1
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Polzin BJ, Zhao C, Stevenson SA, Gammie SC, Riters LV. RNA-sequencing reveals a shared neurotranscriptomic profile in the medial preoptic area of highly social songbirds and rats. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12908. [PMID: 39052331 PMCID: PMC11271255 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Rough-and-tumble play in juvenile rats and song in flocks of adult songbirds outside a breeding context (gregarious song) are two distinct forms of non-sexual social behavior. Both are believed to play roles in the development of sociomotor skills needed for later life-history events, including reproduction, providing opportunities for low-stakes practice. Additionally, both behaviors are thought to be intrinsically rewarded and are associated with a positive affective state. Given the functional similarities of these behaviors, this study used RNA-sequencing to identify commonalities in their underlying neurochemical systems within the medial preoptic area. This brain region is implicated in multiple social behaviors, including song and play, and is highly conserved across vertebrates. DESeq2 and rank-rank hypergeometric overlap analyses identified a shared neurotranscriptomic profile in adult European starlings singing high rates of gregarious song and juvenile rats playing at high rates. Transcript levels for several glutamatergic receptor genes, such as GRIN1, GRIN2A, and GRIA1, were consistently upregulated in highly gregarious (i.e., playful/high singing) animals. This study is the first to directly investigate shared neuromodulators of positive, non-sexual social behaviors across songbirds and mammals. It provides insight into a conserved brain region that may regulate similar behaviors across vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J. Polzin
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Changjiu Zhao
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Sharon A. Stevenson
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Stephen C. Gammie
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
| | - Lauren V. Riters
- Department of Integrative BiologyUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWisconsinUSA
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2
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Dudas A, Nakahara TS, Pellissier LP, Chamero P. Parenting behaviors in mice: Olfactory mechanisms and features in models of autism spectrum disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105686. [PMID: 38657845 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Rodents, along with numerous other mammals, heavily depend on olfactory cues to navigate their social interactions. Processing of olfactory sensory inputs is mediated by conserved brain circuits that ultimately trigger social behaviors, such as social interactions and parental care. Although innate, parenting is influenced by internal states, social experience, genetics, and the environment, and any significant disruption of these factors can impact the social circuits. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms and social circuits from the olfactory epithelium to central processing that initiate parental behaviors and their dysregulations that may contribute to the social impairments in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). We discuss recent advances of the crucial role of olfaction in parental care, its consequences for social interactions, and the reciprocal influence on social interaction impairments in mouse models of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Dudas
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Thiago S Nakahara
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France
| | - Lucie P Pellissier
- Team biology of GPCR Signaling systems (BIOS), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
| | - Pablo Chamero
- Team Neuroendocrine Integration of Reproduction and Behavior (INERC), CNRS, INRAE, University of Tours, PRC, Nouzilly F-37380, France.
