1
|
Li G, Lu C, Yin M, Wang P, Zhang P, Wu J, Wang W, Wang D, Wang M, Liu J, Lin X, Zhang JX, Wang Z, Yu Y, Zhang YF. Neural substrates for regulating self-grooming behavior in rodents. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38993075 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b2300562] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Grooming, as an evolutionarily conserved repetitive behavior, is common in various animals, including humans, and serves essential functions including, but not limited to, hygiene maintenance, thermoregulation, de-arousal, stress reduction, and social behaviors. In rodents, grooming involves a patterned and sequenced structure, known as the syntactic chain with four phases that comprise repeated stereotyped movements happening in a cephalocaudal progression style, beginning from the nose to the face, to the head, and finally ending with body licking. The context-dependent occurrence of grooming behavior indicates its adaptive significance. This review briefly summarizes the neural substrates responsible for rodent grooming behavior and explores its relevance in rodent models of neuropsychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases with aberrant grooming phenotypes. We further emphasize the utility of rodent grooming as a reliable measure of repetitive behavior in neuropsychiatric models, holding promise for translational psychiatry. Herein, we mainly focus on rodent self-grooming. Allogrooming (grooming being applied on one animal by its conspecifics via licking or carefully nibbling) and heterogrooming (a form of grooming behavior directing towards another animal, which occurs in other contexts, such as maternal, sexual, aggressive, or social behaviors) are not covered due to space constraints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanqing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Chanyi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Development Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Miaomiao Yin
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Medical Center for Human Reproduction, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Pengbo Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, the People's Hospital of Zhaoyuan City, Zhaoyuan 265400, China
| | - Jialiang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Wenqiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Ding Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Mengyue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China
| | - Jiahan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China
| | - Xinghan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Jian-Xu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhenshan Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China.
| | - Yiqun Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China. ,
- Ear, Nose & Throat Institute, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China. ,
- Clinical and Research Center for Olfactory Disorders, Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, China. ,
| | - Yun-Feng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China. ,
- CAS Center for Excellence in Biotic Interactions, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China. ,
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wiprich MT, da Rosa Vasques R, Gusso D, Rübensam G, Kist LW, Bogo MR, Bonan CD. Locomotor Behavior and Memory Dysfunction Induced by 3-Nitropropionic Acid in Adult Zebrafish: Modulation of Dopaminergic Signaling. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:609-621. [PMID: 37648841 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03584-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuropsychiatric disturbance, cognitive impairment, and locomotor dysfunction. In the early stage (chorea) of HD, expression of dopamine D2 receptors (D2R) is reduced, whereas dopamine (DA) levels are increased. Contrary, in the late stage (bradykinesia), DA levels and the expression of D2R and dopamine D1 receptors (D1R) are reduced. 3-Nitropropionic acid (3-NPA) is a toxin that may replicate HD behavioral phenotypes and biochemical aspects. This study assessed the neurotransmitter levels, dopamine receptor gene expression, and the effect of acute exposure to quinpirole (D2R agonist) and eticlopride (D2R antagonist) in an HD model induced by 3-NPA in adult zebrafish. Quinpirole and eticlopride were acutely applied by i.p. injection in adult zebrafish after chronic treatment of 3-NPA (60 mg/kg). 3-NPA treatment caused a reduction in DA, glutamate, and serotonin levels. Quinpirole reversed the bradykinesia and memory loss induced by 3-NPA. Together, these data showed that 3-NPA acts on the dopaminergic system and causes biochemical alterations similar to late-stage HD. These data reinforce the hypothesis that DA levels are linked with locomotor and memory deficits. Thus, these findings may suggest that the use of DA agonists could be a pharmacological strategy to improve the bradykinesia and memory deficits in the late-stage HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Talita Wiprich
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência E Tecnologia Em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade E Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafaela da Rosa Vasques
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Darlan Gusso
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Rübensam
- Centro de Pesquisa Em Toxicologia E Farmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiza Wilges Kist
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mauricio Reis Bogo
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biologia Genômica E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla Denise Bonan
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Medicina E Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica E Psicofarmacologia, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência E Tecnologia Em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade E Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Biologia Celular E Molecular, Escola de Ciências da Saúde E da Vida, Pontifícia Universidade Católica Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nimgampalle M, Chakravarthy H, Sharma S, Shree S, Bhat AR, Pradeepkiran JA, Devanathan V. Neurotransmitter systems in the etiology of major neurological disorders: Emerging insights and therapeutic implications. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 89:101994. [PMID: 37385351 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters serve as chemical messengers playing a crucial role in information processing throughout the nervous system, and are essential for healthy physiological and behavioural functions in the body. Neurotransmitter systems are classified as cholinergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic, histaminergic, or aminergic systems, depending on the type of neurotransmitter secreted by the neuron, allowing effector organs to carry out specific functions by sending nerve impulses. Dysregulation of a neurotransmitter system is typically linked to a specific neurological disorder. However, more recent research points to a distinct pathogenic role for each neurotransmitter system in more than one neurological disorder of the central nervous system. In this context, the review provides recently updated information on each neurotransmitter system, including the pathways involved in their biochemical synthesis and regulation, their physiological functions, pathogenic roles in diseases, current diagnostics, new therapeutic targets, and the currently used drugs for associated neurological disorders. Finally, a brief overview of the recent developments in neurotransmitter-based therapeutics for selected neurological disorders is offered, followed by future perspectives in that area of research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mallikarjuna Nimgampalle
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Harshini Chakravarthy
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| | - Sapana Sharma
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shruti Shree
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Anoop Ramachandra Bhat
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | | | - Vasudharani Devanathan
- Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Tirupati (IISER T), Transit campus, Karakambadi Road, Mangalam, Tirupati 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Khakh BS, Goldman SA. Astrocytic contributions to Huntington's disease pathophysiology. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1522:42-59. [PMID: 36864567 PMCID: PMC10145027 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal, monogenic, autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine-encoding CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene that results in mutant huntingtin proteins (mHTT) in cells throughout the body. Although large parts of the central nervous system (CNS) are affected, the striatum is especially vulnerable and undergoes marked atrophy. Astrocytes are abundant within the striatum and contain mHTT in HD, as well as in mouse models of the disease. We focus on striatal astrocytes and summarize how they participate in, and contribute to, molecular pathophysiology and disease-related phenotypes in HD model mice. Where possible, reference is made to pertinent astrocyte alterations in human HD. Astrocytic dysfunctions related to cellular morphology, extracellular ion and neurotransmitter homeostasis, and metabolic support all accompany the development and progression of HD, in both transgenic mouse and human cellular and chimeric models of HD. These findings reveal the potential for the therapeutic targeting of astrocytes so as to restore synaptic as well as tissue homeostasis in HD. Elucidation of the mechanisms by which astrocytes contribute to HD pathogenesis may inform a broader understanding of the role of glial pathology in neurodegenerative disorders and, by so doing, enable new strategies of glial-directed therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Baljit S. Khakh
- Department of Physiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Steven A. Goldman
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pancani T, Day M, Tkatch T, Wokosin DL, González-Rodríguez P, Kondapalli J, Xie Z, Chen Y, Beaumont V, Surmeier DJ. Cholinergic deficits selectively boost cortical intratelencephalic control of striatum in male Huntington's disease model mice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1398. [PMID: 36914640 PMCID: PMC10011605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36556-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease caused by a CAG triplet expansion in huntingtin. Although corticostriatal dysfunction has long been implicated in HD, the determinants and pathway specificity of this pathophysiology are not fully understood. Here, using a male zQ175+/- knock-in mouse model of HD we carry out optogenetic interrogation of intratelencephalic and pyramidal tract synapses with principal striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs). These studies reveal that the connectivity of intratelencephalic, but not pyramidal tract, neurons with direct and indirect pathway SPNs increased in early symptomatic zQ175+/- HD mice. This enhancement was attributable to reduced pre-synaptic inhibitory control of intratelencephalic terminals by striatal cholinergic interneurons. Lowering mutant huntingtin selectively in striatal cholinergic interneurons with a virally-delivered zinc finger repressor protein normalized striatal acetylcholine release and intratelencephalic functional connectivity, revealing a node in the network underlying corticostriatal pathophysiology in a HD mouse model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tristano Pancani
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Michelle Day
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Tatiana Tkatch
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - David L Wokosin
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Patricia González-Rodríguez
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA.,Department of Medical Physiology and Biophysics Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), 41013, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Jyothisri Kondapalli
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Zhong Xie
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA
| | - Vahri Beaumont
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Suite 700, 6080 Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA, 90045, USA
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Neuroscience, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60613, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Koch ET, Sepers MD, Cheng J, Raymond LA. Early Changes in Striatal Activity and Motor Kinematics in a Huntington's Disease Mouse Model. Mov Disord 2022; 37:2021-2032. [PMID: 35880748 PMCID: PMC9796416 DOI: 10.1002/mds.29168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no disease-modifying treatments. Patients experience motor, cognitive, and psychiatric disturbances, and the dorsal striatum is the main target of neurodegeneration. Mouse models of Huntington's disease show altered striatal synaptic signaling in vitro, but how these changes relate to behavioral deficits in vivo is unclear. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate how striatal activity correlates with behavior in vivo during motor learning and spontaneous behavior in a Huntington's disease mouse model at two disease stages. METHODS We used fiber photometry to record jGCaMP7f fluorescence, a read-out of neuronal activity, in the dorsal striatum of YAC128 (yeast artificial chromosome-128CAG) mice during accelerating rotarod and open-field behavior. RESULTS Mice showed increased striatal activity on the rotarod, which diminished by late stages of learning, leading to an inverse correlation between latency to fall and striatal activity. The 2- to 3-month-old YAC128 mice did not show a deficit in latency to fall, but displayed significant differences in paw kinematics, including increased paw slip frequency and variability in paw height. These mice exhibited a weaker correlation between latency to fall and striatal activity and aberrant striatal activity during paw slips. At 6 to 7 months, the YAC128 mice showed significantly reduced latency to fall, impaired paw kinematics, and increased striatal activity while on the rotarod. In the open field, the YAC128 mice showed elevated neuronal activity at rest. CONCLUSIONS We uncovered impaired motor coordination at a stage thought to be premotor manifest in YAC128 mice and aberrant striatal activity during the accelerating rotarod and open-field exploration. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T. Koch
- Department of PsychiatryDjavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada,Graduate Program in NeuroscienceUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Marja D. Sepers
- Department of PsychiatryDjavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Judy Cheng
- Department of PsychiatryDjavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada,Graduate Program in NeuroscienceUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of PsychiatryDjavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Molecular Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Huntington's Disease. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061432. [PMID: 35740453 PMCID: PMC9219859 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease is an inherited neurodegenerative disease described 150 years ago by George Huntington. The genetic defect was identified in 1993 to be an expanded CAG repeat on exon 1 of the huntingtin gene located on chromosome 4. In the following almost 30 years, a considerable amount of research, using mainly animal models or in vitro experiments, has tried to unravel the complex molecular cascades through which the transcription of the mutant protein leads to neuronal loss, especially in the medium spiny neurons of the striatum, and identified excitotoxicity, transcriptional dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, impaired proteostasis, altered axonal trafficking and reduced availability of trophic factors to be crucial contributors. This review discusses the pathogenic cascades described in the literature through which mutant huntingtin leads to neuronal demise. However, due to the ubiquitous presence of huntingtin, astrocytes are also dysfunctional, and neuroinflammation may additionally contribute to Huntington’s disease pathology. The quest for therapies to delay the onset and reduce the rate of Huntington’s disease progression is ongoing, but is based on findings from basic research.
