome and Offspring Behavior. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1335. [PMID: 31920502 PMCID: PMC6928003 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal over- and undernutrition in pregnancy plays a critical role in fetal brain development and function. The effects of different maternal diet compositions on intrauterine programing of the fetal brain is a lesser-explored area. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of two chowmaternal diets on fetal brain gene expression signatures, fetal/neonatal growth, and neonatal and adult behavior in a mouse model. METHODS Throughout pregnancy and lactation, female C57Bl/6J mice were fed one of two standard, commercially available chow diets (pellet versus powder). The powdered chow diet was relatively deficient in micronutrients and enriched for carbohydrates and n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to the pelleted chow. RNA was extracted from embryonic day 15.5 forebrains and hybridized to whole genome expression microarrays (N = 5/maternal diet group). Functional analyses of significantly differentially expressed fetal brain genes were performed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. Neonatal behavior was assessed using a validated scale (N = 62 pellet-exposed and 31 powder-exposed). Hippocampal learning, locomotor behavior, and motor coordination were assessed in a subset of adults using fear conditioning, open field testing, and Rotarod tests (N = 16 pellet-exposed, 14 powder-exposed). RESULTS Comparing powdered to pelleted chow diets, neither maternal weight trajectory in pregnancy nor embryo size differed. Maternal powdered chow diet was associated with 1647 differentially expressed fetal brain genes. Functional analyses identified significant upregulation of canonical pathways and upstream regulators involved in cell cycle regulation, synaptic plasticity, and sensory nervous system development in the fetal brain, and significant downregulation of pathways related to cell and embryo death. Pathways related to DNA damage response, brain immune response, amino acid and fatty acid transport, and dopaminergic signaling were significantly dysregulated. Powdered chow-exposed neonates were significantly longer but not heavier than pelleted chow-exposed counterparts. On neonatal behavioral testing, powdered chow-exposed neonates achieved coordination- and strength-related milestones significantly earlier, but sensory maturation reflexes significantly later. On adult behavioral testing, powdered chow-exposed offspring exhibited hyperactivity and hippocampal learning deficits. CONCLUSION In wild-type offspring, two diets that differed primarily with respect to micronutrient composition had significant effects on the fetal brain transcriptome, neonatal and adult behavior. These effects did not appear to be mediated by alterations in gross maternal nutritional status nor fetal/neonatal weight. Maternal dietary content is an important variable to consider for investigators evaluating fetal brain development and offspring behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea G. Edlow
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Faycal Guedj
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Deanna Sverdlov
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Diana W. Bianchi
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
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25
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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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Muñiz Moreno MDM, Brault V, Birling MC, Pavlovic G, Herault Y. Modeling Down syndrome in animals from the early stage to the 4.0 models and next. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 251:91-143. [PMID: 32057313 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The genotype-phenotype relationship and the physiopathology of Down Syndrome (DS) have been explored in the last 20 years with more and more relevant mouse models. From the early age of transgenesis to the new CRISPR/CAS9-derived chromosomal engineering and the transchromosomic technologies, mouse models have been key to identify homologous genes or entire regions homologous to the human chromosome 21 that are necessary or sufficient to induce DS features, to investigate the complexity of the genetic interactions that are involved in DS and to explore therapeutic strategies. In this review we report the new developments made, how genomic data and new genetic tools have deeply changed our way of making models, extended our panel of animal models, and increased our understanding of the neurobiology of the disease. But even if we have made an incredible progress which promises to make DS a curable condition, we are facing new research challenges to nurture our knowledge of DS pathophysiology as a neurodevelopmental disorder with many comorbidities during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Mar Muñiz Moreno
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Véronique Brault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
| | - Marie-Christine Birling
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France
| | - Guillaume Pavlovic
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France
| | - Yann Herault
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France; Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, INSERM, PHENOMIN Institut Clinique de la Souris, Illkirch, France.