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3
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Pereira MI, Laranjo M, Gomes M, Edfawy M, Peça J. Maternal behaviours disrupted by Gprasp2 deletion modulate neurodevelopmental trajectory in progeny. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12484. [PMID: 38816497 PMCID: PMC11139669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are known to present sex-specific differences. At the same time, understanding how maternal behaviours are affected by pathogenic mutations is crucial to translate research efforts since rearing may recursively modulate neurodevelopment phenotype of the progeny. In this work, we focused on the effects of Gprasp2 deletion in females and its impact in progeny care and development. Female mice, wild-type (WT), Gprasp2+/- (HET) or Gprasp2-/- (KO) mutants and their progeny were used and behavioural paradigms targeting anxiety, memory, maternal care, and other social behaviours were performed. Analysis of communication was carried out through daily recordings of ultrasonic vocalizations in isolated pups and cross-fostering experiments were performed to understand the effect of maternal genotype in pup development. We found that Gprasp2-/- females presented striking impairments in social and working memory. Females also showed disruptions in maternal care, as well as physiological and molecular alterations in the reproductive system and hypothalamus, such as the structure of the mammary gland and the expression levels of oxytocin receptor (OxtR) in nulliparous versus primiparous females. We observed alterations in pup communication, particularly a reduced number of calls in Gprasp2 KO pups, which resulted from an interaction effect of the dam and pup genotype. Cross-fostering mutant pups with wild-type dams rescued some of the early defects shown in vocalizations, however, this effect was not bidirectional, as rearing WT pups with Gprasp2-/- dams was not sufficient to induce significant phenotypical alterations. Our results suggest Gprasp2 mutations perturb social and working memory in a sex-independent manner, but impact female-specific behaviours towards progeny care, female physiology, and gene expression. These changes in mutant dams contribute to a disruption in early stages of progeny development. More generally, our results highlight the need to better understand GxE interactions in the context of ASDs, when female behaviour may present a contributing factor in postnatal neurodevelopmental trajectory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta I Pereira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhDOC PhD Program, CIBB, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mariana Laranjo
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marcos Gomes
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- PhD Program in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mohamed Edfawy
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal
- IIIUC-Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789, Coimbra, Portugal
- HEMEX AG, Liestal, Switzerland
| | - João Peça
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
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4
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Jiao D, Xu Y, Tian F, Zhou Y, Chen D, Wang Y. Establishment of animal models and behavioral studies for autism spectrum disorders. J Int Med Res 2024; 52:3000605241245293. [PMID: 38619175 PMCID: PMC11022675 DOI: 10.1177/03000605241245293] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased, but the etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. In this narrative review, we review and systematically summarize the methods used to construct animal models to study ASD and the related behavioral studies based on recent literature. Utilization of various ASD animal models can complement research on the etiology, pathogenesis, and core behaviors of ASD, providing information and a foundation for further basic research and clinical treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiyan Jiao
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hai'an Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Department of Acupuncture, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingkai Xu
- Department of Medicine, Hai’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Fei Tian
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hai’an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
| | - Yaqing Zhou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hai’an Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Chen
- Department of Acupuncture, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujue Wang
- Department of Paediatrics, Rugao Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantong, China
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5
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Tabbaa M, Levitt P. Chd8 haploinsufficiency impacts rearing experience in C57BL/6 mice. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 23:e12892. [PMID: 38560770 PMCID: PMC10982810 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Mutations in CHD8 are one of the highest genetic risk factors for autism spectrum disorder. Studies in mice that investigate underlying mechanisms have shown Chd8 haploinsufficient mice display some trait disruptions that mimic clinical phenotypes, although inconsistencies have been reported in some traits across different models on the same strain background. One source of variation across studies may be the impact of Chd8 haploinsufficiency on maternal-offspring interactions. While differences in maternal care as a function of Chd8 genotype have not been studied directly, a previous study showed that pup survival was reduced when reared by Chd8 heterozygous dams compared with wild-type (WT) dams, suggesting altered maternal care as a function of Chd8 genotype. Through systematic observation of the C57BL/6 strain, we first determined the impact of Chd8 haploinsufficiency in the offspring on WT maternal care frequencies across preweaning development. We next determined the impact of maternal Chd8 haploinsufficiency on pup care. Compared with litters with all WT offspring, WT dams exhibited less frequent maternal behaviors toward litters consisting of offspring with mixed Chd8 genotypes, particularly during postnatal week 1. Dam Chd8 haploinsufficiency decreased litter survival and increased active maternal care also during postnatal week 1. Determining the impact of Chd8 haploinsufficiency on early life experiences provides an important foundation for interpreting offspring outcomes and determining mechanisms that underlie heterogeneous phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Pat Levitt