Collapse
|
8
|
Ciancia M, Rataj-Baniowska M, Zinter N, Baldassarro VA, Fraulob V, Charles AL, Alvarez R, Muramatsu SI, de Lera AR, Geny B, Dollé P, Niewiadomska-Cimicka A, Krezel W. Retinoic acid receptor beta protects striatopallidal medium spiny neurons from mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 212:102246. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
|
9
|
Serranilla M, Woodin MA. Striatal Chloride Dysregulation and Impaired GABAergic Signaling Due to Cation-Chloride Cotransporter Dysfunction in Huntington’s Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 15:817013. [PMID: 35095429 PMCID: PMC8795088 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.817013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracellular chloride (Cl–) levels in mature neurons must be tightly regulated for the maintenance of fast synaptic inhibition. In the mature central nervous system (CNS), synaptic inhibition is primarily mediated by gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), which binds to Cl– permeable GABAA receptors (GABAARs). The intracellular Cl– concentration is primarily maintained by the antagonistic actions of two cation-chloride cotransporters (CCCs): Cl–-importing Na+-K+-Cl– co-transporter-1 (NKCC1) and Cl– -exporting K+-Cl– co-transporter-2 (KCC2). In mature neurons in the healthy brain, KCC2 expression is higher than NKCC1, leading to lower levels of intracellular Cl–, and Cl– influx upon GABAAR activation. However, in neurons of the immature brain or in neurological disorders such as epilepsy and traumatic brain injury, impaired KCC2 function and/or enhanced NKCC1 expression lead to intracellular Cl– accumulation and GABA-mediated excitation. In Huntington’s disease (HD), KCC2- and NKCC1-mediated Cl–-regulation are also altered, which leads to GABA-mediated excitation and contributes to the development of cognitive and motor impairments. This review summarizes the role of Cl– (dys)regulation in the healthy and HD brain, with a focus on the basal ganglia (BG) circuitry and CCCs as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of HD.
Collapse
|
10
|
Harris KL, Mason SL, Vallin B, Barker RA. Reduced expression of dopamine D2 receptors on astrocytes in R6/1 HD mice and HD post-mortem tissue. Neurosci Lett 2022; 767:136289. [PMID: 34637857 PMCID: PMC9188264 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Dysfunction of the central dopaminergic system is thought to contribute to some of the clinical features of Huntington's disease (HD), and dopamine (DA) receptor antagonists are commonly used to good effect in its treatment. It is well established that there is an early significant reduction in neuronal D2 receptors in HD, considered to be a compensatory response to increased dopaminergic activity. However, no studies have examined the expression of D2 receptors on astrocytes which is important given that these cells have been shown to play a role in the pathogenesis of HD, as well as express dopamine receptors and modulate DA homeostasis in the normal brain. We therefore sought to investigate the expression of D2 receptors on astrocytes in HD, and found them to be reduced in both the R6/1 HD mouse model, and in human post-mortem brain in comparison to controls, suggesting that astrocytes may be important in DA-dependent aspects of HD. Further studies are needed to determine the functional significance of this finding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Harris
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Trumpington, Cambridge CB2 0QH, UK.
| | - Sarah L Mason
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Benjamin Vallin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK
| | - Roger A Barker
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John van Geest Centre for Brain Repair, E.D. Adrian Building, Forvie Site, Robinson Way, Cambridge CB2 0PY, UK; MRC-WT Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Barry J, Bui MTN, Levine MS, Cepeda C. Synaptic pathology in Huntington's disease: Beyond the corticostriatal pathway. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 162:105574. [PMID: 34848336 PMCID: PMC9328779 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a heritable, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a mutation in the Huntingtin gene. It is characterized by chorea, as well as cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Histopathologically, there is a massive loss of striatal projection neurons and less but significant loss in other areas throughout the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical (CBGTC) loop. The mutant huntingtin protein has been implicated in numerous functions, including an important role in synaptic transmission. Most studies on anatomical and physiological alterations in HD have focused on striatum and cerebral cortex. However, based on recent CBGTC projectome evidence, the need to study other pathways has become increasingly clear. In this review, we examine the current status of our knowledge of morphological and electrophysiological alterations of those pathways in animal models of HD. Based on recent studies, there is accumulating evidence that synaptic disconnection, particularly along excitatory pathways, is pervasive and almost universal in HD, thus supporting a critical role of the huntingtin protein in synaptic transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Barry
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Minh T N Bui
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
C57BL/6 Background Attenuates mHTT Toxicity in the Striatum of YAC128 Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312664. [PMID: 34884469 PMCID: PMC8657915 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mouse models are frequently used to study Huntington’s disease (HD). The onset and severity of neuronal and behavioral pathologies vary greatly between HD mouse models, which results from different huntingtin expression levels and different CAG repeat length. HD pathology appears to depend also on the strain background of mouse models. Thus, behavioral deficits of HD mice are more severe in the FVB than in the C57BL/6 background. Alterations in medium spiny neuron (MSN) morphology and function have been well documented in young YAC128 mice in the FVB background. Here, we tested the relevance of strain background for mutant huntingtin (mHTT) toxicity on the cellular level by investigating HD pathologies in YAC128 mice in the C57BL/6 background (YAC128/BL6). Morphology, spine density, synapse function and membrane properties were not or only subtly altered in MSNs of 12-month-old YAC128/BL6 mice. Despite the mild cellular phenotype, YAC128/BL6 mice showed deficits in motor performance. More pronounced alterations in MSN function were found in the HdhQ150 mouse model in the C57BL/6 background (HdhQ150/BL6). Consistent with the differences in HD pathology, the number of inclusion bodies was considerably lower in YAC128/BL6 mice than HdhQ150/BL6 mice. This study highlights the relevance of strain background for mHTT toxicity in HD mouse models.
