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Palmieri R, Albano V, Guerriero S, Craig F, La Torre F, Filoni S, Sardella D, Petruzzelli MG, Lecce P, De Giacomo A. Beyond Diagnosis: Preliminary Study of Impact on Children and Parents in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:275. [PMID: 38337791 PMCID: PMC10855410 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases are a growing problem for global health due to the large number of people they involve, the repercussions they have on the mental and physical well-being of those affected, and the costs to society. Particularly, chronic illnesses of childhood have important psychological implications, not only for affected children but also for their parents. Among these pathologies, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA-U) may affect mental and physical health, emotions, memory, learning, and socializing. This study evaluates the psychological and behavioral/emotional impact of NDDs and JIA-U on children and parents. Specifically, 30 children with active JIA-U and 30 children with NDDs and their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI) questionnaires. Children with NDDs have statistically significant differences in all the emotional and behavioral variables compared to JIA-U children, and parents of children with NDDs experience an increased stress load compared to parents of children with JIA-U. This study emphasizes the wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges that parents face with NDDs. This study emphasizes that parents of children with NDDs not only experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of normally developing children but also experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of children with potentially debilitating chronic diseases such as JIA-U.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Palmieri
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Valeria Albano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvana Guerriero
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Francesco Craig
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Francesco La Torre
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology Center, “Giovanni XXIII”, Pediatric Hospital, Via Giovanni Amendola 207, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Serena Filoni
- I.R.C.C.S. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Dario Sardella
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Paola Lecce
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Andrea De Giacomo
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
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Lauffer MC, van Roon-Mom W, Aartsma-Rus A. Possibilities and limitations of antisense oligonucleotide therapies for the treatment of monogenic disorders. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2024; 4:6. [PMID: 38182878 PMCID: PMC10770028 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-023-00419-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are incredibly versatile molecules that can be designed to specifically target and modify RNA transcripts to slow down or halt rare genetic disease progression. They offer the potential to target groups of patients or can be tailored for individual cases. Nonetheless, not all genetic variants and disorders are amenable to ASO-based treatments, and hence, it is important to consider several factors before embarking on the drug development journey. Here, we discuss which genetic disorders have the potential to benefit from a specific type of ASO approach, based on the pathophysiology of the disease and pathogenic variant type, as well as those disorders that might not be suitable for ASO therapies. We further explore additional aspects, such as the target tissues, intervention time points, and potential clinical benefits, which need to be considered before developing a compound. Overall, we provide an overview of the current potentials and limitations of ASO-based therapeutics for the treatment of monogenic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlen C Lauffer
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Willeke van Roon-Mom
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Aartsma-Rus
- Dutch Center for RNA Therapeutics, Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Müller AR, van Silfhout NY, den Hollander B, Kampman DHC, Bakkum L, Brands MMMG, Haverman L, Terwee CB, Schuengel C, Daams J, Hessl D, Wijburg FA, Boot E, van Eeghen AM. Navigating the outcome maze: a scoping review of outcomes and instruments in clinical trials in genetic neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disability. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2024; 5:26330040241245721. [PMID: 38681798 PMCID: PMC11047260 DOI: 10.1177/26330040241245721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Individuals with genetic neurodevelopmental disorders (GNDs) or intellectual disability (ID) are often affected by complex neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Targeted treatments are increasingly available, but due to the heterogeneity of these patient populations, choosing a key outcome and corresponding outcome measurement instrument remains challenging. Objectives The aim of this scoping review was to describe the research on outcomes and instruments used in clinical trials in GNDs and ID. Eligibility criteria Clinical trials in individuals with GNDs and ID for any intervention over the past 10 years were included in the review. Sources of evidence MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. Titles and abstracts were independently screened for eligibility with a subsample of 10% double-screening for interrater reliability. Data from full texts were independently reviewed. Discrepancies were discussed until consensus was reached. Charting methods Information was recorded on patient populations, interventions, designs, outcomes, measurement instruments, and type of reporter when applicable. Qualitative and descriptive analyses were performed. Results We included 312 studies reporting 91 different outcomes, with cognitive function most frequently measured (28%). Various outcome measurement instruments (n = 457) were used, with 288 in only a single clinical trial. There were 18 genetic condition-specific instruments and 16 measures were designed ad-hoc for one particular trial. Types of report included proxy-report (39%), self-report (22%), clinician-report (16%), observer-report (6%), self-assisted report (1%), or unknown (16%). Conclusion This scoping review of current practice reveals a myriad of outcomes and outcome measurement instruments for clinical trials in GNDs and ID. This complicates generalization, evidence synthesis, and evaluation. It underlines the need for consensus on suitability, validity, and relevancy of instruments, ultimately resulting in a core outcome set. A series of steps is proposed to move from the myriad of measures to a more unified approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelieke R. Müller
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Advisium, ’s Heeren Loo, Amersfoort, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nadia Y. van Silfhout
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Child Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bibiche den Hollander
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H. C. Kampman
- Faculty of Science, Operational Management, ICT Department, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne Bakkum
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marion M. M. G. Brands
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Child Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- United for Metabolic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Haverman
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Child Development, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Emma Children’s Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Psychosocial Care, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline B. Terwee
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Schuengel
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost Daams
- Medical Library, Research Support, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Frits A. Wijburg
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erik Boot
- Advisium, ’s Heeren Loo, Amersfoort, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- The Dalglish Family 22q Clinic, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnies M. van Eeghen
- Emma Center for Personalized Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105 AZ, The Netherlands
- Advisium, ’s Heeren Loo, Berkenweg 11, 3818 LA, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development, Child Development, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mancini V, Maeder J, Bortolin K, Schneider M, Schaer M, Eliez S. Long-term effects of early treatment with SSRIs on cognition and brain development in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:336. [PMID: 34052829 PMCID: PMC8164636 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01456-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive deficits in individuals at risk of psychosis represent a significant challenge for research, as current strategies for symptomatic treatment are often ineffective. Recent studies showed that atypical cognitive development predicts the occurrence of psychotic symptoms. Additionally, abnormal brain development is known to predate clinical manifestations of psychosis. Therefore, critical developmental stages may be the best period for early interventions expected to prevent cognitive decline and protect brain maturation. However, it is challenging to identify and treat individuals at risk of psychosis in the general population before the onset of the first psychotic symptoms. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), the neurogenetic disorder with the highest genetic risk for schizophrenia, provides the opportunity to prospectively study the development of subjects at risk for psychosis. In this retrospective cohort study, we aimed to establish if early treatment with SSRIs in children and adolescents with 22q11DS was associated with long-term effects on cognition and brain development. We included 98 participants with a confirmed diagnosis of 22q11DS followed up 2-4 times (age range: 10-32). Thirty subjects without psychiatric disorders never received psychotropic medications, thirty had psychotic symptoms but were not treated with SSRIs, and 38 received SSRIs treatment. An increase in IQ scores characterized the developmental trajectories of participants receiving treatment with SSRIs, even those with psychotic symptoms. The thickness of frontal regions and hippocampal volume were also relatively increased. The magnitude of the outcomes was inversely correlated to the age at the onset of the treatment. We provide preliminary evidence that early long-term treatment with SSRIs may attenuate the cognitive decline associated with psychosis in 22q11DS and developmental brain abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mancini