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Baburamani AA, Patkee PA, Arichi T, Rutherford MA. New approaches to studying early brain development in Down syndrome. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:867-879. [PMID: 31102269 PMCID: PMC6618001 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome is the most common genetic developmental disorder in humans and is caused by partial or complete triplication of human chromosome 21 (trisomy 21). It is a complex condition which results in multiple lifelong health problems, including varying degrees of intellectual disability and delays in speech, memory, and learning. As both length and quality of life are improving for individuals with Down syndrome, attention is now being directed to understanding and potentially treating the associated cognitive difficulties and their underlying biological substrates. These have included imaging and postmortem studies which have identified decreased regional brain volumes and histological anomalies that accompany early onset dementia. In addition, advances in genome-wide analysis and Down syndrome mouse models are providing valuable insight into potential targets for intervention that could improve neurogenesis and long-term cognition. As little is known about early brain development in human Down syndrome, we review recent advances in magnetic resonance imaging that allow non-invasive visualization of brain macro- and microstructure, even in utero. It is hoped that together these advances may enable Down syndrome to become one of the first genetic disorders to be targeted by antenatal treatments designed to 'normalize' brain development. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Magnetic resonance imaging can provide non-invasive characterization of early brain development in Down syndrome. Down syndrome mouse models enable study of underlying pathology and potential intervention strategies. Potential therapies could modify brain structure and improve early cognitive levels. Down syndrome may be the first genetic disorder to have targeted therapies which alter antenatal brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Baburamani
- Centre for the Developing BrainDepartment of Perinatal Imaging and HealthSchool of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas’ HospitalLondonUK
| | - Prachi A Patkee
- Centre for the Developing BrainDepartment of Perinatal Imaging and HealthSchool of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas’ HospitalLondonUK
| | - Tomoki Arichi
- Centre for the Developing BrainDepartment of Perinatal Imaging and HealthSchool of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas’ HospitalLondonUK,Department of BioengineeringImperial College LondonLondonUK,Children's NeurosciencesEvelina London Children's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Mary A Rutherford
- Centre for the Developing BrainDepartment of Perinatal Imaging and HealthSchool of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging SciencesKing's College LondonKing's Health PartnersSt Thomas’ HospitalLondonUK
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Souchet B, Duchon A, Gu Y, Dairou J, Chevalier C, Daubigney F, Nalesso V, Créau N, Yu Y, Janel N, Herault Y, Delabar JM. Prenatal treatment with EGCG enriched green tea extract rescues GAD67 related developmental and cognitive defects in Down syndrome mouse models. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3914. [PMID: 30850713 PMCID: PMC6408590 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40328-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome is a common genetic disorder caused by trisomy of chromosome 21. Brain development in affected foetuses might be improved through prenatal treatment. One potential target is DYRK1A, a multifunctional kinase encoded by chromosome 21 that, when overexpressed, alters neuronal excitation-inhibition balance and increases GAD67 interneuron density. We used a green tea extract enriched in EGCG to inhibit DYRK1A function only during gestation of transgenic mice overexpressing Dyrk1a (mBACtgDyrk1a). Adult mice treated prenatally displayed reduced levels of inhibitory markers, restored VGAT1/VGLUT1 balance, and rescued density of GAD67 interneurons. Similar results for gabaergic and glutamatergic markers and interneuron density were obtained in Dp(16)1Yey mice, trisomic for 140 chromosome 21 orthologs; thus, prenatal EGCG exhibits efficacy in a more complex DS model. Finally, cognitive and behaviour testing showed that adult Dp(16)1Yey mice treated prenatally had improved novel object recognition memory but do not show improvement with Y maze paradigm. These findings provide empirical support for a prenatal intervention that targets specific neural circuitries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benoit Souchet
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, Paris, France
| | - Arnaud Duchon
- Institut Génétique Biologie Moléculaire Cellulaire, CNRS, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 7104, UMR 964, Illkirch, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- INSERM, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Yuchen Gu
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, Paris, France
| | - Julien Dairou
- CNRS, UMR 8601, Laboratoire de Chimie et Biochimie Pharmacologiques et Toxicologiques, Université Paris Descartes-Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75270, Paris, France
| | - Claire Chevalier
- Institut Génétique Biologie Moléculaire Cellulaire, CNRS, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 7104, UMR 964, Illkirch, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- INSERM, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Fabrice Daubigney
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Nalesso
- Institut Génétique Biologie Moléculaire Cellulaire, CNRS, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 7104, UMR 964, Illkirch, France
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
- CNRS, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
- INSERM, U964, Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France
| | - Nicole Créau
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, Paris, France
| | - Yuejin Yu
- Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Nathalie Janel
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, Paris, France
- Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA
| | - Yann Herault
- Institut Génétique Biologie Moléculaire Cellulaire, CNRS, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM), UMR 7104, UMR 964, Illkirch, France.
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France.
- CNRS, UMR 7104, Illkirch, France.
- INSERM, U964, Illkirch, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, 1 rue Laurent Fries, 67404, Illkirch, France.
| | - Jean Maurice Delabar
- Université Paris-Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Adaptive Functional Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), UMR 8251, 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, Paris, France.