Collapse
|
13
|
Allam SL, Rumbell TH, Hoang-Trong T, Parikh J, Kozloski JR. Neuronal population models reveal specific linear conductance controllers sufficient to rescue preclinical disease phenotypes. iScience 2021; 24:103279. [PMID: 34778727 PMCID: PMC8577087 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical drug candidates are screened for their ability to ameliorate in vitro neuronal electrophysiology, and go/no-go decisions progress drugs to clinical trials based on population means across cells and animals. However, these measures do not mitigate clinical endpoint risk. Population-based modeling captures variability across multiple electrophysiological measures from healthy, disease, and drug phenotypes. We pursued optimizing therapeutic targets by identifying coherent sets of ion channel target modulations for recovering heterogeneous wild-type (WT) population excitability profiles from a heterogeneous Huntington's disease (HD) population. Our approach combines mechanistic simulations with population modeling of striatal neurons using evolutionary optimization algorithms to design 'virtual drugs'. We introduce efficacy metrics to score populations and rank virtual drug candidates. We found virtual drugs using heuristic approaches that performed better than single target modulators and standard classification methods. We compare a real drug to virtual candidates and demonstrate a novel in silico triaging method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sushmita L. Allam
- IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, 13-158B, P.O. Box 218, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| | - Timothy H. Rumbell
- IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, 13-158B, P.O. Box 218, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| | - Tuan Hoang-Trong
- IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, 13-158B, P.O. Box 218, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| | - Jaimit Parikh
- IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, 13-158B, P.O. Box 218, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| | - James R. Kozloski
- IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, 13-158B, P.O. Box 218, 1101 Kitchawan Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kaye J, Reisine T, Finkbeiner S. Huntington's disease mouse models: unraveling the pathology caused by CAG repeat expansion. Fac Rev 2021; 10:77. [PMID: 34746930 PMCID: PMC8546598 DOI: 10.12703/r/10-77] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in motor and cognitive dysfunction, leading to early death. HD is caused by an expansion of CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene (HTT). Here, we review the mouse models of HD. They have been used extensively to better understand the molecular and cellular basis of disease pathogenesis as well as to provide non-human subjects to test the efficacy of potential therapeutics. The first and best-studied in vivo rodent model of HD is the R6/2 mouse, in which a transgene containing the promoter and exon 1 fragment of human HTT with 150 CAG repeats was inserted into the mouse genome. R6/2 mice express rapid, robust behavioral pathologies and display a number of degenerative abnormalities in neuronal populations most vulnerable in HD. The first conditional full-length mutant huntingtin (mHTT) mouse model of HD was the bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenic mouse model of HD (BACHD), which expresses human full-length mHTT with a mixture of 97 CAG-CAA repeats under the control of endogenous HTT regulatory machinery. It has been useful in identifying the role of mHTT in specific neuronal populations in degenerative processes. In the knock-in (KI) model of HD, the expanded human CAG repeats and human exon 1 are inserted into the mouse Htt locus, so a chimera of the full-length mouse protein with the N-terminal human portion is expressed. Many of aspects of the pathology and behavioral deficits in the KI model better mimic disease characteristics found in HD patients than other models. Accordingly, some have proposed that these mice may be preferable models of the disease over others. Indeed, as our understanding of HD advances, so will the design of animal models to test and develop HD therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Kaye
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Terry Reisine
- Independent Scientific Consultant, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Steve Finkbeiner
- Center for Systems and Therapeutics, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Taube/Koret Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology and Physiology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Shobe JL, Donzis EJ, Lee K, Chopra S, Masmanidis SC, Cepeda C, Levine MS. Early impairment of thalamocortical circuit activity and coherence in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 157:105447. [PMID: 34274461 PMCID: PMC8591983 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive, fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor, cognitive, and psychiatric disturbances. There is no known cure for HD, but its progressive nature allows for early therapeutic intervention. Currently, much of the research has focused on the striatum, however, there is evidence suggesting that disruption of thalamocortical circuits could underlie some of the early symptoms of HD. Loss of both cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs) and thalamic neurons occurs in HD patients, and cognitive, somatosensory, and attention deficits precede motor abnormalities. However, the role of thalamocortical pathways in HD progression has been understudied. Here, we measured single unit activity and local field potentials (LFPs) from electrode arrays implanted in the thalamus and primary motor cortex of 4-5 month-old male and female Q175 mice. We assessed neuronal activity under baseline conditions as well as during presentation of rewards delivered via actuation of an audible solenoid valve. HD mice showed a significantly delayed licking response to the reward stimulus. At the same time, neuronal activation to the reward was delayed in thalamic neurons, CPNs and fast-spiking cortical interneurons (FSIs) of HD mice. In addition, thalamocortical coherence increased at lower frequencies in HD relative to wildtype mice. Together, these data provide evidence that impaired cortical and thalamic responses to reward stimuli, and impaired thalamocortical coherence, may play an important early role in motor, cognitive, and learning deficits in HD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Shobe
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Elissa J Donzis
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kwang Lee
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, South Korea
| | - Samiksha Chopra
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sotiris C Masmanidis
- Department of Neurobiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Galli S, Stancheva SH, Dufor T, Gibb AJ, Salinas PC. Striatal Synapse Degeneration and Dysfunction Are Reversed by Reactivation of Wnt Signaling. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2021; 13:670467. [PMID: 34149390 PMCID: PMC8209303 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2021.670467] [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: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synapse degeneration in the striatum has been associated with the early stages of Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases (PD and HD). However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger synaptic dysfunction and loss are not fully understood. Increasing evidence suggests that deficiency in Wnt signaling triggers synapse degeneration in the adult brain and that this pathway is affected in neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we demonstrate that endogenous Wnt signaling is essential for the integrity of a subset of inhibitory synapses on striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). We found that inducible expression of the specific Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) in the adult striatum leads to the loss of inhibitory synapses on MSNs and affects the synaptic transmission of D2-MSNs. We also discovered that re-activation of the Wnt pathway by turning off Dkk1 expression after substantial loss of synapses resulted in the complete recovery of GABAergic and dopamine synapse number. Our results also show that re-activation of the Wnt pathway leads to a recovery of amphetamine response and motor function. Our studies identify the Wnt signaling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for restoring neuronal circuits after synapse degeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soledad Galli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stefka H Stancheva
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Dufor
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alasdair J Gibb
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia C Salinas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Rallapalle V, King AC, Gray M. BACHD Mice Recapitulate the Striatal Parvalbuminergic Interneuron Loss Found in Huntington's Disease. Front Neuroanat 2021; 15:673177. [PMID: 34108866 PMCID: PMC8180558 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2021.673177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited, adult-onset neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive abnormalities. Neurodegeneration is prominently observed in the striatum where GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSN) are the most affected neuronal population. Interestingly, recent reports of pathological changes in HD patient striatal tissue have identified a significant reduction in the number of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons which becomes more robust in tissues of higher disease grade. Analysis of other interneuron populations, including somatostatin, calretinin, and cholinergic, did not reveal significant neurodegeneration. Electrophysiological experiments in BACHD mice have identified significant changes in the properties of parvalbumin and somatostatin expressing interneurons in the striatum. Furthermore, their interactions with MSNs are altered as the mHTT expressing mouse models age with increased input onto MSNs from striatal somatostatin and parvalbumin-expressing neurons. In order to determine whether BACHD mice recapitulate the alterations in striatal interneuron number as observed in HD patients, we analyzed the number of striatal parvalbumin, somatostatin, calretinin, and choline acetyltransferase positive cells in symptomatic 12–14 month-old mice by immunofluorescent labeling. We observed a significant decrease in the number of parvalbumin-expressing interneurons as well as a decrease in the area and perimeter of these cells. No significant changes were observed for somatostatin, calretinin, or cholinergic interneuron numbers while a significant decrease was observed for the area of cholinergic interneurons. Thus, the BACHD mice recapitulate the degenerative phenotype observed in the parvalbumin interneurons in HD patient striata without affecting the number of other interneuron populations in the striatum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vyshnavi Rallapalle
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Undergraduate Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Annesha C King
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Graduate Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience Theme, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Michelle Gray
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics (CNET), University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bergonzoni G, Döring J, Biagioli M. D1R- and D2R-Medium-Sized Spiny Neurons Diversity: Insights Into Striatal Vulnerability to Huntington's Disease Mutation. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:628010. [PMID: 33642998 PMCID: PMC7902492 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.628010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder caused by an aberrant expansion of the CAG tract within the exon 1 of the HD gene, HTT. HD progressively impairs motor and cognitive capabilities, leading to a total loss of autonomy and ultimate death. Currently, no cure or effective treatment is available to halt the disease. Although the HTT gene is ubiquitously expressed, the striatum appears to be the most susceptible district to the HD mutation with Medium-sized Spiny Neurons (MSNs) (D1R and D2R) representing 95% of the striatal neuronal population. Why are striatal MSNs so vulnerable to the HD mutation? Particularly, why do D1R- and D2R-MSNs display different susceptibility to HD? Here, we highlight significant differences between D1R- and D2R-MSNs subpopulations, such as morphology, electrophysiology, transcriptomic, functionality, and localization in the striatum. We discuss possible reasons for their selective degeneration in the context of HD. Our review suggests that a better understanding of cell type-specific gene expression dysregulation within the striatum might reveal new paths to therapeutic intervention or prevention to ameliorate HD patients' life expectancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Marta Biagioli
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tsanov M. Neurons under genetic control: What are the next steps towards the treatment of movement disorders? Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:3577-3589. [PMID: 33304456 PMCID: PMC7708864 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the implementation of deep-brain stimulation as a therapy for movement disorders, there has been little progress in the clinical application of novel alternative treatments. Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions, which are characterised with impairment of voluntary movement and share similar anatomical loci across the basal ganglia. The focus of the current review is on Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease as they are the most investigated hypokinetic and hyperkinetic movement disorders, respectively. The last decade has seen enormous advances in the development of laboratory techniques that control neuronal activity. The two major ways to genetically control the neuronal function are: 1) expression of light-sensitive proteins that allow for the optogenetic control of the neuronal spiking and 2) expression or suppression of genes that control the transcription and translation of proteins. However, the translation of these methodologies from the laboratories into the clinics still faces significant challenges. The article summarizes the latest developments in optogenetics and gene therapy. Here, I compare the physiological mechanisms of established electrical deep brain stimulation to the experimental optogenetical deep brain stimulation. I compare also the advantages of DNA- and RNA-based techniques for gene therapy of familial movement disorders. I highlight the benefits and the major issues of each technique and I discuss the translational potential and clinical feasibility of optogenetic stimulation and gene expression control. The review emphasises recent technical breakthroughs that could initiate a notable leap in the treatment of movement disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Tsanov
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cepeda C, Levine MS. Synaptic Dysfunction in Huntington's Disease: Lessons from Genetic Animal Models. Neuroscientist 2020; 28:20-40. [PMID: 33198566 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420972662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The understanding of the functional and structural changes occurring in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia in Huntington's disease (HD) has benefited considerably from the generation of genetic animal models. Most studies of synaptic alterations in HD models have focused on the striatum, but a more complete picture of synaptic dysfunction in the cortico-basal ganglia-cortical loop is emerging. Here, we provide a review and analysis of current developments in the study of synaptic alterations in these areas using HD rodent models. Recent evidence indicates that cortical maldevelopment plays a role in synaptic dysfunction along the corticostriatal pathway that may have its roots in the way mutant huntingtin interacts with synaptic proteins. Furthermore, a progressive disconnection in the corticostriatal pathway leads to abnormal function engaging extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptors that contribute to eventual cell degeneration. In addition, biphasic increases followed by decreases in glutamate and dopamine release in the striatum could explain contrasting symptomatology in early and late stages of the disease. Changes in striatal output regions also are beginning to be examined. Finally, we highlight some therapeutic avenues aimed at rescuing synaptic dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Cepeda