- Children's Hospital Los AngelesThe Saban Research InstituteLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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6
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Shen LP, Li W, Pei LZ, Yin J, Xie ST, Li HZ, Yan C, Wang JJ, Zhang Q, Zhang XY, Zhu JN. Oxytocin Receptor in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells Does Not Engage in Autism-Related Behaviors. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 22:888-904. [PMID: 36040660 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-022-01466-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The classical motor center cerebellum is one of the most consistent structures of abnormality in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and neuropeptide oxytocin is increasingly explored as a potential pharmacotherapy for ASD. However, whether oxytocin targets the cerebellum for therapeutic effects remains unclear. Here, we report a localization of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in Purkinje cells (PCs) of cerebellar lobule Crus I, which is functionally connected with ASD-implicated circuits. OXTR activation neither affects firing activities, intrinsic excitability, and synaptic transmission of normal PCs nor improves abnormal intrinsic excitability and synaptic transmission of PCs in maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model of autism. Furthermore, blockage of OXTR in Crus I in wild-type mice does not induce autistic-like social, stereotypic, cognitive, and anxiety-like behaviors. These results suggest that oxytocin signaling in Crus I PCs seems to be uninvolved in ASD pathophysiology, and contribute to understanding of targets and mechanisms of oxytocin in ASD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling-Zhu Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shu-Tao Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hong-Zhao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chao Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian-Jun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qipeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Xiao-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jing-Ning Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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7
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Harper KM, Harp SJ, Moy SS. Prenatal stress unmasks behavioral phenotypes in genetic mouse models of neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1271225. [PMID: 37809038 PMCID: PMC10556231 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1271225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are complex conditions characterized by heterogeneous clinical profiles and symptoms that arise in infancy and childhood. NDDs are often attributed to a complicated interaction between genetic risk and environmental factors, suggesting a need for preclinical models reflecting the combined impact of heritable susceptibility and environmental effects. A notable advantage of "two-hit" models is the power to reveal underlying vulnerability that may not be detected in studies employing only genetic or environmental alterations. In this review, we summarize existing literature that investigates detrimental interactions between prenatal stress (PNS) and genes associated with NDDs, with a focus on behavioral phenotyping approaches in mouse models. A challenge in determining the overall role of PNS exposure in genetic models is the diversity of approaches for inducing stress, variability in developmental timepoints for exposure, and differences in phenotyping regimens across laboratories. Identification of optimal stress protocols and critical windows for developmental effects would greatly improve the use of PNS in gene × environment mouse models of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Harper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Samuel J. Harp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Sheryl S. Moy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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8
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Polzin BJ, Stevenson SA, Gammie SC, Riters LV. Distinct patterns of gene expression in the medial preoptic area are related to gregarious singing behavior in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:41. [PMID: 37537543 PMCID: PMC10399071 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00813-4] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Song performed in flocks by European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), referred to here as gregarious song, is a non-sexual, social behavior performed by adult birds. Gregarious song is thought to be an intrinsically reinforced behavior facilitated by a low-stress, positive affective state that increases social cohesion within a flock. The medial preoptic area (mPOA) is a region known to have a role in the production of gregarious song. However, the neurochemical