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Johanna Maeder
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karin Bortolin
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- Medical Image Processing Lab, Institute of Bioengineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinical Psychology Unit for Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Research Group Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marie Schaer
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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Li J, Levin DS, Kim AJ, Pappas SS, Dauer WT. TorsinA restoration in a mouse model identifies a critical therapeutic window for DYT1 dystonia. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:139606. [PMID: 33529159 DOI: 10.1172/jci139606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In inherited neurodevelopmental diseases, pathogenic processes unique to critical periods during early brain development may preclude the effectiveness of gene modification therapies applied later in life. We explored this question in a mouse model of DYT1 dystonia, a neurodevelopmental disease caused by a loss-of-function mutation in the TOR1A gene encoding torsinA. To define the temporal requirements for torsinA in normal motor function and gene replacement therapy, we developed a mouse line enabling spatiotemporal control of the endogenous torsinA allele. Suppressing torsinA during embryogenesis caused dystonia-mimicking behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes. Suppressing torsinA during adulthood, however, elicited no discernible abnormalities, establishing an essential requirement for torsinA during a developmental critical period. The developing CNS exhibited a parallel "therapeutic critical period" for torsinA repletion. Although restoring torsinA in juvenile DYT1 mice rescued motor phenotypes, there was no benefit from adult torsinA repletion. These data establish a unique requirement for torsinA in the developing nervous system and demonstrate that the critical period genetic insult provokes permanent pathophysiology mechanistically delinked from torsinA function. These findings imply that to be effective, torsinA-based therapeutic strategies must be employed early in the course of DYT1 dystonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Li
- Medical Scientist Training Program.,Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program
| | - Daniel S Levin
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Samuel S Pappas
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.,Department of Neurology
| | - William T Dauer
- Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.,Department of Neurology.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Levy G, Barak B. Postnatal therapeutic approaches in genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:414-422. [PMID: 32985459 PMCID: PMC7996025 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.293133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by abnormal neurophysiological and behavioral phenotypes, affecting individuals worldwide. While the subject has been heavily researched, current treatment options relate mostly to alleviating symptoms, rather than targeting the altered genome itself. In this review, we address the neurogenetic basis of neurodevelopmental disorders, genetic tools that are enabling precision research of these disorders in animal models, and postnatal gene-therapy approaches for neurodevelopmental disorders derived from preclinical studies in the laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilad Levy
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Di Lascio S, Benfante R, Cardani S, Fornasari D. Research Advances on Therapeutic Approaches to Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). Front Neurosci 2021; 14:615666. [PMID: 33510615 PMCID: PMC7835644 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.615666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a genetic disorder of neurodevelopment, with an autosomal dominant transmission, caused by heterozygous mutations in the PHOX2B gene. CCHS is a rare disorder characterized by hypoventilation due to the failure of autonomic control of breathing. Until now no curative treatment has been found. PHOX2B is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the development (and maintenance) of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular the neuronal structures involved in respiratory reflexes. The underlying pathogenetic mechanism is still unclear, although studies in vivo and in CCHS patients indicate that some neuronal structures may be damaged. Moreover, in vitro experimental data suggest that transcriptional dysregulation and protein misfolding may be key pathogenic mechanisms. This review summarizes latest researches that improved the comprehension of the molecular pathogenetic mechanisms responsible for CCHS and discusses the search for therapeutic intervention in light of the current knowledge about PHOX2B function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy.,NeuroMi-Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,CNR-Institute of Neuroscience, Milan, Italy
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Hetzelt KLML, Kerling F, Kraus C, Rauch C, Thiel CT, Winterholler M, Reis A, Zweier C. Early-onset parkinsonism in PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder. Eur J Med Genet 2020; 64:104123. [PMID: 33338668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2020.104123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) is a rare autosomal-dominant disease with developmental delay and mild to severe intellectual disability. So far, fewer than 30 affected individuals with mostly recurrent, de novo missense variants in PPP2R5D were reported. Recently, parkinsonism with an onset between 20 and 40 years was reported in four adult individuals with the same p.(Glu200Lys) variant in PPP2R5D. By trio exome sequencing we now identified the variant p.(Glu198Lys) in a 29 year old woman presenting with typical clinical manifestations of PPP2R5D-related neurodevelopmental disorder and additionally with motor decline and levodopa responsive, early-onset parkinsonism from her mid-twenties on. Accordingly, a clear reduction of dopamine transporter in the striatum on both sides was revealed by brain scintigraphy. Our findings further expand the molecular and clinical spectrum of PPP2R5D-related NDD and confirm the association with parkinsonism in early adulthood. This has marked implications for prognosis of PPP2R5D-related NDDs and for the therapeutic management of motor decline and parkinson-like symptoms in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin L M L Hetzelt
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Frank Kerling
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Cornelia Kraus
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christophe Rauch
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Christian T Thiel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Winterholler
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Center, Sana-Krankenhaus Rummelsberg, Schwarzenbruck/Nuremberg, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, Erlangen, Germany.
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Disruption of Critical Period Plasticity in a Mouse Model of Neurofibromatosis Type 1. J Neurosci 2020; 40:5495-5509. [PMID: 32527982 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2235-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common monogenic neurodevelopmental disorder associated with physical and cognitive problems. The cognitive issues are thought to arise from increased release of the neurotransmitter GABA. Modulating the signaling pathways causing increased GABA release in a mouse model of NF1 reverts deficits in hippocampal learning. However, clinical trials based on these approaches have so far been unsuccessful. We therefore used a combination of slice electrophysiology, in vivo two-photon calcium imaging, and optical imaging of intrinsic signal in a mouse model of NF1 to investigate whether cortical development is affected in NF1, possibly causing lifelong consequences that cannot be rescued by reducing inhibition later in life. We find that, in NF1 mice of both sexes, inhibition increases strongly during the development of the visual cortex and remains high. While this increase in cortical inhibition does not affect spontaneous cortical activity patterns during early cortical development, the critical period for ocular dominance plasticity is shortened in NF1 mice due to its early closure but unaltered onset. Notably, after environmental enrichment, differences in inhibitory innervation and ocular dominance plasticity between NF1 mice and WT littermates disappear. These results provide the first evidence for critical period dysregulation in NF1 and suggest that treatments aimed at normalizing levels of inhibition will need to start at early stages of development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neurofibromatosis type 1 is associated with cognitive problems for which no treatment is currently available. This study shows that, in a mouse model of neurofibromatosis type 1, cortical inhibition is increased during development and critical period regulation is disturbed. Rearing the mice in an environment that stimulates cognitive function overcomes these deficits. These results uncover critical period dysregulation as a novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of neurofibromatosis type 1. This suggests that targeting the affected signaling pathways in neurofibromatosis type 1 for the treatment of cognitive disabilities may have to start at a much younger age than has so far been tested in clinical trials.