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- IDDRC, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Cruickshank T, Reyes A, Pulverenti TS, Rankin T, Bartlett DM, Blazevich AJ, Poudel G, Ziman M, Trajano GS. Rate of torque development and striatal shape in individuals with prodromal Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15103. [PMID: 32934257 PMCID: PMC7492215 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72042-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to quantify explosive joint torque or the ability to develop joint torque rapidly, typically measured as the rate of torque development, in individuals with prodromal Huntington’s disease and healthy controls and its associations with measures of disease burden and striatal pathology. Twenty prodromal Huntington’s disease and 19 healthy control individuals volunteered for this study. Plantar flexor isometric rate of torque development values were evaluated using isokinetic dynamometry. Pathological changes in striatal shape were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. Disease burden was evaluated using the disease burden score and cytosine-adenine-guanine age product score. No statistical differences in the rate of torque development were observed between individuals with prodromal Huntington’s disease and healthy controls. However, significant associations were observed between the rate of torque development values and measures of disease burden (r = −0.42 to −0.69) and striatal pathology (r = 0.71–0.60) in individuals with prodromal Huntington’s disease. We found significant associations between lower rate of torque development values and greater striatal shape deflation and disease burden and striatal pathology in individuals with prodromal Huntington’s disease. While no significant differences in the rate of torque development were found between prodromal Huntington’s disease and healthy controls, the noted associations suggest that differences may emerge as the disease advances, which should be investigated longitudinally in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Travis Cruickshank
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia. .,Exercise Medicine Research Institute, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Alvaro Reyes
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Rehabilitacion, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Timothy S Pulverenti
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Tim Rankin
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Danielle M Bartlett
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Anthony J Blazevich
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.,Centre for Exercise and Sports Science (CESSR), Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Govinda Poudel
- Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mel Ziman
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, Perth, WA, 6027, Australia.,School of Biomedical Science, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Gabriel S Trajano
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Moreno-Delgado D, Puigdellívol M, Moreno E, Rodríguez-Ruiz M, Botta J, Gasperini P, Chiarlone A, Howell LA, Scarselli M, Casadó V, Cortés A, Ferré S, Guzmán M, Lluís C, Alberch J, Canela EI, Ginés S, McCormick PJ. Modulation of dopamine D 1 receptors via histamine H 3 receptors is a novel therapeutic target for Huntington's disease. eLife 2020; 9:51093. [PMID: 32513388 PMCID: PMC7282811 DOI: 10.7554/elife.51093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Early Huntington's disease (HD) include over-activation of dopamine D1 receptors (D1R), producing an imbalance in dopaminergic neurotransmission and cell death. To reduce D1R over-activation, we present a strategy based on targeting complexes of D1R and histamine H3 receptors (H3R). Using an HD mouse striatal cell model and HD mouse organotypic brain slices we found that D1R-induced cell death signaling and neuronal degeneration, are mitigated by an H3R antagonist. We demonstrate that the D1R-H3R heteromer is expressed in HD mice at early but not late stages of HD, correlating with HD progression. In accordance, we found this target expressed in human control subjects and low-grade HD patients. Finally, treatment of HD mice with an H3R antagonist prevented cognitive and motor learning deficits and the loss of heteromer expression. Taken together, our results indicate that D1R - H3R heteromers play a pivotal role in dopamine signaling and represent novel targets for treating HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Moreno-Delgado
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Puigdellívol
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut of Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Estefanía Moreno
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Botta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Gasperini
- School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Chiarlone
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lesley A Howell
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Scarselli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Vicent Casadó
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antoni Cortés
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Ferré
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Baltimore, United States
| | - Manuel Guzmán
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Instituto Universitario de Investigación Neuroquímica, and Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Lluís
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Alberch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut of Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric I Canela
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Ginés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Institut of Neuroscience, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d´Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Peter J McCormick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Madrid, Spain.,School of Pharmacy, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom.,William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chakroborty S, Manfredsson FP, Dec AM, Campbell PW, Stutzmann GE, Beaumont V, West AR. Phosphodiesterase 9A Inhibition Facilitates Corticostriatal Transmission in Wild-Type and Transgenic Rats That Model Huntington's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:466. [PMID: 32581668 PMCID: PMC7283904 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) results from abnormal expansion in CAG trinucleotide repeats within the HD gene, a mutation which leads to degeneration of striatal medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs), deficits in corticostriatal transmission, and loss of motor control. Recent studies also indicate that metabolism of cyclic nucleotides by phosphodiesterases (PDEs) is dysregulated in striatal networks in a manner linked to deficits in corticostriatal transmission. The current study assessed cortically-evoked firing in electrophysiologically-identified MSNs and fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) in aged (9-11 months old) wild-type (WT) and BACHD transgenic rats (TG5) treated with vehicle or the selective PDE9A inhibitor PF-04447943. WT and TG5 rats were anesthetized with urethane and single-unit activity was isolated during low frequency electrical stimulation of the ipsilateral motor cortex. Compared to WT controls, MSNs recorded in TG5 animals exhibited decreased spike probability during cortical stimulation delivered at low to moderate stimulation intensities. Moreover, large increases in onset latency of cortically-evoked spikes and decreases in spike probability were observed in FSIs recorded in TG5 animals. Acute systemic administration of the PDE9A inhibitor PF-04447943 significantly decreased the onset latency of cortically-evoked spikes in MSNs recorded in WT and TG5 rats. PDE9A inhibition also increased the proportion of MSNs responding to cortical stimulation and reversed deficits in spike probability observed in TG5 rats. As PDE9A is a cGMP specific enzyme, drugs such as PF-04447943 which act to facilitate striatal cGMP signaling and glutamatergic corticostriatal transmission could be useful therapeutic agents for restoring striatal function and alleviating motor and cognitive symptoms associated with HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shreaya Chakroborty
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Fredric P Manfredsson
- Parkinson's Disease Research Unit, Department of Neurobiology, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Alexander M Dec
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peter W Campbell
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Grace E Stutzmann
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Vahri Beaumont
- CHDI Management/CHDI Foundation, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Anthony R West
- Department of Neuroscience, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
González-Guevara E, Cárdenas G, Pérez-Severiano F, Martínez-Lazcano JC. Dysregulated Brain Cholesterol Metabolism Is Linked to Neuroinflammation in Huntington's Disease. Mov Disord 2020; 35:1113-1127. [PMID: 32410324 DOI: 10.1002/mds.28089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease is an autosomal-dominant, neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in exon-1 of the huntingtin gene. Alterations in cholesterol metabolism and distribution have been reported in Huntington's disease, including abnormal interactions between mutant huntingtin and sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, decreased levels of apolipoprotein E/cholesterol/low-density lipoprotein receptor complexes, and alterations in the synthesis of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1. Plasma levels of 24S-hydroxycholestrol, a key intermediary in cholesterol metabolism and a possible marker in neurodegenerative diseases, decreased proportionally to the degree of caudate nucleus atrophy. The interaction of mutant huntingtin with sterol regulatory element-binding proteins is of particular interest given that sterol regulatory element-binding proteins play a dual role: They take part in lipid and cholesterol metabolism, but also in the inflammatory response that induces immune cell migration as well as toxic effects, particularly in astrocytes. This work summarizes current evidence on the metabolic and immune implications of sterol regulatory element-binding protein dysregulation in Huntington's disease, highlighting the potential use of drugs that modulate these alterations. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edith González-Guevara
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Graciela Cárdenas
- Departamento de Neurología y Enfermedades Neuro-Infecciosas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisca Pérez-Severiano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Martínez-Lazcano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "MVS", Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ponzi A, Barton SJ, Bunner KD, Rangel-Barajas C, Zhang ES, Miller BR, Rebec GV, Kozloski J. Striatal network modeling in Huntington's Disease. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007648. [PMID: 32302302 PMCID: PMC7197869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Medium spiny neurons (MSNs) comprise over 90% of cells in the striatum. In vivo MSNs display coherent burst firing cell assembly activity patterns, even though isolated MSNs do not burst fire intrinsically. This activity is important for the learning and execution of action sequences and is characteristically dysregulated in Huntington's Disease (HD). However, how dysregulation is caused by the various neural pathologies affecting MSNs in HD is unknown. Previous modeling work using simple cell models has shown that cell assembly activity patterns can emerge as a result of MSN inhibitory network interactions. Here, by directly estimating MSN network model parameters from single unit spiking data, we show that a network composed of much more physiologically detailed MSNs provides an excellent quantitative fit to wild type (WT) mouse spiking data, but only when network parameters are appropriate for the striatum. We find the WT MSN network is situated in a regime close to a transition from stable to strongly fluctuating network dynamics. This regime facilitates the generation of low-dimensional slowly varying coherent activity patterns and confers high sensitivity to variations in cortical driving. By re-estimating the model on HD spiking data we discover network parameter modifications are consistent across three very different types of HD mutant mouse models (YAC128, Q175, R6/2). In striking agreement with the known pathophysiology we find feedforward excitatory drive is reduced in HD compared to WT mice, while recurrent inhibition also shows phenotype dependency. We show that these modifications shift the HD MSN network to a sub-optimal regime where higher dimensional incoherent rapidly fluctuating activity predominates. Our results provide insight into a diverse range of experimental findings in HD, including cognitive and motor symptoms, and may suggest new avenues for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Ponzi
- IBM Research, Computational Biology Center, Thomas J. Watson Research Laboratories, Yorktown Heights, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Scott J. Barton
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kendra D. Bunner
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Claudia Rangel-Barajas
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Emily S. Zhang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Benjamin R. Miller
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - George V. Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States of America
| | - James Kozloski
- IBM Research, Computational Biology Center, Thomas J. Watson Research Laboratories, Yorktown Heights, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Deficit in Motor Skill Consolidation-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity at Motor Cortex to Dorsolateral Striatum Synapses in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0297-19.2020. [PMID: 32144144 PMCID: PMC7139551 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0297-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disease notably characterized by progressive motor symptoms. Although the loss of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum has been associated with motor deficits, premanifest patients already present cognitive deficiencies and show early signs of motor disabilities. Here, in a YAC128 HD mouse model, we identified impairment in motor skill consolidation at the age of 11-14 weeks. Using optogenetic stimulation, we found that excitatory synaptic transmission from motor cortex to MSNs located in the dorsolateral part of the striatum (DLS) is altered. Using single pellet reaching task, we observed that while motor skill consolidation is accompanied by a dynamic change in AMPA/NMDA ratio in wild-type (WT) mice, this form of synaptic plasticity does not occur in YAC128 mice. This study not only proposes new meaningful insight in the synaptopathic mechanisms of HD, but also highlights that deficit in motor skill consolidation-dependent synaptic plasticity at motor cortex to DLS synapses represents an early biomarker for HD.