systems that potentially act within this region to regulate song remain largely unexplored. In this study, we used RNA sequencing to characterize patterns of gene expression in the mPOA of male and female starlings singing gregarious song to identify possibly novel neurotransmitter, neuromodulator, and hormonal pathways that may be involved in the production of gregarious song. RESULTS Differential gene expression analysis and rank rank hypergeometric analysis indicated that dopaminergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic systems were associated with the production of gregarious song, with multiple receptor genes (e.g., DRD2, DRD5, CHRM4, GABRD) upregulated in the mPOA of starlings who sang at high rates. Additionally, co-expression network analyses identified co-expressing gene clusters of glutamate signaling-related genes associated with song. One of these clusters contained five glutamate receptor genes and two glutamate scaffolding genes and was significantly enriched for genetic pathways involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with social deficits in humans. Two of these genes, GRIN1 and SHANK2, were positively correlated with performance of gregarious song. CONCLUSIONS This work provides new insights into the role of the mPOA in non-sexual, gregarious song in starlings and highlights candidate genes that may play a role in gregarious social interactions across vertebrates. The provided data will also allow other researchers to compare across species to identify conserved systems that regulate social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon J Polzin
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Sharon A Stevenson
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Stephen C Gammie
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Lauren V Riters
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin- Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Interleukin-13 and its receptor are synaptic proteins involved in plasticity and neuroprotection. Nat Commun 2023; 14:200. [PMID: 36639371 PMCID: PMC9839781 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-35806-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune system molecules are expressed by neurons, yet their functions are often unknown. We have identified IL-13 and its receptor IL-13Ra1 as neuronal, synaptic proteins in mouse, rat, and human brains, whose engagement upregulates the phosphorylation of NMDAR and AMPAR subunits and, in turn, increases synaptic activity and CREB-mediated transcription. We demonstrate that increased IL-13 is a hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in male mice as well as in two distinct cohorts of human patients. We also provide evidence that IL-13 upregulation protects neurons from excitotoxic death. We show IL-13 upregulation occurring in several cohorts of human brain samples and in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, IL-13 is a physiological modulator of synaptic physiology of neuronal origin, with implications for the establishment of synaptic plasticity and the survival of neurons under injury conditions. Furthermore, we suggest that the neuroprotection afforded through the upregulation of IL-13 represents an entry point for interventions in the pathophysiology of TBI.
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Yoo YE, Yoo T, Kang H, Kim E. Brain region and gene dosage-differential transcriptomic changes in Shank2-mutant mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:977305. [PMID: 36311025 PMCID: PMC9612946 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.977305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank2 is an abundant excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein that has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and schizophrenia. Shank2-mutant mice show ASD-like behavioral deficits and altered synaptic and neuronal functions, but little is known about how different brain regions and gene dosages affect the transcriptomic phenotypes of these mice. Here, we performed RNA-Seq-based transcriptomic analyses of the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum in adult Shank2 heterozygous (HT)- and homozygous (HM)-mutant mice lacking exons 6–7. The prefrontal cortical, hippocampal, and striatal regions showed distinct transcriptomic patterns associated with synapse, ribosome, mitochondria, spliceosome, and extracellular matrix (ECM). The three brain regions were also distinct in the expression of ASD-related and ASD-risk genes. These differential patterns were stronger in the prefrontal cortex where the HT transcriptome displayed increased synaptic gene expression and reverse-ASD patterns whereas the HM transcriptome showed decreased synaptic gene expression and ASD-like patterns. These results suggest brain region- and gene dosage-differential transcriptomic changes in Shank2-mutant mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Eun Yoo
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Taesun Yoo
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Eunjoon Kim,
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11
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Yun M, Kim E, Jung MW. Enhanced fear limits behavioral flexibility in Shank2-deficient mice. Mol Autism 2022; 13:40. [PMID: 36192805 PMCID: PMC9531513 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00518-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A core symptom of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is repetitive and restrictive patterns of behavior. Cognitive inflexibility has been proposed as a potential basis for these symptoms of ASD. More generally, behavioral inflexibility has been proposed to underlie repetitive and restrictive behavior in ASD. Here, we investigated whether and how behavioral flexibility is compromised in a widely used animal model of ASD.