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Borsook D, Youssef AM, Simons L, Elman I, Eccleston C. When pain gets stuck: the evolution of pain chronification and treatment resistance. Pain 2018; 159:2421-2436. [PMID: 30234696 PMCID: PMC6240430 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
It is well-recognized that, despite similar pain characteristics, some people with chronic pain recover, whereas others do not. In this review, we discuss possible contributions and interactions of biological, social, and psychological perturbations that underlie the evolution of treatment-resistant chronic pain. Behavior and brain are intimately implicated in the production and maintenance of perception. Our understandings of potential mechanisms that produce or exacerbate persistent pain remain relatively unclear. We provide an overview of these interactions and how differences in relative contribution of dimensions such as stress, age, genetics, environment, and immune responsivity may produce different risk profiles for disease development, pain severity, and chronicity. We propose the concept of "stickiness" as a soubriquet for capturing the multiple influences on the persistence of pain and pain behavior, and their stubborn resistance to therapeutic intervention. We then focus on the neurobiology of reward and aversion to address how alterations in synaptic complexity, neural networks, and systems (eg, opioidergic and dopaminergic) may contribute to pain stickiness. Finally, we propose an integration of the neurobiological with what is known about environmental and social demands on pain behavior and explore treatment approaches based on the nature of the individual's vulnerability to or protection from allostatic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Boston Children’s (BCH), McLean and Massachusetts Hospitals (MGH), Boston MA
- Departments of Anesthesia (BCH), Psychiatry (MGH, McLean) and Radiology (MGH)
| | - Andrew M Youssef
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Boston Children’s (BCH), McLean and Massachusetts Hospitals (MGH), Boston MA
| | - Laura Simons
- Department of Anesthesia, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, UK
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
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11
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Di Lascio S, Benfante R, Cardani S, Fornasari D. Advances in the molecular biology and pathogenesis of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome—implications for new therapeutic targets. Expert Opin Orphan Drugs 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/21678707.2018.1540978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- CNR- Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Cardani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- CNR- Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
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12
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Chronic treatment with a MEK inhibitor reverses enhanced excitatory field potentials in Syngap1+/− mice. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 70:777-783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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13
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Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Crawley JN. Behavioral Phenotyping Assays for Genetic Mouse Models of Neurodevelopmental, Neurodegenerative, and Psychiatric Disorders. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2017; 5:371-389. [PMID: 28199172 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-022516-022754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Animal models offer heuristic research tools to understand the causes of human diseases and to identify potential treatments. With rapidly evolving genetic engineering technologies, mutations identified in a human disorder can be generated in the mouse genome. Phenotypic outcomes of the mutation are then explicated to confirm hypotheses about causes and to discover effective therapeutics. Most neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric disorders are diagnosed primarily by their prominent behavioral symptoms. Mouse behavioral assays analogous to the human symptoms have been developed to analyze the consequences of mutations and to evaluate proposed therapeutics preclinically. Here we describe the range of mouse behavioral tests available in the established behavioral neuroscience literature, along with examples of their translational applications. Concepts presented have been successfully used in other species, including flies, worms, fish, rats, pigs, and nonhuman primates. Identical strategies can be employed to test hypotheses about environmental causes and gene × environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California 95817;
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14
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Sztainberg Y, Zoghbi HY. Lessons learned from studying syndromic autism spectrum disorders. Nat Neurosci 2017; 19:1408-1417. [PMID: 27786181 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Syndromic autism spectrum disorders represent a group of childhood neurological conditions, typically associated with chromosomal abnormalities or mutations in a single gene. The discovery of their genetic causes has increased our understanding of the molecular pathways critical for normal cognitive and social development. Human studies have revealed that the brain is particularly sensitive to changes in dosage of various proteins from transcriptional and translational regulators to synaptic proteins. Investigations of these disorders in animals have shed light on previously unknown pathogenic mechanisms leading to the identification of potential targets for therapeutic intervention. The demonstration of reversibility of several phenotypes in adult mice is encouraging, and brings hope that with novel therapies, skills and functionality might improve in affected children and young adults. As new research reveals points of convergence between syndromic and nonsyndromic autism spectrum disorders, we believe there will be opportunities for shared therapeutics for this class of conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehezkel Sztainberg
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Huda Y Zoghbi
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Nucleotide Excision Repair: From Neurodegeneration to Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1007:17-39. [PMID: 28840550 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-60733-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
DNA damage poses a constant threat to genome integrity taking a variety of shapes and arising by normal cellular metabolism or environmental insults. Human syndromes, characterized by increased cancer pre-disposition or early onset of age-related pathology and developmental abnormalities, often result from defective DNA damage responses and compromised genome integrity. Over the last decades intensive research worldwide has made important contributions to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying genomic instability and has substantiated the importance of DNA repair in cancer prevention in the general population. In this chapter, we discuss Nucleotide Excision Repair pathway, the causative role of its components in disease-related pathology and recent technological achievements that decipher mutational landscapes and may facilitate pathological classification and personalized therapy.
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16
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Shmakova OP. [The clinical dynamics of mental retardation and social adaptation of patients as they get older]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2016; 116:16-23. [PMID: 27845310 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201611610116-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To establish the patterns of social adaptation of patients with mental retardation (MR) as they get older in relation to the clinical dynamics of MR, to analyze the association between the formation of MR and factors and circumstances that determine the adaptive capacity of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and eighty-seven patients with MR were followed-up from childhood to young adulthood (23-25 years old). The average duration of follow-up was 17.7±3.7 years. Clinical-psychopathological method was the main method of research. To assess social functioning of patients, the registration card of social skills in adolescents with chronic mental disorders and the questionnaire for assessment of social functioning and quality of life of mentally ill people were used. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION About 90% of young adults with mild MR got a professional education, but only about 40% had permanent jobs, 35% had temporary income. 80% of patients with moderate mental retardation did not work, less than 10% had temporary jobs. The status of the disabled person received in childhood, has been preserved in most patients. Several early risk factors of predisposition to MR were identified. It has been established that the level of social adaptation of patients is correlated with the severity of intellectual deficit and depends on some external factors.
