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D'Antoni S, Schiavi S, Buzzelli V, Giuffrida S, Feo A, Ascone F, Busceti CL, Nicoletti F, Trezza V, Catania MV. Group I and group II metabotropic glutamate receptors are upregulated in the synapses of infant rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:2617-2629. [PMID: 37707611 PMCID: PMC10640443 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06457-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and restricted/stereotyped behavior. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) is associated with an increased risk of developing ASD in humans and autistic-like behaviors in rodents. Increasing evidence indicates that dysfunctions of glutamate receptors at synapses are associated with ASD. In the VPA rat model, an involvement of glutamate receptors in autism-like phenotypes has been suggested; however, few studies were carried out on metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors. OBJECTIVES We examined the protein expression levels of group I (mGlu1 and mGlu5) and group II (mGlu2/3) mGlu receptors in rats prenatally exposed to VPA and evaluated the effect of mGlu receptor modulation on an early autism-like phenotype in these animals. METHODS We used western blotting analysis on synaptosomes obtained from forebrain of control and VPA rats at different ages (postnatal day P13, 35, 90) and carried out ultrasonic vocalization (USV) emission test in infant control and VPA rats. RESULTS The expression levels of all these receptors were significantly increased in infant VPA rats. No changes were detected in adolescent and adult rats. An acute treatment with the preferential mGlu2/3 antagonist, LY341495, attenuated the impairment in the USV emission in VPA rats. No effect was observed after a treatment with the mGlu5 selective antagonist, MTEP. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that the expression of group I and group II mGlu receptors is upregulated at synapses of infant VPA rats and suggest that mGlu2/3 receptor modulation may have a therapeutic potential in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D'Antoni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Samuele Giuffrida
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Feo
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Ascone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Vincenza Catania
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (IRIB-CNR), Catania, Italy.
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Wang X, Zhao Z, Guo J, Mei D, Duan Y, Zhang Y, Gou L. GABA B1 receptor knockdown in prefrontal cortex induces behavioral aberrations associated with autism spectrum disorder in mice. Brain Res Bull 2023; 202:110755. [PMID: 37678443 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110755] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by social interaction deficit, stereotyped or repetitive behaviors. Apart from these core symptoms, a great number of individuals with ASD exhibit higher levels of anxiety and memory deficits. Previous studies demonstrate pronounced decrease of γ-aminobutyric acid B1 receptor (GABAB1R) protein level of frontal lobe in both ASD patients and animal models. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of GABAB1R in ASD-related behavioral aberrations. Herein, the protein and mRNA levels of GABAB1R in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of sodium valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse ASD model were determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR analysis, respectively. Moreover, the behavioral abnormalities in naive mice with GABAB1R knockdown mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) were assessed in a comprehensive test battery consisted of social interaction, marble burying, self-grooming, open-field, Y-maze and novel object recognition tests. Furthermore, the action potential changes induced by GABAB1R deficiency were examined in neurons within the PFC of mouse. The results show that the mRNA and protein levels of GABAB1R in the PFC of prenatal VPA-induced mouse ASD model were decreased. Concomitantly, naive mice with GABAB1R knockdown exhibited ASD-like behaviors, such as impaired social interaction and communication, elevated stereotypes, anxiety and memory deficits. Patch-clamp recordings also revealed that GABAB1R knockdown provoked enhanced neuronal excitability by increasing action potential discharge frequencies. Overall, these findings support a notion that GABAB1R deficiency might contribute to ASD-like phenotypes, with the pathogenesis most likely resulting from enhanced neuronal excitability. SUBHEADINGS: GABAB1 Knockdown Induces Behavioral Aberrations with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Wang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Zhengqin Zhao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China
| | - Jisheng Guo
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yantai Campus of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai City, Shandong, China
| | - Daoqi Mei
- Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongtao Duan
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Henan Key Laboratory of Children's Genetics and Metabolic Diseases, Henan Children's Neurodevelopment Engineering Research Center, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Lingshan Gou
- Peninsula Cancer Research Center, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