- Brain & Spine Institute (ICM) CNRS UMR7225, Inserm UMRS 975, Paris, France.
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29
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Zhao X, Bhattacharyya A. Human Models Are Needed for Studying Human Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 103:829-857. [PMID: 30526865 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The analysis of animal models of neurological disease has been instrumental in furthering our understanding of neurodevelopment and brain diseases. However, animal models are limited in revealing some of the most fundamental aspects of development, genetics, pathology, and disease mechanisms that are unique to humans. These shortcomings are exaggerated in disorders that affect the brain, where the most significant differences between humans and animal models exist, and could underscore failures in targeted therapeutic interventions in affected individuals. Human pluripotent stem cells have emerged as a much-needed model system for investigating human-specific biology and disease mechanisms. However, questions remain regarding whether these cell-culture-based models are sufficient or even necessary. In this review, we summarize human-specific features of neurodevelopment and the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, present discrepancies between animal models and human diseases, demonstrate how human stem cell models can provide meaningful information, and discuss the challenges that exist in our pursuit to understand distinctively human aspects of neurodevelopment and brain disease. This information argues for a more thoughtful approach to disease modeling through consideration of the valuable features and limitations of each model system, be they human or animal, to mimic disease characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Zhao
- Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA; Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA.
| | - Anita Bhattacharyya
- Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA; Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI 53705, USA.
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30
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Glass TJ, Twadell SL, Valmadrid LC, Connor NP. Early impacts of modified food consistency on oromotor outcomes in mouse models of Down syndrome. Physiol Behav 2018; 199:273-281. [PMID: 30496741 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) in humans is associated with differences of the central nervous system and oromotor development. DS also increases risks for pediatric feeding challenges, which sometimes involve the use of altered food consistencies. Therefore, experimental food consistency paradigms are of interest to oromotor investigations in mouse models of Down syndrome (DS). The present work reports impacts of an altered food consistency paradigm on the Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1Yey mouse models of DS, and sibling control mice. At weaning, Ts65Dn, Dp(16)1Yey and respective controls were assigned to receive either a hard food or a soft food (eight experimental groups, n = 8-10 per group). Two weeks later, mice were assessed for mastication speeds and then euthanized for muscle analysis. Soft food conditions were associated with significantly smaller weight gain (p = .003), significantly less volitional water intake through licking (p = .0001), and significant reductions in size of anterior digastric myofibers positive for myosin heavy chain isoform (MyHC) 2b (p = .049). Genotype was associated with significant differences in weight gain (p = .004), significant differences in mastication rate (p = .001), significant differences in a measure of anterior digastric muscle size (p = .03), and significant reductions in size of anterior digastric myofibers positive for MyHC 2a (p = .04). In multiple measures, the Ts65Dn model of DS was more affected than other genotype groups. Findings indicate a soft food consistency condition in mice is associated with significant reductions in weight gain and oromotor activity, and may impact digastric muscle. This suggests extended periods of food consistency modifications may have impacts that extend beyond their immediate roles in facilitating deglutition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany J Glass
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sara L Twadell
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Luke C Valmadrid
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Nadine P Connor
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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31
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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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Aziz NM, Guedj F, Pennings JLA, Olmos-Serrano JL, Siegel A, Haydar TF, Bianchi DW. Lifespan analysis of brain development, gene expression and behavioral phenotypes in the Ts1Cje, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1/Yey mouse models of Down syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:dmm031013. [PMID: 29716957 PMCID: PMC6031353 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.031013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) results from triplication of human chromosome 21. Neuropathological hallmarks of DS include atypical central nervous system development that manifests prenatally and extends throughout life. As a result, individuals with DS exhibit cognitive and motor deficits, and have delays in achieving developmental milestones. To determine whether different mouse models of DS recapitulate the human prenatal and postnatal phenotypes, here, we directly compared brain histogenesis, gene expression and behavior over the lifespan of three cytogenetically distinct mouse models of DS: Ts1Cje, Ts65Dn and Dp(16)1/Yey. Histological data indicated that Ts65Dn mice were the most consistently affected with respect to somatic growth, neurogenesis and brain morphogenesis. Embryonic and adult gene expression results showed that Ts1Cje and Ts65Dn brains had considerably more differentially expressed (DEX) genes compared with Dp(16)1/Yey mice, despite the larger number of triplicated genes in the latter model. In addition, DEX genes showed little overlap in identity and chromosomal distribution in the three models, leading to dissimilarities in affected functional pathways. Perinatal and adult behavioral testing also highlighted differences among the models in their abilities to achieve various developmental milestones and perform hippocampal- and motor-based tasks. Interestingly, Dp(16)1/Yey mice showed no abnormalities in prenatal brain phenotypes, yet they manifested behavioral deficits starting at postnatal day 15 that continued through adulthood. In contrast, Ts1Cje mice showed mildly abnormal embryonic brain phenotypes, but only select behavioral deficits as neonates and adults. Altogether, our data showed widespread and unexpected fundamental differences in behavioral, gene expression and brain development phenotypes between these three mouse models. Our findings illustrate unique limitations of each model when studying aspects of brain development and function in DS. This work helps to inform model selection in future studies investigating how observed neurodevelopmental abnormalities arise, how they contribute to cognitive impairment, and when testing therapeutic molecules to ameliorate the intellectual disability associated with DS.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine M Aziz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Faycal Guedj