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17
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Impairments in dendrite morphogenesis as etiology for neurodevelopmental disorders and implications for therapeutic treatments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 68:946-978. [PMID: 27143622 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Dendrite morphology is pivotal for neural circuitry functioning. While the causative relationship between small-scale dendrite morphological abnormalities (shape, density of dendritic spines) and neurodevelopmental disorders is well established, such relationship remains elusive for larger-scale dendrite morphological impairments (size, shape, branching pattern of dendritic trees). Here, we summarize published data on dendrite morphological irregularities in human patients and animal models for neurodevelopmental disorders, with focus on autism and schizophrenia. We next discuss high-risk genes for these disorders and their role in dendrite morphogenesis. We finally overview recent developments in therapeutic attempts and we discuss how they relate to dendrite morphology. We find that both autism and schizophrenia are accompanied by dendritic arbor morphological irregularities, and that majority of their high-risk genes regulate dendrite morphogenesis. Thus, we present a compelling argument that, along with smaller-scale morphological impairments in dendrites (spines and synapse), irregularities in larger-scale dendrite morphology (arbor shape, size) may be an important part of neurodevelopmental disorders' etiology. We suggest that this should not be ignored when developing future therapeutic treatments.
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18
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Rantamäki T, Yalcin I. Antidepressant drug action--From rapid changes on network function to network rewiring. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 64:285-92. [PMID: 26066070 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There has been significant recent progress in understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of antidepressant treatments. The delayed-onset of action of monoamine-based antidepressant drugs have been associated to their ability to slowly increase synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability via altering neurotrophic signaling (synthesis of BDNF and activation of its receptor TrkB), dematuration of GABAergic interneurons and inhibition of "breaks of plasticity". On the other hand, antidepressants rapidly regulate emotional processing that - with the help of heightened plasticity and appropriate rehabilitation - gradually lead to significant changes on functional neuronal connectivity and clinical recovery. Moreover, the discovery of rapid-acting antidepressants, most notably ketamine, has inspired interest for novel antidepressant developments with better efficacy and faster onset of action. Therapeutic effects of rapid-acting antidepressants have been linked with their ability to rapidly regulate neuronal excitability and thereby increase synaptic translation and release of BDNF, activation of the TrkB-mTOR-p70S6k signaling pathway and increased synaptogenesis within the prefrontal cortex. Thus, alterations in TrkB signaling, synaptic plasticity and neuronal excitability are shared neurobiological phenomena implicated in antidepressant responses produced by both gradually and rapid acting antidepressants. However, regardless of antidepressant, their therapeutic effects are not permanent which suggests that their effects on neuronal connectivity and network function remain unstable and vulnerable for psychosocial challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomi Rantamäki
- Neuroscience Center, P.O. Box 56, FI-00014, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ipek Yalcin
- Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, FR-67084 Strasbourg Cedex, France
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19
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Gershon NB, High PC. Epigenetics and child abuse: Modern-day darwinism - The miraculous ability of the human genome to adapt, and then adapt again. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2015; 169:353-60. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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20
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Joo K, Rhie DJ, Jang HJ. Enhancement of GluN2B Subunit-Containing NMDA Receptor Underlies Serotonergic Regulation of Long-Term Potentiation after Critical Period in the Rat Visual Cortex. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2015; 19:523-31. [PMID: 26557019 PMCID: PMC4637355 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2015.19.6.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] regulates synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex. Although the effects of 5-HT on plasticity showed huge diversity depending on the ages of animals and species, it has been unclear how 5-HT can show such diverse effects. In the rat visual cortex, 5-HT suppressed long-term potentiation (LTP) at 5 weeks but enhanced LTP at 8 weeks. We speculated that this difference may originate from differential regulation of neurotransmission by 5-HT between the age groups. Thus, we investigated the effects of 5-HT on apha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-, γ-aminobutyric acid receptor type A (GABAAR)-, and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)-mediated neurotransmissions and their involvement in the differential regulation of plasticity between 5 and 8 weeks. AMPAR-mediated currents were not affected by 5-HT at both 5 and 8 weeks. GABAAR-mediated currents were enhanced by 5-HT at both age groups. However, 5-HT enhanced NMDAR-mediated currents only at 8 weeks. The enhancement of NMDAR-mediated currents appeared to be mediated by the enhanced function of GluN2B subunit-containing NMDAR. The enhanced GABAAR- and NMDAR-mediated neurotransmissions were responsible for the suppression of LTP at 5 weeks and the facilitation of LTP at 8 weeks, respectively. These results indicate that the effects of 5-HT on neurotransmission change with development, and the changes may underlie the differential regulation of synaptic plasticity between different age groups. Thus, the developmental changes in 5-HT function should be carefully considered while investigating the 5-HT-mediated metaplastic control of the cortical network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoung Joo
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Duck-Joo Rhie
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea. ; Catholic Neuroscience Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jong Jang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea. ; Catholic Neuroscience Institute, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
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21
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Isles AR. Neural and behavioral epigenetics; what it is, and what is hype. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2015; 14:64-72. [PMID: 25346298 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The ability to examine epigenetic mechanisms in the brain has become readily available over the last 20 years. This has led to an explosion of research and interest in neural and behavioral epigenetics. Of particular interest to researchers, and indeed the lay public, is the possibility that epigenetic processes, such as changes in DNA-methylation and histone modification, may provide a biochemical record of environmental effects. This has led to some fascinating insights into how molecular changes in the brain can control behavior. However, some of this research has also attracted controversy and, as is dealt with here, some overblown claims. This latter problem is partly linked to the shifting sands of what is defined as 'epigenetics'. In this review, I provide an overview of what exactly epigenetics is, and what is hype, with the aim of opening up a debate as to how this exciting field moves forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- A R Isles
- Behavioural Genetics Group, MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, UK
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22
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Elson AE, Simerly RB. Developmental specification of metabolic circuitry. Front Neuroendocrinol 2015; 39:38-51. [PMID: 26407637 PMCID: PMC4681622 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamus contains a core circuitry that communicates with the brainstem and spinal cord to regulate energy balance. Because metabolic phenotype is influenced by environmental variables during perinatal development, it is important to understand how these neural pathways form in order to identify key signaling pathways that are responsible for metabolic programming. Recent progress in defining gene expression events that direct early patterning and cellular specification of the hypothalamus, as well as advances in our understanding of hormonal control of central neuroendocrine pathways, suggest several key regulatory nodes that may represent targets for metabolic programming of brain structure and function. This review focuses on components of central circuitry known to regulate various aspects of energy balance and summarizes what is known about their developmental neurobiology within the context of metabolic programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda E Elson
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA
| | - Richard B Simerly
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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23
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Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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24
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Abstract
Intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, and epilepsy are prime examples of neurodevelopmental disorders that collectively affect a significant percentage of the world population. Recent technological breakthroughs allowed the elucidation of the genetic causes of many of these disorders. As neurodevelopmental disorders are genetically heterogeneous, the development of rational therapy is extremely challenging. Fortunately, many causative genes are interconnected and cluster in specific cellular pathways. Targeting a common node in such a network would allow us to interfere with a series of related neurodevelopmental disorders at once. Here, we argue that the GABAergic system is disturbed in many neurodevelopmental disorders, including fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Dravet syndrome, and is a key candidate target for therapeutic intervention. Many drugs that modulate the GABAergic system have already been tested in animal models with encouraging outcomes and are readily available for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sien Braat
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - R Frank Kooy
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650 Edegem, Belgium.