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Teneqexhi P, Khalid A, Nisbett KE, Job GA, Messer WS, Ragozzino ME. The Partial M 1 Muscarinic Cholinergic Receptor Agonist, CDD-0102A, Differentially Modulates Glutamate Efflux in Striatal Subregions during Stereotyped Motor Behavior in the BTBR Mouse Model of Autism. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:2699-2709. [PMID: 37434313 PMCID: PMC10401636 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00260] [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: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse displays elevated repetitive motor behaviors. Treatment with the partial M1 muscarinic receptor agonist, CDD-0102A, attenuates stereotyped motor behaviors in BTBR mice. The present experiment investigated whether CDD-0102A modifies changes in striatal glutamate concentrations during stereotyped motor behavior in BTBR and B6 mice. Using glutamate biosensors, change in striatal glutamate efflux was measured during bouts of digging and grooming behavior with a 1 s time resolution. Mice displayed both decreases and increases in glutamate efflux during such behaviors. Magnitude of changes in glutamate efflux (decreases and increases) from dorsomedial and dorsolateral striatum were significantly greater in BTBR mice compared to those of B6 mice. In BTBR mice, CDD-0102A (1.2 mg/kg) administered 30 min prior to testing significantly reduced the magnitude change in glutamate decreases and increases from the dorsolateral striatum and decreased grooming behavior. Conversely, CDD-0102A treatment in B6 mice potentiated glutamate decreases and increases in the dorsolateral striatum and elevated grooming behavior. The findings suggest that activation of M1 muscarinic receptors modifies glutamate transmission in the dorsolateral striatum and self-grooming behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Teneqexhi
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Alina Khalid
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Khalin E. Nisbett
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
- Graduate
Program in Neuroscience, University of Illinois
Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Greeshma A. Job
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - William S. Messer
- Departments
of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, and Medicinal and Biological
Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio 43606, United States
| | - Michael E. Ragozzino
- Department
of Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago, 1007 West Harrison Street, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
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The Role of MEF2 Transcription Factor Family in Neuronal Survival and Degeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043120. [PMID: 36834528 PMCID: PMC9963821 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043120] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The family of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) transcription factors comprises four highly conserved members that play an important role in the nervous system. They appear in precisely defined time frames in the developing brain to turn on and turn off genes affecting growth, pruning and survival of neurons. MEF2s are known to dictate neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and restrict the number of synapses in the hippocampus, thus affecting learning and memory formation. In primary neurons, negative regulation of MEF2 activity by external stimuli or stress conditions is known to induce apoptosis, albeit the pro or antiapoptotic action of MEF2 depends on the neuronal maturation stage. By contrast, enhancement of MEF2 transcriptional activity protects neurons from apoptotic death both in vitro and in preclinical models of neurodegenerative diseases. A growing body of evidence places this transcription factor in the center of many neuropathologies associated with age-dependent neuronal dysfunctions or gradual but irreversible neuron loss. In this work, we discuss how the altered function of MEF2s during development and in adulthood affecting neuronal survival may be linked to neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Witkin JM, Pandey KP, Smith JL. Clinical investigations of compounds targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 219:173446. [PMID: 35987339 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological modulation of glutamate has long been considered to be of immense therapeutic utility. The metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are potential targets for safely altering glutamate-driven excitation. Data support the potential therapeutic use of mGluR modulators in the treatment of anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and other psychiatric disorders, pain, epilepsy, as well as neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. For each of the three mGluR groups, compounds have been constructed that produce either potentiation or functional blockade. PET ligands for mGlu5Rs have been studied in a range of patient populations and several mGlu5R antagonists have been tested for potential efficacy in patients including mavoglurant, diploglurant, basimglurant, GET 73, and ADX10059. Efficacy with mGlu5R antagonists has been reported in trials with patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease; data from patients with Parkinson's disease or Fragile X syndrome have not been as robust as hoped. Fenobam was approved for use as an anxiolytic prior to its recognition as an mGlu5R antagonist. mGlu2/3R agonists (pomaglumated methionil) and mGlu2R agonists (JNJ-40411813, AZD 8529, and LY2979165) have been studied in patients with schizophrenia with promising but mixed results. Antagonists of mGlu2/3Rs (decoglurant and TS-161) have been studied in depression where TS-161 has advanced into a planned Phase 2 study in treatment-resistant depression. The Group III mGluRs are the least developed of the mGluR receptor targets. The mGlu4R potentiator, foliglurax, did not meet its primary endpoint in patients with Parkinson's disease. Ongoing efforts to develop mGluR-targeted compounds continue to promise these glutamate modulators as medicines for psychiatric and neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Witkin
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN, USA; Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA; RespireRx Pharmaceuticals Inc, Glen Rock, NJ, USA.
| | - Kamal P Pandey
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Milwaukee Institute of Drug Discovery, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jodi L Smith
- Laboratory of Antiepileptic Drug Discovery, Ascension St. Vincent, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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