Collapse
|
27
|
Blumenstock S, Dudanova I. Cortical and Striatal Circuits in Huntington's Disease. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:82. [PMID: 32116525 PMCID: PMC7025546 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder that typically manifests in midlife with motor, cognitive, and/or psychiatric symptoms. The disease is caused by a CAG triplet expansion in exon 1 of the huntingtin gene and leads to a severe neurodegeneration in the striatum and cortex. Classical electrophysiological studies in genetic HD mouse models provided important insights into the disbalance of excitatory, inhibitory and neuromodulatory inputs, as well as progressive disconnection between the cortex and striatum. However, the involvement of local cortical and striatal microcircuits still remains largely unexplored. Here we review the progress in understanding HD-related impairments in the cortical and basal ganglia circuits, and outline new opportunities that have opened with the development of modern circuit analysis methods. In particular, in vivo imaging studies in mouse HD models have demonstrated early structural and functional disturbances within the cortical network, and optogenetic manipulations of striatal cell types have started uncovering the causal roles of certain neuronal populations in disease pathogenesis. In addition, the important contribution of astrocytes to HD-related circuit defects has recently been recognized. In parallel, unbiased systems biology studies are providing insights into the possible molecular underpinnings of these functional defects at the level of synaptic signaling and neurotransmitter metabolism. With these approaches, we can now reach a deeper understanding of circuit-based HD mechanisms, which will be crucial for the development of effective and targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Blumenstock
- Department of Molecules – Signaling – Development, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Irina Dudanova
- Molecular Neurodegeneration Group, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Martinsried, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zlebnik NE, Gildish I, Sesia T, Fitoussi A, Cole EA, Carson BP, Cachope R, Cheer JF. Motivational Impairment is Accompanied by Corticoaccumbal Dysfunction in the BACHD-Tg5 Rat Model of Huntington's Disease. Cereb Cortex 2019; 29:4763-4774. [PMID: 30753343 PMCID: PMC7150618 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as avolition, apathy, and anhedonia, precede the onset of debilitating motor symptoms in Huntington's disease (HD), and their development may give insight into early disease progression and treatment. However, the neuronal and circuit mechanisms of premanifest HD pathophysiology are not well-understood. Here, using a transgenic rat model expressing the full-length human mutant HD gene, we find early and profound deficits in reward motivation in the absence of gross motor abnormalities. These deficits are accompanied by significant and progressive dysfunction in corticostriatal processing and communication among brain areas critical for reward-driven behavior. Together, our results define early corticostriatal dysfunction as a possible pathogenic contributor to psychiatric disturbances and may help identify potential pharmacotherapeutic targets for the treatment of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E Zlebnik
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Iness Gildish
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thibaut Sesia
- Department of Stereotaxy and Functional Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Cologne, Kerpener Str. 62 Cologne, Germany
| | - Aurelie Fitoussi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ellen A Cole
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Brian P Carson
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Roger Cachope
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
- CHDI Foundation, 6080 Center Drive, Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph F Cheer
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 20 Penn St., Baltimore, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Kovalenko M, Milnerwood A, Giordano J, St Claire J, Guide JR, Stromberg M, Gillis T, Sapp E, DiFiglia M, MacDonald ME, Carroll JB, Lee JM, Tappan S, Raymond L, Wheeler VC. HttQ111/+ Huntington's Disease Knock-in Mice Exhibit Brain Region-Specific Morphological Changes and Synaptic Dysfunction. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 7:17-33. [PMID: 29480209 PMCID: PMC5869998 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background: Successful disease-modifying therapy for Huntington’s disease (HD) will require therapeutic intervention early in the pathogenic process. Achieving this goal requires identifying phenotypes that are proximal to the HTT CAG repeat expansion. Objective: To use Htt CAG knock-in mice, precise genetic replicas of the HTT mutation in patients, as models to study proximal disease events. Methods: Using cohorts of B6J.HttQ111/+ mice from 2 to 18 months of age, we analyzed pathological markers, including immunohistochemistry, brain regional volumes and cortical thickness, CAG instability, electron microscopy of striatal synapses, and acute slice electrophysiology to record glutamatergic transmission at striatal synapses. We also incorporated a diet perturbation paradigm for some of these analyses. Results: B6J.HttQ111/+ mice did not exhibit significant neurodegeneration or gliosis but revealed decreased striatal DARPP-32 as well as subtle but regional-specific changes in brain volumes and cortical thickness that parallel those in HD patients. Ultrastructural analyses of the striatum showed reduced synapse density, increased postsynaptic density thickness and increased synaptic cleft width. Acute slice electrophysiology showed alterations in spontaneous AMPA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents, evoked NMDA receptor-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents, and elevated extrasynaptic NMDA currents. Diet influenced cortical thickness, but did not impact somatic CAG expansion, nor did it show any significant interaction with genotype on immunohistochemical, brain volume or cortical thickness measures. Conclusions: These data show that a single HttQ111 allele is sufficient to elicit brain region-specific morphological changes and early neuronal dysfunction, highlighting an insidious disease process already apparent in the first few months of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Kovalenko
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Austen Milnerwood
- Department of Neurology & Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - James Giordano
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jason St Claire
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jolene R Guide
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mary Stromberg
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tammy Gillis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ellen Sapp
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marian DiFiglia
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marcy E MacDonald
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Carroll
- Department of Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA, USA
| | - Jong-Min Lee
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Lynn Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Vanessa C Wheeler
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Waters S, Tedroff J, Ponten H, Klamer D, Sonesson C, Waters N. Pridopidine: Overview of Pharmacology and Rationale for its Use in Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2019; 7:1-16. [PMID: 29480206 PMCID: PMC5836399 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-170267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease (HD), there are currently no effective pharmacological agents available to treat core symptoms or to stop or prevent the progression of this hereditary neurodegenerative disorder. Pridopidine, a novel small molecule compound, has demonstrated potential for both symptomatic treatment and disease modifying effects in HD. While pridopidine failed to achieve its primary efficacy outcomes (Modified motor score) in two trials (MermaiHD and HART) there were consistent effects on secondary outcomes (TMS). In the most recent study (PrideHD) pridiopidine did not differ from placebo on TMS, possibly due to a large enduring placebo effect. This review describes the process, based on in vivo systems response profiling, by which pridopidine was discovered and discusses its pharmacological profile, aiming to provide a model for the system-level effects, and a rationale for the use of pridopidine in patients affected by HD. Considering the effects on brain neurochemistry, gene expression and behaviour in vivo, pridopidine displays a unique effect profile. A hallmark feature in the behavioural pharmacology of pridopidine is its state-dependent inhibition or activation of dopamine-dependent psychomotor functions. Such effects are paralleled by strengthening of synaptic connectivity in cortico-striatal pathways suggesting pridopidine has potential to modify phenotypic expression as well as progression of HD. The preclinical pharmacological profile is discussed with respect to the clinical results for pridopidine, and proposals are made for further investigation, including preclinical and clinical studies addressing disease progression and effects at different stages of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Waters
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Integrative Research Laboratories AB, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Tedroff
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Integrative Research Laboratories AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ponten
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Klamer
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Clas Sonesson