Methods We compared the behavioral performance of Shank2-knockout mice and wild-type littermates in reversal learning employing a probabilistic classical trace conditioning paradigm. A conditioned stimulus (odor) was paired with an unconditioned appetitive (water, 6 µl) or aversive (air puff) stimulus in a probabilistic manner. We also compared air puff-induced eye closure responses of Shank2-knockout and wild-type mice. Results Male, but not female, Shank2-knockout mice showed impaired reversal learning when the expected outcomes consisted of a water reward and a strong air puff. Moreover, male, but not female, Shank2-knockout mice showed stronger anticipatory eye closure responses to the air puff compared to wild-type littermates, raising the possibility that the impairment might reflect enhanced fear. In support of this contention, male Shank2-knockout mice showed intact reversal learning when the strong air puff was replaced with a mild air puff and when the expected outcomes consisted of only rewards. Limitations We examined behavioral flexibility in one behavioral task (reversal learning in a probabilistic classical trace conditioning paradigm) using one ASD mouse model (Shank2-knockout mice). Thus, future work is needed to clarify the extent to which our findings (that enhanced fear limits behavioral flexibility in ASD) can explain the behavioral inflexibility associated with ASD. Also, we examined only the relationship between fear and behavioral flexibility, leaving open the question of whether abnormalities in processes other than fear contribute to behavioral inflexibility in ASD. Finally, the neurobiological mechanisms linking Shank2-knockout and enhanced fear remain to be elucidated. Conclusions Our results indicate that enhanced fear suppresses reversal learning in the presence of an intact capability to learn cue-outcome contingency changes in Shank2-knockout mice. Our findings suggest that behavioral flexibility might be seriously limited by abnormal emotional responses in ASD. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00518-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miru Yun
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34141, Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Korea. .,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
| | - Min Whan Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34141, Korea. .,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34141, Korea.
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12
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Chemogenetics as a neuromodulatory approach to treating neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. Mol Ther 2022; 30:990-1005. [PMID: 34861415 PMCID: PMC8899595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemogenetics enables precise, non-invasive, and reversible modulation of neural activity via the activation of engineered receptors that are pharmacologically selective to endogenous or exogenous ligands. With recent advances in therapeutic gene delivery, chemogenetics is poised to support novel interventions against neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. To evaluate its translational potential, we performed a scoping review of applications of chemogenetics that led to the reversal of molecular and behavioral deficits in studies relevant to neuropsychiatric diseases and disorders. In this review, we present these findings and discuss the potential and challenges for using chemogenetics as a precision medicine-based neuromodulation strategy.
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13
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Ni R, Shu Y, Luo P, Zhou J. Sexual dimorphism in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial preoptic area and suprachiasmatic nucleus in male and female tree shrews. J Anat 2022; 240:528-540. [PMID: 34642936 PMCID: PMC8819044 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13568] [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: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in behaviour partly arise from the sexual dimorphism of brain anatomy between males and females. However, the sexual dimorphism of the tree shrew brain is unclear. In the present study, we examined the detailed distribution of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive (VIP-ir) neurons and fibres in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and VIP-ir fibres in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) of male and female tree shrews. The overall volume of the SCN in male tree shrews was comparable with that in females. However, males showed a significantly higher density of VIP-ir cells and fibres in the SCN than females. The shape of the VIP-stained area in coronal sections was arched, elongated or oval in the lateral division (STL) and the anterior part of the medial division (STMA) of the BST and oval or round in the posterior part of the medial division of the BST (STMP). The volume of the VIP-stained BST in male tree shrews was similar to that in females. The overall distribution of VIP-ir fibres was similar between the sexes throughout the BST except within the STMA, where darkly stained fibres were observed in males, whereas lightly stained fibres were observed in females. Furthermore, male tree shrews showed a significantly higher intensity of Nissl staining in the medial preoptic area (MPA) and the ventral part of the medial division of the BST than females. These findings are the first to reveal sexual dimorphism in the SCN, BST and MPA of the tree shrew brain, providing neuroanatomical evidence of sexual dimorphism in these regions related to their roles in sex differences in physiology and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong‐Jun Ni
- Psychiatric Laboratory and Mental Health CenterWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
- Huaxi Brain Research CenterWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yu‐Mian Shu
- School of Architecture and Civil EngineeringChengdu UniversityChengduChina