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25
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Genestine M, Lin L, Durens M, Yan Y, Jiang Y, Prem S, Bailoor K, Kelly B, Sonsalla PK, Matteson PG, Silverman J, Crawley JN, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 (En2) deletion produces multiple neurodevelopmental defects in monoamine systems, forebrain structures and neurogenesis and behavior. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [PMID: 26220976 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many genes involved in brain development have been associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain undefined. Human genetic and mouse behavioral analyses suggest that ENGRAILED-2 (EN2) contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. In mouse, En2 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression in embryonic mid-hindbrain regions where monoamine neurons emerge. Considering their importance in neuropsychiatric disorders, we characterized monoamine systems in relation to forebrain neurogenesis in En2-knockout (En2-KO) mice. Transmitter levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) were dysregulated from Postnatal day 7 (P7) to P21 in En2-KO, though NE exhibited the greatest abnormalities. While NE levels were reduced ∼35% in forebrain, they were increased 40 -: 75% in hindbrain and cerebellum, and these patterns paralleled changes in locus coeruleus (LC) fiber innervation, respectively. Although En2 promoter was active in Embryonic day 14.5 -: 15.5 LC neurons, expression diminished thereafter and gene deletion did not alter brainstem NE neuron numbers. Significantly, in parallel with reduced NE levels, En2-KO forebrain regions exhibited reduced growth, particularly hippocampus, where P21 dentate gyrus granule neurons were decreased 16%, suggesting abnormal neurogenesis. Indeed, hippocampal neurogenic regions showed increased cell death (+77%) and unexpectedly, increased proliferation. Excess proliferation was restricted to early Sox2/Tbr2 progenitors whereas increased apoptosis occurred in differentiating (Dcx) neuroblasts, accompanied by reduced newborn neuron survival. Abnormal neurogenesis may reflect NE deficits because intra-hippocampal injections of β-adrenergic agonists reversed cell death. These studies suggest that disruption of hindbrain patterning genes can alter monoamine system development and thereby produce forebrain defects that are relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Genestine
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Lulu Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Madel Durens
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yiqin Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Kunal Bailoor
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Kelly
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia K Sonsalla
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Paul G Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jill Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA and
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26
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Xu X, Jaehne EJ, Greenberg Z, McCarthy P, Saleh E, Parish CL, Camera D, Heng J, Haas M, Baune BT, Ratnayake U, van den Buuse M, Lopez AF, Ramshaw HS, Schwarz Q. 14-3-3ζ deficient mice in the BALB/c background display behavioural and anatomical defects associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26207352 PMCID: PMC4513550 DOI: 10.1038/srep12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Sequencing and expression analyses implicate 14-3-3ζ as a genetic risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. In support of this notion, we recently found that 14-3-3ζ−/− mice in the Sv/129 background display schizophrenia-like defects. As epistatic interactions play a significant role in disease pathogenesis we generated a new congenic strain in the BALB/c background to determine the impact of genetic interactions on the 14-3-3ζ−/− phenotype. In addition to replicating defects such as aberrant mossy fibre connectivity and impaired spatial memory, our analysis of 14-3-3ζ−/− BALB/c mice identified enlarged lateral ventricles, reduced synaptic density and ectopically positioned pyramidal neurons in all subfields of the hippocampus. In contrast to our previous analyses, 14-3-3ζ−/− BALB/c mice lacked locomotor hyperactivity that was underscored by normal levels of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and dopamine signalling. Taken together, our results demonstrate that dysfunction of 14-3-3ζ gives rise to many of the pathological hallmarks associated with the human condition. 14-3-3ζ-deficient BALB/c mice therefore provide a novel model to address the underlying biology of structural defects affecting the hippocampus and ventricle, and cognitive defects such as hippocampal-dependent learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangjun Xu
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Emily J Jaehne
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Zarina Greenberg
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Peter McCarthy
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Eiman Saleh
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Clare L Parish
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Daria Camera
- School of Medical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, 3083, Australia
| | - Julian Heng
- 1] Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Australia [2] School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Crawley, 6009, Australia
| | - Matilda Haas
- Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Bernhard T Baune
- Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Udani Ratnayake
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia
| | - Maarten van den Buuse
- 1] The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, 3010, Australia [2] Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Angel F Lopez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Hayley S Ramshaw
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Quenten Schwarz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
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27
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Maussion G, Diallo AB, Gigek CO, Chen ES, Crapper L, Théroux JF, Chen GG, Vasuta C, Ernst C. Investigation of genes important in neurodevelopment disorders in adult human brain. Hum Genet 2015; 134:1037-53. [PMID: 26194112 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-015-1584-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are caused by mutations in genes expressed in fetal brain, but little is known about these same genes in adult human brain. Here, we test the hypothesis that genes associated with NDDs continue to have a role in adult human brain to explore the idea that NDD symptoms may be partially a result of their adult function rather than just their neurodevelopmental function. To demonstrate adult brain function, we performed expression analyses and ChIPseq in human neural stem cell(NSC) lines at different developmental stages and adult human brain, targeting two genes associated with NDDs, SATB2 and EHMT1, and the WNT signaling gene TCF7L2, which has not been associated with NDDs. Analysis of DNA interaction sites in neural stem cells reveals high (40-50 %) overlap between proliferating and differentiating cells for each gene in temporal space. Studies in adult brain demonstrate that consensus sites are similar to NSCs but occur at different genomic locations. We also performed expression analyses using BrainSpan data for NDD-associated genes SATB2, EHMT1, FMR1, MECP2, MBD5, CTNND2, RAI1, CHD8, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, TCF4, SCN2A, and DYRK1A and find high expression of these genes in adult brain, at least comparable to developing human brain, confirming that genes associated with NDDs likely have a role in adult tissue. Adult function of genes associated with NDDs might be important in clinical disease presentation and may be suitable targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Alpha B Diallo
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Carolina O Gigek
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- Disciplina de Genética, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth S Chen
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- Disciplina de Genética, Departamento de Morfologia e Genética, Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Liam Crapper
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Jean-Francois Théroux
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Gary G Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Cristina Vasuta
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada
| | - Carl Ernst
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
- Douglas Hospital Research Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Frank Common Building, Room 2101.2, Verdun, QC, H4H 1R3, Canada.