- Integrative Research Laboratories AB, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Wood TE, Barry J, Yang Z, Cepeda C, Levine MS, Gray M. Mutant huntingtin reduction in astrocytes slows disease progression in the BACHD conditional Huntington's disease mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 28:487-500. [PMID: 30312396 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal and non-neuronal cells express the huntingtin (HTT) protein, yet neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease (HD) is largely selective, affecting most prominently striatal medium spiny neurons and cortical pyramidal neurons. Selective toxicity of full-length human mutant HTT (fl-mHTT) may be due in part to its expression in non-neuronal cells. While studies suggest neuronal-glial interactions are important in HD and fl-mHTT is expressed in astrocytes, it has not been determined whether the expression of fl-mHTT in astrocytes is necessary for HD pathogenesis. To directly assess the necessity of fl-mHTT in astrocytes for HD pathogenesis, we used a mouse genetic approach and bred the conditional mHTT-expressing BACHD mouse model with GFAP-CreERT2 mice. We show that GFAP-CreERT2 expression in these mice is highly selective for astrocytes, and we are able to significantly reduce the expression of fl-mHTT protein in the striatum and cortex of BACHD/GFAP-CreERT2-tam mice. We performed behavioral, electrophysiological and neuropathological analyses of BACHD and BACHD/GFAP-CreERT2-tam mice. Behavioral analyses of BACHD/GFAP-CreERT2-tam mice demonstrate significant improvements in motor and psychiatric-like phenotypes. We observe improvements in neuropathological and electrophysiological phenotypes in BACHD/GFAP-CreERT2-tam mice compared to BACHD mice. We observed a restoration of the normal level αB-crystallin in the striatum of the BACHD/GFAP-CreERT2 mice, indicating a cell autonomous effect of mHTT on its expression. Taken together, this work indicates that astrocytes are important contributors to the progression of the behavioral and neuropathological phenotypes observed in HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tara E Wood
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Joshua Barry
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zhenquin Yang
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michelle Gray
- Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Koch ET, Raymond LA. Dysfunctional striatal dopamine signaling in Huntington's disease. J Neurosci Res 2019; 97:1636-1654. [PMID: 31304622 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine signaling in the striatum is critical for a variety of behaviors including movement, behavioral flexibility, response to reward and many forms of learning. Alterations to dopamine transmission contribute to pathological features of many neurological diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the Huntingtin gene. The striatum is preferentially degenerated in HD, and this region receives dopaminergic input from the substantia nigra. Studies of HD patients and genetic rodent models have shown changes to levels of dopamine and its receptors in the striatum, and alterations in dopamine receptor signaling and modulation of other neurotransmitters, notably glutamate. Throughout his career, Dr. Michael Levine's research has furthered our understanding of dopamine signaling in the striatum of healthy rodents and HD mouse models. This review will focus on the work of his group and others in elucidating alterations to striatal dopamine signaling that contribute to pathophysiology in HD mouse models, and how these findings relate to human HD studies. We will also discuss current and potential therapeutic interventions for HD that target the dopamine system, and future research directions for this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T Koch
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Smith‐Dijak AI, Sepers MD, Raymond LA. Alterations in synaptic function and plasticity in Huntington disease. J Neurochem 2019; 150:346-365. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy I. Smith‐Dijak
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Marja D. Sepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Carrillo-Reid L, Day M, Xie Z, Melendez AE, Kondapalli J, Plotkin JL, Wokosin DL, Chen Y, Kress GJ, Kaplitt M, Ilijic E, Guzman JN, Chan CS, Surmeier DJ. Mutant huntingtin enhances activation of dendritic Kv4 K + channels in striatal spiny projection neurons. eLife 2019; 8:e40818. [PMID: 31017573 PMCID: PMC6481990 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is initially characterized by an inability to suppress unwanted movements, a deficit attributable to impaired synaptic activation of striatal indirect pathway spiny projection neurons (iSPNs). To better understand the mechanisms underlying this deficit, striatal neurons in ex vivo brain slices from mouse genetic models of HD were studied using electrophysiological, optical and biochemical approaches. Distal dendrites of iSPNs from symptomatic HD mice were hypoexcitable, a change that was attributable to increased association of dendritic Kv4 potassium channels with auxiliary KChIP subunits. This association was negatively modulated by TrkB receptor signaling. Dendritic excitability of HD iSPNs was rescued by knocking-down expression of Kv4 channels, by disrupting KChIP binding, by restoring TrkB receptor signaling or by lowering mutant-Htt (mHtt) levels with a zinc finger protein. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that mHtt induces reversible alterations in the dendritic excitability of iSPNs that could contribute to the motor symptoms of HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Carrillo-Reid
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology and Neurophysiology, Neurobiology InstituteNational Autonomous University of MexicoQueretaroMexico
| | - Michelle Day
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Zhong Xie
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Alexandria E Melendez
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Jyothisri Kondapalli
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Joshua L Plotkin
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Department of Neurobiology & BehaviorStony Brook University School of MedicineStony BrookUnited States
| | - David L Wokosin
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Geraldine J Kress
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Department of NeurologyWashington University School of MedicineSt. LouisUnited States
| | - Michael Kaplitt
- Department of Neurological SurgeryWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkUnited States
| | - Ema Ilijic
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Jaime N Guzman
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - C Savio Chan
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - D James Surmeier
- Department of Physiology, Feinberg School of MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Rangel-Barajas C, Rebec GV. Overview of Huntington's Disease Models: Neuropathological, Molecular, and Behavioral Differences. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 83:e47. [PMID: 30040221 DOI: 10.1002/cpns.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Transgenic mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative condition caused by a single gene mutation, have been transformative in their ability to reveal the molecular processes and pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the HD behavioral phenotype. Three model categories have been generated depending on the genetic context in which the mutation is expressed: truncated, full-length, and knock-in. No single model, however, broadly replicates the behavioral symptoms and massive neuronal loss that occur in human patients. The disparity between model and patient requires careful consideration of what each model has to offer when testing potential treatments. Although the translation of animal data to the clinic has been limited, each model can make unique contributions toward an improved understanding of the neurobehavioral underpinnings of HD. Thus, conclusions based on data obtained from more than one model are likely to have the most success in the search for new treatment targets. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rangel-Barajas
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| | - George V Rebec
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Loss-of-Huntingtin in Medial and Lateral Ganglionic Lineages Differentially Disrupts Regional Interneuron and Projection Neuron Subtypes and Promotes Huntington's Disease-Associated Behavioral, Cellular, and Pathological Hallmarks. J Neurosci 2019; 39:1892-1909. [PMID: 30626701 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2443-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies are providing compelling evidence that the pathogenesis of Huntington's disease (HD), a neurodegenerative disorder with frequent midlife onset, encompasses developmental components. Moreover, our previous studies using a hypomorphic model targeting huntingtin during the neurodevelopmental period indicated that loss-of-function mechanisms account for this pathogenic developmental component (Arteaga-Bracho et al., 2016). In the present study, we specifically ascertained the roles of subpallial lineage species in eliciting the previously observed HD-like phenotypes. Accordingly, we used the Cre-loxP system to conditionally ablate the murine huntingtin gene (Httflx) in cells expressing the subpallial patterning markers Gsx2 (Gsx2-Cre) or Nkx2.1 (Nkx2.1-Cre) in Httflx mice of both sexes. These genetic manipulations elicited anxiety-like behaviors, hyperkinetic locomotion, age-dependent motor deficits, and weight loss in both Httflx;Gsx2-Cre and Httflx;Nkx2.1-Cre mice. In addition, these strains displayed unique but complementary spatial patterns of basal ganglia degeneration that are strikingly reminiscent of those seen in human cases of HD. Furthermore, we observed early deficits of somatostatin-positive and Reelin-positive interneurons in both Htt subpallial null strains, as well as early increases of cholinergic interneurons, Foxp2+ arkypallidal neurons, and incipient deficits with age-dependent loss of parvalbumin-positive neurons in Httflx;Nkx2.1-Cre mice. Overall, our findings indicate that selective loss-of-huntingtin function in subpallial lineages differentially disrupts the number, complement, and survival of forebrain interneurons and globus pallidus GABAergic neurons, thereby leading to the development of key neurological hallmarks of HD during adult life. Our findings have important implications for the establishment and deployment of neural circuitries and the integrity of network reserve in health and disease.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Huntington's disease (HD) is a progressive degenerative disorder caused by aberrant trinucleotide expansion in the huntingtin gene. Mechanistically, this mutation involves both loss- and gain-of-function mechanisms affecting a broad array of cellular and molecular processes. Although huntingtin is widely expressed during adult life, the mutant protein only causes the demise of selective neuronal subtypes. The mechanisms accounting for this differential vulnerability remain elusive. In this study, we have demonstrated that loss-of-huntingtin function in subpallial lineages not only differentially disrupts distinct interneuron species early in life, but also leads to a pattern of neurological deficits that are reminiscent of HD. This work suggests that early disruption of selective neuronal subtypes may account for the profiles of enhanced regional cellular vulnerability to death in HD.