| | - Peng‐Hao Luo
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseasesSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Jiang‐Ning Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Science Key Laboratory of Brain Function and DiseasesSchool of Life SciencesUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
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14
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Winters C, Gorssen W, Ossorio-Salazar VA, Nilsson S, Golden S, D'Hooge R. Automated procedure to assess pup retrieval in laboratory mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1663. [PMID: 35102217 PMCID: PMC8803842 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05641-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
All mammalian mothers form some sort of caring bond with their infants that is crucial to the development of their offspring. The Pup Retrieval Test (PRT) is the leading procedure to assess pup-directed maternal care in laboratory rodents, used in a wide range of basic and preclinical research applications. Most PRT protocols require manual scoring, which is prone to bias and spatial and temporal inaccuracies. This study proposes a novel procedure using machine learning algorithms to enable reliable assessment of PRT performance. Automated tracking of a dam and one pup was established in DeepLabCut and was combined with automated behavioral classification of "maternal approach", "carrying" and "digging" in Simple Behavioral Analysis (SimBA). Our automated procedure estimated retrieval success with an accuracy of 86.7%, whereas accuracies of "approach", "carry" and "digging" were estimated at respectively 99.3%, 98.6% and 85.0%. We provide an open-source, step-by-step protocol for automated PRT assessment, which aims to increase reproducibility and reliability, and can be easily shared and distributed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Winters
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
- Leuven Experimental Attachment Research Lab, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Wim Gorssen
- Department of Biosystems, Center for Animal Breeding and Genetics, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Simon Nilsson
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sam Golden
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rudi D'Hooge
- Laboratory of Biological Psychology, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Leuven, Belgium.
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15
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Vyas Y, Cheyne JE, Lee K, Jung Y, Cheung PY, Montgomery JM. Shankopathies in the Developing Brain in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:775431. [PMID: 35002604 PMCID: PMC8727517 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.775431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The SHANK family of proteins play critical structural and functional roles in the postsynaptic density (PSD) at excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Through their multidomain structure they form a structural platform across the PSD for protein–protein interactions, as well as recruiting protein complexes to strengthen excitatory synaptic transmission. Mutations in SHANKs reflect their importance to synapse development and plasticity. This is evident in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting in behavioural changes including repetitive behaviours, lack of sociability, sensory issues, learning, and language impairments. Human genetic studies have revealed ASD mutations commonly occur in SHANKs. Rodent models expressing these mutations display ASD behavioural impairments, and a subset of these deficits are rescued by reintroduction of Shank in adult animals, suggesting that lack of SHANK during key developmental periods can lead to permanent changes in the brain’s wiring. Here we explore the differences in synaptic function and plasticity from development onward in rodent Shank ASD models. To date the most explored brain regions, relate to the behavioural changes observed, e.g., the striatum, hippocampus, sensory, and prefrontal cortex. In addition, less-studied regions including the hypothalamus, cerebellum, and peripheral nervous system are also affected. Synaptic phenotypes include weakened but also strengthened synaptic function, with NMDA receptors commonly affected, as well as changes in the balance of excitation and inhibition especially in cortical brain circuits. The effects of shankopathies in activity-dependent brain wiring is an important target for therapeutic intervention. We therefore highlight areas of research consensus and identify remaining questions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukti Vyas
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Juliette E Cheyne
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Kevin Lee
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Yewon Jung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Pang Ying Cheung
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Johanna M Montgomery
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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16
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Garrido D, Beretta S, Grabrucker S, Bauer HF, Bayer D, Sala C, Verpelli C, Roselli F, Bockmann J, Proepper C, Catanese A, Boeckers TM. Shank2/3 double knockout-based screening of cortical subregions links the retrosplenial area to the loss of social memory in autism spectrum disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4994-5006. [PMID: 36100669 PMCID: PMC9763120 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01756-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Members of the Shank protein family are master scaffolds of the postsynaptic architecture and mutations within the SHANK genes are causally associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We generated a Shank2-Shank3 double knockout mouse that is showing severe autism related core symptoms, as well as a broad spectrum of comorbidities. We exploited this animal model to identify cortical brain areas linked to specific autistic traits by locally deleting Shank2 and Shank3 simultaneously. Our screening of 10 cortical subregions revealed that a Shank2/3 deletion within the retrosplenial area severely impairs social memory, a core symptom of ASD. Notably, DREADD-mediated neuronal activation could rescue the social impairment triggered by Shank2/3 depletion. Data indicate that the retrosplenial area has to be added to the list of defined brain regions that contribute to the spectrum of behavioural alterations seen in ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Garrido