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeroen L A Pennings
- Center for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Jose Luis Olmos-Serrano
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ashley Siegel
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Tarik F Haydar
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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33
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Sleep Behavior and EEG Oscillations in Aged Dp(16)1Yey/+ Mice: A Down Syndrome Model. Neuroscience 2018; 376:117-126. [PMID: 29454635 PMCID: PMC7255843 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) results from the triplication of genes located on human chromosome 21 (Hsa21). Though many cognitive and behavioral impairments are associated with DS, sleep disturbances remain poorly understood despite being a reported phenotype in approximately 60% of individuals diagnosed with DS. In this study, sleep and electroencephalography (EEG) oscillations were recorded from aged (12–14 mos.) Dp(16)1Yey/+ mice (Dp16), a mouse model of DS. We observed disrupted sleep demonstrated by increased activity during the dark phase and increased time awake at the expense of NREM sleep compared to wild-type mice. In addition, we found that Dp16 mice display significant differences in relative EEG power distribution among oscillation frequencies in both sleep and awake states. These results in Dp16 mice are consistent with sleep disturbances found in individuals with DS, and the abnormal EEG oscillations in aged Dp16 mice suggest a potential role for GABAergic activity in these sleep and EEG abnormalities. These sleep and EEG data reflect underlying differences in neuronal activity at the network level and thus are causative agents rather than merely symptoms of DS.
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34
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Stagni F, Giacomini A, Emili M, Guidi S, Bartesaghi R. Neurogenesis impairment: An early developmental defect in Down syndrome. Free Radic Biol Med 2018; 114:15-32. [PMID: 28756311 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2017.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by brain hypotrophy and intellectual disability starting from early life stages. Accumulating evidence shows that the phenotypic features of the DS brain can be traced back to the fetal period since the DS brain exhibits proliferation potency reduction starting from the critical time window of fetal neurogenesis. This defect is worsened by the fact that neural progenitor cells exhibit reduced acquisition of a neuronal phenotype and an increase in the acquisition of an astrocytic phenotype. Consequently, the DS brain has fewer neurons in comparison with the typical brain. Although apoptotic cell death may be increased in DS, this does not seem to be the major cause of brain hypocellularity. Evidence obtained in brains of individuals with DS, DS-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and DS mouse models has provided some insight into the mechanisms underlying the developmental defects due to the trisomic condition. Although many triplicated genes may be involved, in the light of the studies reviewed here, DYRK1A, APP, RCAN1 and OLIG1/2 appear to be particularly important determinants of many neurodevelopmental alterations that characterize DS because their triplication affects both the proliferation and fate of neural precursor cells as well as apoptotic cell death. Based on the evidence reviewed here, pathways downstream to these genes may represent strategic targets, for the design of possible interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorenza Stagni
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Giacomini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Emili
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sandra Guidi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Renata Bartesaghi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Lowe SA, Hodge JJL, Usowicz MM. A third copy of the Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) causes synaptic and locomotor dysfunction in Drosophila. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 110:93-101. [PMID: 29196216 PMCID: PMC5773243 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by triplication of chromosome 21 (HSA21). It is characterised by intellectual disability and impaired motor coordination that arise from changes in brain volume, structure and function. However, the contribution of each HSA21 gene to these various phenotypes and to the causal alterations in neuronal and synaptic structure and function are largely unknown. Here we have investigated the effect of overexpression of the HSA21 gene DSCAM (Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule), on glutamatergic synaptic transmission and motor coordination, using Drosophila expressing three copies of Dscam1. Electrophysiological recordings of miniature and evoked excitatory junction potentials at the glutamatergic neuromuscular junction of Drosophila larvae showed that the extra copy of Dscam1 changed the properties of spontaneous and electrically-evoked transmitter release and strengthened short-term synaptic depression during high-frequency firing of the motor nerve. Behavioural analyses uncovered impaired locomotor coordination despite preserved gross motor function. This work identifies DSCAM as a candidate causative gene in DS that is sufficient to modify synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity and cause a DS behavioural phenotype. Drosophila expressing a third copy of Dscam have altered neuromuscular transmission. Drosophila expressing a third copy of Dscam have deficits in locomotor coordination. Drosophila are a powerful system for studying single-gene effects in Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon A Lowe
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK
| | - James J L Hodge
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Maria M Usowicz
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, University Walk, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK.