Collapse
|
37
|
Holley SM, Galvan L, Kamdjou T, Cepeda C, Levine MS. Striatal GABAergic interneuron dysfunction in the Q175 mouse model of Huntington's disease. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 49:79-93. [PMID: 30472747 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The pathological hallmark of Huntington's disease (HD) is the massive loss of striatal and cortical neurons. Until recently, it was believed that striatal interneurons were spared from degeneration. This view has changed after the demonstration that parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons also are vulnerable in humans. Here we compared morphological and functional changes of striatal fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) and low-threshold spiking (LTS) interneurons in the Q175 mouse model of HD at presymptomatic (2 months) and symptomatic (12 months) stages of the disease. Electrophysiological intrinsic and synaptic properties of FSIs were significantly altered in symptomatic mice compared to wild-type (WT) littermates. Overall, FSIs became more excitable with disease progression. Sholl analysis also revealed a significant loss of dendritic complexity and excitatory synaptic inputs. The basic membrane and synaptic properties of LTS interneurons were similar in Q175 and WT mice regardless of disease stage. The resilience of LTS interneurons could be related to their sparsity of excitatory synaptic inputs compared with FSIs. However, in symptomatic mice, a subpopulation of LTS interneurons displayed an increase in action potential firing within oscillating bursts. Thus, we conclude that while both FSI and LTS interneurons demonstrate increases in excitability, the HD mutation differentially affects their membrane and synaptic properties as well as their ability to respond to compensatory challenges presented during the late stage of the disease. Alterations in GABAergic interneuron intrinsic activity and responsiveness to incoming signals may significantly affect SPN output thus contributing to abnormal motor movements in patients afflicted with HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Holley
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Laurie Galvan
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Talia Kamdjou
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Brain Research Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Plotkin JL, Goldberg JA. Thinking Outside the Box (and Arrow): Current Themes in Striatal Dysfunction in Movement Disorders. Neuroscientist 2018; 25:359-379. [PMID: 30379121 PMCID: PMC6529282 DOI: 10.1177/1073858418807887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The basal ganglia are an intricately connected assembly of subcortical nuclei, forming the core of an adaptive network connecting cortical and thalamic circuits. For nearly three decades, researchers and medical practitioners have conceptualized how the basal ganglia circuit works, and how its pathology underlies motor disorders such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, using what is often referred to as the "box-and-arrow model": a circuit diagram showing the broad strokes of basal ganglia connectivity and the pathological increases and decreases in the weights of specific connections that occur in disease. While this model still has great utility and has led to groundbreaking strategies to treat motor disorders, our evolving knowledge of basal ganglia function has made it clear that this classic model has several shortcomings that severely limit its predictive and descriptive abilities. In this review, we will focus on the striatum, the main input nucleus of the basal ganglia. We describe recent advances in our understanding of the rich microcircuitry and plastic capabilities of the striatum, factors not captured by the original box-and-arrow model, and provide examples of how such advances inform our current understanding of the circuit pathologies underlying motor disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua L Plotkin
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Joshua A Goldberg
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Suresh SN, Verma V, Sateesh S, Clement JP, Manjithaya R. Neurodegenerative diseases: model organisms, pathology and autophagy. J Genet 2018; 97:679-701. [PMID: 30027903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A proteostasis view of neurodegeneration (ND) identifies protein aggregation as a leading causative reason for damage seen at the cellular and organ levels. While investigative therapies that aim at dissolving aggregates have failed, and the promises of silencing expression of ND associated pathogenic proteins or the deployment of engineered induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are still in the horizon, emerging literature suggests degrading aggregates through autophagy-related mechanisms hold the current potential for a possible cure. Macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) is an intracellular degradative pathway where superfluous or unwanted cellular cargoes (such as peroxisomes, mitochondria, ribosomes, intracellular bacteria and misfolded protein aggregates) are wrapped in double membrane vesicles called autophagosomes that eventually fuses with lysosomes for their degradation. The selective branch of autophagy that deals with identification, capture and degradation of protein aggregates is called aggrephagy. Here, we cover the workings of aggrephagy detailing its selectivity towards aggregates. The diverse cellular adaptors that bridge the aggregates with the core autophagy machinery in terms of autophagosome formation are discussed. In ND, essential protein quality control mechanisms fail as the constituent components also find themselves trapped in the aggregates. Thus, although cellular aggrephagy has the potential to be upregulated, its dysfunction further aggravates the pathogenesis. This phenomenonwhen combined with the fact that neurons can neither dilute out the aggregates by cell division nor the dead neurons can be replaced due to low neurogenesis, makes a compelling case for aggrephagy pathway as a potential therapeutic option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S N Suresh
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Jakkur, Bengaluru 560 064, India.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
41
|
Schmidt ME, Buren C, Mackay JP, Cheung D, Dal Cengio L, Raymond LA, Hayden MR. Altering cortical input unmasks synaptic phenotypes in the YAC128 cortico-striatal co-culture model of Huntington disease. BMC Biol 2018; 16:58. [PMID: 29945611 PMCID: PMC6020351 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0526-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Huntington disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the huntingtin (HTT) gene, leading to selective and progressive neuronal death predominantly in the striatum. Mutant HTT expression causes dysfunctional cortico-striatal (CS) transmission, loss of CS synapses, and striatal medium spiny neuron (MSN) dendritic spine instability prior to neuronal death. Co-culturing cortical and striatal neurons in vitro promotes the formation of functional CS synapses and is a widely used approach to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms of HD and to validate potential synapto-protective therapies. A number of relevant in vivo synaptic phenotypes from the YAC128 HD mouse model, which expresses full-length transgenic human mutant HTT, are recapitulated in CS co-culture by 21 days in vitro (DIV). However, striatal spine loss, which occurs in HD patients and in vivo animal models, has been observed in YAC128 CS co-culture in some studies but not in others, leading to difficulties in reproducing and interpreting results. Here, we investigated whether differences in the relative proportion of cortical and striatal neurons alter YAC128 synaptic phenotypes in this model. RESULTS YAC128 MSNs in 1:1 CS co-culture exhibited impaired dendritic length and complexity compared to wild-type, whereas reducing cortical input using a 1:3 CS ratio revealed a dramatic loss of YAC128 MSN dendritic spines. Chimeric experiments determined that this spine instability was primarily cell autonomous, depending largely on mutant HTT expression in striatal neurons. Moreover, we found that spontaneous electrophysiological MSN activity correlated closely with overall dendritic length, with no differences observed between genotypes in 1:3 co-cultures despite significant YAC128 spine loss. Finally, limiting cortical input with a 1:3 CS ratio impaired the basal survival of YAC128 neurons at DIV21, and this was partially selective for dopamine- and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 32-positive MSNs. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reconcile previous discordant reports of spine loss in this model, and improve the utility and reliability of the CS co-culture for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mandi E Schmidt
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Caodu Buren
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 4834-2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada.,Present address: The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - James P Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 4834-2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Daphne Cheung
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Louisa Dal Cengio
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Lynn A Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, 4834-2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Michael R Hayden
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is one of the most common tandem repeat disorders and presents as a unique trilogy of cognitive, psychiatric and motor symptoms. One of the major mysteries of HD is why it selectively affects specific neuronal populations. A new article in BMC Biology provides a piece in the puzzle of pathogenesis. By demonstrating the delicate relationship between cortical and striatal neurons, it provokes broader questions of how we might understand HD as a disorder of synapses, neural circuits and systems biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Reiner A, Deng Y. Disrupted striatal neuron inputs and outputs in Huntington's disease. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:250-280. [PMID: 29582587 PMCID: PMC5875736 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the gene coding for the protein huntingtin, resulting in a pathogenic expansion of the polyglutamine tract in the N-terminus of this protein. The HD pathology resulting from the mutation is most prominent in the striatal part of the basal ganglia, and progressive differential dysfunction and loss of striatal projection neurons and interneurons account for the progression of motor deficits seen in this disease. The present review summarizes current understanding regarding the progression in striatal neuron dysfunction and loss, based on studies both in human HD victims and in genetic mouse models of HD. We review evidence on early loss of inputs to striatum from cortex and thalamus, which may be the basis of the mild premanifest bradykinesia in HD, as well as on the subsequent loss of indirect pathway striatal projection neurons and their outputs to the external pallidal segment, which appears to be the basis of the chorea seen in early symptomatic HD. Later loss of direct pathway striatal projection neurons and their output to the internal pallidal segment account for the severe akinesia seen late in HD. Loss of parvalbuminergic striatal interneurons may contribute to the late dystonia and rigidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anton Reiner
- Department of Anatomy & NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
- Department of OphthalmologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
| | - Yun‐Ping Deng
- Department of Anatomy & NeurobiologyThe University of Tennessee Health Science CenterMemphisTNUSA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Holley SM, Kamdjou T, Reidling JC, Fury B, Coleal-Bergum D, Bauer G, Thompson LM, Levine MS, Cepeda C. Therapeutic effects of stem cells in rodent models of Huntington's disease: Review and electrophysiological findings. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 24:329-342. [PMID: 29512295 DOI: 10.1111/cns.12839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The principal symptoms of Huntington's disease (HD), chorea, cognitive deficits, and psychiatric symptoms are associated with the massive loss of striatal and cortical projection neurons. As current drug therapies only partially alleviate symptoms, finding alternative treatments has become peremptory. Cell replacement using stem cells is a rapidly expanding field that offers such an alternative. In this review, we examine recent studies that use mesenchymal cells, as well as pluripotent, cell-derived products in animal models of HD. Additionally, we provide further electrophysiological characterization of a human neural stem cell line, ESI-017, which has already demonstrated disease-modifying properties in two mouse models of HD. Overall, the field of regenerative medicine represents a viable and promising avenue for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including HD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra M Holley
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Talia Kamdjou
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jack C Reidling
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Brian Fury
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dane Coleal-Bergum
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Gerhard Bauer
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology & Behavior and Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhong P, Hu Z, Jiang H, Yan Z, Feng J. Dopamine Induces Oscillatory Activities in Human Midbrain Neurons with Parkin Mutations. Cell Rep 2018; 19:1033-1044. [PMID: 28467897 PMCID: PMC5492970 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Revised: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Locomotor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) are accompanied by widespread oscillatory neuronal activities in basal ganglia. Here, we show that activation of dopamine D1-class receptors elicits a large rhythmic bursting of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in midbrain neurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of PD patients with parkin mutations, but not normal subjects. Overexpression of wild-type parkin, but not its PD-causing mutant, abolishes the oscillatory activities in patient neurons. Dopamine induces a delayed enhancement in the amplitude of spontaneous, but not miniature, EPSCs, thus increasing quantal content. The results suggest that presynaptic regulation of glutamatergic transmission by dopamine D1-class receptors is significantly potentiated by parkin mutations. The aberrant dopaminergic regulation of presynaptic glutamatergic transmission in patient-specific iPSC-derived midbrain neurons provides a mechanistic clue to PD pathophysiology, and it demonstrates the usefulness of this model system in understanding how mutations of parkin cause movement symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Zhixing Hu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Houbo Jiang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA.