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefania Beretta
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Grabrucker
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Helen Friedericke Bauer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - David Bayer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748International Graduate School, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Carlo Sala
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Verpelli
- grid.418879.b0000 0004 1758 9800CNR, Institute for Neuroscience, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesco Roselli
- grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Neurology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Juergen Bockmann
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Christian Proepper
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Alberto Catanese
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany ,grid.424247.30000 0004 0438 0426German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Ulm site, 89081 Ulm, Germany
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17
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Georgescu T, Swart JM, Grattan DR, Brown RSE. The Prolactin Family of Hormones as Regulators of Maternal Mood and Behavior. Front Glob Womens Health 2021; 2:767467. [PMID: 34927138 PMCID: PMC8673487 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2021.767467] [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] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transition into motherhood involves profound physiological and behavioral adaptations that ensure the healthy development of offspring while maintaining maternal health. Dynamic fluctuations in key hormones during pregnancy and lactation induce these maternal adaptations by acting on neural circuits in the brain. Amongst these hormonal changes, lactogenic hormones (e.g., prolactin and its pregnancy-specific homolog, placental lactogen) are important regulators of these processes, and their receptors are located in key brain regions controlling emotional behaviors and maternal responses. With pregnancy and lactation also being associated with a marked elevation in the risk of developing mood disorders, it is important to understand how hormones are normally regulating mood and behavior during this time. It seems likely that pathological changes in mood could result from aberrant expression of these hormone-induced behavioral responses. Maternal mental health problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period represent a major barrier in developing healthy mother-infant interactions which are crucial for the child's development. In this review, we will examine the role lactogenic hormones play in driving a range of specific maternal behaviors, including motivation, protectiveness, and mother-pup interactions. Understanding how these hormones collectively act in a mother's brain to promote nurturing behaviors toward offspring will ultimately assist in treatment development and contribute to safeguarding a successful pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Georgescu
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Judith M. Swart
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David R. Grattan
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary S. E. Brown
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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18
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Yoo YE, Lee S, Kim W, Kim H, Chung C, Ha S, Park J, Chung Y, Kang H, Kim E. Early Chronic Memantine Treatment-Induced Transcriptomic Changes in Wild-Type and Shank2-Mutant Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:712576. [PMID: 34594187 PMCID: PMC8477010 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.712576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank2 is an excitatory postsynaptic scaffolding protein strongly implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Shank2-mutant mice with a homozygous deletion of exons 6 and 7 (Shank2-KO mice) show decreased NMDA receptor (NMDAR) function and autistic-like behaviors at juvenile [∼postnatal day (P21)] and adult (>P56) stages that are rescued by NMDAR activation. However, at ∼P14, these mice show the opposite change – increased NMDAR function; moreover, suppression of NMDAR activity with early, chronic memantine treatment during P7–21 prevents NMDAR hypofunction and autistic-like behaviors at later (∼P21 and >P56) stages. To better understand the mechanisms underlying this rescue, we performed RNA-Seq gene-set enrichment analysis of forebrain transcriptomes from wild-type (WT) and Shank2-KO juvenile (P25) mice treated early and chronically (P7–21) with vehicle or memantine. Vehicle-treated Shank2-KO mice showed upregulation of synapse-related genes and downregulation of ribosome- and mitochondria-related genes compared with vehicle-treated WT mice. They also showed a transcriptomic pattern largely opposite that observed in ASD (reverse-ASD pattern), based on ASD-related/risk genes and cell-type–specific genes. In memantine-treated Shank2-KO mice, chromatin-related genes were upregulated; mitochondria, extracellular matrix (ECM), and actin-related genes were downregulated; and the reverse-ASD pattern was weakened compared with that in vehicle-treated Shank2-KO mice. In WT mice, memantine treatment, which does not alter NMDAR function, upregulated synaptic genes and downregulated ECM genes; memantine-treated WT mice also exhibited a reverse-ASD pattern. Therefore, early chronic treatment of Shank2-KO mice with memantine alters expression of chromatin, mitochondria, ECM, actin, and ASD-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Eun Yoo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seungjoon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Woohyun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyosang Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Changuk Chung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seungmin Ha