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Abstract
Altered concentrations of monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites have been repeatedly found in people with Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21). Because of the limited availability of human post-mortem tissue, DS mouse models are of great interest to study these changes and the underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Although previous studies have shown the potential of Ts65Dn mice – the most widely used mouse model of DS – to model noradrenergic changes, a comprehensive monoaminergic characterization in multiple brain regions has not been performed so far. Here, we used RP-HPLC with electrochemical detection to quantify (nor)adrenergic (NA, adrenaline and MHPG), dopaminergic (DA, HVA and DOPAC), and serotonergic compounds (tryptophan, 5-HT and 5-HIAA) in ten regionally dissected brain regions of Ts65Dn mice, as well as in Dp1Tyb mice – a novel DS mouse model. Comparing young adult aneuploid mice (2.5–5.5 months) with their euploid WT littermates did not reveal generalized monoaminergic dysregulation, indicating that the genetic overload in these mice barely affected the absolute concentrations at this age. Moreover, we studied the effect of aging in Ts65Dn mice: comparing aged animals (12–13 months) with their younger counterparts revealed a large number of significant changes. In general, the (nor)adrenergic system appeared to be reduced, while serotonergic compounds were increased with aging. Dopaminergic alterations were less consistent. These overall patterns appeared to be relatively similar for Ts65Dn and WT mice, though more observed changes were regarded significant for WT mice. Similar human post-mortem studies are necessary to validate the monoaminergic construct validity of the Ts65Dn and Dp1Typ mouse models. Monoamine neurotransmitters and metabolites appear to be altered in Down syndrome. The monoaminergic brain profile of two Down syndrome mouse models was examined. Aneuploidy barely affected monoamines in Ts65Dn and Dp1Tyb mice vs. wild-type mice. Aging to 12–13 months showed strong monoaminergic changes in the Ts65Dn mouse model. Construct validity needs to be established by similar human post-mortem studies.
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Ferrés MA, Bianchi DW, Siegel AE, Bronson RT, Huggins GS, Guedj F. Perinatal Natural History of the Ts1Cje Mouse Model of Down Syndrome: Growth Restriction, Early Mortality, Heart Defects, and Delayed Development. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168009. [PMID: 27930746 PMCID: PMC5145234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Ts1Cje model of Down syndrome is of particular interest for perinatal studies because affected males are fertile. This permits affected pups to be carried in wild-type females, which is similar to human pregnancies. Here we describe the early natural history and growth profiles of Ts1Cje embryos and neonates and determine if heart defects are present in this strain. Methods Pups were studied either on embryonic (E) day 15.5, or from postnatal (P) day 3 through weaning on P21. PCR amplification targeting the neomycin cassette (present in Ts1Cje) and Sry (present in males) was used to analyze pup genotypes and sex ratios. Body weights and lengths, as well as developmental milestones, were recorded in Ts1Cje mice and compared to their wild-type (WT) littermates. Histological evaluations were performed at E15.5 to investigate the presence or absence of heart defects. Pups were divided into two groups: Ts1Cje-I pups survived past weaning and Ts1Cje-II pups died at some point before P21. Results Ts1Cje mouse embryos showed expected Mendelian ratios (45.8%, n = 66 for Ts1Cje embryos; 54.2%, n = 78 for WT embryos). Histological analysis revealed the presence of ventricular septal defects (VSDs) in 21% of Ts1Cje E15.5 embryos. After weaning, only 28.2% of pups were Ts1Cje (185 Ts1Cje out of 656 total pups generated), with males predominating (male:female ratio of 1.4:1). Among the recovered dead pups (n = 207), Ts1Cje (63.3%, n = 131, p<0.01) genotype was found significantly more often than WT (36.7%, n = 76). Retrospective analysis of Ts1Cje-II (pre-weaning deceased) pups showed that they were growth restricted compared to Ts1Cje-I pups (post-weaning survivors). Growth restriction correlated with statistically significant delays in achieving several neonatal milestones between P3 and P21 compared to Ts1Cje-I (post-weaning survivors) neonates and WT littermates. Conclusions Ts1Cje genotype is not associated with increased early in utero mortality. Cardiac defects, specifically VSDs, are part of the phenotype in this strain. There is increased neonatal mortality in Ts1Cje pups, with sex differences observed. Ts1Cje mice that died in the neonatal period were more likely to be growth restricted and delayed in achieving neonatal developmental milestones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Millie A. Ferrés