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14214, USA; Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Reidling JC, Relaño-Ginés A, Holley SM, Ochaba J, Moore C, Fury B, Lau A, Tran AH, Yeung S, Salamati D, Zhu C, Hatami A, Cepeda C, Barry JA, Kamdjou T, King A, Coleal-Bergum D, Franich NR, LaFerla FM, Steffan JS, Blurton-Jones M, Meshul CK, Bauer G, Levine MS, Chesselet MF, Thompson LM. Human Neural Stem Cell Transplantation Rescues Functional Deficits in R6/2 and Q140 Huntington's Disease Mice. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 10:58-72. [PMID: 29233555 PMCID: PMC5768890 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disorder with no disease-modifying treatment. Expansion of the glutamine-encoding repeat in the Huntingtin (HTT) gene causes broad effects that are a challenge for single treatment strategies. Strategies based on human stem cells offer a promising option. We evaluated efficacy of transplanting a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-grade human embryonic stem cell-derived neural stem cell (hNSC) line into striatum of HD modeled mice. In HD fragment model R6/2 mice, transplants improve motor deficits, rescue synaptic alterations, and are contacted by nerve terminals from mouse cells. Furthermore, implanted hNSCs are electrophysiologically active. hNSCs also improved motor and late-stage cognitive impairment in a second HD model, Q140 knockin mice. Disease-modifying activity is suggested by the reduction of aberrant accumulation of mutant HTT protein and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in both models. These findings hold promise for future development of stem cell-based therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack C Reidling
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Aroa Relaño-Ginés
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769, USA
| | - Sandra M Holley
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joseph Ochaba
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Cindy Moore
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brian Fury
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, 2921 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Alice Lau
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Andrew H Tran
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Sylvia Yeung
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Delaram Salamati
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Chunni Zhu
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769, USA
| | - Asa Hatami
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769, USA
| | - Carlos Cepeda
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Joshua A Barry
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Talia Kamdjou
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alvin King
- Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Dane Coleal-Bergum
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, 2921 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Nicholas R Franich
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769, USA
| | - Frank M LaFerla
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Joan S Steffan
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA
| | - Mathew Blurton-Jones
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, University of California, Irvine, Gross Hall, Room 3219, 845 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Charles K Meshul
- Portland VA Medical Center, 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Oregon Health & Science University, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, L470, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Gerhard Bauer
- Institute for Regenerative Cures, University of California, Davis, 2921 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Michael S Levine
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Brain Research Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Marie-Francoise Chesselet
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 710 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1769, USA
| | - Leslie M Thompson
- Institute for Memory Impairment and Neurological Disorders, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Department of Neurobiology & Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, 3400 Biological Sciences III, Irvine, CA 92697-4545, USA; Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Center, University of California, Irvine, Gross Hall, Room 3219, 845 Health Sciences Road, Irvine, CA 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Endocannabinoid-Specific Impairment in Synaptic Plasticity in Striatum of Huntington's Disease Mouse Model. J Neurosci 2017; 38:544-554. [PMID: 29192125 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1739-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease affecting predominantly striatum and cortex that results in motor and cognitive disorders. Before a motor phenotype, animal models of HD show aberrant cortical-striatal glutamate signaling. Here, we tested synaptic plasticity of cortical excitatory synapses onto striatal spiny projection neurons (SPNs) early in the YAC128 mouse model of HD. High-frequency stimulation-induced long-term depression, mediated by the endocannabinoid anandamide and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), was significantly attenuated in male and female YAC128 SPNs. Indirect pathway SPNs, which are more vulnerable in HD, were most affected. Our experiments show metabotropic glutamate receptor and endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol-dependent plasticity, as well as direct CB1 activation by agonists, was similar in YAC128 and FVB/N wild-type SPNs suggesting that presynaptic CB1 is functioning normally. These results are consistent with a specific impairment in postsynaptic anandamide synthesis in YAC128 SPN. Strikingly, although suppression of degradation of anandamide was not effective, elevating 2-arachidonoylglycerol levels restored long-term depression in YAC128 striatal neurons. Together, these results have potential implications for neuroprotection and ameliorating early cognitive and motor deficits in HD.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited neurodegenerative disease with no cure. Recent studies find impairment of the endocannabinoid system in animal models but the functional implication for synaptic plasticity in HD remains unclear. Sepers et al. show a selective deficit in synaptic plasticity mediated by the endocannabinoid anandamide, but not 2-arachidonoylglycerol in a mouse model of HD. The deficit is rescued by selectively elevating levels of 2-arachidonoylglycerol produced on-demand. This mechanism could be targeted in the development of future therapeutics for HD.
Collapse
|
48
|
Rangel-Barajas C, Rebec GV. Dysregulation of Corticostriatal Connectivity in Huntington's Disease: A Role for Dopamine Modulation. J Huntingtons Dis 2017; 5:303-331. [PMID: 27983564 PMCID: PMC5181679 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-160221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant communication between striatum, the main information processing unit of the basal ganglia, and cerebral cortex plays a critical role in the emergence of Huntington’s disease (HD), a fatal monogenetic condition that typically strikes in the prime of life. Although both striatum and cortex undergo substantial cell loss over the course of HD, corticostriatal circuits become dysfunctional long before neurons die. Understanding the dysfunction is key to developing effective strategies for treating a progressively worsening triad of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms. Cortical output neurons drive striatal activity through the release of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid. Striatal outputs, in turn, release γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and exert inhibitory control over downstream basal ganglia targets. Ample evidence from transgenic rodent models points to dysregulation of corticostriatal glutamate transmission along with corresponding changes in striatal GABA release as underlying factors in the HD behavioral phenotype. Another contributor is dysregulation of dopamine (DA), a modulator of both glutamate and GABA transmission. In fact, pharmacological manipulation of DA is the only currently available treatment for HD symptoms. Here, we review data from animal models and human patients to evaluate the role of DA in HD, including DA interactions with glutamate and GABA within the context of dysfunctional corticostriatal circuitry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George V. Rebec
- Correspondence to: George V. Rebec, PhD, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Program in
Neuroscience, Indiana University, 1101 E. 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7007, USA. Tel.: +1 812 855 4832;
Fax: +1 812 855 4520; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cabanas M, Bassil F, Mons N, Garret M, Cho YH. Changes in striatal activity and functional connectivity in a mouse model of Huntington's disease. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184580. [PMID: 28934250 PMCID: PMC5608247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary Huntington’s disease (HD) is associated with progressive motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. A primary consequence of the HD mutation is the preferential loss of medium spiny projection cells with relative sparing of local interneurons in the striatum. In addition, among GABAergic striatal projection cells, indirect pathway cells expressing D2 dopamine receptors are lost earlier than direct pathway cells expressing D1 receptors. To test in vivo the functional integrity of direct and indirect pathways as well as interneurons in the striatum of male R6/1 transgenic mice, we assessed their c-Fos expression levels induced by a striatal-dependent cognitive task and compared them with age-matched wild-type littermates. We found a significant increase of c-Fos+ nuclei in the dorsomedial striatum, and this only at 2 months, when our HD mouse model is still pre-motor symptomatic, the increase disappearing with symptom manifestation. Contrary to our expectation, the indirect pathway projection neurons did not undergo any severer changes of c-Fos expression regardless of age in R6/1 mice. We also found a decreased activation of interneurons that express parvalbumin in the dorsomedial striatum at both presymptomatic and symptomatic ages. Finally, analysis of c-Fos expression in extended brain regions involved in the cognitive learning used in our study, demonstrates, throughout ages studied, changes in the functional connectivity between regions in the transgenic mice. Further analysis of the cellular and molecular changes underlying the transient striatal hyperactivity in the HD mice may help to understand the mechanisms involved in the disease onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magali Cabanas
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Fares Bassil
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicole Mons
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Maurice Garret
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail: (MG); (YHC)
| | - Yoon H. Cho
- Institut de Neurosciences Cognitives et Intégratives d’Aquitaine, CNRS UMR 5287, Pessac, France
- University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- * E-mail: (MG); (YHC)
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
An Automated Home-Cage System to Assess Learning and Performance of a Skilled Motor Task in a Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0141-17. [PMID: 28929129 PMCID: PMC5602104 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0141-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral testing is a critical step in assessing the validity of rodent models of neurodegenerative disease, as well as evaluating the efficacy of pharmacological interventions. In models of Huntington's disease (HD), a gradual progression of impairments is observed across ages, increasing the need for sensitive, high-throughput and longitudinal assessments. Recently, a number of automated systems have been developed to perform behavioral profiling of animals within their own home-cage, allowing for 24-h monitoring and minimizing experimenter interaction. However, as of yet, few of these have had functionality for the assessment of skilled motor learning, a relevant behavior for movement disorders such as HD. To address this, we assess a lever positioning task within the mouse home-cage. Animals first acquire a simple operant response, before moving to a second phase where they must learn to hold the lever for progressively longer in a rewarded position range. Testing with this paradigm has revealed the presence of distinct phenotypes in the YAC128 mouse model of HD at three early symptomatic time points. YAC128 mice at two months old, but not older, had a motor learning deficit when required to adapt their response to changes in task requirements. In contrast, six-month-old YAC128 mice had disruptions of normal circadian activity and displayed kinematic abnormalities during performance of the task, suggesting an impairment in motor control. This system holds promise for facilitating high throughput behavioral assessment of HD mouse models for preclinical therapeutic screening.
Collapse
|