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Provenzano G, Pangrazzi L, Poli A, Berardi N, Bozzi Y. Immunohistochemical visualization of hippocampal neuron activity after spatial learning in a mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorders. J Vis Exp 2015:e52919. [PMID: 25992917 DOI: 10.3791/52919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Induction of phosphorylated extracellular-regulated kinase (pERK) is a reliable molecular readout of learning-dependent neuronal activation. Here, we describe a pERK immunohistochemistry protocol to study the profile of hippocampal neuron activation following exposure to a spatial learning task in a mouse model characterized by cognitive deficits of neurodevelopmental origin. Specifically, we used pERK immunostaining to study neuronal activation following Morris water maze (MWM, a classical hippocampal-dependent learning task) in Engrailed-2 knockout (En2(-/-)) mice, a model of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). As compared to wild-type (WT) controls, En2(-/-) mice showed significant spatial learning deficits in the MWM. After MWM, significant differences in the number of pERK-positive neurons were detected in specific hippocampal subfields of En2(-/-) mice, as compared to WT animals. Thus, our protocol can robustly detect differences in pERK-positive neurons associated to hippocampal-dependent learning impairment in a mouse model of ASD. More generally, our protocol can be applied to investigate the profile of hippocampal neuron activation in both genetic or pharmacological mouse models characterized by cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Pangrazzi
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento
| | | | | | - Yuri Bozzi
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento; CNR Neuroscience Institute, Pisa, Italy;
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29
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Deidda G, Parrini M, Naskar S, Bozarth IF, Contestabile A, Cancedda L. Reversing excitatory GABAAR signaling restores synaptic plasticity and memory in a mouse model of Down syndrome. Nat Med 2015; 21:318-26. [PMID: 25774849 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the most frequent genetic cause of intellectual disability, and altered GABAergic transmission through Cl(-)-permeable GABAA receptors (GABAARs) contributes considerably to learning and memory deficits in DS mouse models. However, the efficacy of GABAergic transmission has never been directly assessed in DS. Here GABAAR signaling was found to be excitatory rather than inhibitory, and the reversal potential for GABAAR-driven Cl(-) currents (ECl) was shifted toward more positive potentials in the hippocampi of adult DS mice. Accordingly, hippocampal expression of the cation Cl(-) cotransporter NKCC1 was increased in both trisomic mice and individuals with DS. Notably, NKCC1 inhibition by the FDA-approved drug bumetanide restored ECl, synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory in adult DS mice. Our findings demonstrate that GABA is excitatory in adult DS mice and identify a new therapeutic approach for the potential rescue of cognitive disabilities in individuals with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Deidda
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Parrini
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Shovan Naskar
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Ignacio F Bozarth
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Contestabile
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Cancedda
- Neuroscience and Brain Technologies Department, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genova, Italy
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30
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Wang H, Pati S, Pozzo-Miller L, Doering LC. Targeted pharmacological treatment of autism spectrum disorders: fragile X and Rett syndromes. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:55. [PMID: 25767435 PMCID: PMC4341567 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are genetically and clinically heterogeneous and lack effective medications to treat their core symptoms. Studies of syndromic ASDs caused by single gene mutations have provided insights into the pathophysiology of autism. Fragile X and Rett syndromes belong to the syndromic ASDs in which preclinical studies have identified rational targets for drug therapies focused on correcting underlying neural dysfunction. These preclinical discoveries are increasingly translating into exciting human clinical trials. Since there are significant molecular and neurobiological overlaps among ASDs, targeted treatments developed for fragile X and Rett syndromes may be helpful for autism of different etiologies. Here, we review the targeted pharmacological treatment of fragile X and Rett syndromes and discuss related issues in both preclinical studies and clinical trials of potential therapies for the diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hansen Wang
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandipan Pati
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Division, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Lucas Pozzo-Miller
- Department of Neurobiology, Civitan International Research Center, The University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Laurie C Doering
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University Hamilton, ON, Canada
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31
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Pedapati EV, Gilbert DL, Horn PS, Huddleston DA, Laue CS, Shahana N, Wu SW. Effect of 30 Hz theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation on the primary motor cortex in children and adolescents. Front Hum Neurosci 2015; 9:91. [PMID: 25762919 PMCID: PMC4340218 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2015.00091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fourteen healthy children (13.8 ± 2.2 years, range 10–16; M:F = 5:9) received 30 Hz intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTBS) with a stimulation intensity of 70% of resting motor threshold (RMT) with a total of 300 (iTBS300) pulses. All volunteers were free of neurologic, psychiatric and serious medical illnesses, not taking any neuropsychiatric medications, and did not have any contraindications to transcranial magnetic stimulation. Changes in the mean amplitudes of motor-evoked potentials from baseline following iTBS were expressed as a ratio and assessed from 1 to 10 min (BLOCK1) and 1–30 min (BLOCK2) using repeated-measures analysis of variance. All 14 subjects completed iTBS300 over the dominant primary motor cortex (M1) without any clinically reported adverse events. ITBS300 produced significant M1 facilitation [F(5, 65) = 3.165, p = 0.01] at BLOCK1 and trend level M1 facilitation at BLOCK2 [F(10, 129) = 1.69, p = 0.089]. Although iTBS300 (stimulation duration of 92 s at 70% RMT) delivered over M1 in typically developed children was well-tolerated and produced on average significant facilitatory changes in cortical excitability, the post-iTBS300 neurophysiologic response was variable in our small sample. ITBS300-induced changes may represent a potential neuroplastic biomarker in healthy children and those with neuro-genetic or neuro-psychiatric disorders. However, a larger sample size is needed to address safety and concerns of response variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest V Pedapati
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA ; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Donald L Gilbert
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Paul S Horn
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA ; Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - David A Huddleston
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cameron S Laue
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nasrin Shahana
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Steve W Wu
- Division of Neurology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Cincinnati, OH, USA
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32
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Hall ZJ, De Serrano AR, Rodd FH, Tropepe V. Casting a wider fish net on animal models in neuropsychiatric research. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 55:7-15. [PMID: 24726811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Revised: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, are associated with abnormal brain development. In this review, we discuss how studying dimensional components of these disorders, or endophenotypes, in a wider range of animal models will deepen our understanding of how interactions between biological and environmental factors alter the trajectory of neurodevelopment leading to aberrant behavior. In particular, we discuss some of the advantages of incorporating studies of brain and behavior using a range of teleost fish species into current neuropsychiatric research. From the perspective of comparative neurobiology, teleosts share a fundamental pattern of neurodevelopment and functional brain organization with other vertebrates, including humans. These shared features provide a basis for experimentally probing the mechanisms of disease-associated brain abnormalities. Moreover, incorporating information about how behaviors have been shaped by evolution will allow us to better understand the relevance of behavioral variation to determine their physiological underpinnings. We believe that exploiting the conservation in brain development across vertebrate species, and the rich diversity of fish behavior in lab and natural populations will lead to significant new insights and a holistic understanding of the neurobiological systems implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Hall
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex R De Serrano
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - F Helen Rodd
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Vincent Tropepe
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Canada.