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI) at Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
- * E-mail: (FG); (MAF)
| | - Diana W. Bianchi
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI) at Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ashley E. Siegel
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI) at Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roderick T. Bronson
- Rodent Histopathology Core, Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Gordon S. Huggins
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute (MCRI) at Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Faycal Guedj
- Mother Infant Research Institute (MIRI) at Tufts Medical Center and Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
- * E-mail: (FG); (MAF)
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Guedj F, Pennings JLA, Massingham LJ, Wick HC, Siegel AE, Tantravahi U, Bianchi DW. An Integrated Human/Murine Transcriptome and Pathway Approach To Identify Prenatal Treatments For Down Syndrome. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32353. [PMID: 27586445 PMCID: PMC5009456 DOI: 10.1038/srep32353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Anatomical and functional brain abnormalities begin during fetal life in Down syndrome (DS). We hypothesize that novel prenatal treatments can be identified by targeting signaling pathways that are consistently perturbed in cell types/tissues obtained from human fetuses with DS and mouse embryos. We analyzed transcriptome data from fetuses with trisomy 21, age and sex-matched euploid controls, and embryonic day 15.5 forebrains from Ts1Cje, Ts65Dn, and Dp16 mice. The new datasets were compared to other publicly available datasets from humans with DS. We used the human Connectivity Map (CMap) database and created a murine adaptation to identify FDA-approved drugs that can rescue affected pathways. USP16 and TTC3 were dysregulated in all affected human cells and two mouse models. DS-associated pathway abnormalities were either the result of gene dosage specific effects or the consequence of a global cell stress response with activation of compensatory mechanisms. CMap analyses identified 56 molecules with high predictive scores to rescue abnormal gene expression in both species. Our novel integrated human/murine systems biology approach identified commonly dysregulated genes and pathways. This can help to prioritize therapeutic molecules on which to further test safety and efficacy. Additional studies in human cells are ongoing prior to pre-clinical prenatal treatment in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faycal Guedj
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jeroen LA Pennings
- Center for Health Protection (GZB), National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lauren J Massingham
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Heather C Wick
- Department of Computer Science, Tufts University, Medford, MA, United States
| | - Ashley E Siegel
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Umadevi Tantravahi
- Department of Pathology, Women and Infants' Hospital, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Diana W Bianchi
- Mother Infant Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
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Mouse models of Down syndrome: gene content and consequences. Mamm Genome 2016; 27:538-555. [PMID: 27538963 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-016-9661-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), is challenging to model in mice. Not only is it a contiguous gene syndrome spanning 35 Mb of the long arm of Hsa21, but orthologs of Hsa21 genes map to segments of three mouse chromosomes, Mmu16, Mmu17, and Mmu10. The Ts65Dn was the first viable segmental trisomy mouse model for DS; it is a partial trisomy currently popular in preclinical evaluations of drugs for cognition in DS. Limitations of the Ts65Dn are as follows: (i) it is trisomic for 125 human protein-coding orthologs, but only 90 of these are Hsa21 orthologs and (ii) it lacks trisomy for ~75 Hsa21 orthologs. In recent years, several additional mouse models of DS have been generated, each trisomic for a different subset of Hsa21 genes or their orthologs. To best exploit these models and interpret the results obtained with them, prior to proposing clinical trials, an understanding of their trisomic gene content, relative to full trisomy 21, is necessary. Here we first review the functional information on Hsa21 protein-coding genes and the more recent annotation of a large number of functional RNA genes. We then discuss the conservation and genomic distribution of Hsa21 orthologs in the mouse genome and the distribution of mouse-specific genes. Lastly, we consider the strengths and weaknesses of mouse models of DS based on the number and nature of the Hsa21 orthologs that are, and are not, trisomic in each, and discuss their validity for use in preclinical evaluations of drug responses.
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