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jinsu Park
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Yeonseung Chung
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, South Korea
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19
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Lee S, Kang H, Jung H, Kim E, Lee E. Gene Dosage- and Age-Dependent Differential Transcriptomic Changes in the Prefrontal Cortex of Shank2-Mutant Mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:683196. [PMID: 34177464 PMCID: PMC8226033 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.683196] [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: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Shank2 is an abundant postsynaptic scaffolding protein that is known to regulate excitatory synapse assembly and synaptic transmission and has been implicated in various neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previous studies on Shank2-mutant mice provided mechanistic insights into their autistic-like phenotypes, but it remains unclear how transcriptomic patterns are changed in brain regions of the mutant mice in age- and gene dosage-dependent manners. To this end, we performed RNA-Seq analyses of the transcripts from the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of heterozygous and homozygous Shank2-mutant mice lacking exons 6 and 7 at juvenile (week 3) and adult (week 12) stages. Juvenile heterozygous Shank2-mutant mice showed upregulation of glutamate synapse-related genes, downregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, and transcriptomic changes that are opposite to those observed in ASD (anti-ASD) such as upregulation of ASD_down (downregulated in ASD), GABA neuron-related, and oligodendrocyte-related genes. Juvenile homozygous Shank2 mice showed upregulation of chromatin-related genes and transcriptomic changes that are in line with those occurring in ASD (pro-ASD) such as downregulation of ASD_down, GABA neuron-related, and oligodendrocyte-related genes. Adult heterozygous and homozygous Shank2-mutant mice both exhibited downregulation of ribosomal and mitochondrial genes and pro-ASD transcriptomic changes. Therefore, the gene dosage- and age-dependent effects of Shank2 deletions in mice include differential transcriptomic changes across distinct functional contexts, including synapses, chromatin, ribosomes, mitochondria, GABA neurons, and oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungjoon Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hyojin Kang
- Division of National Supercomputing, KISTI, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hwajin Jung
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunjoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea.,Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Eunee Lee
- Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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20
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Grabrucker S, Pagano J, Schweizer J, Urrutia-Ruiz C, Schön M, Thome K, Ehret G, Grabrucker AM, Zhang R, Hengerer B, Bockmann J, Verpelli C, Sala C, Boeckers TM. Activation of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) ameliorates loss of maternal behavior in a Shank2 mouse model for autism. EMBO J 2021; 40:e104267. [PMID: 33491217 PMCID: PMC7917557 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019104267] [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: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairments in social relationships and awareness are features observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Shank2 is a high‐confidence ASD candidate gene and localizes primarily to postsynaptic densities (PSDs) of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system (CNS). We show here that loss of Shank2 in mice leads to a lack of social attachment and bonding behavior towards pubs independent of hormonal, cognitive, or sensitive deficits. Shank2−/− mice display functional changes in nuclei of the social attachment circuit that were most prominent in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) of the hypothalamus. Selective enhancement of MPOA activity by DREADD technology re‐established social bonding behavior in Shank2−/− mice, providing evidence that the identified circuit might be crucial for explaining how social deficits in ASD can arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Grabrucker
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Jessica Pagano
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Johanna Schweizer
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Michael Schön
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Kevin Thome
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Günter Ehret
- Institute of Neurobiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andreas M Grabrucker
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rong Zhang
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health and Family Planning Commission, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - Jürgen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Carlo Sala
- CNR Neuroscience Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,DZNE, Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
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