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33
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Reduced phenotypic severity following adeno-associated virus-mediated Fmr1 gene delivery in fragile X mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2014; 39:3100-11. [PMID: 24998620 PMCID: PMC4229583 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a trinucleotide repeat expansion in the FMR1 gene that codes for fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). To determine if FMRP expression in the central nervous system could reverse phenotypic deficits in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse model of FXS, we used a single-stranded adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector with viral capsids from serotype 9 that contained a major isoform of FMRP. FMRP transgene expression was driven by the neuron-selective synapsin-1 promoter. The vector was delivered to the brain via a single bilateral intracerebroventricular injection into neonatal Fmr1 KO mice and transgene expression and behavioral assessments were conducted 22-26 or 50-56 days post injection. Western blotting and immunocytochemical analyses of AAV-FMRP-injected mice revealed FMRP expression in the striatum, hippocampus, retrosplenial cortex, and cingulate cortex. Cellular expression was selective for neurons and reached ∼ 50% of wild-type levels in the hippocampus and cortex at 56 days post injection. The pathologically elevated repetitive behavior and the deficit in social dominance behavior seen in phosphate-buffered saline-injected Fmr1 KO mice were reversed in AAV-FMRP-injected mice. These results provide the first proof of principle that gene therapy can correct specific behavioral abnormalities in the mouse model of FXS.
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34
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Willsey AJ, State MW. Autism spectrum disorders: from genes to neurobiology. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2014; 30:92-9. [PMID: 25464374 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2014.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Advances in genome-wide technology, coupled with the availability of large cohorts, are finally yielding a steady stream of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes carrying mutations of large effect. These findings represent important molecular clues, but at the same time present notable challenges to traditional strategies for moving from genes to neurobiology. A remarkable degree of genetic heterogeneity, the biological pleiotropy of ASD genes, and the tremendous complexity of the human brain are prompting the development of new strategies for translating genetic discoveries into therapeutic targets. Recent developments in systems biology approaches that 'contextualize' these genetic findings along spatial, temporal, and cellular axes of human brain development are beginning to bridge the gap between high-throughput gene discovery and testable pathophysiological hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94158, United States; Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States.
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35
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Abstract
Deleting a gene called Sema5A, which has been linked to autism in humans, causes neurons to form more connections in mice, and also alters how these mutant mice interact with other mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin W Kenney
- Justin W Kenney is in the Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Paul W Frankland
- Paul W Frankland is in the Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychology, Institute of Medical Science and Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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36
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Nimodipine activates TrkB neurotrophin receptors and induces neuroplastic and neuroprotective signaling events in the mouse hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2014; 35:189-96. [PMID: 25204460 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-014-0110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The L-type calcium channel blocker nimodipine improves clinical outcome produced by delayed cortical ischemia or vasospasm associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage. While vasoactive mechanisms are strongly implicated in these therapeutic actions of nimodipine, we sought to test whether nimodipine might also regulate neurotrophic and neuroplastic signaling events associated with TrkB neurotrophin receptor activation. Adult male mice were acutely treated with vehicle or nimodipine (10 mg/kg, s.c., 1.5 h) after which the phosphorylation states of TrkB, cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (CREB), protein kinase B (Akt), extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTor) and p70S6 kinase (p70S6k) from prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were assessed. Nimodipine increased the phosphorylation of the TrkB catalytic domain and the phosphoslipase-Cγ1 (PLCγ1) domain, whereas phosphorylation of the TrkB Shc binding site remained unaltered. Nimodipine-induced TrkB phosphorylation was associated with increased phosphorylation levels of Akt and CREB in the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus whereas phosphorylation of ERK, mTor and p70S6k remained unaltered. Nimodipine-induced TrkB signaling was not associated with changes in BDNF mRNA or protein levels. These nimodipine-induced changes on TrkB signaling mimic those produced by antidepressant drugs and thus propose common mechanisms and long-term functional consequences for the effects of these medications. This work provides a strong basis for investigating the role of TrkB-associated signaling underlying the neuroprotective and neuroplastic effects of nimodipine in translationally relevant animal models of brain trauma or compromised synaptic plasticity.
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37
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Vaghi V, Polacchini A, Baj G, Pinheiro VLM, Vicario A, Tongiorgi E. Pharmacological profile of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) splice variant translation using a novel drug screening assay: a "quantitative code". J Biol Chem 2014; 289:27702-13. [PMID: 25074925 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.586719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neuronal development and plasticity. BDNF is a major pharmaceutical target in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. However, pharmacological modulation of this neurotrophin is challenging because BDNF is generated by multiple, alternatively spliced transcripts with different 5'- and 3'UTRs. Each BDNF mRNA variant is transcribed independently, but translation regulation is unknown. To evaluate the translatability of BDNF transcripts, we developed an in vitro luciferase assay in human neuroblastoma cells. In unstimulated cells, each BDNF 5'- and 3'UTR determined a different basal translation level of the luciferase reporter gene. However, constructs with either a 5'UTR or a 3'UTR alone showed poor translation modulation by BDNF, KCl, dihydroxyphenylglycine, AMPA, NMDA, dopamine, acetylcholine, norepinephrine, or serotonin. Constructs consisting of the luciferase reporter gene flanked by the 5'UTR of one of the most abundant BDNF transcripts in the brain (exons 1, 2c, 4, and 6) and the long 3'UTR responded selectively to stimulation with the different receptor agonists, and only transcripts 2c and 6 were increased by the antidepressants desipramine and mirtazapine. We propose that BDNF mRNA variants represent "a quantitative code" for regulated expression of the protein. Thus, to discriminate the efficacy of drugs in stimulating BDNF synthesis, it is appropriate to use variant-specific in vitro screening tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vaghi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessio Polacchini
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Vera L M Pinheiro
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Annalisa Vicario
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
| | - Enrico Tongiorgi
- From the Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34127 Trieste, Italy
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Abstract
Extinction therapy has been suggested to suppress the conditioned motivational effect of drug cues to prevent relapse. However, extinction forms a new inhibiting memory rather than erasing the original memory trace and drug memories invariably return. Perineuronal nets (PNNs) are a specialized extracellular matrix around interneurons in the brain that have been suggested to be a permissive factor that allows synaptic plasticity in the adolescent brain. The degradation of PNNs caused by chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) may generate induced juvenile-like plasticity (iPlasticity) and promote experience-dependent plasticity in the adult brain. In the present study, we investigated the effect of removing PNNs in the amygdala of rat on the extinction of drug memories. We found that extinction combined with intra-amygdala injections of ChABC (0.01 U/side) prevented the subsequent priming-induced reinstatement of morphine-induced and cocaine-induced, but not food -induced, conditioned place preference (CPP). Intra-amygdala injections of ChABC alone had no effect on the retention, retrieval, or relearning of morphine-induced CPP and storage of acquired food-induced CPP. Moreover, we found that the procedure facilitated the extinction of heroin- and cocaine-seeking behavior and prevented the spontaneous recovery and drug-induced reinstatement of heroin- and cocaine-seeking behavior. We also found that the effect of PNNs degradation combined with extinction may be mediated by the potentiation of several plasticity-related proteins in the amygdala. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that a combination of extinction training with PNNs degradation in the amygdala erases drug memories and suggest that ChABC may be an attractive candidate for the prevention of relapse.
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Drosophila models of early onset cognitive disorders and their clinical applications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2014; 46 Pt 2:326-42. [PMID: 24661984 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The number of genes known to cause human monogenic diseases is increasing rapidly. For the extremely large, genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of intellectual disability (ID) disorders, more than 600 causative genes have been identified to date. However, knowledge about the molecular mechanisms and networks disrupted by these genetic aberrations is lagging behind. The fruit fly Drosophila has emerged as a powerful model organism to close this knowledge gap. This review summarizes recent achievements that have been made in this model and envisions its future contribution to our understanding of ID genetics and neuropathology. The available resources and efficiency of Drosophila place it in a position to tackle the main challenges in the field: mapping functional modules of ID genes to provide conceptually novel insights into the genetic control of cognition, tailored functional studies to improve 'next-generation' diagnostics, and identification of reversible ID phenotypes and medication. Drosophila's behavioral repertoire and powerful genetics also open up perspectives for modeling genetically complex forms of ID and neuropsychiatric disorders, which overlap in their genetic etiologies. In conclusion, Drosophila provides many opportunities to advance future medical genomics of early onset cognitive disorders.
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40
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Milá M, Ramos F, Tejada MI. Guía clínica de las enfermedades asociadas al gen FMR1: síndrome X frágil, insuficiencia ovárica primaria y síndrome de temblor-ataxia. Med Clin (Barc) 2014; 142:219-25. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2013] [Revised: 05/21/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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41
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Lohmann C, Kessels HW. The developmental stages of synaptic plasticity. J Physiol 2014; 592:13-31. [PMID: 24144877 PMCID: PMC3903349 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.235119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The brain is programmed to drive behaviour by precisely wiring the appropriate neuronal circuits. Wiring and rewiring of neuronal circuits largely depends on the orchestrated changes in the strengths of synaptic contacts. Here, we review how the rules of synaptic plasticity change during development of the brain, from birth to independence. We focus on the changes that occur at the postsynaptic side of excitatory glutamatergic synapses in the rodent hippocampus and neocortex. First we summarize the current data on the structure of synapses and the developmental expression patterns of the key molecular players of synaptic plasticity, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, as well as pivotal kinases (Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, protein kinase A, protein kinase C) and phosphatases (PP1, PP2A, PP2B). In the second part we relate these findings to important characteristics of the emerging network. We argue that the concerted and gradual shifts in the usage of plasticity molecules comply with the changing need for (re)wiring neuronal circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Lohmann
- C. Lohmann and H. W. Kessels: The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, the Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, 1105 BA, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Emails: ,
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42
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Cook D, Nuro E, Murai KK. Increasing our understanding of human cognition through the study of Fragile X Syndrome. Dev Neurobiol 2013; 74:147-77. [PMID: 23723176 PMCID: PMC4216185 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is considered the most common form of inherited intellectual disability. It is caused by reductions in the expression level or function of a single protein, the Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP), a translational regulator which binds to approximately 4% of brain messenger RNAs. Accumulating evidence suggests that FXS is a complex disorder of cognition, involving interactions between genetic and environmental influences, leading to difficulties in acquiring key life skills including motor skills, language, and proper social behaviors. Since many FXS patients also present with one or more features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), insights gained from studying the monogenic basis of FXS could pave the way to a greater understanding of underlying features of multigenic ASDs. Here we present an overview of the FXS and FMRP field with the goal of demonstrating how loss of a single protein involved in translational control affects multiple stages of brain development and leads to debilitating consequences on human cognition. We also focus on studies which have rescued or improved FXS symptoms in mice using genetic or therapeutic approaches to reduce protein expression. We end with a brief description of how deficits in translational control are implicated in FXS and certain cases of ASDs, with many recent studies demonstrating that ASDs are likely caused by increases or decreases in the levels of certain key synaptic proteins. The study of FXS and its underlying single genetic cause offers an invaluable opportunity to study how a single gene influences brain development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Cook
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Centre for Research in Neuroscience, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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43
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Progress toward treatments for synaptic defects in autism. Nat Med 2013; 19:685-94. [PMID: 23744158 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a range of disorders that are characterized by social and communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. For the majority of affected individuals, the cause of ASD remains unknown, but in at least 20% of the cases, a genetic cause can be identified. There is currently no cure for ASD; however, results from mouse models indicate that some forms of the disorder could be alleviated even at the adult stage. Genes involved in ASD seem to converge on common pathways altering synaptic homeostasis. We propose, given the clinical heterogeneity of ASD, that specific 'synaptic clinical trials' should be designed and launched with the aim of establishing whether phenotype 'reversals' could also occur in humans.
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44
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Chen JL, Nedivi E. Highly specific structural plasticity of inhibitory circuits in the adult neocortex. Neuroscientist 2013; 19:384-93. [PMID: 23474602 DOI: 10.1177/1073858413479824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory neurons are known to play a vital role in defining the window for critical period plasticity during development, and it is increasingly apparent that they continue to exert powerful control over experience-dependent cortical plasticity in adulthood. Recent in vivo imaging studies demonstrate that long-term plasticity of inhibitory circuits is manifested at an anatomical level. Changes in sensory experience drive structural remodeling in inhibitory interneurons in a cell-type and circuit-specific manner. Inhibitory synapse formation and elimination can occur with a great deal of spatial and temporal precision and are locally coordinated with excitatory synaptic changes on the same neuron. We suggest that the specificity of inhibitory synapse dynamics may serve to differentially modulate activity across the dendritic arbor, to selectively tune parts of a local circuit, or potentially discriminate between activities in distinct local circuits. We further review evidence suggesting that inhibitory circuit structural changes instruct excitatory/inhibitory balance while enabling functional reorganization to occur through Hebbian forms of plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry L Chen
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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45
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Castrén E, Hen R. Neuronal plasticity and antidepressant actions. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:259-67. [PMID: 23380665 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 12/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressant treatments enhance plasticity and increase neurogenesis in the adult brain, but it has been unclear how these effects influence mood. We propose that, like environmental enrichment and exercise, antidepressant treatments enhance adaptability by increasing structural variability within the nervous system at many levels, from proliferating precursors to immature synaptic contacts. Conversely, sensory deprivation and chronic stress reduce this structural variability. Activity-dependent competition within the mood-related circuits, guided by rehabilitation, then selects for the survival and stabilization of those structures that best represent the internal or external milieu. Increased variability together with competition-mediated selection facilitates normal function, such as pattern separation within the dentate gyrus and other mood-related circuits, thereby enhancing adaptability toward novel experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eero Castrén
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 56, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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